Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.5
Overall		4.5

Taboo Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf August 30, 2016

“Taboo” has developed a reputation as one of the more beloved adult films around, with the 1980 movie presenting a potentially nightmarish plot that involves incest with a campy attitude and waves of melodrama to help temper any ickiness. That “Taboo” could stand the test of time in today’s everything-extreme world of pornography is a testament to its charms and its almost friendly treatment of a sexual relationship between a mother and her son. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a ridiculous picture, but director Kirdy Stevens and writer Helene Terrie put effort into the production, working to build a passable motivation for these characters and their forbidden love.

It’s a bit of cheat to cast industry legend Kay Parker in the mother role, as she offers a magnetic sensuality that would be a siren’s song to all, blood relative or not. She’s a fine actress as well, doing what she can to make her character come off disoriented by domestic and workplace frustrations, contributing to a blurred headspace and volcanic sexual drive, which ultimately leads to a coupling with her son, played shirtlessly by Mike Ranger. “Taboo” isn’t a big joke, but comedy is included to soften its approach, finding Juliet “Aunt Peg” Anderson working overtime to land laughs. Levity helps considerably here, as Kirdy and Terrie stick close to the era’s fascination with “no mean yes” dating techniques, adding another layer of stress to Parker’s performance.

Taboo Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation is a little rough around the edges, hitting a few pockets of damage and blotchy frames, while scratching and speckling is common. However, the wear and tear doesn't ruin the viewing experience, which offers ideal clarity as bodies writhe and melodrama intensifies, supplying all the texture and frame particulars a fan could want out of "Taboo." Colors are tastefully refreshed, offering pleasing primaries and natural skintones. Delineation is secure. Grain is fine and filmic.

Taboo Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix hits a few crispy high along the way, but dialogue exchanges aren't challenged, retaining urgency and intelligibility. Scoring cues arrive without distortion, offering pleasing bass and assorted instrumentation. Atmospherics are limited. Again, age is apparent throughout the listening event, but never steamrolls over the track.

Taboo Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary #1 features actress Kay Parker.

• Commentary #2 features writer/producer Helene Terrie.

• Archival Commentary #1 features Terrie and director Kirdy Stevens.

• Archival Commentary #2 features Parker.

• Archival Video Interview (7:14, SD) is a brief conversation with Parker from 2006, where she discusses her entrance into the adult film industry and her experience with the controversial nature of "Taboo."

• Promotional Image Gallery displays eight pictures from the feature's marketing efforts.

Taboo Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Taboo" is entertaining, working through sex scenes that often fixate on voyeuristic interests. And for those not into the vibe of the feature, it also works as a travelogue for San Francisco in the late 1970s, with a dating montage hitting the hot spots in 35mm. Thankfully, there's a successful adult film here worth viewing, both for its casting achievements and ability to make a questionable story palatable, turning up the heat to quiet repulsion.