Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.5
Overall		4.0

Public Affairs Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf February 16, 2020

Co-writer/director Henri Pachard aims to skewer politics with 1983’s “Public Affairs.” He’s not exactly remaking “The Candidate,” but Pachard has distinct ideas to share when exploring the absurdity of politicians and their behavior on and off the stage. Being an adult movie, there’s time set aside for all sorts of couplings and randy behavior, but “Public Affairs” is a cynical picture, often using its offerings of sex to help define corrupt behavior and examine the gamesmanship involved when manipulations come for the press and the people of America.

Congressman Stern (Paul Thomas) is running for a senate seat, making his way around New York City to share his vision with the voters. He’s joined by assistant Tommy (Joey Silvera) and lives to humiliate underling Jodee (Annette Heinz), but he’s soon targeted by television reporter Elvira (Annette Haven), who learns that all is not legal in the campaign, which is being bankrolled by Fritz (Robert Kerman), a shady real estate mogul, and his oil queen wife, Marybeth (Kelly Nichols).

While “Public Affairs” makes obvious points about the rotten ways of politicians, it does so with real adult film ingenuity, transforming Stern from a glad-handing man of the people in public to a diseased, powermad monster behind closed doors, delighting in sodomizing Jodee, a simple woman who wants to stay on the job, submitting herself to all sorts of horrors masterminded by the congressman. Elvira also exposes Tommy as a crook turned into a respectable right-hand man, and there’s the saga of Fritz, who’s part of the Stern movement, happily giving America to foreign interests in exchange for campaign donations. There’s not much in the way of lightness to “Public Affairs,” which has a particularly effective way of underlining unethical behavior, trying to work in a tale of journalism as well.

Public Affairs Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Working from a 35mm original camera negative, Vinegar Syndrome delivers a stunningly fresh look at "Public Affairs." The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation offers wonderful detail, exploring the textures of formalwear and facial surfaces, and full body displays are varied. Urban distances are protected, and interior decoration is open for study. Colors are bright and welcoming, handling deep reds and blues on clothing and political displays, while ample skintones are distinct in pinkness. Greenery is also vivid. Delineation is communicative. Grain is heavy and managed well. Source has a few scratches and speckling.

Public Affairs Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 1.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix offers a sharp overview of dialogue exchanges, finding voices clear but occasionally hitting some sibilance issues. Sexual response is noted as well. Scoring cues are louder but comfortable, selling the political tour atmosphere. Atmospherics are limited, but appreciable.

Public Affairs Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• "Going Public" (18:02, HD) is a conversation with writer/producer Joyce Snyder, who recounts her entrance into the adult film industry, and her initial meetings with Henri Pachard, who was one of three directors circling the project. Snyder shares memories of the hectic nature of the shoot, where she was in charge of creating political speeches for Paul Thomas at the last minute and securing releases from people on the street naturally drawn to the spectacle of a congressman trying to win votes in the middle of New York City. Memories of Pachard are interesting, with Snyder revealing how the helmer treated the creation of sex scenes like a sporting event, offering coaching during the act. Casting conflicts and surprises are detailed, and the interviewee shares her feelings on female empowerment in pornography during this era. Cinematographic achievements are celebrated, helping the movie achieve European distribution, and Snyder takes some time to sell her own book exploring her years in BDSM.

• Audio Interview explores the life and times of actress Annette Heinz.

• A Trailer has not been included.

Public Affairs Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

The first half of "Public Affairs" offers direct hits of uneasiness and a more secure understanding of character horrors, with the second half trailing off into less interesting asides with supporting characters. Still, Pachard and co-writer Joyce Snyder use their screen time well, creating what initially seems to be a satire of American politics, only to end up with perhaps one of the more realistic (and prescient) understandings of the campaign process.