Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.0
Overall		4.0

Taboo III Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf December 23, 2016

Perhaps sensing that a lack of Kay Parker was probably not the brightest creative decision, director Kirdy Stevens and screenwriter Helene Terrie return to the saga of Barbara Scott for “Taboo III,” which gently moves on from the family antics of “Taboo II,” returning focus to the impulsive, semi-tortured mother who kicked off the incest revolution. More Parker is a good thing, as her commitment to the weirdness of the “Taboo” series is a highlight, but with the course correction comes a slight drop in urgency, finding the production strangely selling music with the same concentration as it does sex.

Barbara still can’t get over her brief affair with her oldest son, but his little brother Jimmy (Jerry Butler) is ready to take over the job, splitting time between management of the band Affair and harboring fantasies about his mother. Barbara’s friend Joyce (Honey Wilder) has shed her family duties, save for son Brian (Blake Palmer), who remains her lover. “Taboo III” isn’t as complicated as the previous effort (which had more acts of desire to juggle), instead focusing on a level of gamesmanship between Joyce and Barbara, with the friends working to “release the beast” and turn incestual high-fiving into sexual enlightenment.

Taboo III Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

"Taboo III" is in better shape than "Taboo II," only displaying a few rough patches during the AVC encoded image 1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation. It's a grainer picture, but textures are available throughout, delivering impressive levels of detail that bring out performance nuances and sexual situations. Colors are also bright and inviting, benefiting from a boost in concert lighting and new wave costuming, which offers an increase in pinks. Skintones are precise. Delineation retains frame information.

Taboo III Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 1.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix handles with some age-related issues, but mostly remains steady, emphasizing dialogue exchanges, which come through as intended. Music is a major force in "Taboo III," with band performances and soundtrack selections giving the track a heavy presence with adequate instrumentation. Atmospherics reach as far as production capability allows.

Taboo III Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Interview (19:40, HD) with Blake Palmer primarily discusses his experiences in the adult film world, beginning with his early time in the industry starring in loops, which required no acting experience. Palmer discusses the glory days of moviemaking, with large budgets and time spent on performances, which helped him learn to act in front of a camera. There are no specific recollections from the "Taboo III" shoot, but Palmer shares his opinion on various co-stars and production achievements.

• Kay Parker's Personal Script showcases the creative blueprint for "Taboo III," with the icon preparing for the shoot by highlighting her lines.

Taboo III Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Taboo III" is filled with carnal activity, but there are a few musical performances from Affair as well, which end up disrupting the natural flow of sexuality, with Kirdy pausing the picture to sell a lackluster band. It's a mild distraction, but a persistent one, putting undue pressure on Parker and Wilder to carry their moments with more dynamic energy. They manage the workload, but it's still bizarre to encounter an adult film that would rather highlight a stage performance than a bedroom encounter.