Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.5
Audio		3.5
Extras		1.0
Overall		3.5

I Like to Watch Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf July 18, 2020

1982’s “I Like to Watch” endeavors to be a seductive understanding of voyeurism. Not the psychology of the act, but the sheer amount of it, with a cast of oversexed characters trying to reach different heights of arousal as they take to small holes and cracked-open doors to experience the thrill of peeping.

Leticia (Pat Manning) is a fashion designer overwhelmed by the planning process leading to her television debut. She clings to her niece, Laura (Bridgette Monet), for support, with the young woman also struggling in life, unable to figure out what boyfriend Michael (Mike Horner) wants from her, frustrated by their sexless union. As they work to make a big media splash, individual satisfaction is managed, often through acts of voyeurism.

Writer/director Paul Vatelli makes an effort to handle motivation with “I Like to Watch,” dealing with Linda, who isn’t getting much from Michael, leaving her open season for the predators that invade her life. The picture examines Linda’s awakening, initially watching her aunt devour a boyfriend, moving over to a lesbian seduction care of Linda (Lisa De Leeuw), a fashion client who has her own household video set-up to please her hidden lover. There’s something in here concerning Leticia’s panic about her television debut, but “I Like to Watch” doesn’t follow through on the story. Instead, it offers the titular event multiple times, maintaining kink and oddity, as one encounter between Michael and a pair of models named Cinnamon and Honey begins as something out of a horror movie.

I Like to Watch Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Listed as "Newly scanned & restored in 2K from its 35mm original camera negative," "I Like to Watch" is appealingly refreshed for its AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation. Colors are especially vivid, enjoying primary pushes on costuming, offering heavier reds and blues. Greenery is exact. Skintones are natural. Detail is exceptional, with skin particulars precise throughout, and costuming is fibrous, dealing with silky, lacy undergarments. Delineation is comfortable. Grain is fine and film-like. Source has some minor wear and tear, including some visible frame damage.

I Like to Watch Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix shows a bit more age, with a slightly muddier track that also wrestles with sibilance issues. Dialogue exchange reach about as far as possible, and intelligibility isn't a problem. Soundtrack selections are adequate, with decent instrumentation. Scoring is similar, with some synth stings.

I Like to Watch Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• A Theatrical Trailer (2:50, HD) is included.

I Like to Watch Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"I Like to Watch" promises more drama than it delivers, with Vatelli trying to get the film back on track in the finale. Emotional arcs aren't there, but heat is, giving viewers an engaging understanding of personal desires and ferocious couplings. And for fans of random humor, there's a scene devoted to a Vietnam Vet-turned-janitor trying to bite a lingerie model's bottom. And who says 2020 is all gloom and doom.