Down Under, William Higgins' first feature in many moons, features Australian settings and a local cast. Though one of the most anticipated gay video releases of the year, the final product is a mixed bag.

Virtually every face in the video is new, always a plus in the erotic market. The free-wheeling story of happy-go-lucky seductions returns to the more innocent vision of Higgins' best work. The settings are fresh, the sex naturalistic and the feeling sweet.

Though the faces are great, the bodies of the newcomers are well below industry standards. Despite kinky overtones (shaving, spanking and rubber globes), some of the sex scenes are not that interesting. When Higgins tries to include some S&M (yes, there are dungeons in Oz), the result is video-Sominex. The photography does not inspire greatness either.

Despite the reservations, Down Under will attract plenty of interest from the army of fans that Higgins' previous work has earned him over the years. Retailers should note that a new Higgins project virtually guarantees big profits.