Rating summary
| Movie |  | 4.0 |
| Video |  | 4.5 |
| Audio | | 4.5 |
| Extras | | 4.0 |
| Overall | | 4.5 |
Mascara Blu-ray Movie Review
Reviewed by Brian Orndorf July 26, 2019
1983’s “Mascara” attempts to address the wilds of fantasy, emerging as something of a female empowerment picture that’s only slightly attentive to
the inner fires of the lead character. Co-directors Henri Pachard and Roberta Findlay show more interest in kink, with the feature surveying the
specialty of human sexuality as it dips into private areas of submission and control. “Mascara” isn’t quite the French art film the production wants to
be, but it does have a little more on its mind than other adult titles, emerging as an odyssey into the thick of wants and needs during the hustle and
bustle of New York City in the 1980s.
Lisa De Leeuw stars as Harriet, a bored secretary as TNA Imports who dreams of a more sexually daring life. She finds such clarity in Lucy (Lee
Carroll), an escort who specializes in satisfying kinky desires for men and women. Harriet wants Lucy to teach her the ropes, looking for an
adventure, soon off on a potent education concerning the bedroom idiosyncrasies of others.
“Mascara” settles into the partnership between Lucy and Harriet, who become a team of sorts, with the experienced escort shoving the secretary into
the deep end of sexual gamesmanship. The movie makes the most of De Leeuw and Carroll, who both have strong, borderline cantankerous
personalities, making them an unexpectedly irritable tag team meeting those who demand to be taken and those who enjoy the taking.
Mascara Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality
The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation is a billed as a 2K scan from the "35mm original camera negative." There's appealing
freshness to the viewing experience, which secures a large amount of detail as it surveys bedroom antics, revealing skin surfaces and fibrous period
outfits, including plenty of spandex. Interiors are also open for study, showcasing spare decoration. Colors are respectfully refreshed, with eveningwear
supplying potent primaries, along with trips to bars and workspaces. Skintones are natural, and De Leeuw's famous mane of red hair retains its
vividness. Delineation is satisfactory. Source is in reasonable shape, with some mild speckling and scratches, but slight judder is a common sight.
Mascara Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality
The 1.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix provides a relatively clear listening event for "Mascara," though production limitations are easily understood, with brief
muddiness popping up periodically. Dialogue exchanges are secure, with full voices and precise emotionality, while more primal responses are equally
defined. Music comes through as intended, never overwhelming the track.
Mascara Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras
- Commentary #1 features producer/cinematographer/co-director Roberta Findlay.
- Commentary #2 features actress Lee Carroll.
- Script Gallery (3:18) is offered.
- And a Theatrical Trailer (3:35, HD) is included.
Mascara Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation
The picture aims to detail Harriet's awakening as a sexually confident woman, but the message is buried under bedroom antics, with kinky antics
generally stealing the spotlight. "Mascara" offers a muddled message, but it's very entertaining, boosted by inviting/slightly intimidating lead actresses,
also retaining something of a sense of humor, delivering a bit of life to the coupling routine.
