Let's Get Physical Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.5
Audio		3.5
Extras		2.5
Overall		4.0

Let's Get Physical Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf March 23, 2023

With 1983’s “Let’s Get Physical,” co-writer/star Hyapatia Lee works to utilize her fame in the adult industry, taking a possessory credit on the feature, making it perfectly clear that she’s the alpha on this production. She co-scripts with husband Bud Lee, and director Bob Chinn has the unenviable tasked of bringing this saga of ballet and marriage to the screen, and with little budget to work with. Lee remains committed to the cause, giving herself plenty of screentime and a juicy part, and her dedication to the soap opera mood of the film is laudable.

Maria (Hyapatia Lee) is a ballet teacher married to top dancer Carl (Paul Thomas), with their marital difficulties resulting in a car crash that injured her spouse, leaving them to deal with unresolved emotional and sexual issues. Concerned about their situation, Maria and Carl look outside of their marriage to deal with desires, with the two of them soon focusing on Renee (Shanna McCullough), a young student attracted to the couple, willing to do whatever the instructors require to satisfy their lust and build her into a better dancer for an upcoming recital.

Of course, the ethics of “Let’s Get Physical” aren’t great, with a certain level of predatory behavior going on with this study of a student/teacher relationship. But reality isn’t the goal here, with the writing creating a fantasy view of a struggling couple and their sexless marriage. Carl and Maria seem to care for each other, but they lost their way over the years, inspiring different experiences with other lovers, while Carl also deals with a physical disability, helping to complicate his lustfulness. “Let’s Get Physical” goes melodramatic right away, playing up the storminess of Maria’s feelings, with her desire to make things right between the pair distracted by her own needs, creating a strange disorientation to the tale, with Chinn trying to visually communicate this emotional divide.

Let's Get Physical Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation is sourced from a 2K scan of the 35mm original negative. Detail is appreciable throughout the viewing experience, with some degree of softness utilized for fantasy sequences. Skin particulars are decent, along with fine hair. Costuming is reasonably fibrous, examining softer ballet gear. Interiors are dimensional, exploring rehearsal and living spaces. Color is capable, with appealing primaries on clothing choices, and the woodsy feel of the rehearsal area is preserved. Skin tones are natural. Delineation is acceptable. Grain is heavy and film-like. Source is in good condition, with some mild wear and tear.

Let's Get Physical Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 1.0 DTS-HD MA mix does wrestle with sibilance issues, which is apparent during dialogue exchanges. Intelligibility isn't threatened. Soundtrack selections are also a bit crispy at times, but support as intended.

Let's Get Physical Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• "Getting Physical with Bob" (23:38, HD) is an interview with director Bob Chinn, who previously worked with star Hyapatia Lee on her first two features, turning her into a star. Another two movies were created, with "Body Girls" and "Let's Get Physical" used to help Lee and her husband, Bud Lee, understand the basics of production. Chinn details his time with the Lees, finding Hyapatia confident and professional, and he explores his relationships with other cast and crew members. The interviewee examines his headspace in the 1980s, growing weary of the industry, often tasked with making two movies for the price of one, also dealing with a move away from film-based productions. Creative demands are recalled, as Lee battled against low budgets, and there's candor, with the helmer referring to "Body Talk" and "Let's Get Physical" as two pictures he "didn't really care all that much for," unable to bring much to his oeuvre.

• A Trailer isn't included on this release.

Let's Get Physical Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Let's Get Physical" isn't complete, padding what little story it has with a dance number from Maria, and Carl even gets to serenade his objects of desire in a fantasy sequence. The basics in adult adventures are present, as Lee plays a big part in the film's sexual moves, making for a compelling sit as these endeavors go, with Chinn trying to turn up the heat while the Lees try to find some psychology.