To recap, the Born Whores series substitutes stylization for superlative b.j. action, though the latest volume shows a bit of, hmmm, growth. Still present are random snippets of noirish dialogue, meaningless exterior shots and ominous background music. (Maybe that gave Dashiell Hammett a boner but we suspect the typical viewer is gonna have to work harder for theirs.) Fishnet body stockings and bondage garments add some spice to the proceedings.

As indicated, the good news is that most of the hummers are hotter than those of previous volumes. It all starts with finer-looking babes such as Kara Bare and Estelle, whose pretty faces cannot be mistaken despite how much the shadowy, color-saturated videography tries to hide them.

Retailing: Crossover appeal for the specialty department.