Nina Hartley's Advanced Guide to Oral Sex Review

Reviewed by Principal Skinner  on  9/4/2000

Most "How to..." sex videos are nothing more than a flimsy excuse to show some hardcore sex scenes with a little bit of commentary so as to avoid the "porn" categorization. This is not to say that such videos can't be informative, but obvious discussions on the art of lovemaking are usually peppered with obvious suggestions like, "Take your time. Be sensitive to your partner's needs. Enjoy the experience..." (Well, duh!). So, after noting the title of this feature, I braced myself for a methodically boring instructional video of sorts, with some graphic but sterilized scenes of oral sex. In other words, I thought I would be bored to death. However, the legendary Nina Hartley makes this video enjoyable, and yes, educational as well. Actually, I prefer my porn movies to engage my loins rather than my intellect, but the sex scenes in this video were good enough to be "usable," thanks to some pretty hot mouth- fucking (an crude description, yes, but Max Hardcore would approve) that is every bit as good as some of the best oral practices filmed for today's porn market.

A registered nurse by education and an active political voice for the porn industry, Nina makes for the perfect hostess of this series. Although a bit older than the current crop of porn starlets (I first saw Nina in THE GRAFENBERG SPOT featuring a then-17 year old Traci Lords back in 1985), Nina still maintains her sexy looks and attitude as she discusses various methods of oral sex for men and for women. She uses dildos and stuffed pillow vaginas (seriously) to point out the physiological traits of male and female genitalia, and does note that this "tape" is a more advanced course for oral sex. She is stimulatingly descriptive when she gives a play- by-play of how cute blonde Malitia employs commendable techniques while performing fellatio, and really seems to enjoy the live action being demonstrated before the cameras. There are three guys who participate in this sexual seminar, including porn studs Steve Hatcher and Tony Tedeschi, and two other women: red-head lovely Mandy and the aforementioned Malitia. Since I have never seen these two actresses perform before, I assume that they are not seasoned professionals, which makes their oral work all the more enjoyable to watch. Again, Malitia in particular really seems to get off in making her man feel good, and I hope to see her in future feature videos.

For the most part, the video is technically excellent, with bright lighting and crisp, clear images and well-recorded sound. However, for some mysterious reason, the camera often to focuses on Tony Tedeschi's rather twisted facial reactions at the most inopportune times, such as when the girls are about to engage in a sexy and deep tongue kiss. I naturally assume that any guy who has a raging hard-on which is being shared by the active mouths of two hot chicks is excited, so there is no reason to show us his damn mug! For this same reason, I have always found cunnilingus shots to be an absolute bore (unless it's girl-girl): I don't wanna see a close-up of the guy's face, even if it's near the pussy of a girl like Summer Knight or Ginger Lynn (these two probably have the best beavers in porndom). The oral demonstrations, both female and male, run for almost an hour before the concluding scene and Nina is always relaxed and sometimes naturally spontaneious as the hostess. Surprisingly, the video held my complete attention for most of that time, thanks to her natural charisma. Of course, this video has got to be the most talkative of any porn film you would ever see, but it all just adds to the fun.

The movie ends with a massive, extended orgy featuring Nina at the center of everyone's attention. Although this vignette would never be mistaken for scenes from FACE DANCE (which have some of the very best orgy footage ever filmed), it is an appropriate way to conclude this intructional video and is every bit as good as any above-average scene from a "regular" porno. Partners are traded, positions are varied, and Ms. Hartley even attempts to catch some droplets of man-goo on her tongue amongst all the non- facials. Condoms are used throughout, but this is just keeping in line with her safe sex advocacy. The footage is well-shot with everyone getting a fair share of camera time with Nina.

The only extra on this bare-bones disc is a brief biography on Nina Hartley, which in itself is only superficially informative and incomplete.

All in all, NINA HARTLEY'S ADVANCED GUIDE TO ORAL SEX is surprisingly enjoyable and should please anyone who especially likes great, well-directed shots of oral sex.