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September 1998

9 1/2 Weeks:Original, Uncut/Uncensored Version
Reviewed by Doug Schneider
DVD Format

Overall Enjoyment: ****
Picture Quality: ***
Sound Quality: **1/2
Packaged Extras: **

Starring Mickey Rourke, Kim Basinger

Directed by Adrian Line

Theatrical Release: 1986
DVD Release: 1998
Dolby Stereo Surround
Widescreen


For all the notoriety than 9 1/2 Weeks received, being able to watch it again revealed it to be rather tame, particularly by today's standards. A Madonna video is far more explicit. Still, 9 1/2 Weeks achieves a level of eroticism that few films can claim.

9 1/2 Weeks tells the story of John (Rourke) and Elizabeth (Basinger) through a short-lived, tumultuous affair. Elizabeth has just broken out of a conventional relationship and the powerful and wealthy John slides in, quite literally, to lead her life. The story is focused on the sexual relations of the two and hints at domination and submission, but it is never really explored in any meaningful way -- nor is it disturbing. This is pretty standard sexual content dressed up as something more. And don't be too intrigued by the uncut and uncensored tags with the promise of "explicit" footage -- this is nothing more than marketers finding ways to intrigue you into buying it for that reason alone. A scene where Basinger crawls for Rourke's money was added, as was a bit more footage. If you think you'll see much more of the actors’ skin, you'll be disappointed. This isn't to criticize the film, just to put it in the right perspective.

While some may have found deeper meaning in the story, 9 1/2 Weeks is really nothing more than a series of excuses to show Basinger (mainly) and Rourke grapple and grope in simulated sex scenes. What the heck, it works for me! It was made at a time when MTV-like viewing was in its infancy and Miami Vice changed the way we looked at television. 9 1/2 Weeks is stylish, sexy and, like its timeframe, not much more than slick choreography set to music -- a two-hour music video of sorts. What's special about 9 1/2 Weeks is how it succeeds at being sexy without ever showing you much, and how it intrigues you without ever being much more than a simple story. This is the result of the fine direction and acting. Basinger and Rourke sizzle, and the film breathes sexuality in such a way that partners or groups can watch it together without being embarrassed. It may even cause some couples to exchange meaningful glances and shoot for the sheets when the credits role.

The picture quality hovers between acceptable to fair. Lyne shot many of the scenes with natural lighting -- a look he feels transfers exceptionally well to film. I don't doubt that it does look good on film, but in the digital world there is a substantial loss of brightness and a considerable amount of film grain. It is, however, much better than I recall on VHS. The sound is adequate, but that's all. Packaged extras are minimal and include the standard theatrical trailer with little else. The only addition of real interest is a short booklet insert that describes the making of the film and some technical highlights -- it's a fun read.

While the DVD is short on extras and hardly a technical standout, it's definitely worth owning. Am I contradicting myself? Hardly. 9 1/2 Weeks is a guilty pleasure in the same trashy way as Basic Instinct and Bound and a handful of others. It's nothing more than an exercise in voyeurism, and if that's your bag, get it. As Elsa said to me, "This is a great one for our collection." I agree.


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