Chambermaids, The (Impulse Pictures) Review

Distributor: Impulse Pictures Edition Details: Standard DVD Movie Specs: Genres: Golden Age Classic, Feature Film, Comedy Also known as: Chamber Maids Run Time: 71 minutes Rated: X Release Year: 1974 Director: Joey Lambert Written by: uncredited Cast: Eric Edwards, Jeffrey Hurst, Valerie Marron, Levi Richards, Lynn Stevens, Mary Stuart, Andrea True Release Specs: Audio: English Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono Subtitles: none Video: Full Frame, 1.33:1 Video Format: NTSC Format: DVD Regional Code (for DVD/Blu-ray): 0 (All) Number of discs: 1

The Chambermaids is a cheaply shot one day wonder from the mid-70s that sadly succumbs to many of the issues that plague the one day wonders. Much of the film is shot with static camera shots that overuse the zoom feature to try to capture the action. Sadly, this makes the film look under thought and like a rushed effort. The cinematography for the film should have been thought out much more. The static camera shots get old fast.

Most of the film is shot in, what appears to be, one hotel suite, which makes the film look cheap as well. There is one other set that was shot at what appears to be a singular angle from the same spot as well. There are a few aspects that show a little more effort, like an exterior shot of the newlyweds (Eric Edwards and Lynn Stevens) entering the hotel, that add a little more than a one day wonder that is all shot in one room. However, the film could have used some more establishing shots, even if they were just in hallways and lobbies, to give the film a more polished look.

There isn't much to the plot. Sally (Valerie Marron) and Mary Ellen (Mary Stuart) are hotel maids, who aren't making it with the tips they receive. The two decide that if they start giving the guests some extra special attention, their tips will go up. The plot, while simplistic, works for the film which quickly becomes a film of mistaken identities. The film does manage to have some humorous situations. The sex scenes are decent. There are some inventive sexual positions that are used within the film however the sex scenes are hindered by the static camera and the gynecological zoom shots.

The Chambermaids has its issues however the film does manage to entertain the viewer. Despite being cheap and quickly shot, the film does treat the viewer to some laughs and to some creative sex scenes. The replay value of the film is questionable though.

Impulse Pictures has done a good job with their release of The Chambermaids. The Chambermaids is presented in the academy aspect ratio of 1.33:1 in 480p. The print that Impulse Pictures used for this release is very beaten but is definitely watchable. There are artifacts, grain, and print damage present throughout the presentation. Colors are good.

The Chambermaids is presented with an English Dolby Digital 2.0 monaural audio track. The audio track is in worse shape than the video presentation is with a very uneven presentation. The volume levels change during the film. There is also some distortion present on the audio track. Dialog is clear and with some portions louder than they should be all dialog can be understood.

Impulse Pictures hasn't included any extras on this release.

The Chambermaids is a cheaply shot quickie that succumbs to some of the issues that commonly plague the one day wonders but it does have some fun aspects to make it worth a watch but not necessarily a purchase. Impulse Pictures has done a good job with this release the print is beaten up but the release is very watchable.

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