Customer Reviews

Debbie Does Dallas Uncovered

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2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

First of all, I'm only reviewing the 47 minute documentary and not the accompanying movie about 2 women getting into the business. The absolutely silly "hook" to this documentary were the frequent references to Bambi Woods being a one hit wonder. The narrator implies thru interviews with a producer associated with the original film that Bambi made one movie and disappeared forever. The producer actually says that he wanted to do a sequel but he let up when Bambi wasn't interested. It's not hard to get a copy of other films like Debbie Does Dallas 2 and 3. Not once were these other two movies mentioned. Even an interview with R. Bolla (OH, Mr. Greenfield!) where he talks of having gone out with Bambi ONCE the night after they did some shooting. She may have not been in the business long but she was in at least 2 other movies looking a little older and heavier. Mr. Greenfield scored more than one touchdown! The film maker neglets to mention that "Debbie" character appeared in 2 subpar sequels.

Wasn't it Mencken who noted that Americans are the most sex obsessed and, conversely, the most sex repressed people ever? "Debbie Does Dallas: Uncovered", a British-TV investigation into the history of the notorious porno film from the late 70's, a porno film that has, so far, financially grossed multi-millions, would seem to provide a potent starting point in one's quest to prove the validity of Mencken's (if it indeed was Mencken who said it) observation. It's a disjointed film; there's no linear progression of story here-- the film-makers jump from one observation to another, from one interview to another, from film clip to film clip, as if searching for a main point or theme to hang the frame of their movie on. For all that, there are fascinating (not to mention disturbing) moments here. With the exception of Robin Byrd, none of the women involved in the film consented to an interview (not surprising, I guess, but their absence does detract substantially from the film overall, as they're obviously an integral part of any serious examination of pornography, and to say women are the ones primarily exploited by pornography is not a moral statement or a value judgement...I'm not a prude or a proponent of censorship...but a statement of empirical fact). The male actors do consent to being interviewed, and respond to the questions with varying degrees of insight, humor, and even sadness. Robert Kerman aka R. Bolla, looking doughy and old, notes the harsh reality of his life passing him drearily by, without accomplishment or fulfillment or any evident joy. Then, with a certain sardonic humor, he observes, "Though there is 'Debbie Does Dallas'. What a legacy, huh?" Passing mention is also made during the course of the film of underworld involvement in the financing and distribution of the film, and of attempts on the part of the authorities to prosecute those involved (it would appear that the actors and actresses weren't the only ones scarred by their involvement in "Debbie Does Dallas"; there's something unsettling and creepy about the image of the retired FBI agent leafing wordlessly through his thick albums of pornography). Thankfully, there's no overt moralizing or smug Janus-faced hypocrisy, no facile rationalizations or easy answers offered, no puritanical pontificating dispensed-- there doesn't really have to be. Perhaps nothing better illustrates the inherently exploitative nature of pornography than the revelation that those "acting" in the film received, at most, a few hundred dollars, while those controlling the film are still making a fortune. Then there's the mystery of "Debbie"-- the beautiful, enigmatic actress "Bambi Woods". It's been reported that she died of a drug overdose (as did her co-star in the movie, Arcadia Lake). It's also been reported that she was "saved" by her religious parents, and now lives an anonymous life somewhere in suburbia. The film-makers don't solve the mystery, although they do go so far as to hire a private investigator. On the website "YesButNoButYes" recently, a woman purporting to be Bambi Woods gives an interview refuting much of what is said in the documentary. She was never a cheer-leader, her parents were religious but not excessively so, she never dated Robert Kerman (not even once), her birth-name was not Debbie De Santo or Barbara Woodson, she was not "saved" by her parents but left porno voluntarily and maintained her anonymity by cutting her hair short, changing its color to black, and using her original name. According to the woman claiming to be "Debbie", she kicked a drug habit, married, had children, and currently lives a satisfying albeit "boring" life in California. I read the interview and actually found myself hoping it was her. There are a depressing abundance of stories concerning early deaths, wasted lives, and blighted psyches connected with involvement in pornography. It's refreshing to believe that someone actually was able to emerge from the experience relatively unscathed, that someone was actually able to transcend what assuredly had to be, at best, a sad episode from her past and go on to live a fruitful, fulfilling and happy life. One doesn't have to view "Debbie Does Dallas: Uncovered" to realize how truly rare that must be.

If you absolutely MUST see this one, try to borrow or (at worst) rent it somewhere.

Because contrary to one of the official reviews, this film is VERY judgemental about porn and the porn industry. All that porno stuff is evil, wicked, mean and nasty, funnels millions to mafia mobsters, and probably gives you cavities, scabies, and ring-around-the-collar to boot, don'tcha know? It's just that this film isn't honest enough to come right out and say so out loud. Instead, in a marvel of selective presentation, this film bravely confirms what every Jerry Springer audience already "knows."

Hey, maybe every single thing they allege is gospel-true - but I can get that POV from Falwell, Robertson and their ilk constantly, endlessly, and anytime day or night. And for free.

What chaps my cheeks about this particular DVD is that it uses the mystique and curiousity surrounding a classic adult film not to try to resolve anything much about its so-called subject, but to give you instead (among other delights) a straight-laced ex-FBI'er condemning porn (at length) and gloating about harassing a suspect into a fatal heart attack. Now *that's* entertainment!

And did I mention that their whole pretext for this project - the search for Bambi Woods - just kind of dribbles away inconclusively, in the end, without any real resolution? Talk about a red herring!

In short, believe that other purchaser who said he returned his copy because it wasn't what was advertised. This whole production is a study in false advertising. I gave it an extra star for being technically well-done, but otherwise it's remarkably half-baked.

It seems the slant in this documentary is wrong and seeks to muddy the character of those involved in the Debbie Does Dallas films. DDD had at least seven sequels (not mentioned) with Bambi Woods in one. Much has also been made of the rumor that Bambi Woods died, but in the midst of this film an exec from VCX reveals he knows where she lives, now married with two kids, and talked to her about making a sequel. Of course, he would never leak this info to any countless fans who ask about her day and night. Besides, another film company might sign her up! The interviewers seem to assume adult film makers are all some type of crook, but only one film financer and mobster was charged in connection with "Dallas" and he died of a heart attack before the FBI could arrest him. Repeat clips of Debbie Does Dallas are shown so often, using scenes from almost the entire film, that it could have been three hours long. I also wonder why this 30 year old film, less harmful than some of the current crop, still gathers so much interest today.

Debbie Does Dallas & star, Bambi Woods, present interesting subject matter for an in-depth documentary.
You have a ground breaking, late 70's hardcore film, financed for very little money, which in turn makes millions upon millions & remains sought after thirty years after it's release.
You also have the subsequent dissapearance of Woods, a seemingly 'girl next door' type that inexplicably decides to portray "Debbie."

Instead we get the rantings of an FBI informant, and nonsensical ramblings of Robin Byrd, who had a minor role in the film.
Many of the male actors seem wounded, ultimately defined by the film they were paid very little for.

The halfhearted search for boxcover star, Bambi Woods, reveals nothing.

The director & producers, convienently gloss over the fact that Woods actually followed up the original film with two sequels!
Instead, to possibly make her tale more intriguing, they lead the viewer's to believe she did one film, never to be heard from again.
Very odd, indeed.

If you must view this feature, i recommend renting it.

When I ordered this DVD I made a huge mistake. I thought it was the actual movie, not some documentary. Don't buy it if you think you'll be seeing Debbie in action!

Debbie Does Dallas (Special Edition) (1979)

* Starring: Bambi Woods
* Director: Mike Hunt
* Encoding: Region 9 (Public Urinals & Perverts Lairs)
* Format: Color, Closed-captioned, Widescreen
* Rated: PG
* Studio: Parcllub Studios
* DVD Release Date: Oct 13th, 2069
* Run Time: 69 mins.
* DVD Features:
o All new 5.1 & DTS surround sound
o Widescreen: 1:69
o Subtitles: English, American, Canadian, Australian
o Closed Captions: English for the hearing impaired
o Deleted Scenes
Special New Multi Camera Angle Views: Featuring never before seen footage from perverts in the crews personal on stage home cameras.
o Out-takes & Bloopers
o Audio Commentary from Director and Producer
o Audio Commentary by Cast Members
o Audio Commentary by Horny Guys just whacking off to the film
o Featurettes: On location, Making Of, Behind The Scenes, The impact since DDD-Day
o Reunion Footage: The cast and crew are re-united after 25 years and speak about the movie.
o Fan Footage: Talking to the fans of the movie, and how the film had an impact on there lives.
o 3D-Reunion: All new footage of the cast's reunion session, re-enacting classic moments from the film/
o Picture Disc
o On Screen Trivia
o Story Board Comparison
o Cast & Crew Information, Biography's, Filmographys
o Production Notes
o Do Debbie: Interactive Game
o Trailers
o Web Links
o Upcoming Video Game Debbie Does Dallas Drawers Deep Down Video Game preview
o Number of discs: 3

The 30th Anniversary special edition of the cult classic, "Debbie Does Dallas" comes to DVD in full force with this limited edition wide screen 3 disc collectors box set. The movie that started off the XXX genre and inspired many clones to date has been digitally remastered from original footage reels and transferred onto 69:43-XXX encoded HD picture quality. The sound has been remastered in DTS, RTS play back for full THX surround sound advantage.

The classic story of a small town girl who wants to go on a cheer leading trip with her friends, but finds she does not have any money but, must find a way to make some, realizes how she can make some big bucks for her and her friends by doing special jobs! for horny men all over town.

Starring Bambi Woods, the girl voted most likely to suckseed in high school, along with Misty Winter, Robyn Byrd, Arcadia Lake, Pat Allure, Paula Head, Rikki O'Neal, ,Georgette Sanders, Richard Balla, Arnold Schwarzenegger & Gary Coleman are all back in digital high quality to bring back to you the cult phenomenon that started a whole group of young teenagers pants dancing back in the 1970's.

Inside the cover you can find famous reviews for this movie.

Siskel
"The layout of this movie is suburb, We where on the edge of our seats, never have we seen such a classic come back to life on DVD as this: tho it lost it's excitement after 15 minutes for some reason?" So, overall we do recommend this movie highly, but it's still enjoyable." --This text refers to the Worn out VHS Tape edition

Reviewer: Bambi Woods
"Wow, boy was I in better shape back then, you should see my tush now!"

Bill Clinton (Harlem, USA)
"Hours of fun for the whole one man family"

Ron Jeromy
I absolutely loved the reunion footage, they might have all changed a fair bit, and a few wrinkles hear and there, and yes of coarse theirs a lot of gray hairs, but the .censured word. is still as good as ever, if not better! and the 3D option is great! I was trying to reach out and touch them, it's amazing! I even found myself ducking at the climax shots"

S.Spielberg
"The audio commentary was so great to listen to on one of my all time favorite movies. I had no idea on a lot of the great info that I was told; I particularly liked finding out about the camera and film tricks they did, like in one scene where you see the guy doing her in a doggy position, they inform you that the camera is placed in front of her, so you cant see the guys happy swingers behind her, it was a long day, and he had already gone whoopees several times, and she was beat, so before they wrapped up, she did some acting and faked that she was being pumped, and he had a limpy, hiding behind her, but pretending he was giving it to her, then they filmed the climax shot several days later! wow, amazing stuff all right! it should have been an award winner for all the great things they did with the film and how it all came together in such a brilliant way.... i'm thinking I might like to remake this film, I can see Tom Cruise and Helen Hunt playing these infamous roles some day"

G. Lucas
"This DVD sucks. For a number of reason. First, they have not added new scenes created using over killed CGI effects, they have not completely changed the original tone of the film with additional scenes or replaced any characters. I think the worst thing is for the people who made this DVD transfer did was actually listened to what the fans wanted, and left the original footage alone, presenting it how it was 30 years ago. The other thing that stinks to high heaven is they haven't put the Jabba The Sl hut scene back in. this movie both sarked and blowwwwwwwwwwwed."

Pick up your copy today, it's highly recommended you do.

NOT A MOVIE not the documentary so if you could please get ahold of whomever the seller was and send the movie and ill gladly send this documentary back

Returned the DVD, it was not what it was advertised to be.
Credit was issued.

The school "Debbie Does Dallas" was shot at is Pratt Institute of Art and Design in Brooklyn. It is commonly known amongst its students (me being an alumni myself) that "Debbie" was shot in the library (very recognizable dut to the frosted glass floors), the back entrance of the library (which has been locked for years), the president's office (to the delight of many students) as well as the locker rooms of the indoor pool which closed its doors in the 80's.

I'v been to Dallas,Texas five times, its a beautiful city unlike my small crappy town Winnsboro.