Search - Bliss - The Complete First Season on DVD

Erotic, yes, but NOT pornography

Anja Pierce | California, USA | 09/09/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Another reviewer said that this show is one for women, and that it might leave you wanting more. I agree that this show is for women, but I don't think the point of this series was to be pornography (the "wanting more"). This is erotic art; it is beyond the realm of pornography. This show portrays women in many situations in which they learn about themselves and their strength through their sexual experiences. Maybe the viewer will be wanting more "action" from the characters and story lines, but that is not the point of these shows: the growth of the characters, and hopefully of the viewers, is the main point. This series was beautifully made and is erotic. But if you want straight-up porn, this is not the show for you."

Perfect Aperitif

Candice | California | 01/01/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was introduced to Bliss by the latenight lineup on the Oxygen channel, and I have to say, I cannot get enough. I'm missing precious sleep staying up to watch the episodes, and I really should just buy the darn thing, because you can watch the episodes time and time again. They're that good.

The show boasts being written, produced, directed, etc. by women, for women. That's nice- gives it a woman's perspective, I suppose- but this knowledge would mean nothing if the product wasn't superior. It is. I don't know if that's because of the women making it, but the end result is stunning.

Perhaps my favorite thing about this is that it ISN'T porn. I'm not against porn. It serves a purpose. But, first and foremost, I really don't enjoy seeing genitals. It's just not my thing. Buttocks- fine and titillating. Breasts, sure. Close-up almost peeks at pubic hair, a clothed erection or one in shadowy profile- hot. But I disdain the actual genital (erect being one grade worse than a flaccid nude shot). It makes me feel dirty. I don't know; maybe other women like that. Let them go for Playgirl- you get your fair share of that while maintaining the erotic/romantic side. But Bliss will only give you shots of the buttocks. To me, it's less sleazy, but still undeniably hot.

The second thing Bliss has is great stories. This NOT being porn, it's not all about the action, but puts things into context. And yet that context isn't just pizza guy delivers, and we've got no way to pay him, so start the sex! I can honestly say there are real issues at stake in every episode- women, and their men, struggling to come to terms with women wanting bondage, voyeurism, etc.. Trying to deal with plain sex vs. a relationship. And so on. My only complaint is that a half-hour is really too short for the shows. An hour would give them time to build complexity, evolve characters, and maybe cram in a bit more heat. Plus, many episodes end a little vaguely.

Anyways, the cinematography is lovely, the actors are all very attractive, and, unlike porn or other low-grade stuff, the acting here is very believable and watchable. If you catch it on a non-sexy scene, you would think it's just another nighttime drama. The stories are real but explicit and hot, and execution is perfect. I can't think of a better erotic DVD."

Button Punching

JohnT | Atlanta, GA United States | 01/18/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Bliss may be written for women, but I'm a man and I found it incredibly "moving." The buildup of erotic tension reminded me of the original Emmanuelle.

The first segment has always been a fantasy of mine. I couldn't have imagined the episode better myself and, best of all, there are no accusations, hysterics, fights, etc. the next morning after the two couples fall into a partner exchange.

Many of the other episodes are excellent too. Erotic tension runs through most of them and it is a lost art in movies. I agree with one of the other reviewers - these segments should all be at least an hour longer so that the tension could be further developed.

This collection of episodes is a must own.

"

Season Two is better but this is pretty good

Evangeline Anderson | Fl, USA | 12/29/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I own all three seasons and I have to say that season 2 is the best. It has more "hot" episodes, or at least, those are the ones that speak to me. Having said that, I really enjoyed at least 2 episodes of season one. The first was called A Path of Roses and dealt with a woman who wanted her boyfriend to get a little bit rough. He was put off by her desires but another man in her martial arts class was more than willing to comply. Very nice. I also enojoyed the last episode (forget the name) about a woman who meets a man whose name she doesn't even know for sex twice a week. Some of these stories don't have happy endings but that's true erotica. If you want a HEA ending you should try something more gearted toward romance. This series is about female desires and needs, not always a HEA ending.
The only thing I really didn't like about this season was that no fewer than four episodes had some kind of lesbian action in them. I don't have anythin against lesbians but girl on girl action is certainly not a turn on for me and I have difficulty believing that it is for so many women that the creators of this series decided to devote half the episodes in this season to it.
Anyway, try Season two. It has some very hot episodes that I shared with my hubby to heat things up."