ALICE IN WONDERLAND

ALICE IN WONDERLAND

In an era when there are an abundance of quality DVD labels going strong, rescuing forgotten and exotic cult films for the appreciation of adventuresome audiences, it is increasingly difficult to stand out in the pack. Subversive Cinema has long stood at the forefront as a dependable supplier of the weird and wonderful, digging deep into the multi-cultural cinema abyss to mine unexpected treasures. With the release of Alice in Wonderland, they prove once again the importance of independent labels. An adult version of the classic (and wonderfully warped) novel, this surreal and cheerfully exploitative take on Alice's adventures flashes to lush, naughty life with surprising quality and attention to detail. Created in the wake of the success of Flesh Gordon and other skin salutes to both popular culture and literary works, this assembly of well known adult -- ahem! -- 'actors' is sexy, sleek, and playful. Subversive makes it easier to forget the film's obvious flaws in plot construction with remarkably restored materials. It's also important to note that this is the kind of movie geared towards eye candy, not dramatic quality. Sporting enough luscious curves and eye-popping sexuality to make the White Rabbit blush, this is one release you definitely don't want to be late for!

The plot stays unexpectedly close to the general themes of the novel, while taking the expected erotic (and at times consciously ridiculous) detours. Alice, played by Playboy Playmate Kristine DeBell, is a sexy if stern girl whose erotic appeal makes her stand out in the library where she works. Refusing to give up her maidenhood for her boyfriend, Alice finds herself alone, consoling herself with dreams of retaining her childhood innocence. White Rabbit (Larry Gelman) soon pops up to guide her through the symbolic looking glass into Wonderland. It doesn't take Alice long to strip off her inhibitions and her clothes! First she encounters two horny animals who decide to be neighborly and towel her off (why can't my neighbors be this friendly?!). It isn't long and she's stroking and kissing the Mad Hatter's crumpet. A good Samaritan, she then helps Humpy Dumpy with his erectile disfunction before Tweedle-Dee and Dum pay her some steamy attention. When she finally gets to the court of the Red Queen, things get really wild . . .

While it may be literary heresy to suggest it, one is tempted to wonder if the sexual playfulness and erotic fantasy of this adaptation wasn't part of author Lewis Carroll's overall strategy when penning the novel. While Victorian society certainly wouldn't have allowed him to indulge his nymphet fetishes or erotic symbolism in a more concrete manner, a look at the novel does reveal more than just a few symbolic suggestions of the naughtiness captured here. Retained in the film are obvious metaphors for blooming sexuality, hunger, and identity, but with all the action stressed on the sexual act itself. And that's as it should be, because this isn't high art (and never pretends to be). This IS a surprisingly elegant and witty adult fairy tale, complete with effects ranging from passable to ludicrous and costumes. The singing numbers wreck the fictional dream of the narrative but once the initial strangeness subsides even these add to the eccentric pleasure. Critical pretentiousness aside, this odd orgy of quirky sex, bizarre action, and musical joints is harmless adult fun. Some true thought and expertise seems to have went into the production, and the acting s competent if not truly convincing. More exciting for the collector is the fact that Subversive has included both softcore and hardcore versions of the film on this DVD. Do I need to tell you that the XXX cut is a notch filthier? Do I have to ask which one you'll watch with your girlfriend (and which one you'll watch by yourself)?

Alice in Wonderland has been restored in 1.78.1 anamorphic widescreen. The transfer is admirable, with lucid, startling colors and clean picture quality aside from occasional grain from what must be assumed the result of print damage. The softcore edit is cleaner than the XXX edition but doesn't substantially distract fro the experience. Audio is English language Dolby Digital. The track doesn't suffer from any serious distortion.

Extras aren't as generous as other recent Subversive offerings, consisting of only one featurette entitled Alice In Wonderland: Back Down The Rabbit Hole. Thankfully this is a substantial piece. Over a half hour in length, this segment features star Larry Gelman, adult actress Lena Ramone, and William Margold, and is as informative as it is fun, with Gelman and company recalling the unique experience of working on the film. The expected soundtrack that Subversive first intended on including would have been appreciated but this detour down the rabbit hole is well worth your time.

Review by William Simmons


 
Released by Subversive Cinema
Region 1 - NTSC
Not Rated
Extras :
see main review
Back