The Little Blue Box Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		1.0
Overall		4.0

The Little Blue Box Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf October 4, 2024

There are no deleted scenes in adult film production, only opportunities for new features. Recycling is the general theme of 1979’s “The Little Blue Box,” which is a blend of new footage trying to build a story around older footage from other cinematic endeavors. What director Don Walters offers here isn’t a crude stitch job, but a movie that’s decently imagined, finding a reasonably organic way to blend all sorts of lustful encounters, doing so with a winning performance from star Jennifer Welles, who portrays two different characters caught up in the lure of television magic.

John (John Leslie) is a frustrated writer struggling to make something happen on the page. He’s unsatisfied in his marriage to Jen (Jennifer Welles), who’s not interested in his needs, inspiring him to fantasize about the people in his life, including neighbor Leslie (Lesllie Bovee). Arriving for a visit one day is Ms. Azure (Welles), a saleswoman offering “The Little Blue Box” to the lonely man, planting herself on his couch for a demonstration. The box is a device capable of accessing erotic entertainment, sending it to any nearby T.V. set, giving John the gift of free movies on the Blue Network. However, he’s more interested in Ms. Azure, trying to seduce the visitor while Jen is away.

Welles has the challenge of playing two people in “The Little Blue Box.” There’s Jen, John’s wife, and she’s basically fed up with her husband’s one track mind. Early in the feature, he throws a pass at his spouse after she returns home from some type of conference on sexual assault, with the writing basically reinforcing his horrible instincts. However, he’s the lead character in the picture, keeping viewers close to his determination to have sex with anyone, initially focusing on Leslie, a kindly neighbor who’s clearly interested in him, but doesn’t want to take their relationship in the wrong direction. John whips up a bedroom encounter in his mind, commencing the carnal journey in “The Little Blue Box,” finding the writer absolutely determined to avoid completing his writing assignment, preferring to focus on all the women in his life.

Welles also portrays Ms. Azure, a blonde bombshell who goes door-to-door pitching an electronic device that’s basically free cable with magical properties. She’s happy to spend time with John, and the pair gradually get to know each other in a more intimate way during “The Little Blue Box,” with Walters returning to their heated interactions throughout the picture. The bulk of the offering is devoted to displays from the box, with Ms. Azure dialing up clips from adult features to help impress her customer, also allowing Walters to get use out of deleted scenes from a few previous endeavors. These sequences include a couple trying to copulate on a motorcycle before literally taking a roll in the hay; a security guard brings in a young woman for questioning, only to abuse his power; and the most extensive aside belongs to Ming (Ming Toy), a dancer trying to break into adult movies, meeting with sleazy producer Al (Alan Clements), who demands a test of her abilities. This audition requires help from Stacy, with co- star Jamie Gillis called in to deliver his usual offering of oily dominance.

“The Little Blue Box” isn’t terribly big on story, working with the scenes to help form a tale of growing salesmanship. Ms. Azure has something special with the identification of Channel 69, which becomes a mystery of sorts for the writing, offering a new level of temptation for John as he attempts to get along with his guest. Of course, access to Channel 69 is only available with purchase, putting pressure on the customer to come up with $3000 so he can access the box’s full potential. Where the picture ultimately goes is the work of fantasy, also allowing Walters more opportunities to be playful with the feature, filling it with sexual activity as well, giving viewers a bit more bang for their buck.

The Little Blue Box Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation is listed as "newly scanned & restored in 2K" from a "35mm original camera" negative. "The Little Blue Box" uses footage from various productions, but it mostly remains consistent in detail, exploring extensive skin particulars from a variety of performers. Hair is also textured, especially with wigs. Costuming is fibrous, preserving the intentional thinness of some fabric. Interiors are open for inspection, exploring crazy decorative choices from the 1970s. Color is vibrant, with rich primaries throughout the viewing experience. Period style is also distinct, along with hair color. Delineation is satisfactory. Grain is fine and film-like. Source is in good condition.

The Little Blue Box Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix offers a simple understanding of dialogue exchanges, with performances coming through clearly. Musical choices support with milder emphasis, but instrumentation is appreciable.

The Little Blue Box Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• A Theatrical Trailer (5:01, HD) is included.

The Little Blue Box Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"The Little Blue Box" tries to maintain some form of structure with John's odyssey, following his sexual demands and developing chemistry with Ms. Azure as she displays Blue Network options while the two have at each other on a couch. Walters does endeavor to add a taste of dramatic engagement to the feature, offering a late inning understanding of marital frustrations between John and Jen, with the latter trying to comprehend what's become of their relationship. Such romantic intention is a little silly, especially after watching John generally disregard his marriage as much as possible, but Walters looks to land a little storytelling before he wraps up the effort, going the optimist route with the couple. "The Little Blue Box" won't likely satisfy as a study of commitment, remaining more fun as a loose examination of bedroom experiences. It's also boosted by thespian commitment from Welles, who gives unexpectedly strong takes on Jen's frustration and Ms. Azure's lustiness, genuinely creating two different personalities for a movie that clearly benefits from her acting skills.