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Archive for the ‘Andrew Blake’ Category

The critically-acclaimed HIDDEN OBSESSIONS is considered by many to be Andrew Blake’s finest work, which would clearly make it the best of the best. Since his directorial debut in X-rated movies beginning with NIGHT TRIPS, and continuing with his titles at Studio A, Andrew Blake never ceases to amaze, electrify, and of course, arouse viewers with a body of work that is stunning to watch. Blake employs absolutely gorgeous women, and places them in exotic settings with highly erotic themes all captured vividly on 35 mm film. Although other directors have paid homage to his work (including noteworthy talents like Cameron Grant and Michael Ninn), none have yet matched his ease and ability to transform pornographic films into works of erotic art.

HIDDEN OBSESSIONS is also noteworthy for launching the meteoric career of Janine, perhaps the most recognized and definitely one of the most beautiful women to ever appear in blue movies. She stars as "Rachel," a writer of "erotic masterpieces" which are translated for the viewer into highly stylized vignettes of novel sexual encounters. Mr. Blake brilliantly sets up each scene with a pace and rhythm which compellingly and consistently escalates the overall erotic excitement. In addition, he adds brief, teasing interludes throughout the film, which serve as both a thematic intermission and mood transition into the next sexual installment. Although each scene is individually identified in the end credits according to motif and cast, such as "Underwater" starring PJ Sparxx and Kym Wilde or "Thirties Fantasy" featuring Melanie Moore and Randy West, Andrew Blake unifies all the vignettes into an coherent and artistic whole, transforming HIDDEN OBSESSIONS an erotically intoxicating tour-de-force.

The film’s opening act is a deceptively straightforward girl-guy scene featuring brunette Heather Hart and Steve Drake. Heather transforms herself from classy business woman to sexpot sophisticate, before strutting into the bedroom in high heels which show off her sexy, shapely legs. As vividly imagined by Janine’s character, Ms. Hart’s pairing with Mr. Drake follows a familiar porno pattern beginning with cunnilingus, followed by a blowjob, then intercourse, and finally ending with a cumshot to her chest. But it’s real disarming purpose in HIDDEN OBSESSIONS is to serve as a warm-up to the very next scene, featuring a girl-girl encounter which has since become a legendary…

Left alone to express her most imaginative desires, Janine glamorously appears outdoors, wearing a tight black outfit which shows off her perfectly round ass and long, slender legs. Turning to her laptop computer, she reclines under the hot, summer sun and works next to a crystal blue swimming pool, a setting which inspires the unique water fantasy which follows. While we watch her type, and hear her thoughts at work, Blake gives us glimpses of an encounter with the incredible Julia Ann, an equally stunning blonde who is dressed up in pumps and a skintight latex orange outfit, while Janine wears a matching dress in bright blue. The quick cut edits are almost subliminal in their erotic effect, as we see the two blonde bombshells kissing, caressing and simply posing like supermodels. At first we hardly notice the oversized stick of ice between them, which they hold in their hands as if they were sharing a snow cone. But soon, Blake dispenses with the quick tease shots, allowing Janine the writer to indulge in the acts of self-pleasure as her icicle dildo fantasy with Julia Ann begins to overwhelm her in pure erotic indulgence. Formed in the shape of a human penis, this frozen mass of water is used to tease, prod, and caress each girl into orgasmic submission. As the Blondage twins make use of the icicle dildo, we see their sex toy begin to drip and melt as the sexual heat between them rises to a boiling point. Of course, the two also assume all sorts of graceful positions for clit-licking and pussy-eating at its visual best, never once allowing the action to slow down. Although this sequence is not as extreme or as daring as some of the freak-show dildo use found in other lesbian videos, Andrew Blake films Janine and Julia Ann like they were golden-haired sexual goddesses engaged in the throes of mortal pleasure. As with Janine’s "Rachel" character, the viewer is left sexually spent and emotionally exhausted at the end of this dazzlingly torrid fantasy. But thanks to the director’s camera and DVD technology, this original Blondage experience is now forever memorialized as one of the very best lesbian scenes ever filmed in porn history.

From here on end, HIDDEN OBSESSIONS is nonstop eye-candy erotica. During the entire ninety minute running time, Andrew Blake leads the viewer through a m�lange of sexual encounters filmed within unique surroundings and sensuous ambience. Most are torrid girl-guy affairs while others are dreamy lesbian liaisons. So whether you enjoy watching an elegantly sexy Marissa Malibu going down on Peter North in the cabin of a jet plane, or seeing Sky Blue and Tracy West indulge in some aggressive sex play on steel bars, there is always something to capture the viewer’s rapt attention. Interspersed among the main scenes are brief solo masturbation and modeling vignettes to keep the erotic heat at a constant high (die-hard fans of Studio A films will notice an early appearance by longtime Andrew Blake Girl, Dahlia Grey, who is billed here as "Jamie Dion" in a solo tease sequence). Although there are fifteen fully contained scenes in this film (each ranging from merely excellent to absolutely superb), a few caught my tastes and attention as being especially noteworthy…

One of the most underrated performers of the 1990s, the smolderingly sexy Francesca Le shares a fetish-themed straight scene with Randy West. Preceding a clean shave of Ms. Le’s very edible clam, Randy devours her clit while inserting and pulling out foreign objects from inside. Ironically, this close encounter is shot primarily in slow motion, and thus falls short of capturing Francesca at her sexual best. This lovely Latina usually electrifies every blowjob and every intercourse scene with boundless energy, and the way she throws her body and soul into every on-camera affair has been matched only by a select few performers (only Tiffany Mynx, Tianna and Leena can generate as much heat).

As the movie progresses, Andrew Blake continues to dress his women like fetish-obsessed Barbie Dolls, squeezing them into tight latex outfits and form-fitting vinyl. Their look not only enhances the natural sexiness of the actresses, but also gives each scene a unique flavor. Heather Hart looks positively enticing in red vinyl while she gets it reverse-cowgirl style by Peter North. The very cute and very curvy PJ Sparxx then joins the two for a swinging threesome. A pre-rhinoplasty Celeste is wrapped up in a snug, violet outfit that shows off her deliciously ample chest as rain pours all over her. She gets it on with her now ex-husband Woody Long in a brief, but multi-positioned sequence that ends with his orgasm splashing into her eagerly awaiting mouth. Sexy Paula Price is a visual delight in her role as a virgin white lingerie-clad dominatrix over a Betty Page-ish Janine. Using fetish gear, the auburn-haired Paula asserts control over her captive partner by teasing her pretty pussy and arousing her into submission. Ms. Price was eye-battingly gorgeous in her leading role in NIGHT TRIPS 2, and she looks even better in this movie. In fact, I admit that during my first initial viewings of this scene, I was so entranced by these two luscious beauties and distracted by their overwhelming presence, that I completely overlooked the fact there is no actual sex going on between them! Of course, this is not to say that their scene should be categorized as being "softcore," but it is probably the least explicit of any sexual encounter in this movie. Clearly, Mr. Blake’s mastery at implanting within the mind of his audience an inference of graphic sex where none exists is a testament to his skill as a director.

The artistic cr�me de la cream of this work comes in the form of an imaginatively shot group sex scene featuring Janine at the center of attention. "THE ORGY" (as it is appropriately titled) is filmed like a scenic landscape, with an above angle perspective of the physically and sexually entangled participants. Of course, Janine remains untouched by any of the guys surrounding her, but the overall picture is so appealing that you’ll barely even notice. Unsurprisingly, Francesca Le is the most charismatic performer of the bunch, and watching her visibly climax to some fierce spooning action by the lucky Nick East is an absolute (and equal) pleasure. The only complaint I have is that this scene is a wee bit too short; I would have preferred another couple more minutes of close-up footage to flesh out (literally and figuratively) this inspired production. With all the hot action going on, I’m sure that plenty of unseen film footage of this orgy exists, and it could have been included in a supplementary section of the disc.

Ending the film is another girl-girl scene that almost matches the ice dildo vignette featuring the Blondage pair. This time, Janine is joined by Kym Wilde, who, with her dark hair pulled back, wearing stylish sunglasses and fashionable jewelry, and strutting about in a sheer and sexy party dress, displays an air of beauty and class that just about upstages every woman in this film. Andrew Blake pays homage to the Ashlyn Gere and Zara Whites scene from SECRETS, where an older gentleman watches a lesbian pairing from a respectful distance, allowing the Janine and Kym to put on a very private show for an enchanted male bystander. Kym is an absolute scene-stealer during their little tryst, especially when she dominates Janine with forceful kisses and aggressive pussy-eating. Although there are moments where it seems that the guy observing the action is on the verge of jumping right in (or maybe I was just projecting), he somehow manages to restrain himself from interfering with this great lesbian quickie. Finally, before the credits roll to the accompaniment of a leftover outtake of Janine, Heather Hart and Laurel Canyon indulging in each other’s body under the warm sun, our featured starlet is left alone for a few brief moments of self-pleasure before falling blissfully asleep as her image fades, making for a perfect ending to one of the best adult movies ever made.

The picture quality of this Studio A production represents the very best visual presentation of HIDDEN OBSESSIONS that I have ever seen in any home video format (the original tape had previously been released by several different studios). When compared to the original laserdisc, it is immediately apparent that colors are bolder and stronger, and details are finer without any added edginess or grain. Admittedly, this film is not as stunningly sharp as current Studio A films like AROUSED or DECADENCE, but it still looks great in its new digital incarnation. The sound quality of this disc is also excellent. Even with my surround sound processor turned off, and with the audio coming from the cheap speakers built in to my television, the music, sound effects and of course dialogue have a relatively impressive dynamic range, clarity and intelligibility which enhances the overall viewing experience. These are sonic qualities which are usually nonexistent in most soundtracks of "big budget" adult movies.

As part of HIDDEN OBSESSIONS’ "rebirth" and "revival" as a porn classic, as well as its celebrated premiere on digital video disc, Andrew Blake offers the viewer a variation of the original VHS boxcover, using a different photograph of Janine that I found more appealing and far sexier. With her flowing, golden hair framing a flirtatiously sultry gaze directed into the camera and at the viewer, Janine teasingly covers her carnally desirable private parts with her graceful, slender hands. This tasteful, yet undeniably erotic, naked image of Janine asserts a figurative meaning to our "obsessions" over her "hidden" body. This new packaging design produced for the DVD release perfectly illustrates the movie’s theme and content.

The extras on this disc are limited to the obligatory photo gallery, which contain actual production photos instead of mere freeze frame stills of the actual video. In addition, the chapter menus are among the most attractive I have ever seen on a DVD, with clear and colorful animation highlighting the best action. Still, I was a little disappointed that the "Special Edition" of this landmark film was not given a more satisfying, "Criterion Collection"-type treatment. In particular, I would love to see previously excised footage (such as softcore scenes for cable TV, or extended cuts of a particular sex scene) on this disc, as well as a trailer or two for Andrew Blake’s follow-up films like LES FEMMES EROTIQUES and SENSUAL EXPOSURE.

Those who know Janine to be a strictly non-heterosexual performer on screen will understand why we fail to see her paired with any guys in the film (of course, back then, I never imagined that a full decade would pass before viewers would get to see a single straight performance from this blonde siren — even though it had to be with washed up rock star Vince Neil — but of course, that’s her choice). Even though Janine continues to enjoy a long and successful career as a Vivid Girl and as the more popular half of Blondage, her introduction in HIDDEN OBSESSIONS is significant in blue movie history: never before has such a breathtaking, knockout beauty made such a stunning debut in such an ambitiously artistic film. Today, Studio A continues to thrive with its universally appealing combination of raw lust, beautiful women, and lavish productions, and Janine has maintained her stardom in porn and in parts of the mainstream media since she first appeared before the cameras. Even when viewed over ten years after its initial release, HIDDEN OBSESSIONS perfectly combines sex and beauty into a masterpiece of erotic art. This is a must see for every fan of adult films, and a must-have for every DVD collector.

Review – Hidden Obsessions (Janine, Melanie Moore, Celeste. PJ Sparxx, Andrew Blake)

"Sensual Exposure" has many shades of "Hidden Obsessions," one of Andrew Blake’s other productions from the early nineties. They both revolve around a light plot that holds together more than a dozen sex scenes, none of them longer than eight or nine minutes, and feature a cast of the most beautiful women and men in lush clothes, against equally lush backgrounds. This time, Blake focuses more and more on elements of domination.

Kelly O’Dell is madly in love with Mark Davis. In order to be a better lover, she is sent to a place where she can truly master the art of sensual erotica; a mansion full of men and women without any sexual inhibitions. Immediately upon her arrival, she stumbles onto a threesome with Raven, Kristi Lynn and Peter North. Despite all scenes being short, there is some steamy action in here, with an undertone of domination and Peter shooting his impressive load on both pairs of breasts. Outside, Kelly watches with curious interest as Raven plays human pony for her mistress Deborah Diamond. Both girls look wonderfully energetic, especially when Deborah brings a strap-on to the party, turning up the heat in big leaps and bounds.

Back inside, Kelly watches the curvy Heather Hart masturbate, almost as if she were putting on a show for some invisible spectator. In the hallway, Kelly meets Marc Wallice and Mimi Miyagi and decides to join in. As Raven, Kristi Lynn and Peter North watch, she has great sex with Marc while Mimi sneaks in for a touch and a kiss. Passion blazes abundantly, ending in a satisfying facial. Still totally naked, showing off her sweet girl-next-door figure, Kelly finds Melanie Moore and Christine Tyler at the stairs, one dressed as a man, the other submissive to every touch. Their kissing, caressing and fingering is gentle, making for a stark contrast with the next scene, which has Marc Wallice and Deborah Diamond in a poolside frenzy of many acrobatic positions and what has to be one of the hottest blowjobs Blake has ever shot. So of course, this raw encounter ends with a facial climax.

Inside once more, Kelly is fascinated by Lana Sands, who indulges in some masturbation as she pushes two white balls on a string inside her and pulls them out again. This short, intimate interlude paves the way for Kelly’s second sexual encounter, this time with Joseph Verducci. He videotapes her, eventually giving in to the urge and going all the way in front of the bed and finally coming on-camera. Kelly is in for a change of pace, now meeting Diedre Holland and experiencing that sensuality transcends gender. Although Diedre is quite a bit taller than Kelly, the girls feel right at home, with only the really bad early-nineties retro fashion looking out of place upon reviewing in the twenty-first century. Before returning inside, Kelly catches a glimpse of the voluptuous Paula Price and Devon Shire hosing each other down.

On the balcony, Kelly plays the voyeur as she watches P.J. Sparxx and Marc Wallice have a passionate exchange. The sheer intensity marks this as the best scene of the feature. Dressed in leather, P.J. looks angelic, visibly enjoying every moment until Marc gets to climax on her natural breasts. By then, Kelly has learned all there is to learn. She is sent home again, where Mark waits for her, overjoyed to find out his lover has indeed mastered the art of sensuality. Their bedroom sex is not sparking in the way some other scenes are, but it ends with a classic Blake twist: now liberated, Kelly leaves Mark in search for autonomous sexuality. Perhaps a sad note to end on, yet at the same time it is filled with a sense of hope and true girl power.

The extras on this disc are sparse, as it only offers a series of trailers besides the usual chapter index. With the main feature being filled with sex scenes from beginning to end, though, this should not be much of a problem. Despite most undertones being focused on domination and submission, which would become a major theme in Blake’s later work, there is something in here for everybody. Breasts big or small, sex straight or lesbian or solo, indoors or outdoors, "Sensual Exposure" has a lot to offer and rarely disappoints. Possibly, this is the highlight of the classic Blake, before he ventured deep into the abstract erotica. It’s short, it’s sweet and it will definitely get viewers of both sexes feeling quite sensual themselves.

Review – Sensual Exposure (Debi Diamon, Melanie Moore, PJ Sparxx, Andrew Blake)