Plot: What’s it about?
In Forbidden Sins, defense attorney Maureen Doherty (Shannon Tweed) takes the case of a troubled multimillionaire, who has found himself involved in a murder trial. The man is the prime suspect in the murder of a young, beautiful stripper who engaged in some kink laced sex games, only to wind up dead. Although there is some evidence, the man claims he is innocent and Doherty believes him, though she is unsure why, to be honest. At the same time, her ex-husband is the detective assigned to the case, so it has turned very personal for her, which could make her case harder to win. As if all this wasn’t enough, she has developed an intense attraction to her client, but is he innocent, or just using her to help regain his freedom? In Human Desires, fashion icon Alicia Royale (Shannon Tweed) throws a sexy pajama party to find her new star model, but the bash turns lethal when a young woman named Julie is found dead. The obvious signs point to suicide, but Julie’s best friend says that it impossible and implores a detective to uncover the truth, no matter what that takes. The world of fashion models might look glamorous, but this detective is about to find out that looks can indeed kill…
This double hammer of T&A entertainment is a Shannon Tweed festival, as she headlines both films. I think Columbia’s approach here is perfect, as I think the presence of two complete flicks enhances the value to no end and by turn, this means potential viewers will be more likely to take a chance on the disc. Plus, some people might not plunk down the cash for either of the films if they were solo, but wouldn’t hesitate to snatch this double feature release. Of course, you have to be into Tweed and softcore cinema to be interested, but I know that audience exists in large numbers, so no problem there. I’ve seen both movies prior to this review and while both are worth a look, Forbidden Sins is the main reason to check out this disc. Tweed does her usual performance, but the presence of the gorgeous Amy Lindsay adds a lot to the mix, especially when you consider that she disrobes on several occasions. Human Desires is a cut above the usual softcore, but isn’t quite as good, even with plentiful nude ladies involved. If you’re a fan of Shannon Tweed and softcore cinema, this disc offers a lot of bang for your buck and is well worth the investment. Now let’s hope Columbia has more of these double dips in the works…
She’s been in some mainstream films of course, but Shannon Tweed has never been able to crack the surface of mainstream stardom. As she has a large fanbase and a number of direct to video films however, I doubt she’s going broke. I think she is best known for her work in Playboy and various softcore cable shows, which is about what we’re given with these two flicks. I do think they’re a couple rungs above the usual softcore kind of movies, but don’t expect cinematic masterwork from this Tweed double feature. But she knows her audience and what they want, so both films are loaded down with action, of the hot, steamy kind if you follow the path I’m taking, wink wink, nudge nudge. You can also see Tweed in such films as Dead Sexy, The Rowdy Girls, Hard Vice, Sexual Response, Detroit Rock City, and Shadow Warriors. Others seen in these movies include Amy Lindsay (Femalien II, Confessions of a Lap Dancer), Corbin Timbrook (The Glass Shield, Ski Patrol), Dawn Ann Billings (Virtual Combat, Trancers III), and Christian Noble (The Killing Jar, Divorce Law).
Video: How does it look?
Both of these films are presented in full frame, which is the intended visual approach, so no need for concern. I’d say these flicks look as good as you could want, but these are low budget softcore pictures, so they don’t look reference level. I’d seen both movies on cable and both look much better here, a lot sharper and clearer, to be sure. The prints look clean, colors seem bright, flesh tones are natural, and contrast is more than stable, in other words, all the basics are covered here. You won’t be overly impressed with the transfers, but this is about as good as we could ask, which is all that matters.
Audio: How does it sound?
The stereo audio offered is more than acceptable, as these films weren’t geared toward intense presence or creative use of the speakers. The music sounds clean and has a nice range to it, while sound effects are well presented, given the limitations of the material and the stereo format, of course. No flaws to be found with the dialogue either, as vocals come through in crisp and clear form at all times. This disc also includes subtitles for each film in English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, and Chinese, should you need those.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This disc contains no bonus materials.
