Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.5

Corruption Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf December 31, 2015

Somewhere in the throbbing mix of flesh and sex, a few adult film directors were actively trying to make art while tending to the particulars of copulation. 1983’s “Corruption” is a prime example of salaciousness by way of art school, with helmer Roger Watkins attempting an eerie offering of abstraction to go with all the penetration, masterminding a descent into Hell with stars Jamie Gillis and Bobby Astyr, who deliver vivid work in this surprisingly effective brain-bleeder.

There’s a plot to “Corruption,” but it’s only addressed tangentially, with Watkins more interested in character experiences as men taste madness, doing little to keep viewers invested in the actual story. Instead of drama, unease takes command of “Corruption,” which plays with light, costuming, and color to identify degrees of unreality, maintaining a healthy appreciation for the surreal. Of course, weirdness is contrasted with extraordinarily blunt scenes of sexual contact featuring a bevy of co-stars (including Kelly Nichols, Tish Ambrose, Samantha Fox, and Vanessa Del Rio), but Watkins strives to accentuate the strangeness of it all, filling the effort with inventive oddity, lofty symbolism, and dreamscape navigation. This isn’t the type of adult movie one watches ten minutes at a time.

Corruption Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.78:1 aspect ratio) presentation finds plenty to explore, leading with terrific colors that are tastefully refreshed and purposeful. Primaries are sharp and bright, capturing the movie's visual intention with care. Skintones are spot-on, natural all the way. Detail is superb, with close-ups retaining their graphic intent, while set decoration and bodies are open for inspection. Grain is filmic and delineation is secure, handled well through a few darker scenes of mystery. Source is in fine shape, only contending with some mild speckling and scratches.

Corruption Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 1.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix leads with a surprisingly heavy synth score, which throbs throughout the feature as intensity and mystery are dialed up. Less weighty music registers as intended. Dialogue exchanges are defined to satisfaction, working through whispers, threats, and moans without disruption. Atmospherics are minimal, but room environments are preserved. Hiss and pops are detected throughout the listening experience, but never distract.

Corruption Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Bonus Feature: Hidden on the disc is the feature-length film, "Last House on Dead End Street" (HD), which is presented "as-is" due to limited elements. Vinegar Syndrome is currently on the hunt for a fresher version of the film.

• "Through the Lens" (12:25, HD) is a conversation with cinematographer Larry Revene. While he doesn't speak too specifically about "Corruption," he does share thoughts on a few of its stars, heaping praise on the more charismatic members of the cast, along with some warm memories of director Roger Watkins, who was a fan of creative collaboration.

• Press Book Gallery (:53) provides eight images.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (3:18, HD) is provided.

Corruption Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Corruption" is artfully made and slightly unnerving, playing like a lost David Lynch film. Bodies writhe and climaxes are reached, but Watkins almost treats the sex as an event to endure, eagerly slipping back into nightmare mode, where the movie makes its strongest impression.