Movie Review: The Passions of Carol (1975)

Review by Jeff

It’s just a few weeks until Christmas gets here and I still can’t help but wonder why there haven't been more Christmas themed porn films produced over the years. I know, It’s a sacred holiday to folks of the Christian faith, and the thought of Santa in an orgy with Mrs. Claus and the elves is beyond morbid, but still. Over the summer I learned from a pal that an adult film from legendary "Golden Age" director, Shaun Costello, called The Passions of Carol (based on A Christmas Carol), was discovered by a persistent archivist. As a fan of both porn and Christmas, I was overjoyed. The Passions of Carol had been released previously (by Video-X-Pix)to DVD from an inferior quality master, so the actual movie has been around, but film elements were unfortunatley thought to be lost – until now. Video-X-Pix recently added Shaun Costello’s, The Passions of Carol to their critically acclaimed line of Platinum Elite DVDs (Blonde Ambition, Maraschino Cherry and Deep Inside Annie Sprinkle all have recieved the Platinum treatment). Now, with the participation of Costello (Forced Entry, Waterpower, More than Sisters), Video-X-Pix delivers a brand-new remastered release of this tinsel covered porn oddity.

Movie Review: Maraschino Cherry

Growing up in the '80s and '90s and being exposed to much of the XXX films of both eras, it was rare that a film was pleasing to the eye - aside from the copious amounts of naked bodies and sexual acts on display. Porn wasn't suppose to be something that you could hold up to other genre films in the technical sense. This is precisely why I love the '70s era of porn. Radley Metzger under his pseudonym of Henry Paris produced several soft-core, artsy erotica before he started producing much of the "high-class" pornography he's known for. Films like The Opening of Misty Beethoven and of course today’s Blue Cheese review, Maraschino Cherry. Maraschino Cherry along with Blonde Ambition and Deep Inside Annie Sprinkle are apart of the Elite Platinum Series from Video-X-Pix - a newer brand of adult DVD that really dwarfs most similar releases in every department.

The Id is a Lonely Hunter: A Review of Shaun Costello's Midnight Desires

 “We hide our desires, even from ourselves.”

The way a person approaches their sexuality can often reveal a lot about their innermost workings, to the extent where that is often more fascinating to explore than the act itself. But how many people can honestly face their sexuality and the mental machina behind it? You are probably wondering where in the hell I'm going with all of this, but never fear, since this psycho-sexual road leads directly to Shaun Costello's mid-70's film, MIDNIGHT DESIRES.

Want A Blu-Ray Release Of "The Opening Of Misty Beethoven"?

Distribpix/435 Productions is hard at work on the 2-DVD Special Edition of "The Opening of Misty Beethoven" and aiming for a July release! But fans who wish they could be a part of bringing Misty to Blu-ray (or who would like to pick up the all-new poster, soundtrack or t-shirt to help fund the effort!) can head over to the "The Opening of Misty Beethoven Goes Blu-Ray" Kickstarter project starting today!

Get a sneak peek at the DVD's special features and take advantage of Kickstarter-exclusive pre-order bundles and discounts as we work to raise the funds needed for Blu-ray authoring, encoding, licensing and replication. If at the end of 21 days fans have pledged enough to make the Blu-ray possible, their credit cards will be charged, they'll get their cool discounted merchandise, and Misty will launch on Blu-ray as well as DVD. If not, no one pays a dime and the DVD release goes on as originally planned. It's win-win!

This is a community effort, so help us get the word out! Both the Blu-ray and the discounts ONLY happen if the project meets its funding goal! Like the project on Facebook, send links to friends, pitch it to friendly webmasters, and help Misty Go Blu!

HELP MISTY BEETHOVEN GO TO BLU RAY!

Radley Metzger's Classic "Naked Came A Stranger" Special Edition DVD Coming January 1st From Distribpix!

"Sophisticatedly amusing and wildly erotic."

- Al Goldstein- SCREW MAGAZINE

Pre-Order "Naked Came A Stranger" Now!

The Very Best Of Ron Jeremy: "Tales Of The Hedgehog" Wiggles Its Way On To DVD November 21st!!

For more information and how to get your own copy before the holiday season head on over to the Video-X-Pix website.

"Big Abner" Coming to DVD with a New Digital Transfer from Video-X-Pix!

For more information and how to order please go to the Video-X-Pix Website: Video-X-Pix

The Private Afternoons Of Pamela Mann Coming to DVD on August 22nd from Video-X-Pix!

Buy The Private Afternoons of Pamela Mann Box Set on DVD

For more information head on over to the Video-X-Pix website: WWW.VIDEO-X-PIX.COM

The Henry Paris Library coming soon from VIDEO-X-PIX!

Video-X-Pix is proud to announce the addition of the first four legendary ‘Henry Paris’ films to its historic collection of golden age adult films.

Made in the mid 1970s by famed director Radley Metzger using the pseudonym ‘Henry Paris’, these films are regarded as being among the greatest adult films ever made.

The films, The Private Afternoons of Pamela Mann (1974), Naked Came the Stranger (1975), The Opening of Misty Beethoven (1976), and Barbara Broadcast (1977), will be added to the Video-X-Pix Platinum Elite collection – the industry gold standard for the re-release of classic adult films of the golden era



By partnering with Radley Metzger, Video-X-Pix will release the ‘Henry Paris’ films in high definition re-mastered form, with a wealth of extras including the first commentaries and interviews that Metzger has done for these films, and a series of material that will shed light on the work of this important ground breaking director.

When asked about the acquisition, Video-X-Pix president Steven Morowitz was very vocal: “We are honored to have been entrusted by Radley Metzger to present these films in their definitive versions. This venture will confirm Video-X-Pix as the pre-eminent company in this market. I am so damn proud of this license deal and partnership with Radley. He is probably the most influential and well known erotic filmmaker of all time, having directed many critically acclaimed features of the 1960s and 70s. Radley is one of the nicest ‘old school’ guys I have ever met and each time I meet with him, I like him more and more. So far working with him has been nothing but wonderful."

"I have not been happy with the way in which the most recent versions of these films have been released to the public. I have been a huge fan of them for years and I am finally going to get my chance to bring them to the 21st century consumer…. and one of my goals is to focus on the mainstream market: I want Henry Paris to be a household name. Toward that end I have been working with several film historians, critics and even fans to help analyze each of these films in order to properly restore them. A huge point of discontent on the film forums today is the fans’ rejection of original vintage films being cut and re-edited. The fans want to see them uncut, in high-end collector’s editions, with HD transfers, many extras including the involvement of the director, cast and crew. My goal is to restore each of these films, bring a new awareness of these jewels and introduce them to a new audience.”


Speaking about the deal today, Radley Metzger expressed his pleasure saying, ‘It’s exciting to have these titles in the proper hands. I look forward to working closely with Steve during the restoration process’”

The company is also planning public showings of the films and considering striking new 35mm prints for film festivals which will be attended by Radley with appearances by a number of the featured stars. Further details will be announced in 2011.

For further updates please keep your eye on their website: WWW.VIDEOXPIX.COM

The Passions of Carol: A Real XXX Christmas Parody

Video-X-Pix presents their latest Platinum Elite remastered DVD release; a restored, edition of acclaimed cult filmmaker Shaun Costello's THE PASSIONS OF CAROL, an X rated parody of A CHRISTMAS CAROL. This classic adult comedy, which was first released theatrically in 1975, has long been sought after by fans of both its director and the sexploitation film genre, and is finally available in an ultimate collector's edition.


THE PASSIONS OF CAROL mixes humor, sex, and lavish costume and set design in its ribald retelling of Charles Dickens holiday classic. Mean-spirited Carol Scrooge runs Biva Magazine, a cheap sex mag, and refuses to allow her employees to take Christmas off from work. However, on Christmas Eve, Miss Scrooge is visited by three wise spirits who, through sultry visions, show her the evil of her ways and teach her the importance of Holiday kindness and giving.

This DVD release features an all new High-Definition transfer from the only known film elements, as well as the first ever audio commentary track by director Shaun Costello, plus a fully illustrated 20 page liner notes booklet written by Costello. Costello himself is overjoyed with the project and stated, "This thoroughly delightful re-release of THE PASSIONS OF CAROL, one of my favorites, is a result of Joe Rubin's resourcefulness, in bringing out the best picture quality possible from the High Definition transfer, and fixing those frustrating audio problems. And, the determination on behalf of VXP/Distribpix to make a high quality version of this film available to the public for the first time in 35 years. Thanks guys, for a job well done".

With a cast that includes legendary performers Jamie Gillis, Kim Pope, Marc "10 1/2" Stevens, Mary Stuart, Sonny Landham, and Alan Marlow and direction from one of the most innovative directors in the history of X rated cinema, Shaun Costello, whose other works include FORCED ENTRY, WATERPOWER, MIDNIGHT DESIRES, and DRACULA EXOTICA, PASSIONS is a perfect cinematic gift for any time of year.

Please head on over to the Video-X-Pix website for this title and many other classics!

WWW.VIDEOXPIX.COM