6.6 | / 10 |
Users | 2.5 | |
Reviewer | 4.0 | |
Overall | 2.9 |
A despicable, whip-wielding villain lords over a harem of imprisoned young beauties in this sleazy exploitation drama. At least the cruel master gets what's coming to him when his "Pets" band together and develop a plan to fight for their freedom.
Starring: Ed Bishop, Joan Blackman, Candice Rialson, Mike Cartel, K.T. StevensDrama | 100% |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio Mono
English SDH
Blu-ray Disc
Two-disc set (1 BD, 1 DVD)
DVD copy
Slipcover in original pressing
Region A, B (C untested)
Movie | 3.5 | |
Video | 4.0 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 3.5 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
The cover art for 1973’s “Pets” displays the lead actress, Candace Rialson, with a dog collar around her neck, chained up inside a cage while a malevolent hand grips a bullwhip behind her, as though punishment was about to commence. It’s a provocative image, and one that’s mirrored briefly in the picture’s opening. However, the movie isn’t that precise in its repellent exploitation interests, saving all the human bondage material for the last reel. The journey there is slightly sunnier, with co-writer/director Raphael Nussbaum creating an odyssey of innocence corrupted for “Pets,” which plays like a folk song about a troubled girl and all the predators she encounters along the way. There’s definitely unsavory business to tend to in the feature, but the marketing oversells the viewing experience, which is much more melodramatic than it seems, helping to make it an interesting effort.
"Pets" offers a rough-looking viewing experience, with the source material heavily damaged at times, finding the opening pre-title sequence and main titles hit particularly hard with missing frames and red splotches. Reel changes are rough, emulsion scratches are bright, and a red flash-like effect arrives in the final reel. For those sensitive to damage, this is not the disc for you. Those who enjoy a little roughness to go along with their grindhouse entertainment won't mind the brittle appearance of the AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation. Clarity is best during daylight hours, finding detail quite good with costuming and locations, which offer a dimensional look at street travel and beach life. Facial textures are present. Colors are deep and fresh, delivering compelling hues on period style and neon signage. Skintones are natural, retaining golden tans as well. Grain is fine and filmic. Delineation is adequate, but evening sequences run a bit softer and redder, complicating frame information.
The 1.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix delivers a compelling listening event without significant disruption. Save for a few scratchy passages, dialogue exchanges are natural, preserving aggressive attitudes and clunky line readings. Soundtrack maintains consistency, with a warmer acoustical mood set, while scoring is simplistic but supportive.
Keeping up with the times, "Pets" isn't exactly kind to a few animal characters, showcases era-specific homophobia (Geraldine is dismissed by all, but remains a proud lesbian), and presents a villain whose driving passion is hatred of gender equality. The dog collars eventually come out, but "Pets" is far more involving following Bonnie in and out of difficulties with strange, possessive people. As exploitation, it's tedious. As a soap opera, the film finds its most secure footing.
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