Review

Digital Playground’s Stoya: Atomic Tease is so awesome that from the opening credits you know you’re in for something special. Shot by Robby D, it is beautifully lit and composed, one of the most artful porns I have ever seen (not that porn ever needs artistic merit.) Directed by Celeste, the video goes for a striking 50s Betty Page look with digitally-applied emulsion scratches and big band music on the soundtrack. Sparkle bursts provide clever transitions, and the set design, with its white leather furniture, shag rugs, and modern art in background push the whole production into four-star territory. Even if you weren’t into the sex it would still be nice to look at.

Happily, the sex is very very good. In fact, Stoya: Atomic Tease features the sexiest and most beautiful cast in years. Even the guys are stunning. The gals boast excellent vintage hairdos (kudos to the hair, makeup, and wardrobe departments) and they seem to be having fun. There is lots of slap’n’tickle baby doll S&M. The girls brandish riding crops and wear stockings with garters. Everything looks just great.

The behind the scenes footage shows an actual crew using real movie lights, not crappy photofloods. Always a charmer, Jenna Haze reminds us that she won a masturbation award once, and the cameraman says ‘Yeah, so did I’. This is classy product, but I found it odd that the male actors are not even mentioned on the box cover art. A cast this good should be treated like the stars that they are.

 -- Paul Bellini