Stud Hunters Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.0
Audio		3.5
Extras		3.0
Overall		3.5

Stud Hunters Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf February 19, 2024

1983’s “Stud Hunters” isn’t big on plot, but it carries a sizable feel for California living in the era. Director Suze Randall deals with story elements that almost seem autobiographical, with the main character a fatigued photographer dodging a sleazy publisher while dealing with untested talent. “Stud Hunters” uses the premise to introduce various situations of seduction, but it also makes time to soak up the sun at the beach, with Randall piecing together a reasonably entertaining picture with some time capsule appeal.

Harry Huge (Milton Ingley) is the impatient publisher of a men’s magazine who enjoys taking advantage of his position of power, devouring all the models he comes into contact with. Harry relies on top centerfold photographer Randy (Misty Regan) for help, instructing her to bring him new talent for a boy-girl publishing future. Joined by assistant Wimpy (Marc Wallace), Randy sends talent scouts out to retrieve handsome men for job opportunities, only the employees spend time enjoying a sampling of the goods first.

“Stud Hunters” is a comedy, even though its low-energy approach doesn’t exactly support funny business. With character names like Wimpy and Fifi Floss (Pippi Anderson), screenwriter Humphry Knipe (Randall’s real-world husband, who passed away in 2023) is certainly up to something with the picture, but wackiness isn’t prioritized here. “Stud Hunters” is more interested in recruitment sequences, watching Randy’s women hit the beach to find prospects, while Fifi is welcomed into a local gym to check out the goods, creating a group sex situation for the production. Randy has her moments as well, dealing with a modeling shoot that’s not particularly stimulating, forcing her to take over. And there’s Wimpy, the resident creeper, who can’t always control himself at the workplace, finding himself caught up in the heat of the moment.

Stud Hunters Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.34:1 aspect ratio) presentation is listed as "newly scanned and restored in 4K from its 16mm camera negative." "Stud Hunters" does have some roughness to the viewing experience, with damage found during the main titles, and a few jumpy frames are encountered. Detail reaches as far as possible, providing a look at skin particulars on the performers, who range in age and hairiness. Costuming retains some fibrousness, dealing with athletic and beach outfits. Living spaces and studio visits keep modest dimension, and exterior visits to the beach are reasonably deep. Color is respectfully refreshed, with appealing primaries on costuming and decoration. Hair color is also distinct. Skin tones are natural. Delineation is satisfactory. Grain is heavy and film-like.

Stud Hunters Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix does struggle with age and elements of damage, exploring a slightly unsteady listening experience. Unintelligibility isn't an issue, with dialogue exchanges decently defined, dealing with the amateur abilities of some cast members. Rock song support is also adequate.

Stud Hunters Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features an audio interview with actress Misty Regan.

• And a Trailer (3:15, HD) is included.

Stud Hunters Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Again, "Stud Hunters" doesn't really do much with its premise, offering a vague sense of business frustrations and predatory activity in the adult magazine industry. It's more of an episodic examination of conquests as talent is found mid-workout or during a surfing outing. Randall has a theme song by The Kingfish she returns to repeatedly, which adds a little snap to the endeavor, providing some rock lubrication to help generate an appropriate atmosphere. And the cast is reasonably interested in the moment, as Randall works to extract some line readings from a few actresses, while Regan shows necessary life in the lead role. "Stud Hunters" is an entertaining sit with decently heated moments of coupling, and it does even better when it hits the sun and sand, briefly exploring beach life and community activity during a few tours of the neighborhood. Perhaps such views aren't meant to be part of the experience, but it's a nice addition to an already appealing movie.