NOTE: The below Blu-ray captures were taken directly from the Blu-ray disc.

ADDITION: Vinegar Syndrome Blu-ray (October 2022): Vinegar Syndrome have transferred Shaun Costello's Pandora's Mirror to Blu-ray. It is cited as being "Newly scanned & restored in 2K from its 35mm interpositive".

Firstly, yes this is an unapologetic "pornographic film" with plenty of graphic sex scenes - nudity, intercourse, ejaculation, erect penises, masturbation, group and oral sex etc.. I'm amazed at Vinegar Syndrome prodigious output with a variety of genres transferred at their high standards. I would like to continue to support them. Films like this have their place with nostalgia being one enticement.

It looks, typical of VS, very strong - pleasing grain textures, rich colors (reds) on a single-layered disc with a high bitrate. It frequently has a soft-lens look but you can put that down to the 80's films stock. Even with some fading it still looks film-like.

NOTE: We have added 26 more large resolution Blu-ray captures (in lossless PNG format) for DVDBeaver Patrons HERE

On their Blu-ray, Vinegar Syndrome use a DTS-HD Master mono track (24-bit) in the original English language. Pandora's Mirror is notable for some of the uncredited music; Ommadawn (Part One) written and performed by Mike Oldfield, and Alternative 3 and Final Sunset written and performed by Brian Eno plus Marlowe's Theme by David Shire. It sounds quite clear and clean in the lossless showing a bit of the original production weaknesses. Vinegar Syndrome offer optional English subtitles on their Region FREE Blu-ray.

The Vinegar Syndrome Blu-ray offers two new commentaries. The first is with with writer/director Shaun Costello via a phone line. He recalls some of the production, cast, crew, locations etc. He was involved in so many aspects of Pandora's Mirror including design, special effects and producer (as Warren Evans.) The second has lead actress Veronica Hart, moderated by film historian Casey Scott. She is great to hear from. She talks about the relatively long shooting time (5 days) as compared to today including the technical aspects, minimal lighting required for modern equipment, cinematographer Palo Coeli and much more. She is 66-years old but full of energy, wit and honest comments as she provides a frank view of the industry, her part and many of her colleagues. Lastly are a lengthy original theatrical trailer and the package has a reversible cover (see below). 

I think we may have reviewed another film of this nature but I can't honestly recall (12,000 disc reviews and counting.) I can hear the Forum chattering-class now "Beaver Does Porn!"... I doubt anyone cares. Probably won't start a trend for us, but you never know. I thought the premise of Pandora's Mirror was a step above the standard for the industry. It has a real and sophisticated plot. A young lady becomes obsessed with an antique shop mirror. Gazing into it she sees the sexual activities of its past owners... encouraging her to... ummm... expand her own horizons. The lead actress, Veronica Hart, is quite becoming and kinda regal looking, imo, with an alluring, upturned, nose. Anyway, you get the idea. The Vinegar Syndrome Blu-ray has the 40-year old, upmarket, 'porno' with it's best digital a/v by far - and the two new commentaries (notably Miss Hart) and keen packaging with inventively sexy cover art. Nostalgia, it's HD quality and Veronica Hart may have the most appeal for buyers. Some may recall that Hart portrayed a judge in Paul Thomas Anderson's Boogie Nights and also appeared briefly in the director's Magnolia. PTA calls her "the Meryl Streep of porn." As always, to each their own - or should I say "different strokes for different folks"... Enjoy.

Gary Tooze