Info
- Director: Gustav Wiklund
- Starring: Christina Lindberg, Solveig Andersson, Ken-Arne Dahlgren
- Year: 1973
- Runtime: 102 Minutes
- Company: Synapse Films
- Format: DVD
- Discs: 1
- Video: 16:9 - 1.66:1
- Audio: English Dubbed Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono
- Region: 0
- Released: 8/9/2011
Film
Plot? I'll give it my best shot. We open with Paul (Ken-Arne Dahlgren) bringing home his drunk as hell Father from a horse track center. The wasted geezer proceeds to manhandle Paul's girlfriend Marianne (Solveig Andersson), who is butt naked. Later, Paul and Marianne go to a party where a film is shown featuring her sister, Beryl (Gunnilla Larson). Things begin to escalate when a love triangle between the three forms and Beryl is kidnapped by drug/S&M enthusiast, Mr. X. As Beryl escapes from X's flat, she unknowingly takes a fur coat with narcotics hidden inside. Random, incohesive goofiness ensues.
That is honestly the best I can do at summarizing Wide Open. The filmmakers abandon making a coherent narrative early on, making this a fucking chore to sit through. The only clear substance is the display of T&A, the meat and bones of Wide Open. It's apparent said filmmakers ditched storytelling in order to show more boobage. That might be the saving factor in most cases but here you just tune out to save yourself a headache.
You might be saying to yourself, "Well it can't be all awful, Christina Lindberg is in it!". True, but nowhere near as much as your led to believe. Ms. Swedish Sex Goddess is a mere secondary character, only showing up to showcase her buxom twins (and other assets) every few minutes. A shame since having her in the film are it's only redeemable/shining moments. There's a scene where Lindberg vacuums...naked. God bless sexploitation.
To be blunt, Wide Open is flat out boring. It's not erotic, titillating or fun to watch at all. Besides the aforementioned nudity courtesy of Christina Lindberg, this is an easy pass. Check out her and the directors other films (Exposed and Swede classic Thriller: A Cruel Picture) for an exploitative good time.
DVD
- Video
Wide Open arrives with an anamorphic widescreen transfer that has some rough spots, but ultimately does the job for what's expected. The 70's color scheme tends to be soft and muted throughout. Debris/specks pop up but are never distracting. All things considering, this will probably be the best Wide Open will ever look.
- Audio
An English Dubbed Dolby 2.0 mix is the disc sole audio option. Dunno if the original audio track was available/exists but what is provided is satisfying. Background noise is fluent but never distorts the dialogue.
Bonus Features
- Video Interview - Actress Christina Lindberg & Director Gustav Wiklund
A nice discussion with the films Director and Lindberg. Topics range from production tidbits to Christina's departure from acting. Yes, she still looks damn good.
- Photo Gallery
Ever wanted to see nude still shots of Ms. Lindberg? Here is your chance, plenty of images to ogle at.
- Reversible Cover Art
On the flip side is a titillating photo of a nude Christina Lindberg. You better believe that's the side representing my DVD.
- Theatrical Trailers
Flossie, Anita, Justine & Juliette and Exposed trailers round out the disc.
RENT IT
