Plot: What’s it about?
This release is a volume in Showtime’s Red Shoe Diaries, which is a late night series on the network which features some sexually charged sequences and plenty of naked flesh. This series is helmed by Zalman King, who many believe to the king of soft-core and they are more than simple T&A offerings. Sure you’ll find enough boobs and butts to keep your eyes busy, but these episodes also have decent storylines and production values also. So you can satisfy your erotica fix at the same time you take in some nice visuals and at times, even decent acting. Showtime has decided to release this series on our beloved format and it looks like they’re serious as these are some nice discs. Each disc contains three complete episodes, complete with all sorts of bonus goodies including audio commentary from Zalman King himself. Not too bad, eh? If you’re a fan of this series I can’t imagine a better way to own the episodes than this terrific DVD series. Below you will find a listing and description of the episodes specific to this disc.
1. Written Word– As each lust soaked letter is sent between two pen pals, they want more and more to go beyond the pen and paper. When they do finally meet things get very serious and I hope someone remembers to change the sheets! This is typical Red Shoe stuff and then some, so I think series lovers will enjoy this one.
2. Borders Of Salt– I guess being on a train makes you hornier than usual, because when these two folks meet up it seems like they can’t wait to shed their clothes and get down. It’s like a vacation within a vacation, I suppose. I didn’t care for this episode, but I am sure fans of the series will appreciate it more than I did.
3. Girl On A Bike– Ever see the perfect woman, only to lose her in a crowd and never see her again? In Paris a man spies his dream girl he follows her all through the streets as she rides along, but will he ever catch and make passionate love to her? This was the best episode on this disc and I think I might watch it again, to be honest.
Video: How does it look?
Each episode of Red Shoe Diaries is presented in a full frame transfer, which retains the original aspect ratio of the show. This is a television series so the image isn’t as polished as a feature film, but it does look good and shouldn’t disappoint fans of the show. This looks just as good as it does on television, but is much sharper and more detailed. The colors are rich and lush, without being oversaturated and flesh tones emerge normal and consistent. I didn’t see any trouble with the contrast either, as shadows are complex and no detail seems to be lost.
Audio: How does it sound?
This release uses a stereo track and it handles all the audio tricks this material throws at it. This material doesn’t call for much audio punch, so the stereo format is more than adequate. The music is terrific and sounds even better than usual in this mix, while all the sounds of passion come through well also. So if you need to hear it, you will with this track. The dialogue is on track also, with no volume issues and high clarity at all times.
Supplements: What are the extras?
If you’re a Red Shoe Diaries fan, this release is loaded with stuff you’ll love to peruse. You’ll find an interactive version of a wheel of sex game, a cool trivia game with bonus footage if you can answer the tough questions, some filmographies, and even some text entries into the diary you can read yourself. You can also check out the screenplay for Borders Of Salt and see how the scenes changed with a button on your remote control, which is cool. You can also view three pieces of bonus footage, which should please those interested. The final supplement is an audio commentary throughout the episodes by Zalman King, who details all manner of information about the series, himself, and the actors involved.
