“Barely Legal 3D”: Cummin’ At Ya!

Porn may be the only medium in which retrofitting movies in 3D makes sense. And adding a dimension to "Barely Legal" only enhances its vacuous charm.

In 1981 there was a brief 3D revival, exemplified by movies like "Comin' At Ya!" This was a joyfully earnest 3D-sploitation spaghetti western starring the ridiculously sexy Victoria Abril, who would later become a staple in Pedro Almodovar movies.

I remember asking a questionable uncle why the movie was rated R.

"Because you never know what will be comin' at ya," he said.

When I finally saw "Comin' At Ya!" a few years ago, I was disappointed that it seemed like everything but Ms. Abril came at me. It seemed like the only area where the film chose to be subdued was in the heaving-bosomed ladies department. Perhaps filmmakers thought they were 3D enough already?

"Barely Legal 3D" is similarly buttoned down.

Hustler has compiled some scenes from Otto Bauer's time at the helm of "Barely Legal," featuring Giselle Leon (whose nipples jump out of the screen). Karina White, Carmen Monet, Abbie Anderson, and Avril Hall.

These scenes are simple 3D transfers. Seen on a 3D TV, the images look sharp, the women look present, and you really have a sense you're on the set of the movie.

Because these are just retrofitted scenes, however, Leon doesn't turn to the camera and squirt in your eye (though Karina White and Avril Hall seem that much more in your face because they're redheads).

This may just be a trial balloon for Hustler. Its "Avatar"s have utilized 3D in a more obviously porny way, and I would be interested to see a "Barely Legal" in native 3D format; doubtless it would have viewers comin' right back.

· Hustler (hustler.com)
· Buy "Barely Legal 3D" (tlavideo.com)