Now this isn't a masterpiece of exploitation cinema, in fact, one would be hard-pressed to call it good any-cinema, but sometimes context can provide a value that transcends those frivolous boundaries of "bad" and "good," if you know what I'm saying? Hopefully you will. The "Sexploiters" are hookers but they're also housewives in this "expose" style nudie directed by Al C. Ruban back in 1965. The sleazy-throat narration takes pleasure in providing every pulpy detail regarding this "high-class" prostitution ring, at the center of which is Terri Steele, as "Lynne," a bored housewife who just needs more spending money. Driving from the burbs into the city, the girls work it all out in an office that poses as a modeling agency. One by one, tricks come in for their appointment to "photograph" the girls, having to rent a camera and film whether they get around to "shooting" or not. One client that comes in seems to have this camera thing really under control; of course, in real life, it's Chuck Davis Smith (producer of some of John Cassavettes greats), the cinematographer of the film. He's not pretending to photograph June Roberts and Marlene Star, because he actually is, and when they cut to his P.O.V. we're seeing the very beauty that radiated through his lens that day. And while we're on the subject of sexy ladies, let's not forget that they are the reason why we're all here (unless you're a complete geek like me and are actually more interested in this film as NYC Sixties art). It's been discussed a thousand times, but its worth bringing up again how the starlets of the past not only had more meat on their bones, they were more voluptuous and straight-up sexy. Plus, these ladies know the art of the tease, a shoulder-roll here and a fanny extension there, and like the crazy daddy-o's turn to putty.

There are several scenes, each having a different theme to match the tastes of their clients. We get an S&M theme, a stag/frat party theme, and even some fun in a coffin, but there's no sex, as the set-ups are just the way for the ladies to flaunt their breastesess. There is a little bit of a predictable mystery which we won't get to descriptive about, but needless to say, "Lynne's" husband likes to have some fun every once and a while too. More than anything else, we get a certain sense of underground filmmaking in New York City, something the Velvet Underground would sound great behind. Not that it's as cutting edge as that, but it captures a time when camera clubs where actually a very common way to photograph some pretty ladies (Betty Page, anyone?). The Sexploiters offers the kind of pure moments (a couple making out on a bed by a brick wall, the camera focusing on their toe-play) that underground photographers like Richard Kern live for, and there really is more going on in this movie than just a flimsy plot.

The DVD
Video: This DVD looks as good as it possibly could look, Retro Seduction Cinema doing a good job cleaning up what they could, and making the shiner elements even better. Shot in full-frame and presented as such, the transfer was also achieved by Interlacing. It's obvious that in the source material some frames are better than others (due to different film stock, damage, etc.), so expect the grain and noise factor to fluctuate.

Sound: The sound is nothing to write home about, but it's not that bad either, considering the nature of the beast. The soundtrack sounds clean, though the jazzy horns clip sometimes, and so does the sleazy announcer. Some of the dialogue has more pops than Snap and Crackle could handle, but I suppose it could add to the whole experience in some way. The soundtrack was remastered, however, in Dolby Digital Mono, so it's the best it could be.

Extras:
The commentary with C. Davis Smith is completely fascinating and is definitely what makes this disc worth renting, if the lackluster plot and tease doesn't do it for you. He gives a good bio on the director Al C. Ruban, who started out as a projectionist in the Air Force. He also talks about their connection with Stan Borden, of American Films Distributors, a ubiquitous name in exploitation cinema. Listening to this commentary is like going to a film-convention and hearing some of the oldies give-up some great stories.
Trailers: Retro Seduction gives us several trailers to consider purchasing
Booklet Retro Seduction provides a nice insert regarding the films significance and restoration attempt.

Final Thoughts:
The Sexploiters isn't a great film by any means, but it's not without its charm. A sort-of super low-rent Belle de jour (even though it preceded the latter by two years), without the Catherine Deneuve, but with much larger bosoms to behold, I would at least suggest renting it. And I would most definitely recommend that you look out for what Retro Seduction is up to in the future, because if a flawed film like this can get such royal treatment, there's no telling what they're capable of.