It's been a while since I've had what I can only describe as being the extreme pleasure of reviewing a Seduction Cinema/Misty Mundae film. So, best believe it was with open arms that I welcomed in my copy of The Seduction of Misty Mundae. Sweet, sweet Misty Mundae. I'm going to assume now that I'm speaking directly to Misty Mundae fans or those curious parties who at least have an inkling of an idea as to what they're getting themselves into. Apparently, this one has been sitting on the shelf since 2001, but don't let that fool you. It's not just another quick cash in, this is easily one of Seduction Cinema's best films.

The Seduction of Misty Mundae tells the story of...well...Misty. Taking some time away from her parents, 18-year-old (yeah right) Misty hops on the train to visit with her Aunt Inga (Julian Wells). Shy and naive, when Misty first arrives she keeps mainly to herself. Her first night visiting, Misty hears some sounds while taking a bubble bath...sounds that appear to be of the mostly unfamiliar sort to young Misty. She creeps out of the bathroom, only to find Aunt Inga pleasuring herself. Misty is shocked, yet she can't turn away...and good gravy, can you blame her? The next morning Misty opens up to Inga and the two share a moment of giggly girldom as they spend the day shopping. What better way to cap off a shopping excursion than a trying-on-the-clothes montage! The sexual awakening of Misty has finally begun!

Misty begins to explore her sexuality with a neighbor boy (Ya, there are a few boy/girl scenes in here) and soon discovers the pleasures of self-manipulation as well. But what she really wants is to experience a little girl-on-girl action a la Aunt Inga (who has a tendency to invite her girlfriends over for play dates). It's Misty's last night with her Aunt, and Inga tells her that she can have anything that she wants. Will Misty get the treat that she so desires, or will she be left out in the cold with her index finger and the neighbor boy? I think we all know the answer to that question!

Owing quite a bit to erotica of yesteryear The Seduction of Misty Mundae is a nicely executed homage to 60's and 70's erotica. Not surprising is the fact that Raso looks like he's picked up quite a bit from watching all of those Joseph Sarno films that EI Cinema has been re releasing as of late (Raso even speaks of this in his commentary and interview). For a first time feature director Raso does a commendable job of making this film appear as if it's more than just another 'skin flick.' While the rest of the films' success relies heavily on Misty's performance. She has to carry this film in order for it to work (Raso readily admits to this as well), and she does. If it weren't for her solid performance we'd just be fast-forwarding from one sex scene to another. Something I didn't have the urge to do. Between Misty's performance and Raso's assured direction we've got a top-notch classic erotica homage.

The Seduction of Misty Mundae is presented in an anamorphic widescreen transfer @ about 1.78:1 and it looks pretty dandy. It appears as if it was shot on film not video, as there is some slight grain present, and at times the film appears as if it may have actually been blown up from 16mm. Audio is offered in a solid stereo track. There are no sound level issues/distortion to speak of. It's a solid A/V presentation all around.

Extras include a full-length feature commentary with director/producer/co-writer Michael Raso and Editor Tony Marsiglia along with an onscreen interview with Michael Raso. Also included is a 'revealing' 7-minute behind the scenes segment, Julian Wells photo shoot (about 4 minutes) and a few Seduction Cinema/Misty trailers (Seduction of Misty Mundae, Erotic Diary of Misty Mundae, Lust For Dracula, Roxxana, Chantal, Sinful), and a Retro Seduction Cinema Peep Show called The Smoking Voyeur (10 minutes). Also included is a bonus CD of the films' soundtrack with music by the Pink Delicates. The soundtrack, is actually pretty good at that, so now I find my second Seduction Cinema soundtrack I'll be listening to in addition to the accompanying CD to Dr Jekyll and Mistress Hyde (review here).

My opinion may be a bit biased here. I admit to being a self proclaimed EI Cinema fan. They're not all hits, but for the most part I've enjoyed quite a bit of what their many labels have had to offer. Seduction Cinema, Shock-O-Rama, Retro Seduction Cinema etc. I still find myself buying older (and some newer) titles that have somehow managed to slip by me whenever I'm at their table at Chiller Theatre and I look forward to all of the extras that their DVDs usually have to offer. I'll be the first to admit that it's not all high art, but they are the best at what it is they are doing and The Seduction of Misty Mundae proves that.

It's unclear as to how much longer Misty Mundae as we know her will be around. It looks like EI Cinema still has a few films that include Misty in post production, but I don't think she's been shooting much (if any) new work with them. Although Misty will most likely appear in other low budget productions etc. her future with EI Cinema is not certain at this time. Enjoy it while you can kids and if the final few Misty Mundae films from Seduction Cinema are anything like The Seduction of Misty Mundae, then they'll definitely be going out on a high note. For Seduction Cinema/Misty fans this one comes highly recommended.