Webster defines "erotica" as literary or artistic works having an erotic theme or quality.  Look one word down and you find "eroticism," which means insistent sexual impulse.  I have a simple three word definition for these often overused words: Night Trips II.

This sequel to the best-selling AVN award winner is clearly the most interesting and sexually stunning adult film I've seen in the last five years.  With a simple storyline that guides the viewer into a pastiche of erotic treats, Night Trips II should be used as a blueprint for others who may be contemplating what to heave onto the adult market next.

Paula Price cannot stop masturbating, just like Tori Welles in the original.  Seeking out the professional services of Dr. Randy Spears and nurse Cheri Taylor, she gets hooked up to a dream monitor (without even checking to see if her medical insurance covers it).  Then we begin a ride through her sexual subconscious that will leave viewers gasping for air.

Director Andrew Blake employs a fascinating combination of lighting and coloring techniques that move your back and forth between dreams and reality.  The everpresent musical score does not obscure the action; in fact, it actually moves at the same pace as Price's mounting sexual desires.  The camera moves around, allowing you to ease into the action, with staccato editing that purposely leaves you wondering where reality ends and erotic dreams begin.

All of this makes the outstanding sex scenes even more pulsating.  Price, a lovely newcomer who also appeared in A Shot in the Mouth, is as hot as they come in her varied masturbation sequences and in her lustful scene with Randy Spears.  Erica Boyer and Cameo perform the raunchiest girl/girl scene in a long time, with masks and a real touch of kink.  It's a definite candidate for theBest Sex Scene category next year.  Beautiful Raquel Darian, Lauren Hall and Randy West also turn in excellent sexual performances, those three participating in a dual sex scene, with stunning black and white, sepiatone and lush colors used in equal turns.  It's actually so nice that it's difficult to describe.

It is my dream that all adult features would generate such excitement and be so ambitious; and that the home video retailer would support Night Trips II and demand features of similarly consistent quality.  Something tells me my dream won't come true; and it's going to be hard to return to video after watching one of the most erotic films in years.