do you actively persue dvds you know will recieve a bad review, and do you pay for these, rent or solicit companys for "screeners"? or are you spending alot of money to provide a "service". Most reviewers here I believe purchase dvds they know will have quality and good sex, or starlets they would like to see. I cant see spending money on a questionable dvds. I believe unless you are given screener copies or you rent dvds occasionally, that might have some redeeming value, there should be no motive to watch dvds that might not be your cup of tea. I understand some people will watch any kind of porn and may have opinions on them but I think most people here are "seasoned connisuers (sp)" of fine pornography and generally know what to purchase, and I also think that not too many people buy dvd's with the sole purpose of reviewing them on this site. I dont think you can slam someone who purchases dvds and reviews them for giving all good reviews, if you only buy evil angel dvds for instance, of course they are generally gonna get a good review if you are into gonzo. So my main question to the reviewers is: Do you really spend alot of money on bad dvds and are you buying them because you are somewhat "into" the content or are you buying them to review them? This question is mainly on content, as dvd technical quality can vary, but even then most companys are consistent with their "quality" or lack there of. Just a question, no disrespect to any reviewers, as I do not "review" for the site, but do comment occasionally. thanks guys!
I Go for What I like, Good or Bad, I'll review it. Kind of just Started but have plenty of my Own Movies that I'll eventually Review. I'm not getting the Stuff Free from anybody so, Chances are I won't Sugar Coat a Review. I Just try to write something I would want to know Myself, That's all
anal fan, No offense taken - you bring up some valid points, but nothing that couldn't have been answered by emailing HD directly. I think you might have misunderstoodd the point HoustonDon was trying to make in that other thread, however. No one buys bad porn on purpose, but if you don't have a bunch of bad porn in your collection from reading too many glowing reviews, then good, maybe sites like this are helping you. However, if everyone here just reviewed ones they liked, the site would soon become useless. Different points of view are more helpful than a bunch of glowing reviews, and one of the reasons the site was started in the first place.
There's a trend lately to dismiss anything that the person doesn't happen to like as 'couples porn' 'crap' 'lame', etc. while also implying that anyone liking such fare is also lame, or certainly not a "seasoned connoissuer of fine pornography".
I know HoustonDon spends a small fortune, and I don't think he's that rich or foolish enough to just throw it away like that...or frankly, I'd be on a plane to Texas so fast it would give me whiplash . Most of the ones I've reviewed have been my own or rentals. We get screeners occasionally, but we're absolutely discouraged from 'sugarcoating' anything, and actually, that's what I've always LIKED about HoustonDon's reviews, along with his tendancy to rate on the low side. If he gives something 4 stars, I can count on it to be good.
These are fair questions: 1) I "actively pursue" dvds that have some quality that intrigues me. It might be a genre, a performer, or some other factor-like reading a positive review by someone-that makes me want a title for review.
2) I buy most of the things I review but I get some screeners from the site. There are no strings attached other than I give a fair review. I have a deal with a few local stores to get rentals that aren't renting extra cheap and I sometimes find out why they aren't renting. I sometimes take advantage of sales and/or get those "free titles" that you get when buying a lot of stuff-look at DVD Advantage's sale where you get free New Generation titles for buying other stuff); it's not that outrageous for me to spend $500+ in an order and you get 13 free dvds when you do there. 5 Star has had similar deals as have others.
3) I buy/rent porn for enjoyment. I also enjoy reviewing it-good or bad. I'm not a shill or professional cheerleader for a particular company like some reviewers, nor do I intend to become one. The service I provide, like so many others here, is for fun. I personally think that if I watch a bad porno, I'm more obligated to warn others than if I watch a good one. Using the current examples, Evil Angel: What are the chances that they release something that totally stinks, within it's own genre? About 0%. How truly helpful is a review about one of their dvds that doesn't include: cast, director, technical qualities, extra's, etc?
I watch a lot of porn. If I excluded "questionable" porn, I'd have almost nothing to watch. After all, some of you hate JKP, VCA, Wicked, and a dozen other companies because they aren't wrapped up in abusing women, gapes, and circus act sex. My motive to share what I've seen, good and bad, is part of why some people feel they can trust my reviews vs people who review and virtually refuse to warn others about crap. Make no mistake, I'm not going to spend hours on end with a review of something I hate-I will, however, let people know WHY I disliked it.I was the one who publically stated I appreciated any and all reviews. You seem to be mixing me up with another guy. However, when someone tells me they've watched 10 movies from a company that they thought sucked, and didn't provide so much as a single paragraph review to warn us, I think they've been selfish-especially given how many thousands of words they'll waste in the forums on meaningless attacks.
Again, I like gonzo, for example, and think that there's a lot of crappy gonzo out there. I bought a number of titles directed by Robbie D. last year when DVD Empire had a sale. It's tough to pass up titles under $5. Most of them sucked donkey balls but the better ones were worth it (since rentals in Houston, TX cost that much or more). Would a free copy have made a piece of shit (POS) magically look better to me? Not on your life.
Technical/production qualities are very important and these days, when dvds are taking over the market, a poor looking movie deserves to draw fire. Content is always harmed by bad mastering. That said, I've seen weak movies from each company and said so in my reviews. The companies that matter, the ones who listen, have adopted changes based on what they've read. Evil Angel, Wicked, A&E, etc-all have made changes based on consumer input. Maybe not big changes but changes nonetheless. For the record: I don't buy dvds solely to review them. If I feel ripped off by a company releasing inferior product at a premium price though, they'll hear about it.
Porno movies, sexy videos, xxx. Adult DVD Talk at your service. 6409 Posts 11/99
Posted - Apr 4 2002 : 10:11AM
Just fyi
Some reviewers do get screeners from me, though the majority of reviews here are not based on screeners. Every studio that sends me screeners knows they will get an honest review. Most of them want honest consumer feedback so they can better their product. I specifically ask reviewers to be 100% honest.
While the Adult DVD Talk community does not rely on screeners, we greatly appreciate those studios that seek out honest opinions.
Yes, the existence of this site depends on driving sales to retailers. But sales are not affected by negative reviews. Negative reviews simply help guide people toward product that they might like.
Just my 2cents, I mostly rent porn as my budget is not high for purchasing so a site like XRent is very good for me, also the reviews here and on Rogs site help me when I do decide to purchase a title. I have only done a handful of reviews and pretty much all are on titles or starlets I like. I have purchased some titles cheap and some of those I don't really care for all that much, one for example is a European Bukkake title the number escapes me but I got it for like 9.99 so while I don't care totally for it I didn't waste a fortune on it and it does have one fairly decent scene in it. Just looked it is European Bukkake #2. I like to say what I like about a movie or a scene in my reviews and try to describe pretty much what the performers do. I am not a technical person by any stretch so commenting on sound, lighting, etc. is not something I do often. I do reviews mostly for fun especially if it is a title like My Plaything Gauge which I really enjoyed and thought the studio did a real good job on so I want to let everyone else know of my joy at finding such a good title. Anyway this site is so cool on so many levels and the credit goes mostly to Steph and Drew and then to so many great reviewers like Astro and Houston and the stars like Tina Tyler and Kimi Lixx share their inside perspective, then the studio people like Tricia and David Crawford fill us in on what is coming up so I just look forward everytime when I come here to see what is new, who has posted, what is up with the latest Evil Angel film. Thanks to everyone!!!!!
dumblonde, this was meant to be a public question not only for houstondon but other reviewers who adventure into the unkown when buying,renting or receiving screeners from companys,directors or starlets they are "not sure" of...
I have read with much interest this post; I do agree for the most part with HoustonDon and anal_fan; the point below is curious:
'Using the current examples, Evil Angel: What are the chances that they release something that totally stinks, within it's own genre? About 0%. How truly helpful is a review about one of their dvds that doesn't include: cast, director, technical qualities, extra's, etc?' ---------HoustonDon-------------
I will str8 up tell you that Ass Worship2 is a stinker and would get 2 stars from me. I don't really enjoy writing reviews anymore as I did prior; I feel like I would just say what scene makes me cum and how long i let it run after the fact before i hit stop on my controller (tissue time adds to this remarkable statistic.) If you note my review for Buttmans Buttfreaks 3 I made some poignant remarks and was not too complimentary of several issues.
'How truly helpful is a review about one of their dvds that doesn't include: cast, director, technical qualities, extra's, etc?' ----houstondon-----
As far as reviews, well, everyone writes a different way and some of us don't put as much weight into tech. qualities, extras, etc. as others. I care about the wanky potential, period. Lets talk about what would be 'truly helpful' with a review; how bout every dvd comes with a 'get fucked free card' from the porno star of your choice?
Their seems to be two types of reviewers; those who have a budget for porn and can only buy what they have a feeling they will like and those that buy rampantly. I am really excited about someone spending 500 dollars on porn. (Really I am!!) But understand that some people only spend 20 dollars on porn or less a month so the chances of us buying something we know will suck is highly unlikely. Reviewing on adultdvdtalk.com is not a paid position; we do it for fun, information, and I think for our own damaged egos to be inflated (c'mon lets be honest, the majority of us here wack to porn!)
'After all, some of you hate JKP, VCA, Wicked, and a dozen other companies because they aren't wrapped up in abusing women, gapes, and circus act sex' -----houstondon----------
I hate these companies products almost unilaterally because what they display and show on dvd is not desirable to me. It is fake, has to much music, and is boring 'vanilla' sex which is all to familiar in day to day life. But you will not see a review on these from me. If I hated sci-fi movies, you wouldn't catch me at the theatre for star wars 2. But if I am familiar with a genre, I can give a good review of it as compared to others in the genre. Imagine reviewing porn if you hated porn? It would be interesting for about one review...
For example, Brianna Loves Jenna is pretty good if you compare it to other movies of its style. But if you hate its style, why even review it? Thats not being fair and even-handed; its just displaying a bias towards its genre. And I agree that some on here think every dvd evil angel releases is perfect without watching it...but to think that these titles are enjoyed because of the circus acts and abusing women is more a 'strech' of your imagination than the gape of Aurora Snow in assworship2. Maybe its because we are sick of overproduced, slick productions featuring girls who are more interested in their star appeal than fucking. Maybe it is because we are sick in the head more than the crotch. Who cares? Thats my two cents; please note that yes, I do live in a glass house and enjoy throwing rocks and I luv being the pot who calls the kettle black.
In the future anal_fan, you might want to address the subject that way rather than singling out one reviewer, not that it's much of a problem.
As another reviewer who gives a wide range of ratings, yes I sometimes get screeners and I sometimes buy DVDs that I don't expect to be good. I don't give the screeners any preference over ones that I buy, since it normally becomes readily apparent when reviewers do that and I feel they have no credibility. There's at least one reviewer at Empire who fits the bill perfectly, (no, not Diesel who I consider one heck of a great reviewer) so I tend to almost avoid any movie that person reviews. I also know that I've ripped some of the screeners I've received pretty good, and can think of several just off the top of my head that have received a 1 or less.
There's normally a couple reasons I might pick up a DVD I'm not expecting to be worth much. It might have a star I'm really enjoying at the time, and or it's cheap. If a title is around $5, I figure I'm not really out anything if it's bad, and I make sure to review it either way since I know there's other people out there with the same mindset. If I write a review of it, they can go in with a little better idea of what to expect. Other times I like the director. The perfect example is many Sin City DVDs. I think Michael Raven is one of the best directors out there, but most of the early Sin City DVDs left much to be desired. For the right price, I'll pick them up knowing the feature will have at least some redeeming value, even though the DVD might leave much to be desired.
Perhaps the biggest question is what you think a bad rating is. Is a 2 1/2 overall a bad rating? According to the descriptions given for the review rating system, this is average, which means its probably just as good as at least half of the other stuff out there. To me, a 2 1/2 is not a bad rating, it means that this is an average DVD. There's a lot of stuff better than it out there, and a lot of stuff worse out there. Although there are some reviewers out there that are very reliable who often give good reviews, I tend to disregard almost anybody who only gives 3 1/2 and up if they've reviewed more wrote more than twenty reviews or so. I feel that if they've watched that much stuff and haven't given out a few features to establish a "baseline" for themselves, their reviews aren't really worth anything to me. Those people seem to mostly be in it for the ego trip.
Although a few of us, like HoustonDon, blondie, and I have reviewed more than our share of bad porn, I think we've also seen some results because of it. There's a reason I leave a little "to the studio" note at the bottom. Over the last few years of reviewing, I learn which studios care most about their product and improving it. I've received several e-mails in the past from people at the studios who normally ask further questions to try to see how to best address those problems. Since I've started reviewing, I've seen great improvements from those companies, who I'll leave unnamed, and I know if a few of us didn't watch that "bad" porn and made a little constructive criticism, things might not have improved quite as much. Although I realize I'm sounding a bit egotistical here, I'm not trying to claim that a mere handful of people around here changed the course of porn DVDs. Instead I am giving credit to a few studios out there, and they know who they are, who have cared enough to listen.
Most of these companies have sent Adult DVD Talk screeners, but I also believe that quite a bit of credit should go to those studios who get ripped and still send screeners. There's a reason studios send out screeners, they want feedback and normally hope or think it's going to be positive. Some of the studios whose screeners I've received have gotten ripped pretty big time, yet they keep sending them. I have to admit that I have almost as much respect for these studios, as they often take a beating, yet come back to possibly, or probably, take another shot.
Unfortunately there are also the studios that think the only worthwhile review is a good review, and unless they can pull down a perfect 5 every time it isn't worth it. Those are some of the few studios I don't have too much respect for. If you're too high and mighty to send a few things out now and then to some of the consumer review sites, such as Adult DVD Talk, Rog, etc. and get a completely honest review where people normally aren't getting paid to review, then I normally don't have much time for them either.
I will admit the one bias I have towards companies that send screeners that I might get a chance to review here. If you do a good job, or I find something redeeming in your DVDs, I'll be buying more of your product on my own. No, I won't give you any preferential treatment when I write a review of your titles. I feel that if you care enough to give your product to a site like Adult DVD Talk, who occasionally sends me one or two of them to review, I'll try to reciprocate and give you something back too in kind by picking up some of your product. If company X sends screeners to AdultDVDTalk and company Y doesn't, and I'm torn between buying a title from X and Y but can only afford one at the time, company X's title will almost always end up on my shelf. To me, this treats everybody fairly, and everybody benefits.
"dumblonde, this was meant to be a public question not only for houstondon but other reviewers who adventure into the unkown when buying,renting or receiving screeners from companys,directors or starlets they are "not sure" of..."
O.K., and it's a good question. I just thought you might have been upset with him for some reason, sorry. As for reviewing something that 'isn't my cup of tea', can we talk? This is the hardest part, and really tests the reviewer's ability to be fair and as nonjudgemental as one can possibly be in that context. As a female reviewing porn which is made for males almost exclusively, this is something I'm familiar with. I like to see a varied roster from reviewers, it's interesting to read their takes on things/likes/dislikes, etc. I myself have deliberately viewed ones that I pretty much knew going in that I wasn't gonna add to my collection, but never with a closed mind, or simply to tear it a new one. Curiosity, or to give a 'typical' female's point of view are a couple of reasons. There's some reviewers that I read religiously, even though we might have different tastes. I just enjoy the different styles, and hearing different points of view, nothing is ever taken personally.
Then of course we're sometimes sent screeners that really put us to the test, whether through an evil plot, or legitimate mix-up, whatever, such as Steph sending me the 4 hr she-male compilationFuck Holes: 3 Men and a Maybe Now we're talkin dedication, even medication was needed. But I made it through - and I'd like to THINK I'm a better reviewer for it. Hope I've answered your question.
Steph Wrote <<< Most of them want honest consumer feedback so they can better their product >>> ..I don't think companies like Evil Angel or Private are getting that,I mean how honest a reviewer can be when one month before a new release all they are doing is create a lot of gratuitous hype and making empty remarks like "Oh yeah! The next Jules or Private (take your pick) DVD is going to be the greates ever I can see myself giving 5 starts to that DVD already" ...man! talking about tainted reviews (Steve K comes to mind) and the worst part is than that kind of remarks are getting contagious by other reviewers.(stuff like that should be forbidden when coming from reviewers) ...<<< Sales are no affected by negative reviews,simply help guide people toward product that they mike like >>> ...well some reviewers do not seem to get that premise and let me add this please,a review does not have to be totally negative or positive,for instance I just saw Animal Trainer 8,the first half of the DVD is good the other half is pure crap,..now how many reviewers will be honest enough to say that? (with out some sugarcoating) ....btw I love Evil Angel and Private but I hate senseless hype.
Porno movies, sexy videos, xxx. Adult DVD Talk at your service. 6409 Posts 11/99
Posted - Apr 4 2002 : 5:53PM
qrop, the "tainted" reviews you speak of have nothing to do with screeners (those reviewers don't get them.) there are multiple reviews of many evil angel and private titles that provide detailed criticisms.
we cannot control preconceived notions that some people may have. i'm not going to censor people. the goal is to provide as much info as possible.
clearly the more people participate, the better the perspective provided. in an ideal world there would be varying opinions / critiques of every dvd - or at least every dvd that people would consider purchasing.
I think our review rating system is a bit atypical. 2.5 stars is smack-dab in the middle of the scale. I think there's a tendency for the brain see the "2" in "2.5" and interpret it as implying sub-par status. Most rating scales put a 3 as the middle because they are assuming an integer scale of 1-5. We convert zero through ten to half-steps of 0-5:
0-avoid at all costs 1-unacceptable = .5 stars 2-seriously lacking = 1 star 3-lacking = 1.5 stars 4-below average = 2 stars 5-average = 2.5 stars 6-above average = 3 stars 7-good = 3.5 stars 8-very good = 4 stars 9-exceptional = 4.5 stars 10-best = 5 stars
A while back we removed the old numeric ratings we used to use in favor of the stars-chart. Visually, 2.5 stars ends up being a 'half-full' or 'half-empty'.
dumblonde, houstondon has been most vocal about his opinion of not so good and mediocre titles, and I was wondering if he was spending alot of money and getting absolutely no enjoyment out of these titles, or if maybe his enjoyment was watching lame porn and commenting about it, and also in general the ratio of reviewers who rent,buy, or receive screeners and their motivation for watching potentially "inferior" disks.
I recieve screeners, now and then. But the majority of my collection is out of pocket expenses.
I do not give favorable reviews just to get free porn, what would be the point in reviewing them then?
I trade a lot, and have bought some used.
I also have been lucky and I have found a good friend online, VictoriO. We exchange DVDs to watch and review every now and then. We have varying opinions on what is good and what is not, but I can say for myself, that I am honest. And I am sure he is too.
I give 5's out rarely, though lately there have been some great films, so I call it like I see it.
I have noticed it too and others have commented on it over the last few weeks in particular since the noise level, mostly from a handful of active posters, was growing. Couples porn is generally porn you wouldn't be embarrassed to watch with a significant other that you are comfortable with. To some extremists, that means it can't be any good. Their loss.
I've tried, several times, to express that I like a variety of styles in porn-just like I don't "need" someone who looks underage to get off (like Patrick might), I can enjoy all sorts of looks and styles of porn. Why limit myself to a single type of sex act, single body style, etc., when I find others attractive?
Sweety! I'll fly you down! YeeeeHaaa! Fortune might be over stating it a lot. I price shop and bargain search like most other thinking consumers and take advantage of sales so as to get the best deals I can. I've let plenty of good sales slide by but this is a hobby of mine and I'd rather drop a few hundred bucks on porn from time to time than go to a crappy concert with a fussy date (which would easily cost more than the porn). Aside from checking out local museums and a few other things, my hobbies are the internet, movies and ADT. I see people pour money into lots of worse things every single day and think I come out ahead.Thanks for the vote of confidence. I think I rate on the "fair" side but I have been known to be too harsh. If I went through my older reviews, I'd adjust a number of things but the rating wouldn't be touched. When I started reviewing, Astro and a few others were doing all the work. I used their reviews to avoid crap-which I had acquired a lot of because I'm so price sensitive-and find better things. I still do. I'm not above buying a handful of cheap dvds based on a single performer AND knowing I could get my revenge on the cheap crap by reviewing it with a clear mind and conscience. A 2.5 means it's average like most porn-a 4.5 means it's special, to me at least, and I always try and let people know why something got such a high, or low, score. I'm no better than anyone and I don't try to pass myself off as being better but I do try and explain, in my reviews, why I wrote what I did. To date, a handful of production companies have asked for more detail on what I liked or didn't like, a larger number of performers have asked the same, and still more consumers have asked the same. It's a shame that some reviewers sugarcoat everything-it often renders their opinion less valuable to all the aforementioned groups. Sigh...
Others have pointed it out but I took it as a directed question too since you named the thread after me. Is it too unreasonable for us to assume that you were "calling me out" (as in a gunfight of sorts)?Anal, don't get me wrong-as I said in my reply before work this morning, I think your questions were mostly fair. You're new here and came when I was just coming back to a more active status. The site has had some interesting moments about reviews/reviewers and while you are stumbling along, trying to figure out where some of us are coming from, you'd do well to search for old threads (ie: searching for gold I think someone else called it last week).
Basically: I'm a positive person who looks for the best in every situation. When I review a POS, I have fun with it, as well as try to provide the information people may want about the movie. I had been getting into the habit of emailing the great guys at RAME with cast corrections, and other stuff to assist them in making their database a better resource. I took an extended break and need to start doing that again. I have seen a number of movies that surprised me. I have stated so in my reviews. I'm not going to exclude watching a dvd because it "might" suck if it's directed by someone who's work I like or if a favorite performer is in it. Do I get disappointed? Sure but that's life. I have "gotten enjoyment from virtually everything I've watched but sometimes it was in tearing the production company a new one over what they released...Feel free to email me if you want more detail in the future.
See, here's where we differ: If a movie is a "stinker", it doesn't deserve a "2". Such movies deserve less as a 2 is only below average.You can artificially divide us into groups all you like but it still won't address most of the topics of concern that have been raised. The simple fact that I mentioned the size of a particular order means it isn't an every day thing, okay? I buy what I think is worth the cost. I wouldn't buy any Evil Angel dvds if they cost me $100 each and I'd buy every VCA if I could find them at $8 each-the hit to miss ratio being good enough to justify it. To each their own. Don't act like a class snob because some of us enjoy porn enough to sacrifice other things in order to buy more porn. I'll admit to masturbating to porn-what does that have to do with ego? Also, keep in mind that some of us are notorious traders and swap out stuff among each other (if you'll recall my first reviews this year, I mentioned where I bought them from-Endorphin, who sold them cheap, really cheap, as long as I'd review them).Well, you wouldn't go bragging that you watched 10 of them if you hate the companies so much, would you? The whole point about that comment was since the guy had watched them already, why not spend a couple minutes telling us, in his own words, what was wrong with them? Admittedly, I've only been watching porn for 20 or so years but when I see an attractive woman having sex and enjoying it-I generally like it too. Some times more than others depending on a number of factors. Luckily, I'm not a guy who NEEDS an ever increasingly twisted fix of circus acts to get off-not bad for 20 years of porn watching, huh? Your comments haven't fallen on deaf ears however. You will note that I haven't reviewed a lot of movies where the focus was on abusing the woman or treating her like dirt. I actually bought a couple of Extreme Associates movies, just to see how lame they really were-and found myself unsurprised at what they looked like. I will be reviewing at least one of them very soon. (keep in mind that I offered a public challenge to the company to provide a list of their best stuff and they declined. John Bone even fussed at me for not liking his stuff because it was "too real". What a pathetic joke he was...I never said that Evil Angel was only about circus act sex. In fact, except for the gapes and a few other things, they routinely get good ratings from me. Using your example of JLB, you'd be right except that I'm comfortable with almost every genre currently available. I don't review genre's that I hate but then, I don't watch them either... List how many pissing videos I've reviewed, how many slap happy, granny porn, fat chick, or other such genre's I've reviewed... That's right-zero. Smartblonde wanted me to review a trannie video and I declined based on exactly what you describe-I couldn't be fair to it.
Lastly, remember that the sex drive is mostly in our brains. If we think something is hot, then it is hot-to us. I'll take a well produced, "slick production" with hot looking women having fun over some poorly lit, abuse flick any day of the week. This probably stems from my own thinking that the women should be having fun WITH us, rather than a slave to whatever twist we come up with that week.
Astro, I agree with all your comments in the original post.I don't like Spooky's reviews either. Just as I can count on Patrick to hate virtually anything, I can count on Spooky to love anything, each regardless of merit.
Bono: I like you too buddy. Yay Bono!
Steph, Drew: Well put, each of you.
BigMike: I like your reviews. Call them like you see them and don't worry about any detractors.
qrop, I don't agree with you totally but your points are well taken. There seems to be a lot of undercurrent going on between some of us here (you'll note the digs people have made at each other by reading between the lines) and I've been doing some research into what the story is. I have a few theories but would rather everyone go back to their corners and take a breather for awhile. I'm just as guilty as a few of the others so I'll try and step back a bit (and go back to reviewing more) to let things calm down. Hopefully some of the more culpable will do so too.
I actually bought a couple of Extreme Associates movies, just to see how lame they really were-and found myself unsurprised at what they looked like. -houstondon
-so you do purchase dvds you know will not live up to your expectations?
This is quite the interesting post; I backtracked to the other post to see what the hoopla is about. HoustonDon, I didn't mean to make you go on the defensive, really, I just wanted to state my opinions, of which I agree with you almost whole-heartily. To me, porn is pretty cut and dry. Its either quite good or awful. I guess rating it is very easy when its based on measurable things such as lighting, audio, and other technical contents. Its the other things that are cerebral, as you noted-
'Lastly, remember that the sex drive is mostly in our brains. If we think something is hot, then it is hot-to us.' --houstondon--
I agree with this and quite possibly this might be the reason we all sometimes get along on adultdvdtalk and other times postees' mix like oil and water. I think, HoustonDon, that you are more a true fan of porn as a whole; some of us are more pigeon-holed and close-minded as to what we enjoy. This has to do with our brains, and also our wallets, thus, my comment on your spending (which I apoligize if you took the wrong way, but 500 dollars is a lot of money to some people.)
I do wish I could go back and change some of my ratings, in light of the issues brought up here. A 5 really should be the most rare of ratings...and it seems to be handed out like candy. Oh, and for the record, I just watched 'Rock n' Roll Midget' from filmco and it gets about 1.5 stars. But the lighting was cool...
What I would like to know,is what the hell is wrong with HoustonDon saying exactly what he thinks when he gets to watch a DVD that sucks? ..It doesn't matter if the DVD was free or not,what really matters is the honesty of the reviewer. if Houston gets screeners well good for him but what I like more is that he doesn't kiss any porn company's ass just because of that. (something I can't say from others reviewers). ....and one more thing the assumption of Evil Angel making a lame DVD are 0% is just ludicrous (I thought only GOD! was perfect)
Anal, I apologize for not being clearer in my post (I've been up all day on 4 hours sleep; I'm too tired to sleep and I couldn't fairly review anything at the moment...). There was a lot of hoopla about Extreme Associates making some good movies. I'd seen clips but not a whole dvd. A friend loaned me a tape (ewwwwww) of one of their titles and I thought, WTF! I wanted to see for myself if there was anything worth bothering about in regards to their releases and I waited, and waited, and waited some more for a good sale. You see, I prefer to actually base my opinions on what I see and I've been known to give the benefit of the doubt to companies. The dvds did not surprise me but I did watch with an open mind. Please remember that an open mind doesn't mean an empty head. Prior to viewing the dvds, I did not have proof that the company released inferior product, now I do. Thanks for asking though.
P-Knuckle: Water under the bridge buddy. I know $500 is a lot to most people. I work for a living and it's not chickenfeed to me either. If I act nonchalant about how much I spend, it's as much bravado as anything. (keep in mind how many mainstream dvds I have...) Filmco-After watching, and being greatly disappointed by, Story of Ami, I doubt I'll ever buy another Filmco dvd again.
Wally: Thanks for the support! My comment about 0% was in regards to getting exactly what is advertised and within it's own genre AND keep in mind that I said: "What are the chances that they release something that totally stinks, within it's own genre? About 0%." To me, totally stinks would mean they'd have to release a Vivid copycat feature which will never happen. (Right Tricia?) While I don't always give them the highest marks, I have yet to see one of their releases that totally stunk-ie: worth a rating of 1 or less.. BTW-you can send me free porn anytime you like. Thanks in advance!
I've held off on saying anything because I think most people have made good points, on a topic for which various views have validity. I don't want to tell anyone how to think, but since I have written a fair number of reviews, readers deserve to know where I stand. I too receive a few screeners now and then, but most of my reviews are based on purchases. I feel I have a particular knack for sorting out who is whom among the Euro actresses (with help from many friends), so I see that as my niche. I try to help people who have seen Euro movies, and wonder, who is she in that scene? Where can I see her again? Along the way, I like to discuss a little porn philosophy (since that entertains me), and I try to always relate what I honestly thought and felt as I watched the movie. That is why my reviews become somewhat stream of conscience. I haven't received too much feedback, but I do welcome comments, here or privately. I like that ADT has a variety of reviewers and styles. A consumer only needs to read a few from each reviewer to make up their mind as to whether he/she knows their stuff and is worth following. I'm as cynical as anyone, but in this case I am willing to give the public credit for being able to sort the well-done reviews from the bad.
Speelie, I like your reviews and I acknowledge your superior abilities in Eurobabe cast identifications. I wish you lived closer so I could rely on your expertise any time I crack open a Private dvd and start reviewing. For the record, if you and I disagree on a performer ID, I generally accept that you have it right and I'm mistaken. I also think your style is fun to read and gives a much better sense of the movie than the laundry list type that are so common these days. Keep up the good work!
HD, thanks for the vote of confidence. You (and everyone else) are/is free to e-mail me with ID requests, and I'll do my best to asnwer them. I look on it as a challenge, am I clever enough to cut through the BS and find out who the girl is? I use Speelie@aol.com day to day, and Speelie@my.adultdvdtalk.com for specifically review related matters.
I absolutely love writing a bad review! It is so much fun to review a bad DVD. It is also enjoyable to write a review for a good DVD. Mediocre DVDs are the hardest fro me to review.
Do I seek bad DVDs so that I can review them? NO. In fact I usually try to avoid bad DVDs. If I do get a bad DVD, at least I get the satisfaction of slamming it.
Still Campaigning for Inari Vachs Stroke Ur hair a hundred times, let me see what I can find --from 1+1+1 is 3 by Prince
I wish we saw more of your reviews. You seem to be on a break and your wit is missed. Personally, I don't think porn movies fall into a bell curve-they seem to fall into 3 main categories: Really, Really Bad; Really Bad; Bad; with a much smaller number in the following groups: Pretty Good; Nice!; Wow!
I'm still searching for that elusive "5" but consider that many of the dvds I review fall into the middle ground (ie: between 2 and 3.5) which generally means they weren't wastes of time and had some merits.
Back on topic: Endo, when can we expect more reviews old buddy? Inquiring minds want to know. It'd be good to see some more balanced views here since an ever increasing number of debutantes admit they don't/won't/can't write reviews for movies they don't like.
Oh, I almost forgot to tell you, Prince was in town on Sunday. He gave a small concert. Tickets were ~$86.50 (about $100 with all the fees they add on) and up. For that much, he'd have had to set me up with Apollonia, Vanity, Sheena Easton, or some other former girlfriend of his...
Don, my absence from reviewing? One day I looked at all of my DVD, and I thought there were so many DVDs that I really wanted to review. Inexplicably, the next day reviewing seemed like such a chore. I was no longer having fun with it. I felt my wit had dried up. Some may not care, some may think I was never witty in the first place, but for me it just ain't fun if I'm just doing a play by play. Actually, it wasn't just reviewing that bored me. I was so bored with porn(and I was so shocked, for most of my life even the mere word 'boobies' put a smile on my face). As for the future, who knows? Priceless is on the burner. But, I take things day by day. Then again, if you promised a pic of Inari Vachs holding a sign reading "The Endorphin 73" I'd be sure to finish that Priceless review. On a serious note..next time you get pics, could you get the girls to hold up a FREE THE WEED!!! sign?
I have actually seen that Prince show. It was a really good show. Worth the money.
BTW, Vanity would try to bring you closer to God, and not in the way of the NIN song. She's a devout Christian. And of course, she no longer goes by Vanity. Apparently, being named after one of the 7 deadly sins does not bode well with the church.
Still Campaigning for Inari Vachs Stroke Ur hair a hundred times, let me see what I can find --from 1+1+1 is 3 by Prince
Endo, if they mention something about Weed being freed, I'll suggest the shots but otherwise I'll pass. It's one thing when they jump up and maul me to hold a sign to Astro ("oh, he's so witty and manly" or "He's such a dreamboat-is he single, even for a night?" or "Can you hook me up?") but I don't want to find out if any cops are hanging out in the club the hard way. Make it to 100 reviews and I'll pay them if need be to hold a sign for you though (not a weed sign).
Audrey Madison Interview
Posted - Apr 4 2002 : 1:03AM
