Review

For many years we were the exclusive (and very proud) re-sellers of Bijou and the original Boys in the Sand. Now we really have a treat for you. We have acquired both of those films as well as Boys in the Sand II (which has been sold for many years in a truncated form as Men in the Sand II) from the director himself, the illustrious Wakefield Poole.

The impact these pre-condom era films had is undeniable. (All were shown theatrically in the early 70s, and were even reviewed by Variety!) Here we present all three, digitally remastered and with tons of bonus goodies. Director Poole yapping it up with director Jerry Douglas is a hoot (brand new commentary by the way); we have affectionately dubbed the segment "The Godfathers of Porn Speak."

In addition, there are hardcore short films, stills of Casey Donovan that have never seen the light of day until now, and tons more - six hours worth! These are classics in the true sense (the original prints are headed off to museums!); we can't wait for you to see them.

Yes, the images are a tad dark on Bijou and there are a few emulsion scratches that can be seen throughout which were simply impossible to remove without destroying the prints (we used the best negatives available) and the films have certainly seen the test of time. But being vital parts of gay history we truly feel they have no equal and demand to be seen.

Now fully restored and presented the way they were originally meant to be seen, do yourself a favor and get this set. It's a must for porn fanatics and serious collectors alike.

 -- Keeneye Reeves

Boys in the Sand (1971)
Upon its initial theatrical release, Wakefield Poole's Boys in the Sand became one of the most successful gay independent films of all time. It even received an interesting review in Variety, which wrote, "It's so cinema verite that at times the viewer fears the camera itself is going to get into the action." Written, directed, shot, edited and self-distributed by Poole, the film premiered at the venerable 55th Street Playhouse in New York City, the first time a gay sex film played in a non-porn theatre.

The story revolves around then-neophyte porner Casey Donovan - the stage name for John Calvin Culver (1943-1987) - and his spirited sexual antics with three other men in various places on Fire Island. The men represent dreamy "types:" the blond surfer, the muscle man, the sensitive thinker, the sensuous black. No dialogue, just mood enhancing music (ranging from Debussy to rock). An important gay porn classic.

 -- Mr. Powerbar

Bijou (1972)
Wakefield Poole's 1972 pre-condom classic Bijou is a masterpiece of underground filmmaking and hardcore gay male sex; a (surreal) gay classic in every sense of the word. It set the world on fire back in the early 1970s, when porn was relegated to "real" theatres: real film and all, no video screens, baby. Digitally remastered from the original 16mm print, it's shot like some hallucinogenic Warholian acid trip, and never fails to fascinate and get you off (and how). Highlights include really wild scenes involving a sex-club like labyrinth and kinky goings-on; Bill Harrison's ridiculously huge cock is still startling, even to this day (every size queen I know gags with delight upon seeing it for the first time); really explicit cum-guzzlings coupled with maze-like production design.

Totally trippy and hot as hell, this is an essential addition to any porn-lover's collection.

 -- Keeneye Reeves

Boys (aka Men) in the Sand II (1986)
This sequel to director Wakefield Poole's landmark Boys in the Sand arrives 15 years later, and the result is... well, hard to say. It's definitely worth owning, that's for sure.

Ok, first the not so good news: The look of the film is a tad soft in spots, and it was really irritating trying to figure out who was doing what and to whom, so close are some of the "close-ups" seen throughout. As you can see, very minor complaints indeed.

Now the (very) good news:
This is a must-own for several reasons. First, Casey Donovan and his mega-huge meatwad are always a welcome sight. Second, and more importantly, the obviously talented Poole creates a near-classic example of pre-condom on-screen fucking. Poole really is an artist, and this is a shining example of what he's capable of.

Lots of fantasy-play, gorgeous outdoor beach scenarios... and some of the most yummy-in-my-tummy looking oral and facial cumshots of the era. They're not overly elaborate or anything, just terrific shots of guys taking full loads in the mouth, swirling the load on their tongues, and gulping it down. Watch also for a sleazy (and hard-on inducing) shot of a just-spent cock plunging back into a cum-filled asshole for more rutting fun.

So, the slightly short running time and tech credits hamper it a bit. Regardless, Boys (aka Men) in the Sand II is a keeper for classics-fans and facial and oral creamload fanatics.

 -- Keeneye Reeves