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

ADDITION: Kino Blu-ray (July 2025): Kino has transferred three films to their Nudie-Cutie Triple Feature Blu-ray package that are shared on a dual-layered disc. Mr. Peters' Pets (1962,) Everybody Loves It (1964) and 50,000 B.C. (Before Clothing) (1963) are transferred in 1080P. The HD shows the sources are not well-preserved, exporting plenty of vertical scratches, large frame-specific marks, speckles and fluctuating contrast. The presentations are reminiscent of burlesque with sight-gags and minimal production design. Their presentation imperfections add another layer of 'camp' to the viewings.

NOTE: We have added 54 more large resolution Blu-ray captures (in lossless PNG format) for DVDBeaver Patrons HERE.

On their Blu-ray, Kino uses DTS-HD Master dual-mono tracks (24-bit) in the original English language. The soundtracks (described as “lounge Exotica” in Kino Cult's promotional material) are an odd highlight, featuring upbeat, jazzy tunes with tropical and Latin influences, reminiscent of Les Baxter or Martin Denny. These tracks (likely sourced from stock music libraries) add a playful, retro vibe that complements the film’s campy aesthetic but can feel incongruous with the mundane visuals. Sound effects (such as animal noises during transformation scenes) are exaggerated and cartoonish, reinforcing the film’s silly tone but also its low-budget nature. The lack of synchronized dialogue limits character interaction, making the audio feel detached from the visuals. Essentially, it is about the level of the video at the mercy of the existing source of modest production budgets. The sound of these three films reflects the nudie cutie subgenre’s defining traits: low-budget production, audio that prioritizes narration and stock music over synchronized sound. Kino offers optional English (SDH) subtitles on their Region FREE Blu-ray.

The Kino Blu-ray offers a few extras. Eric Schaefer (author of Bold! Daring! Shocking! True! A History of Exploitation Films, 1919–1959) provides an audio commentary for Mr. Peters' Pets that is the standout feature of this release. As a leading scholar of exploitation cinema, Schaefer brings a wealth of knowledge, offering a detailed and engaging analysis that situates the film within the broader context of the nudie cutie subgenre and the transitional period of 1960s American cinema. He covers the film’s production history, its director Peter Perry Jr., and its role in the collapse of Hollywood’s Production Code, which allowed for the emergence of “adults only” content in grindhouse theaters. Schaefer’s expertise shines in his ability to balance academic rigor with accessibility, making the commentary valuable for both casual viewers and film historians. He discusses the film’s low-budget techniques, such as its MOS (mit out sound) shooting style, the use of 35mm cinematography, and the cultural significance of its voyeuristic premise, where Willy Peters transforms into animals to spy on women. The commentary elevates the viewing experience by transforming a potentially cringe-inducing film into a fascinating case study of early sexploitation, making it a must-listen for those interested in the genre’s evolution. There is a trailer for 50,000 B.C. (Before Clothing.) The printed booklet included with the Blu-ray, featuring artwork and essays by Lisa Petrucci of Something Weird Video and exploitation legend David F. Friedman (Blood Feast, She Freak,) is a valuable addition that enriches the release’s archival quality.

Each film in this Blu-ray set is a product of the early 1960s sexploitation wave, a period when filmmakers exploited loosening censorship laws to present non-explicit nudity in a comedic, non-threatening manner. These three films (while minor in the grand scope of cinema) are emblematic of the nudie cutie’s role in challenging Hollywood’s censorship norms during a pivotal decade. Their low budgets and reliance on gimmicks (shape-shifting in Mr. Peters' Pets, a clover narrator in Everybody Loves It, or time travel in 50,000 B.C.) reflect both creative ingenuity and the constraints of their era. However, their reliance on juvenile humor and non-threatening male protagonists reveals a conservative undercurrent, catering to a male audience while avoiding overt sexuality to appease censors. Modern re-evaluations (i.e., Kino’s Blu-ray package) highlight their historical value but also their limitations. The films are often criticized for being boring or offensive by today’s standards with their appeal largely confined to nostalgia, academic interest, and those appreciating their kitschy charm. The gals are surprisingly attractive, prioritizing nudity over storytelling. The nudie cutie’s decline by the late 1960s (as audiences gravitated toward more explicit content) underscores their status as a fleeting experiment in American cinema, preserved today as quirky relics of a pre-pornographic era. Unlike the title of the second film, I don't believe "everyone will love it." I imagine those keen may be a unique niche. To that group who are aware of what they are getting into, this is recommended.

Gary Tooze