6.2 | / 10 |
Users | 4.0 | |
Reviewer | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
Two teenagers living in the Victorian era are traveling from Baghdad to Damascus when their party is attacked and all of the adults are killed. After the two are taken prisoner by a sheik, they manage to escape, and alone in the desert they discover love, sex and how to survive.
Starring: Phoebe Cates, Willie Aames, Tuvia Tavi, Joseph Shiloach, Richard CurnockRomance | 100% |
Drama | 79% |
Teen | 54% |
Adventure | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 (48kHz, 24-bit)
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 (48kHz, 24-bit)
Theatrical Mix + Pre-Release Mix
English SDH
Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Slipcover in original pressing
Region A, B (C untested)
Movie | 2.5 | |
Video | 4.0 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 3.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
I don’t believe anyone was more shocked by the success of 1980’s “The Blue Lagoon” than the very people who made the picture. A small feature aimed at a teenage audience, “The Blue Lagoon” managed to attract all demographics with its depiction of island survival and sexual awakening, becoming a phenomenon and the ninth highest-grossing release of the year (sandwiched between “Smokey and the Bandit II” and “The Blues Brothers”). The stars of the endeavor, Brooke Shields and Christopher Atkins, also became media sensations, encouraging the creation of a devoted fanbase. Obviously, other producers weren’t going to miss a chance to cash-in on something so red-hot, paving the way to the creation of 1982’s “Paradise,” which once again pairs a curly-haired young man and a straight-haired young woman, capturing their trials and offerings of nudity while exploring a little corner of the world on their own. Writer/director Stuart Gillard (“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III,” “WarGames: The Dead Code”) is under strict orders to stay close to the highlights of the 1980 effort, also laboring to expand the adventure elements of the plot. He’s also greatly in love with supporting turns from chimpanzees, representing one of several puzzling creative choices in this ineffective knock off, which has a great deal of difficulty trying to get through a simple study of sexploitation and nature’s ways.
The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation for "Paradise" offers a decent sense of detail throughout the adventure. Skin particulars, the big showcase for the feature, are intact, with plenty of time devoted to half-naked stars, while supporting character retain displays of age. Chimpanzee fur and features are also appreciable. The wide open world of the movie retains depth, protecting desert and coastal expanse. Interiors are rare, but also carry dimension. Skin tones are natural on humans and animals. Desertscapes deliver brightness and defined hues, matched with blue waters. Costuming brings out some varied looks, and reds are distinct. Delineation is satisfactory. Grain is heavier and film-like. Source is in good condition.
The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix secures clear dialogue exchanges, preserving argumentative moments and sensitive encounters with decent balance. Scoring supports with sharp instrumentation, exploring all sorts of comedic and melodramatic moods. Sound effects are acceptable. Also available is a music- only track and a "pre-release" mix, though what this is exactly isn't explained. One noticeable change is found in the end credits, which retain a film score while the theatrical release version of "Paradise" offers a closing Phoebe Cates pop song.
"Paradise" achieves a few of its creative goals, including a deflowering sequence that's treated as event cinema. The story heads in a familiar direction, putting David and Sarah on the run from Al-Aziz and his soldiers, but Gillard isn't terribly invested in escalating suspense, oddly burning through a development that has Sarah taken by The Jackal, only to be rescued a few minutes later. So much for that. Of course, the point of "Paradise" isn't dramatic potential. Gillard is tasked to keep his main actors glistening and nude, and there's plenty of that in the movie. However, it certainly wouldn't hurt to have a compelling understanding of the central partnership, with this copycat forgoing the passable pubescent dewiness of "The Blue Lagoon" for a harsher relationship and 100% more chimpanzee zaniness.
Limited Edition to 3000 - SOLD OUT
1980
2015
Warner Archive Collection / Includes German-Language Alternate Version
1930
2012
2017
2009
1932
2012
2013
2008
2017
2015
1999
2010
2016
Limited Edition to 3000
1953
1984
2000
2002
2016