For Men Only Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		1.5
Video		4.0
Audio		2.5
Extras		3.5
Overall		3.0

For Men Only Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf May 15, 2016

Making a career leap from nude 8mm loops to material fit for theatrical distribution, writer/director Pete Walker retains his sexploitation style for 1968’s “For Men Only,” which looks to merge some rather unadventurous ogling with mild comedy antics -- think “Benny Hill,” but without the cheeky spirit. “For Men Only” isn’t aggressive or inventive in any way, with Walker somehow masterminding smut that one could watch with a grandparent and not feel weird about it.

“For Men Only” spotlights the concerns of journalist Freddie (David Kernan), who decides to leave his gig with Vogue to work for a publishing company that specializes in morally minded magazines, trying to remain respectable for his fiancée, Rosalie (Andrea Allan). However, once on the job, Freddie discovers that his editor is far from the pious man he plays, introduced to a secret men’s club populated with a dozen bikini-clad models and photographic opportunities. It’s a plot Walker doesn’t pay the strictest attention to, with his interests remaining on the display of scantily-clad actresses, though actual nudity isn’t included here. Obviously, it was a different, more modest era in 1968, but Walker doesn’t push his luck, playing “For Men Only” as easily as he can, with only modest displays of rear ends as racy as the picture gets.

For Men Only Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.37:1 aspect ratio) presentation carries the extremely mild technical achievements of "For Men Only" successfully to Blu-ray. Flaws remain throughout the viewing experience, including a rough source that has its share of damage and discoloration. However, detail is generally satisfying when focal proficiency allows it, highlighting facial nuances and fibrous costuming. Color shows some fade, but hues aren't completely unappealing. Delineation is comfortable.

For Men Only Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 Dolby Digital track is simple, but age is apparent throughout the listening experience. Hiss is detected, and the mix sounds slightly muffled at times, making a few dialogue exchanges difficult to hear. Scoring is equally muted, rarely showing strength.

For Men Only Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• "Get Cheeky with Pete Walker" (8:48, HD) discusses both "School for Sex" and "For Men Only," tracking the helmer's creative development through his early years making "girly loops" for easy money. Happily enjoying a career in sexploitation, Walker recalls battles with censorship rules, resulting in "hot" and "soft" versions of "School for Sex," which he surprisingly lists as the worst movie he's ever made.

• Glamour Loops (62:59, HD) present Walker's early interest in the aforementioned "girly loops," which offer the adventures of women, their daily routine, and nudity.

• "'School for Sex' Alternate Footage" (13:35, HD) showcases "hot" takes from the picture, collecting all the nudity.

• And a "School for Sex" Theatrical Trailer (2:58, HD) is included.

For Men Only Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Unless watching women (billed here as "the birds") in swimsuits sunbathing, playing tennis, and chasing one another is your thing, "For Men Only" is going to feel a lot longer than its 40 minute run time. It's dull, painfully so at times, and Walker's idea of comedy feels ancient even for 1968, cooking up misunderstandings and bad timing for laughs. Sadly, there's nothing exciting about "For Men Only," leaving it strictly for Walker enthusiasts and those researching the history of the bikini in British culture.