There was a time in the early 80s when made-for-cable TV erotic features started pushing the envelope just enough so that they could look intriguing to the working male yet stay away from the risky XXX-zone. Looking back at these films, some thirty years later, I can not but smile.

The story behind Love Circles (1985), a cable production directed by Gerard Kikoine, is rather simple. A pack of cigarettes is being exchanged amongst a group of people until they finally return to the person who initiated its journey. Along the way a rather edgy orgy scene with sex idol Sophie Berger (Emmanuelle 4) and a less provocative but steamy enough rendezvous with former miss Bahamas Josephine Jacqueline Jones (Black Venus) become the focus of attention as they offer the bulk of what this picture was intended to deliver: passionate sex.

How successful Love Circles was amongst those who saw it in the early 80s I do not know, I can only guess. Perhaps most male viewers who stayed late doing home work have long forgotten the names of the actresses I mentioned above. And for a good reason! I did go through the entire story and to be honest unless you absolutely have to see Love Circles, whatever your excuse might be that is fine with me, you would be better off checking your local Cinemax listing. Chances are you will find something more exciting!

On a positive side Love Circles does offer a bit of what modern producers (of erotic features) appear to have forgotten or have little interest filming: passion and emotion. Why? The sex in this picture may not be as explicit as what many of the cable networks deliver nowadays but it sure is more tasteful and exciting. At least to a male who still believes that less is more!

How Does the DVD Look?

Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.33:1 Love Circles was most likely transferred from an analog transfer. Colors look faded, contrast is of questionable quality, and the actual print isn't top-notch. And since we already know that this is a low-budget cable affair I am willing to accept that this the best this film has ever looked. Thus, Love Circles gets a treatment as good as one can expect for an erotic TV feature made in the early 80s.

How Does the DVD Sound?

Presented with its original English mono track the film's audio treatment is passable. The dialog is easy to follow even though the audio quality is not as crisp and crystal clear as what we have come to expect from high-quality DVDs. Nevertheless you should be able to enjoy the main feature without a problem.

Extras: There is absolutely nothing to be found on this disc. Not even a trailer.

Final Words:

I am not so sure what the fan-base for this film is (or where it is) but let's give credit to Private Screening for being honest: they clearly state on the back cover of the DVD that this is a made-for-cable late-night affair from the early 80s. If you are smart enough to read between the lines then you should know what to expect: RENT IT.