Score (Cult Epics) (Blu-ray) Review

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Distributor: Cult Epics Edition Details: Uncensored Version Blu-ray Movie Specs: Genres: Feature Film, Golden Age Classic Run Time: 92 minutes Rated: not Release Year: 1974 Director: Radley Metzger Written by: Jerry Douglas Cast: Claire Wilbur, Casey Donovan (as Calvin Culver), Lynn Lowry, Gerald Grant, Carl Parker Voices: Doris Toumarkine Release Specs: Audio: English Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono Subtitles: none Video: Widescreen, 1.78:1 (anamorphic) Video Format: NTSC Format: Blu-ray Regional Code (for DVD/Blu-ray): 0 (All) Number of discs: 1

Score is based on an off Broadway play written by Jerry Douglas, that happened to have Sylvester Stallone in the small supporting role of Mike (played by Carl Parker in the film), that was based in Queens, New York, that played in the Martinique Theatre in 1971. Claire Wilbur is the only cast member from the play that was cast in the film.

Score is a fairy tale set in the future, in the city of Leisure (located in the land of Plenty and the state of Affluence) where Betsy (Lynn Lowry) and Eddie (Casey Donovan) are married. While Eddie is at work, her neighbor Elvira (Claire Wilbur), who is a swinger along with her husband Jack (Gerald Grant), invites her over and over the course of the day, and night, Betsy and Eddie get introduced to a sexual lifestyle they are completely unaware of.

Score is an absolutely beautifully shot film that tells a fun tale of bisexuality with a unique visual style that truly makes the film an original. For the film Radley Metzger has moved the location from the run down tenement from Douglas' play to the sun drenched shores of a quaint town in Croatia (which is presented as the fictional city of Leisure). The cast does a great job with their roles. As far as the sex scenes go, Metzger made an interesting choice with Score. All of the sex scenes up until the end are softcore. The final sex scene, which is the gay scene with Jack and Eddie juxtaposed with the lesbian scene with Betsy and Elvira, only the gay portion is hardcore with the lesbian portion being softcore like all of the prior scenes in the film.

Score is not going to be for all viewers. The story is more cerebral than some will want in their adult entertainment and the fact that the only hardcore scenes feature gay graphic gay sex will turn away other viewers. However, for those who want a good story with nice visuals, this is a film you will want to watch.

Cult Epics has done a nice job with Radley Metzger's Score. This release contains only the uncensored version of Score, which contains hardcore sequences shot by Metzger for the film. Score is presented in the anamorphic widescreen aspect ratio of 1.78:1 and presented in 1080p high definition. The colors presented in the film are vibrant and beautiful. The transfer contains print damage, artifacts, and grain. The image looks absolutely stunning here.

Score is presented with an English Dolby Digital 2.0 monaural audio track. The audio presentation isn't as good as the video presentation unfortunately. The audio track contains a noticeable hiss and there are places that the audio sounds muddy. The dialog is clear and can be understood and the audio isn't horrible, however, it could be better.

Cult Epics have included several extras on the release. There is “The Making of Score” a documentary style behind the scenes piece with archive footage of the making of Score that runs for 19 minutes. “Keeping Score With Lynn Lowry” is a current interview with Lynn Lowry that runs for 20 minutes. The theatrical trailer is included on the disc. There is also what is called a commentary track with Radley Metzger and Michael Bowden. It is more of an interview than a commentary but it is worth listening to.

Score is a beautiful and lavish adult film but it will not be to the liking of some viewers. Most of the sex scenes within the film are softcore and the only hardcore sequences feature gay sex. However, the film has a good story that entertains the viewer, the cast does a good job, and the film looks better than most adult films do. Cult Epics has done a good job with this release with some excellent special features and a beautiful image. The audio isn't up to the par of the rest of the disc though.

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