A totally unique concept, Cecil Howard’s Dangerous Stuff is the porn equivalent to one of those intimate introspective plays that always run Off-Broadway. In fact, this is what shot-on-video tapes should be.  Howard shows why he has always been one step ahead of his contemporaries, as he exploits this medium in a way that no other director has.

Whereas most shot-on-video productions feel like they should have been shot on film and the producer didn’t have the money to do so, Dangerous Stuff could only work on video. The intimate setting needed to make a “play” work could only come off successfully when shot directly onto video.

Taped before a live audience, Dangerous Stuff features Eric Edwards, depressed that his girlfriend Angel had broken off their engagement. He ties a rope in a noose, getting ready to hang himself.  But he begins to explain the situation that led to this act to the audience.  And what ensues is a series of graphic scenes, depicting his life in the weeks preceding.

The viewer is treated to a wide array of luscious sex scenes, mostly involving Eric Edwards.  Especially hot are segments with Edwards and stewardess Robin Everett, Angel and our leading guy, Angel dong a solo bit and Edwards and painted whore, Tiffany Clark.  But the most tantalizing tease occurs when Edwards’ little sister, played by Renee Summers, loses her virginity to “uncle” R. Bolla in a realistic and sexy scene.

The only problem with Dangerous Stuff, inherent in all videos, involves the lighting. You can see every freckle, bump and bruise on the players’ bodies, such is the closeness of the camerawork.  But to the tape’s credit, some excellent use of video effects, superb editing and up tempo original music help make this one of the best shot-on-video features we’ve yet to encounter.