I finally got The Ranch that Ralphus wrote a review about a while ago. Impressions were...some parts were actually pretty good. But then again...some parts weren't. The beginning started pretty well made I thought. Camera work in cutting back and forth during the stalking sequence and editing were pretty good. Not at all what I have know to expect from a "Club Dead" video. What would have really put the beginning segment over the top would have been a menacing soundtrack.
There were also pretty good effects in this one. Again, not expecting effects that were better than the norm...well actually, a whole lot less than being close to the norm in some (if not all) of their other stuff (and by the way, I have gotten to see a few C.D. vids ). A pretty good taser effect and the roasting effect at the end was also well done (no pun intended).
I really found Janice's looks quite appealing too. She's got a real natural look about her (even w/ the phonies). Got a real cute voice too and thought she did a pretty good job considering what she had to work with.
But then there's the clueless script. It's one thing if you don't want to include too much bondage but they totally missed the boat as far as I'm concerned. A well placed gag could have done wonders...and not to mention, make things a lot easier for poor Janice, having to fill so much of the video with either scripting or ad libs. But the true genius as far as the scripting goes is where they tell Janice what they're going to do to her, then script her almost voluntarily placing herself on the BBQ rack. "We're gonna roast and eat you...now lay down on the rack" (not verbatim but you get the gist). Get a clue and give me a break!
They missed so many opportunities. Like where they shave her pussy. They start to lather it up then jump to next scene and it's already gone. But then again, she wasn't even restrained anyway. The only real bondage was at the end during the roasting. I realize this isn't really a B&D video per se but in order to get a realistic, well made video, there's certain things you just can't cut corners on. And with the pretentious nature of their film maker, having once been quoted as saying he'd have to draw the line if it came to filming porn, as he views his work steps above (yeah right, as if his work is art), you would think he'd put in the effort required to be detailed enough to make a believable film.
Like I said, there's parts I liked, but this one could have been a breakthrough video in my opinion if done right...or at least, with some intelligence. I'll still watch this one from time to time but I'll probably need to do what Ralphus does and edit it down a little.