Top Adult DVDs of 2004

Adult entertainment, commonly referred to as "porn", had yet another bonanza year as a multitude of companies fought hard to earn our money. DVD finally surpassed videotape as the medium as choice by both consumers and production companies alike; some of companies even going so far as to stop tape production altogether. More releases focused on the gonzo genre with increasingly hardcore sex acts, typically called "circus act sex", became more popular. With budgets being cut to the bare minimum and directors being called on to do more for less, it's no wonder that the relatively simple gonzo format became the breeding ground for some of the fiercest competition in the industry with a limited amount of performers being called on by so many companies, new and established, to be in increasingly outrageous scenes. The benefit of this competition was the consumer; who saw releases last longer, have better extras and production values, and cost less. The year was also noted for the return of a fan favorite, the passing of a few of the players that made all those they touched a little better, and an industry scandal that threatened to end production altogether. The trends observed in 2003's Top Porn List continued but also took a few twists and turns along the way; setting the stage for this year's list. While keeping in mind that porn is the most personal of genres in terms of what trips your trigger, here's a look at some of the very best adult entertainment from 2004:

1. The Masseuse:
Few could argue the success of Jenna Jameson in all aspects of porn over the years. She's the closest thing the porn world has to a cross over success; having continued her movie career, released a successful book, been on mainstream television more than any of contemporaries, and simply embodied the American porn star "look" better than anyone else for years. As the reigning queen of porn, Jenna makes few movies these days but I think The Masseuse, was her strongest offering of 2004. The remake of a popular classic porno, the movie showcased Jenna as a lovely young gal that connects with her client at a local massage parlor, leading both of them to places they've never been. A combination of sex that fit the plot, attractive costars, and the ability of the cast to actually act in a competent manner, The Masseuse proved to be Paul Thomas' best movie of the year. (Review by Don Houston)

Second Opinion: Bella Loves Jenna: The Masseuse managed to engage the brain on multiple levels but there was no mistaking the heat generated when two porn legends, Jenna Jameson and Belladonna, got together to show that established stars could be just as blazingly hot as any flavor of the month cutie in Bella Loves Jenna. Rather than tell a coherent story, the movie relied on the combination of Jenna's look and Bella's no-holds-barred style of sex.

2. Katja Kassin:
While Katja didn't start off in porn during 2004, she became the most sought after anal queen of gonzo bar none. Her mere presence elevated the heat levels of any production she was in and she was in a lot of them. From Big Wet Asses 1 to Double Impact 2 to Absolute Ass 2, Katja's neon red hair, curvy ass and sexual talent all combined to make her one of the driving forces of gonzo porn, regardless of who was directing her. Katja did it all with a take no prisoners attitude and a drive to get her partners off as none had done before her. The German Goddess has won over the crotches of many fans with no end in sight as she continues to dominate gonzo, winning her a spot on this list. (Big Wet Asses 1 by Don Houston)

Second Opinion: Teagan Presley: A close runner up to Katja Kassin in gonzo porn would have to be the lovely gal from Houston, Texas; Teagan Presley. This young gal went from being a virtual unknown to melting the hearts of the masses with her girlish good looks, lean but sweet body, and a willingness to do whatever it took with no limits as she built up enough of a fan base to inspire the exclusive Digital Playground to sign her to a contract. If her work in Contract Star is any indication of her talent, she's poised to take over features much as she has risen through the masses of gonzo productions this year.

3. From Her Ass To Her Mouth
You want a plot? I'll give you a plot. Let me tell you a story about From Her Ass To Her Mouth, set in some beautiful corner of the world (Vince Vouyer's house), four pairs and one single girl join up with a guy or two for a romantic evening of insatiable lust. Spread across five unimaginably hot scenes, the girls perform plenty of ass to mouth oral sex, with a strong emphasis on ass to other girl's mouth. In other words, these girls aren't afraid to suck off a prick that's been up their friend's pooper (or their own). It's a delightfully gross act that should make any hardcore enthusiast excited. So join Vince Vouyer as he takes a look at gonzo hardcore the way it should be. The hot action includes a mind boggling scene with Dana Vespoli and Lily Thai. There's also a really hot scene with Katrina Kraven and Melanie. However, the hot action comes mostly from Katrina, as she repeatedly steals the stage. And while solo, the beautiful Lucy Thai outperforms all the others. (From Her Ass To Her Mouth by Rob Randell)

Second Opinion: A2M #4: The Art of Ass To Mouth: However, if for some reason From Her Ass To Her Mouth doesn't offer quite enough hardcore action, Anabolic's A2M #4: The Art of Ass To Mouth is the perfect substitute. It stars a couple From Her Ass To Her Mouth veterans. Dana Vespoli and Jamie Brooks return for another round of ass to other girl's mouth action with a dash more nastiness, Anabolic style. So join the nasty master John Strong as he and several of his friends dominate beauties with plenty of overzealous ass to mouth oral sex. There are several really great scenes, a hot match up with Jamie Brooks and Jada Fire, a busty white chick and a busty black chick. Side-by-side, they look terrific! The orgasmic opening is enough excitement to put you over the top! There are also some great scenes with Dana Vepoli and Haley, Monica Sweetheart, and Taylor Rain.

4. Eye of the Beholder:
As adult material has gained more mainstream acceptance, there has been a desire on the part of its creators to emulate Tinsel Town's feature filmmaking. This "Holy Grail" of pornography, this attempted merger of hardcore with Hollywood has met with middling success...until Eye of the Beholder. Writer/Director/Star Brad Armstrong and co-star Kaylani Lei have managed the near impossible, crafting a fantastic, fiery chiller. From the standout performances (Lei is magnificent as our heroine, with Charmane Star and Evan Stone equally superb as the supernatural and pragmatic sources of evil, respectively) to the subtle use of special effects, this true erotic thriller combines the best of its genres. The story is edge of your seat suspenseful. The sex is equally enthralling. Together, this potent combination makes for a benchmark in adult entertainment - a truly gripping XXX motion picture that plays right alongside the Cineplex big boys in narrative, acting, mood and style. (Eye of the Beholder by Disco Dirge)

Second Opinion: Misty Beethoven: The Musical: How do you like your porn? Soft and sensual? Gratuitous and Gonzo? Singing and Dancing? That's right, 2004 saw the unveiling of Veronica Hart's musical re-imagining of 70s adult classic The Opening of Misty Beethoven, and the results are a terrific combination of sex and show tunes. Sunset Thomas, Julie Meadows, Randy Spears and Evan Stone carry a tune, and this film, to fabulous heights of hardcore hummability. Everything about Misty Beethoven: The Musical is near perfect - from the sizzling XXX-capades to the amazing tunes. Presented in a stellar three-disc package (two DVDs packed with extras plus a CD) this free-form farce about a whore retrofitted into rock stardom proves that adult material can be both intense and insanely entertaining. Besides, how many movies can you remember that feature a character getting a back alley blowjob while singing about the lack of class in most interpersonal contact? It's just one of Misty Beethoven's many priceless moments.

5. The Incredible Gulp:
A major portion of a sex scene revolves around the conclusion. The placement and the delivery play an important role for many viewers. Zero Tolerance's The Incredible Gulp is a title that tailors to those who enjoy cum swallowing. Instead of watching a guy (or several) drop their loads after sex on a girl's belly, tits, or face, the girls in The Incredible Gulp slurp the money shot like it's water. Some of the best scenes come from Taylor Rain and Katrina Kraven. There's also a rather surprising scene from Julie Robbins, because it is simply incredible. So if you're looking to see a few hot babes engage in sex and swallow the payload, you'll really enjoy The Incredible Gulp. (Review by Rob Randell)

Second Opinion: Down the Hatch #12: While The Incredible Gulp should be more than enough for viewers looking to see good sex that ends with cum swallowing, Diabolic's Down the Hatch #12 offers a lot more in both departments. The sex is both steamy hot and exciting. However, it differs from The Incredible Gulp because the action is a little rougher. There's also a bit more cum swallowing for fans. Some of the great scenes come from Jamie Brooks, Venus, Giselle Collins and Scarlet O'Whora. If you're looking to see the goods delivered over and over again, Down the Hatch #12's exhilarating sex and cum swallowing action should excite any viewer.

6. Jules Jordan:
Still a diamond in the rough, famed director Jules Jordan has learned from his master, John "Buttman" Stagliano, and propelled himself to the heights of gonzo porn on the basis of many releases this year. My favorite was Ass Worship 6, a two disc set jam packed with great, hardcore sex, but he was also responsible for such hits as Feeding Frenzy 5, Flesh Hunter 7, Weapons of Ass Destruction 3, and Invasian!; all of which were exceptionally fine pieces of work. What many fans find appealing about Jules is that he adds something new to the mix in almost every production he heads up. Jules goes beyond the simplistic gonzo format to add style and vision and I hope to see what he has to offer in 2005. (Ass Worship 6 by Don Houston)

Second Opinion: Pat Myne and Skeeter Kerkove: Both of these two men currently direct for Metro's FusXion line of hardcore gonzo and each of them has a love of fine ass as dressed up in fetish-ware that typically includes fishnet stockings, PVC, and high heels. While each of the two have their own style, they both know how to serve an audience of perverted raincoaters and provide a lot of fuck for the buck.

7. Manhammer 2:
Could any top ten list of porn be complete without mentioning the one and only Dark Prince of Porn, Lexington Steele? Let's face it, the majority of black talent these days is somewhat limp by comparison to this force of nature. Now that Lex is on his own and focusing his efforts on his Mercenary Pictures movies, I hope we all see more of this guy as he hammers some of the premium pussy he seems to find willing to try out his lengthy rod as he did in Manhammer 2. With a cast of hot babes that showed no problem with taking interracial sex to the limits of acceptability, Lex proved his talent both in front of, and behind, the camera. (Review by Papa AJ)

Second Opinion: Young Tight Latinas 6: Much like some men want to see white gals take on a black man for all he's worth, so to do a lot of men want to see some of the hottest pussy available from south of the border. Hispanic girls seem to have the round ass cheeks men like but also the drive to get their partners off so it should come as no surprise that this form of ethnic porn has become so popular. Red Light District being one of the best gonzo companies for showcasing young (though of legal age) girls, their series centering on Latinas has been enjoyed by several of the reviewers at X Critic with this being one of the best volumes they've had to offer.

8. Tera Tera Tera:
Tera Patrick made quite a splash when she returned to porn this year after a contract dispute with her previous employer. Her exotic looks, the fanfare that accompanied her return, and the help of the mighty Vivid press machine, all combined to provide a tone of fans exactly what they were looking for: more Tera Patrick in sex scenes. Tera Tera Tera showcased the lady in a variety of situations as the movie gave the world more of her (and husband Evan) than any previous release had done to date. Simply put, she has an avid fan base and this movie amounted to the Holy Grail for those fans to see her in action once more. (Review by Don Houston)

Second Opinion: Gina Lynn's Dark Side: Gina Lynn, another contract girl gone wild, went all out as she proved to the world that she could do far more than she had done while limited under contract by making this two-disc set of scenes between her and some of the most talented performers in the jizz biz. Her sheer energy as she took on all comers provided me with a newfound hope that released contract gals could open up in ways previously unimagined. The fact that she bore such a resemblance to pop singer Christina Aguilera will no doubt come into play as she continues her quest to blaze a new path in gonzo.

9. The 8th Sin:
This movie was incredible. This was one of those few porn features that tries, and succeeds at being the whole package. The plot is good (for porn), the sex is incredible, everyone involved is attractive and fits their part well. The directing was fabulous, there were no moments where I slapped my head out of frustration with angles or poor shooting spots. One of the best pornos I have ever seen. (Review by The Dude)

Second Opinion: Fluff and Fold: "I always wanted to do a sex scene in a laundromat." With that bold vision, Jessica Drake sets out to do just that with boyfriend Brad Armstrong at the helm. Decent performances, actually believable dialog, and solid production values follow for an enjoyable, well-made film from Wicked. There's actually attention paid to narrative here as well as production and it shows. A well done production complemented with an obscene amount of extras made this disc well worth owning even if you're not a fan of the main star. Another outstanding disc from Wicked Pictures.

Also, 1001 Erotic Nights: "Set way back in the age of Sultans and harem girls, 1001 Erotic Nights follows the exploits of Sultan Shaka Khan (John Leslie), who claims (falsely) to be a descendent of Ghengis Khan. His most prized possessions are the women of his harem, many of whom are very beautiful and skilled in the ways of sex. The film details the exploits of the Sultan, his harem girls and his friends. 1001 Erotic Nights is classic early eighties erotica at it's finest. An all star cast, some truly hot scenes, nice set design and a basic but effective storyline make this professional looking adult film easy to highly recommend."

10. Stuffin Young Muffins 2:
Young girls have always been quite the trend in the adult business and Tyrone Shuz's relatively new Digital Sin series Stuffin Young Muffins is at the head of the class. The second volume stars plenty of fresh young faces, most of whom are quite a sight to see. The action is kept relatively clean and straightforward, but it is still extremely hot. All of the scenes in this release are quite exciting, but the best scenes come from the British/East Indian hottie Destiny Deville, a busty and quite attractive Asian babe Leili Koshi, and the young looking DVD cover girl Haylee Bang. Viewers looking to see some of the best young and new girls in action, Stuffin Young Muffins is the ticket. (Review by Rob Randell)

Second Opinion: Naughty Confessions: While not exactly a young girl driven title, Naughty Confessions offers plenty of babes who look quite young and plenty of exciting clean and straightforward action. In this one, the focus is more on letting these young looking babes tell their deepest darkest secrets! Of course they don't turn out to be too deep or dark, but rather a little kinky. And one thing leads to another and we find the babes naked and enjoying the company of some random guy. There are plenty of great scenes, with the first three being absolutely hot. We open with the glamorous Nautica Thorn, sweet and innocent looking Sabrine Maui, and sexy veteran porn star Gina Ryder. It's these three scenes that make the entire release a winner.

- Don Houston

In the course of a year, literally thousands of adult films are released. Unfortunately, a lot of crap hits the market and we at X Critic try our best to weed out the good from the bad. It is my sincere pleasure to write this list that covers some of the hottest adult releases that are tailored for the fans of Asian babes. Of course it's also important to note that most of these titles are also best suited for a hardcore enthusiast. You won't find (very much) couple friendly action in these releases, because the Asian babes in these releases like hard and nasty. Well, without further ado I bring you a comprehensive list of some of the hottest Asian babe action with awesome scenes from the likes of Lucy Thai, Nautica Thorn, Lucy Lee, and Lily Thai, amongst others.

1. Anabolic's Asians - [review]

Asians is one of my favorite releases of 2004. It follows the Anabolic/Diabolic creed and offers some truly nasty, rough, and degrading action that may (or may not) turn you on. But if the truly hardcore gonzo approach of Anabolic/Diabolic is a turn off, then this extremely rough sex feature probably won't do it for you. If you're like me and enjoy good nasty sex with Asian hotties, you'll be happily surprised with Asians. There are six scenes that each offer threesome action and nasty acts like anal, double penetration, and ass to mouth. Hardcore enthusiasts rejoice your salvation is here.

Unlike some Asian focused releases, Asians promotes the Asian facade by dressing up the girls for the part. The girls wear sexy outfits that include robes and dresses, which are topped off with make-up, hats, and an Asian umbrella. The effect leaves the girls looking very ethnic. However, the awfully poor setting (on top of a Californian hill) kills it. Anyways, the feature opens with Roxy Jezel in a very impressive scene. The action gets really rough, with plenty of spitting, slapping, and nasty double penetrating acts. However, that's not all, because the lovely Nautica Thorn steps up and makes straight sex look filthy! Other hot Asian babes include cover girl Lucy Lee and Lucy Thai.

2. China Syndrome - [review]

Despite what the title may imply, China Syndrome has no relationship to the Hollywood movie. In fact, it isn't even one of those pornographic films that takes a popular mainstream movie concept and turns it into an excuse for sex. Instead, the name is used as a catchy ploy to imply feature's focus, which is simply put, hot sex with Asian babes. With no plot and barely any dialogue at all, five very hot girls (oddly none are Chinese) partake in great one-on-one and threesome action, with plenty of nasty anal sex and a little double penetration.

The content of China Syndrome includes three very hot five-star scenes. The insatiable Korean babe Lucy Lee opens the feature with a thrilling threesome scene. She first shows how to give a heated blow job and then follows it up with some highly energetic sex that should excite you beyond words. Cover girl Lily Thai gives an awesome performance and looks beyond gorgeous throughout the action. We also have Kammy, a cute babe from Japan, who partakes in a very nasty hole splitting scene. She gets downright dirty letting two guys violate two of her holes at once.

3. I Know You're Watching #2 - [review]

Digital Sin's I Know You're Watching #2 isn't really an Asian release. However, four of the hot five scenes star Asian girls and for that reason, it's fair to include it in this list. Considering it a four scene feature with a bonus scene that stars one of 2004's hottest new starlets, Missy Monroe. Anyways, I Know You're Watching #2 is fine look into sex with some of the most gorgeous Asian chicks.

In this Mark Ashley directed feature, it glosses over a story of any kind and pits some of this year's hottest Asian girls in one-on-one and threesome action. Some of the notable scenes include the last scene, which stars cover girl Nautica Thorn and director Mark Ashley. Life doesn't get better than this scene, because Nautica and Mark work together like a dream. There is also another great scene with Kylie Rey and Mark Ashley, with an opening that shows off her supple and wonderfully shaped ass. The other scenes include a mind blowing scene with Lucy Lee and a very hot threesome with the big breasted Rose.

4. Invasian! - [review]

Director Jules Jordan's Invasian! was a big break through for viewers who enjoy hot action with Asian babes. First off, the feature has some of the hottest (and my favorite) Asian adult stars that include Lucy Thai, Nautica Thorn, Charmaine Star, and Cris Taliana. But that's not all, as this DVD release comes with two discs that include plenty of extras on top of the main feature. There is plenty of bonus footage with lots of solo action, blow jobs, and hot sex.

The feature opens with a tantalizing scene. The very lovely Sabrine Maui takes on the massive Lexington Steele. Another beauty, Charmaine Star had an impressive sex scene with Jules. My favorite gal, Lucy Thai gives a roaring performance that included an awesome opening tease and some downright hot sex. The final scene places two very sexy girls together, Cris Taliana and Nautica Thorn. While they have a great scene together, it could have been better. The girls open with some very enticing girl on girl action and finish it up by giving Jules a blow job. Sex was the key ingredient missing in this steamy scene. But it was still a very hot scene.

5. Black Dicks in Asian Chicks - [review]

Both the Asian and interracial genres seem to become more popular with each passing year. It's no surprise that from time to time the two clash. In Red Light District's Black Dicks in Asian Chicks, there are six fairly steamy interracial scenes with well equipped Black dudes bangin' lusty Asian sweeties. In comparison to many other gonzo releases, the content is strictly straight sex, but includes some variations that make it a little rougher than feature sex. Overall, it's a pretty good release, with some solid scenes. The extras alone make it worth checking out. There's some great point of view action with hotties like Katsumi and Lucy Thai.

As for the actual content, there are four five-star scenes. The feature opens with cover girl Lucy Thai giving an amazing performance with an opening that shouts excitement. The other really hot scenes include steamy straight scenes with Nautica Thorn and China girl, and finally, an awe-inspiring concluding scene with the French Asian beauty Katusmi. There is also a pretty good scene with little miss Kylie Rey. There is definitely some great sex that should make any fan of the Asian or interracial genres extremely pleased.

6. Hustler's Asian Fever #20 - [review]

While on a completely different tone than the previous five releases, Asian Fever #20 takes a very clean and straightforward approach to sex. Generally, this kind of action doesn't really appeal to a hardcore enthusiast like myself, but this volume has a cast that is smoking hot! The action comes off very hot and despite the feature's rather short runtime it's definitely one of the best releases in the series.

Director Ray Andersen travels the Orient to fill his scenes with many fresh and never before seen faces. Unfortunately the approach always seems to leave Asian Fever with a few too many girls who aren't really good at what they're supposed to do on camera. But as earlier mentioned that's far from the truth with this volume. The clean and straightforward content is surprisingly satisfying and the cast is extremely easy on the eyes. For a good look into clean and straightforward sex with Asian girls, it's all about Asian Fever #20.

For the future, we can only hope that 2005 offers some even hotter Asian action. I can only imagine what kind of hot young starlets will emerge and the nasty sex that they'll get into. Also, I hope that you continue to join myself (and the rest of the X Critic staff) as we weed out the best of the best, pointing out the releases with the hottest action.

-Rob Randell