Matt Sterling's titles always have a ready-made audience for three solid reasons: their state-of-the-art videography (by John Trenell); high production values (with budgets that would finance a dozen lesser titles); and sexual action as hot as you can find anywhere. Idol Eyes fulfills the first two expectations without qualification and comes close to fulfilling the third. The only problem lies with its star, Ryan Idol.

The five episodes are connected by Idol's narration of his experiences as a lifeguard -- narration that is both realistically written and well and well-delivered. Two of the scenes (Stone/White; Tanner/Gunther) rank among the best of Sterling's sexual tableaux, creating an intensely erotic ambience with unexpected exchanges of top/bottom roles. Almost as good are the Racer/Gibson episode and Idol's self-discovery solo in front of a mirror.

So where does Idol let us down? Unfortunately, in the final scene, when he at last decides to try male-to-male sex for himself. In spite of a partner (Stafano) that should inspire anyone, Idol come across as unenthused, even detached, hopelessly heterosexual.

But the first four episodes, classic examples of Sterling at his best, should guarantee a large audience for Idol Eyes, both in sales and rentals. The boxcvoer is also a winner.