Guilty Pleasures Blu-ray Review
Slipcover in Original Pressing
Score: 50
from 2 reviewers
Review Date:
Guilty Pleasures shines briefly with Nocturnal Emissions but falters with Method to the Madness; appealing mostly to SOV enthusiasts with its unique A/V package.
Disc Release Date
DTS-HD MA
Video: 44
The AVC-encoded 1080i HD video presentation of 'Guilty Pleasures' retains the typical blurry look of SOV productions in its original 1.30:1 aspect ratio, with black levels surprisingly deep but details largely absent. Primaries are mildly appreciable while scenes can be overexposed or unstable, reflecting the limitations of mid-90s technology.
Audio: 49
The DTS-HD 2.0 mix on 'Guilty Pleasures' provides a satisfactory audio experience, capturing dialogue and thespian intensity effectively, although clarity fluctuates and music can overpower the soundstage, reflecting the film’s production limitations.
Extra: 66
The Blu-ray extras for "Guilty Pleasures" offer engaging insights with actor/co-director Joe Zaso and actress Sasha Graham sharing their journeys in low-budget cinema, supported by Carl Marchese's nostalgic anecdotes. The package includes an entertaining commentary, interviews, stills, a trailer, and eerie synth-scored production images.
Movie: 41
Guilty Pleasures, directed by Joe Zaso and Joseph F. Parda, is an anthology film that combines a love for Giallo-inspired aesthetics with shot-on-video quirks, delivering two uneven tales—'Nocturnal Emissions' and 'Method to the Madness.' Despite its poor special effects and drawn-out plots, it efficiently captures grimy, sleazy, and bizarre moments reminiscent of timeless psychological traumas.
Video: 44
The Blu-ray release of "Guilty Pleasures" presents an AVC-encoded video image with a 1.33:1 aspect ratio typical of its shot-on-video origins. The HD presentation retains the characteristically soft and blurry look inherent to this style, leaving fine detail largely absent. Despite the absence of intricate detail, there is some legibility in the frame elements, providing a serviceable view of interiors, rehearsal spaces, and urban locales in NYC. While color stability fluctuates, primary colors are discernible, albeit occasionally washed out. Skin tones range in acceptability across the footage, contributing to an overall viewing experience that meets standard expectations for mid-90s productions.
Additionally, the black levels are unexpectedly deep for a film primarily captured in dimly lit environments like apartments and basements. However, details tend to merge into shadows during darker scenes, especially noticeable when the camera is panning or in motion. There's a hint of exposure issues in outdoor scenes, which might affect viewing pleasure. Sporadic instances of image damage are detectable, but they don't distract significantly from the overall presentation. This Blu-ray offers a video quality consistent with similar SOV features from its era, providing an acceptable visual fidelity of nostalgia for the genre's enthusiasts within the technical constraints of the material.
Audio: 49
The Blu-ray release of "Guilty Pleasures" presents a 2.0 DTS-HD MA audio track that provides a straightforward yet imperfect auditory experience. Dialogue delivery is generally unobstructed, offering a modest understanding of the exchanges, crucial in scenes marked by intense dramatic swings. The background noise is controlled, rarely interfering with vocal clarity. However, appreciation of dialogue can diminish during scenes with extensive character movement, demanding attention to English subtitles for uninterrupted comprehension. The scoring maintains an engaging synth presence, suitably supporting suspenseful scenes, though occasionally overpowered by music that overshadows pivotal dialogue moments.
Technical aspects are exemplary in portraying sound effects, with most being sharply recorded in-camera, lending authenticity yet sometimes creating abrupt auditory shifts. While these effects contribute positively to the mix's immersive qualities, they can be jarring without proper balance. The mix retains a clear quality in terms of sound definition, adhering to production constraints, but struggles with maintaining an evenly distributed aural texture, particularly when tension peaks. In summary, the audio mix of "Guilty Pleasures" achieves basic level expectations with its DTS-HD 2.0 configuration, delivering an acceptable listening experience despite its limitations.
Extras: 66
The Blu-Ray extras for "Guilty Pleasures" are robust, providing a mix of retrospection and behind-the-scenes insights that complement the film's cult status. Joe Zaso’s commentary offers both levity and depth, recounting production tales alongside stretches of silence. "A Dangerous Method" dives into Zaso and Sasha Graham's career paths, recounting their journey from early filmmaking to collaboration on this project with candid enthusiasm. Carl Marchese’s "Duly Impressed" interview provides a brief yet charismatic look at his involvement, including entertaining on-set stories. The Image Gallery, paired with an eerie synth score, and the original trailers round out the offerings. These extras enrich the "Guilty Pleasures" experience by blending archival richness with personal anecdotes, appealing to both devoted fans and new viewers alike.
Extras included in this disc:
- Audio Commentary: A commentary by Joe Zaso providing production insights and humor.
- A Dangerous Method: An interview featuring Joe Zaso and Sasha Graham discussing their filmmaking experiences.
- Duly Impressed: Carl Marchese shares anecdotes from his involvement in the shoot.
- Image Gallery: A collection of production stills accompanied by a synth score.
- Original Guilty Pleasures Trailer: The promotional trailer for "Guilty Pleasures".
- Other Saturn’s Core Releases Trailer: Trailers showcasing additional Saturn’s Core releases.
Movie: 41
Guilty Pleasures, a 1997 anthology horror film directed by Joe Zaso and Joseph F. Parda, revisits the shot-on-video genre through a blend of psychological tension and stylistic nods to giallo and Eurohorror classics. The movie encapsulates two segments, "Nocturnal Emissions" and "Method to the Madness," offering a familiar tale of exploitation layered with violence and suspense. Despite the ambition, the transition from inspiration to execution is marred by extended runtime and technical limitations, typical of zero-budget production values. The directors attempt to deliver suspenseful narratives while indulging in explicit sexual dynamics and thrilling but contrived plot twists.
In "Nocturnal Emissions," Sylvia (Alexandra Paulhiac) emerges from an abusive relationship only to face another menace in the guise of anonymous obscene phone calls. Police officer Phil (Joe Zaso), initially an ally, becomes entangled in Sylvia's turmoil through an increasingly toxic relationship. This segment nods heavily to Dario Argento's oeuvre with its black-gloved killer and metal-infused soundtrack. However, its adherence to shock value over tight storytelling detracts from building genuine suspense, with awkward visual choices further hampering its effectiveness.
"Method to the Madness" follows Rosemarie (Sasha Graham), an aspiring actress who struggles under the tutelage of abrasive acting coach Claude DeCarlo (Joe Marzano). As reality blurs with hallucinations of a spectral figure, Monica, Zaso extends the narrative into a laborious exploration of psychosis and method-acting obsession. The segment shines when delving into madness of artistry but fails to sustain momentum due to repetitive symbolism and excessive length. Although visually comedic at times, the piece captures glimpses of psychological terror amid its disjointed trajectory.
Overall, Guilty Pleasures serves as a homage to giallo filmmaking with an emphasis on spectacle rather than substance. While it may not resonate with mainstream audiences, it holds appeal for enthusiasts of shot-on-video horror and midnight movie collectors.
Total: 50
"Guilty Pleasures" offers an uneven yet occasionally captivating experience divided into two segments: "Nocturnal Emissions" and "Method to the Madness." The film begins on a strong note with "Nocturnal Emissions," showcasing some commendable directorial flair and embracing the inherent goofiness that defines its charm. Despite the Segment's limitations as a Shot-On-Video (SOV) production, it retains a certain vitality and quirky energy, which may satisfy viewers fond of this distinctive subgenre. However, the excitement falters significantly with "Method to the Madness," where the narrative lags, resulting in a less engaging second half.
Fans of sleazy sexploitation and Giallo may find the mix of themes intriguing, though the transition from one segment to the next disrupts overall cohesiveness. Although the film doesn't maintain its momentum, there are intermittent inspired moments that may appeal to cult movie enthusiasts. The Blu-ray release by Saturn's Core and OCN Distribution enhances the viewing experience with a satisfactory audio-visual presentation and an appealing array of bonus features, further adding value for collectors and those passionate about obscure cinema.
In conclusion, "Guilty Pleasures" struggles to maintain consistency across its segments but provides a peculiar viewing adventure filled with unexpected delights. While entertainment value varies, the film remains a curiosity piece for SOV enthusiasts and those intrigued by unique filmmaking choices. The Blu-ray edition serves as a preservation of its eccentric charm, making it worth exploring despite its narrative inconsistencies.
Blu-ray.com review by Brian OrndorfRead review here
Video: 60
Fine detail isn't available, but some understanding of frame elements is present, entering living spaces, rehearsal rooms, and tours of NYC streets....
Audio: 70
The 2.0 DTS-HD MA provides a simple understanding of dialogue exchanges, capturing thespian intensity with wild dramatic swings, and background noise isn't too intrusive....
Extras: 80
Meeting director Joseph F. Parda, Zaso found a partner for his projects, leading the men to the genesis of "Guilty Pleasures," which soon involved the casting of Graham....
Movie: 50
Zaso combines this journey with Rosemarie's dissolving sense of reality, laboring to build a mystery with Monica, a ghostly figure who initially appears in dreams, soon graduating to visions....
Total: 70
The film peaks too soon, as "Method to the Madness" brings the whole offering to a halt, with the heaviest, least active story saved for last....
High-Def DigestRead review here
Video: 40
However, scene particulars disappear in darker settings, especially when the camcorder is in motion....
Audio: 40
...
Extras: 60
Saturn’s Core and OCN Distribution provide new and archival material for the bonus features....
Movie: 40
Inspired by a real-life stalker and the reputations of method acting coaches in NYC, Zaso drew on his experiences to shape this gothic-inspired tale....
Total: 40
As a fan of sleazy sexploitation and Giallo, I found this an entertaining mix of themes and homages, but it didn’t gel for me beyond a collection of inspired moments....
Director: Joe Zaso, Joseph F. Parda
Actors: Sasha Graham, Alexandra Paulhiac, Eraldo Maglara, Joe Zaso
PlotThe film unfolds in the enigmatic world of a secluded mansion, where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur. Emma, an ambitious journalist, arrives at the mansion to investigate rumors surrounding its mysterious owner, Vincent, a reclusive but charismatic author. Intrigued by Vincent’s reputation for penning dark and passionate stories, Emma is determined to discover the truth hidden within the mansion's walls. Upon entering, she is captivated by an opulent party thrown in Vincent's honor, with its eclectic mix of guests indulging in hedonistic pleasures. As Emma is drawn deeper into this world of decadence, she encounters Claire, a beguiling yet secretive artist who shares a complicated history with Vincent.
Emma's initial curiosity grows into a perilous quest for answers as she uncovers disturbing clues and unsettling secrets within the mansion. The lines between fiction and reality begin to dissolve, thrusting her into a labyrinth of psychological intrigue. Emma's growing obsession with both Vincent and Claire's tumultuous past leads her to question her own desires and sanity. As the night unfolds, each revelation plunges her further into the enigmatic web of deceit and passion swirling around the mansion. Her investigation takes unexpected turns, challenging her perceptions of truth and fantasy, until she reaches the brink of a life-altering choice that will forever change her path.
Writers: Joseph F. Parda, Joe Zaso
Release Date: 31 Oct 1997
Runtime: 1 h 45 min
Rating: N/A
Country: N/A
Language: N/A