Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.5
Overall		4.0

Pandora's Mirror Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf October 29, 2022

The demands of temptation are examined in 1981’s “Pandora’s Mirror,” which pits star Veronica Hart against the lure of an enchanted mirror and all the desire it offers. It’s adult cinema with some sense of class and storytelling ambition, presenting erotic vignettes from writer/director Shaun Costello (billed as “Warren Evans”), who attempts to create a sensorial experience with the endeavor while enjoying the time travel aspects of the tale. Of course, there’s not a major budget to fully realize the premise, but Costello gets the effort up and moving quickly, replicating the romance novel experience with the feature, which is actually quite engaging between scenes of carnal activity.

A woman of the city, Pandora (Veronica Hart) has lost some passion for it all, fed up with her romantic partners, such as Peter (Jamie Gillis), and bored of her obnoxious friend, Liz (Sandra Hillman). When she visits an antique shop one afternoon, Pandora is drawn to a special enchanted mirror, becoming obsessed with visiting the item, which provides access to her deepest fantasies. However, such fixation is dangerous for the woman, who becomes obsessed with visiting other times and people, getting lost in their lustful adventures.

It's hard to not like a film where the opening dialogue concerns gossip about Olivia Newton John’s gynecological visits. But that’s basically it for lightheartedness in “Pandora’s Mirror,” which quickly transitions into a more dramatic understanding of Pandora’s concentration on the antique store item, with the owner (Frederick Foster) well aware of its unique power, especially on female customers. He puts up a small fight to prevent Pandora from seeing the hidden mirror, but she insists, getting her first taste of magic with a view of Revolutionary War-era farmland, where a young wife is initially gifted the mirror from her stuffy husband. All she wants is a sexual experience, and when her spouse passes on afternoon delight, three soldiers set up to finish the job, giving Pandora a voyeuristic experience she can’t shake.

“Pandora’s Mirror” tracks the main character’s growing determination to visit the mirror and how the item begins to change her desires. She grows agitated with Peter and his crude demands for pleasure, more receptive to the visual of young men weight training on their apartment roof across the street. Fantasy sequences are scattered throughout the feature, with Pandora visiting 1930s Hollywood, where starlet Nancy (Lacey Smith) submits to the influence of industry star Veronica (Marlene Willoughby), and there’s time spent in the 1980s, with Broadway hopeful Bonnie (Hillary Summers) providing a unique audition for producers. Perhaps most unusual is a trip to the Hellfire Club, an S&M spot where Alice (Merle Michaels) hopes to be claimed by the masses while her husband watches.

Pandora's Mirror Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.37:1 aspect ratio) presentation is listed as "newly scanned and restored in 2K from its 35mm interpositive." The viewing experience has a level of softness, but frame particulars are appreciable throughout "Pandora's Mirror." Detail is explored with ample skin surfaces, and costuming retains fibrousness, dealing with different time periods and fashion choices. Exteriors retain depth, and interiors preserve decorative additions. Colors are compelling, providing accurate primaries on outfits and makeup. Greenery is defined, along with natural skin tones. Delineation is satisfactory. Grain is heavier but film-like. Source is in decent condition, with some slight wobble and scratches.

Pandora's Mirror Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 1.0 DTS-HD MA mix delivers clear dialogue exchanges, supporting performances and accents. Scoring delivers crisp instrumentation, carrying the feature with authority as it visits fantasy zones, sliding into more dramatic tones at times. Atmospherics are simple, but city bustle is appreciable.

Pandora's Mirror Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary #1 features writer/director Shaun Costello.

• Commentary #2 features actress Veronica Hart.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (4:16, HD) is included.

Pandora's Mirror Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Pandora's Mirror" provides a successful mix of seduction and disorientation, with Costello putting some time into his visuals and tone, ending up with something psychological and physical. Performances are capable as well, with Hart selling the disorientation of Pandora and her quest to satisfy desires she never paid attention to before, with magic and a mirror providing the key that unlocks something strange.