Search - Midnight Blue Vol. 1 - The Deep Throat Special Edition on DVD

Better Than Inside Deep Throat

joseph Corey | Raleigh, NC United States | 10/23/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the legendary show that was whispered about across America, but only available on Manhattan cable. Al Goldstein (publisher of Screw) is a great host since he wants to elevate these films to legit status, but he's a dirty old man hitting on his female guests. Imagine Charlie Rose with a raging libido. Even 30 years later, there's nothing quaint about this show. It would still widen eyeballs on any cable channel - even in this era of Howard Stern and HBO's "Real Sex."

This 2-hour compendium of episodes on this DVD features Al's interviews with "Deep Throat" related figures - director Gerard Damiano, star Harry Reems, supporting actress Carol Connors and Chuck Traynor, the ex-husband of Linda Lovelace. I have seen "Inside Deep Throat," but this is more entertaining and informative.

While Al doesn't have a commentary track, he gives us a modern perspective with informative subtitles. There are a few shockers among Al's tidbits. What would be one? That Carol Connors, who played the nurse in "Deep Throat," is Thora Birch's mom. I didn't know that. (Thora's dad was erotic actor John Birch.) That fact alone was worth the rental. The producer wanted Carol to be the star of "Deep Throat," but she couldn't perform the star stunt so she took the supporting role. Although in her interview, she mentions having added that technique to her repertoire. This is something completely skipped over in "Inside Deep Throat."

Reems' interview is amazing for his future vision of what will happen to the porn film industry with the introduction of home video. He is a naked Nostradamus. He speaks of his court case when he was on trial for his involvement with "Deep Throat." Traynor's a weird character since as Lovelace's husband he's been accused of being beating her. Traynor's defense is that they had a BDSM relationship. Either way, the man is creepy. Damiano comes off as a filmmaker instead of merely a slimy mobster tool. Although for a former
hairdresser, he has a hideous wig.

People complain about commercials, but on this DVD set, you will be glued to the screen during the breaks. They didn't advertise hamburgers on "Midnight Blue." It's hilarious how they have to hint what goes on at "leisure spas." Are we really supposed to believe the naked women are merely giving therapeutic massages and baths? There's a porn theater letting you know what you can get for $2.49 - "Your best hardcore film bargain!" There's even an ad for "Synth Coke" that can be had by sending your money to a PO Box in Kittery, Maine. Plus you get to see the pool at Plato's Retreat. This is a well-rounded view of Manhattan's carnal underbelly.

The video quality is better than what you'd expect from a mid-70s to 80s cable access show. There are periodic glitches, but nothing that ruins the experience. If you're interested in the subject of "Deep Throat," this is essential viewing."

Cable access is not what its cracked up to be.

J.G. | los angeles, CA | 09/21/2005

(2 out of 5 stars)

"This movie is just a bunch of cable access shows from midnight blue. The title didn't lie. It was just boring. Don't get me wrong, it is informative. There are facts about the stars of deepthoat.

The comercials for the movie should of been cut. 1 set possibly could of been left in to give you a feel of the times. But, there are just too many of them in between the interviews.

If you are a fan of the original shows, then you might enjoy going back in time. The rest, beware."

Back when America wasn't so uptight about sex

Ronnie Clay | Winnsboro, Louisiana | 03/10/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This brings you several episodes of the long running New York cable access show created by "Screw" magazine and hosted by Al Goldstein and Alex Bennett. The show had a heady mix of politics and sex this DVD released by Blue Underground."

Disappointing

Ken | Honolulu | 02/28/2009

(1 out of 5 stars)

"This is a copy of an old cable TV, talk show.
There's no Porn in it.
You could show it to your young daughter and it would put her to sleep.
Boring.
Don't buy it.
"