‘The Bikini Car Wash Company I & II: Bubble Feature’ Blu-ray Review (MVD)
Stars: Kristi Ducati, Joe Dusic, Sara Suzanne Brown, Rikki Brando, Neriah Davis | Written by Ed Hansen, George ‘Buck’ Flower | Directed by Ed Hansen, Gary Orona
Today, the 80s and early to mid-90s feel like a completely different time, especially when it comes to movies. Back then there were a lot of ‘skin flicks,’ be they sex comedies of the 80s, or in the 90s, erotic thrillers. These films were perfect for the rental stores which would make a lot of money renting these films for a weekend of fun for teenagers and adults alike.
Now, as we have moved forward into physical media, MVD Rewind Collection have released a double feature Blu-ray of two of – some might say – the most popular ‘skin flicks’ of the era: The Bikini Car Wash Company I & II and you don’t have to go to the rental store and go behind a curtain to rent one of these films now you can just own them!
The Bikini Car Wash Company (1992) sees bikini-clad car wash attendants give a sudsy Los Angeles establishment a slippery edge on the competition; whilst The Bikini Car Wash Company II (released a year later in 1993), comely car wash attendants turn to televised lingerie sales to save their financially strapped establishment. Pretty much the same plot between the two of them – a real case of if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
Neither of these films are spectacular film classics, even if they did do a roaring trade on VHS and the likes of Cinemax back in the day. The stories are very simplistic, and the acting is okay. There’s just not anything that really stands out here. These are just stereotypical skin flicks from over 30 years ago. But fans of these types of films will be thrilled. Just understand these films are filled with sexual content and nudity, so [timid] viewers beware. Though I’m guessing this release will be picked up by those who know what they’re in for!
In terms of this release, both of the films have been transferred to Blu-ray in 1080p. They have been up-converted and remastered in HD from SD videotape master in its original 1.33:1 aspect ratio. The audio track is an English 2.0 stereo track. Without a doubt, these films have never looked better than they do right now! MVD have also added some nice bonuses to make this Blu-ray release something special, especially for fans of the films. Take a look at what is included:
- Optional Spanish Language Audio for Bikini Car Wash Company I
- NEW! Audio Commentary from Jim Wynorski, moderated by Heath Holland
- “The Bikini Carwash Company” Alternate Version (SD, 81 minutes)
- “The Bikini Carwash Company II” in Standard Definition (SD, 94 minutes)
- Collectible Mini-Poster
- Retro VHS Style Slipcover
When looking at these bonus features, I love that the audio commentary features filmmaker Jim Wynorski, a legend of the genre and a filmmaking stalwart of the same era. AND who appeared on-screen in the first first in the series Now, while I am not a fan of skin flicks, I can appreciate the quality of the Blu-ray release MVD Rewind put together here. This is not going to be a release for the casual film fan; it is for the niche audience that a) loves the genre or b) remembers these films from their teenage years. And for both, this is a release you will surely get a kick out of!
*** 3/5
Bikini Car Wash Company I & II: Bubble Feature is out now on Blu-ray from MVD, as part of their MVD Rewind collection.
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