Vinegar Syndrome Review: Unveiled (1986, Suze Randall)

“Your Most Sensual Secret ... Isn't a Secret Anymore.”

Bob (Mike Horner, Oriental Madam) is a lawyer who has the money, unique sexual tastes and his uptight wife Cindy (Krista Lane, Sensations) who won't fulfil any of his needs. Naturally, Bob turns to his favourite hooker (Patti Petite, For Your Thighs Only) to act out his sexual fantasies. Just like his buddy Bob, Ted (Jake Scott, Flesh Tones) also likes to get his kicks away from home and wife Julie (Erica Boyer, Loose Ends). Unlike Bob however, Ted doesn't need to pay for his thrills as he utilises the “administrative skills” of his secretary (Alexis Greco, The Ultimate Lover). After a hard days “work”, Bob and Ted hit up their favourite bar leaving their wives to do some “catching up” back at Bob's place. Whilst at the bar, the conversation unsurprisingly turns to sex. Sex with each other's wives whilst they are asleep (sure would make an interesting episode of Wife Swap!). The morning after their late night antics, the guys decide to hit up their local sex club and unbeknownst to them, they'll be getting a nasty little surprise of their own!

  After the sheer joy that was Too Naughty to Say No, I have to say that I was pretty underwhelmed with Unveiled. Don't get me wrong, it's not a bad film, but I just found it to drag, especially in the final third. There's a feel of scuzziness about it, but at the same time there's also a light-hearted and almost slapstick style of humour. Horner's portrayal of Bob often reminded me of the characters Will Forte played in Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job! That being said, he was a joy to watch. The stars of the show for me are Krista Lane and Erica Boyer. What they get up to whilst their husbands are away was for me, the highlight of the film. That's not to say there aren't other memorable moments. Another stand out is the mime sex show performed by Taija Rae (Urban Heat) and Horner in his alternate role. A very strange scene indeed. I think the aspect I enjoyed the most was the style. From the cheesy snyth music credited to Cinema Symphony's (Droid) to Steve Aussi's (Sky Foxes) neon and pastel set decoration; this is definitely a film for fellow 80's style enthusiasts! Aside from that, not one of the most interesting or sensual offerings I have ever seen.

Although the film lacked for me, Guido's (Fleshdance) fantastic cinematography looks even better thanks to Vinegar Syndrome's restoration and overall presentation. The colours really pop out of the screen and the sound is of equally high quality. In terms of extras, there is the original theatrical trailer and a nice video interview with Mike Horner himself. All in all, not a bad little release, especially for those who are already a fan.

Unveiled is available on DVD from Vinegar Syndrome.

PDx

Vinegar Syndrome Review: Too Naughty To Say No (1984, dir: Suze Randall & Victor Nye)

 

“Nasty Enough To Say Yes!”

Betty (Angel, For Your Thighs Only) is your typical innocent Catholic schoolgirl. One day after studying her bible under the supervision of Sister Rose (Lisa De Leeuw, Pink Champagne) with her party loving friend Catherine (Ginger Lynne, Lust in the Fast Lane), she doses off (religion does that to you.) and finds herself in a world filled with lust, debauchery and some very questionable individuals indeed. Her adventures begin with her watching Catherine get down and dirty with an older guy (Jamie Gillis, Corruption) who thankfully has better taste in women than he does clothes! After the free show, Catherine promises her much more and instantly delivers by sending her to a brothel ran by Madame Rose (De Leeuw again). She's treated once again to a free show, but finds herself the subject of a bidding war between Senator Bribe (Eric Edwards, Laura's Toys), Nazi-like Colonel Vice (Klaus Müller in his only role), Hollywood director Stephen Swinestein (Edward Longly also in his only role) and Bishop John (Milton Ingley, Fantasyworld). Freaked out, she escapes, but things only get weirder! From crooked cops (Paul Barresi, Co-Ed Fever & Rick Cassidy, Widow Blue!) to perverted undertakers (Harry Reems, Deep Throat), Betty's journey through dreamworld is as sordid as it is erotic. Oh well, she'll have some juicy material to share at her next confession!

  Too Naughty To Say No is a naughty little film indeed. Based off characters from de Sade, taking influence from Alice in Wonderland and almost structured like Juliette et Justine, both Randall and Nye have produced a trip of an adult feature. It's not as explicit or as mean spirited as de Sade's work or as outright trippy as Alice in Wonderland, but there are some strange goings on, but the action is still sexy. That's no surprise as Randall herself directed the sex. Some scenes drag on a tiny bit, but they are wonderfully staged and shot. Plus, when you have the likes of Ginger Lynne getting down and dirty, it's OK by me! The dialogue oriented scenes are fun and well acted. Angel's portrayal of the virginal Betty slowly getting corrupted is fun to watch and hey, she's cute as a button. To compliment Angel and Ginger (the latter should have had much more screen time!), there is a very solid supporting cast. It may not be the most memorable performances from Gillis, Edwards or Reems, but they do more than get the job done in their small roles. This is one of hose films that is really quite simple, but very enjoyable. For me personally, films like this from around the mid-1980's often seem to lack charm, but there's really no complaints here aside from some of the sex scenes being a few strokes too long. All in all, this is one of the more interesting films adapted from or influenced by the writings of de Sade.

  In terms of presentation, Vinegar Syndrome deliver the goods (as if they wouldn't) once again. Not only is the film restored beautifully in 2k from 35mm source materials, but it's presented in the correct aspect ratio, a much more superior print than the previous Caballero release. The colours are vibrant and the image is sharp. The only extra is a Joe Rubin moderated audio commentary with Suze Randall, Victor Nye, Amber (of Suze Randall Productions) and Christian McLaughlin. It may be the only extra, but it's a welcome one that is informative as it is entertaining. There is a lot to be gained. Of course, a trailer would have been nice, but I am not aware if one exists, so I won't hold it against Vinegar Syndrome! All in all, this is another solid release of a film that could have been forgotten. Definitely worth picking up!

No... I won't clumsily use the title as a pun to end this review!

Too Naughty To Say No is available on DVD from Vinegar Syndrome.

PDx