Cheeky Blu-ray Review

Presented in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, Tinto Brass' "Cheeky" arrives on Blu-ray through Cult Epics with a 1080p transfer. The presentation quality is largely average, which aligns with expectations considering the historical handling of Brass' filmography. The transfer appears to employ moderate filtering throughout, resulting in a generally soft image. While close-up shots under good lighting demonstrate better clarity, the overall softness is pervasive. It should be noted that these issues likely stem from the older master used for this release. Color reproduction also suffers but remains just short of being overtly distracting. However, the noticeable absence of severe sharpness corrections, cuts, damage marks, or scratches is commendable.

Despite some disappointments, this Blu-ray release does exhibit notable improvements over the previously available R1 DVD release from Cult Epics. The improved compression significantly reduces macroblocking patterns in darker scenes, particularly noticeable during the party sequence. Additionally, colors appear more stable and detail levels are clearly better, although these enhancements stand out mainly because the DVD transfer was comparably poor. The picture presents a decent contrast yet occasionally runs hot with clipping in the highlights; blacks generally hold up well but shadows are sometimes overly intense, obscuring finer details in dimly lit interiors. While primary colors are notably rich and flesh tones are healthier, the overall presentation remains mostly average, punctuated by a few moments of visual excellence. This Region-Free Blu-ray disc can be played on various consoles and standalone players irrespective of geographical location.

The Blu-ray release of "Cheeky" presents two standard audio tracks, available in English Dolby Digital 2.0 and Italian Dolby Digital 2.0. It should be noted that Cult Epics has also provided optional English subtitles for the main feature. While the absence of lossless audio tracks such as DTS or Dolby Atmos is quite disappointing, it is understandable given the constraints likely faced by Cult Epics regarding available audio files.

Despite the lack of lossless audio, both Dolby Digital stereo soundtracks perform admirably within their limitations. The Italian track, albeit having a limited dynamic amplitude, is well-balanced and devoid of significant background noise or hiss. Dialogue, even with some instances of dubbing, remains clean, stable, and easily discernible. The English dub mirrors this clarity with well-prioritized and intelligible speech. The front-heavy mix benefits from a wide soundstage with discrete effects that are clear and convincing. The accompanying saxophone music enriches the listening experience with a deep low-end presence, and the overall dynamic range boasts cleanly-defined separation between mids and highs.

In summary, although not featuring the coveted lossless audio tracks that audiophiles desire, the provided Dolby Digital 2.0 tracks for "Cheeky" deliver a robust audio experience. The mix’s clarity, balanced dynamics, and effective prioritization of dialogue and effects make this release satisfactory given the technical limitations.

The Blu-ray extras of "Cheeky" offer a solid look behind the scenes and additional content that enriches the viewing experience. The main highlight is the featurette where director Tinto Brass delves into his philosophical views on women and discusses the character portrayed by Yuliya Mayarchuk, striking a balance between artistic intent and backstory. This is complemented by a well-curated photo gallery that showcases production stills and other relevant imagery, set to an engaging soundtrack. Additionally, the original trailer provides a glimpse into the film's theatrical marketing, presented in high definition for a more immersive feel.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Original trailer for "Cheeky," not subtitled.
• Backstage: Director Tinto Brass offers insights about the film, its genre, and characters.
• Photo Gallery: Collection of stills from "Cheeky," accompanied by music.

Tinto Brass' "Cheeky" (2000) is a characteristic exploration of eroticism, featuring a straightforward plot that aligns with most of the director’s works. The film centers on Carla (Yuliya Mayarchuk), who relocates to London and becomes entangled with Moira (Francesca Nunzi), a real estate agent, while her boyfriend Matteo (Jarno Berardi) remains in Italy. The movie navigates themes of infidelity, long-distance relationships, and spontaneous sexual encounters, infused with Brass’s signature style of humor and detailed close-ups of the cast's physical attributes.

“Cheeky” diverges from typical erotic films by attempting to incorporate a more involved narrative, though it vacillates between serious storytelling and outright softcore eroticism. The comedic elements, albeit sometimes misplaced, maintain a light-hearted tone, juxtaposed with explicit scenes that occasionally border on the uncomfortable. Noteworthy is Brass's perspective that women’s bottoms are inherently truthful, an idea he explores thoroughly with his cinematography. While this leads some scenes to feel like personal fantasies, it establishes a distinctive visual style that distinguishes his work from mainstream erotica.

The acting ranges from overly enthusiastic to fittingly spirited, with Mayarchuk and Nunzi delivering performances that align well with the film’s playful yet erotic tone. The soundtrack by Pino Donaggio adds a layer of sophistication, supporting the visual narrative effectively. In summation, “Cheeky” caters primarily to viewers looking for lighthearted adult entertainment interspersed with comical and melodramatic elements, rather than those searching for profound storytelling or high production values. As Brass maintains his idiosyncratic visual approach, it remains an intriguing curiosity within the genre.

"Cheeky!" by Tinto Brass presents a unique blend of softcore eroticism and comedy that serves late-night viewing well. This Blu-ray release, although not a groundbreaking film, showcases an increase in visual quality compared to previous DVD editions due to the significant shortcomings of earlier releases rather than a new high-definition transfer. Brass, the famed Italian director, is one of the last remaining filmmakers who imbue their work with the charm, humor, and style reminiscent of the Italian sexy comedies from the '70s and '80s.

The Blu-ray itself delivers strong video and decent audio, though it falls short in terms of supplementary content. Fans of Brass’ work may find this release appealing despite its limited enhancements, largely due to their appreciation for his distinctive directorial style and the film's array of beautiful women. However, for those who prioritize exceptional visual and storytelling elements in their erotic comedy films, alternatives such as Radley Metzger's "The Image" may provide a better experience.

In conclusion, while "Cheeky!" may not be the most exciting of Brass’ oeuvre since the 2000s, it retains enough charm and appeal for diehard fans of his work. The Blu-ray offers an acceptable upgrade in visual quality over past DVD releases. For enthusiasts looking to explore this niche genre, adding this film to your collection is advisable. For others, exploring different genre films might be a better choice.