Synopsis
For awhile, the jokes made by people like Chris Rock were geared towards HBO being a naked channel, with 38 different versions of the Real Sex show that they would air on their 12 channels (my numbers may be off, but not by much, which is scary) were pretty dead on. But, as part of their documentary series America Undercover, an hour of time was spent discussing the happiest place on Earth, the Moonlight Bunny Ranch in Nevada, where prostitution is legal and the party never ends.
…
While hidden cameras are used in some rooms to illustrate the negotiation process before the “party” starts, they actually make for some almost comical viewing (the guys always seem to think they’re going to get busted once they’re told of the cameras), it also gives you a sample of the customers that come in. Widowers, pimps, husbands, wives, mothers, brothers and sons (along with various combinations of them), all are welcome, and for the bargain price of $1000 an hour, can enjoy the company of a wide variety of ladies.
It’s not completely based on the sex, there are interviews with the owner, the office manager (I’m trying to give some real life equations here, she takes the money and is responsible for any new girls), along with the girls, including Sunset Thomas, a former porn actress. The overall feel the documentary is trying to convey is that the girls are there for company for some of the guests, along with the requisite love and affection. The money they make is definitely big time (covering a 1 month period, the brothel made almost $1 million), and at the end of the day, everyone truly enjoys where they are and what they do, so what’s the harm in that?
Audio
Dolby Digital 2.0, so the audio is similar to other TV presentations, no big deal.
Video
Full frame, pretty much the usual transfer from a TV show. If you want letterboxed nudity, go rent some porn.
Special Features
I’ll say that there’s virtually nothing here. Sure, there’s 4 minutes of interview footage with the owner, but that’s it.
Closing Thoughts
It’s not without some unique moments, and Cathouse paints an interesting picture of life in the world’s most famous brothel. For the pervs in the crowd, you’re probably better off sticking to porn, no pun intended, because even at an hour in length, there aren’t any real compelling figures to speak of.
Special Features List
- Interview Footage
