LOS ANGELES — Exile Distribution co-owner Howard Levine told XBIZ that Penthouse Video is preparing to release its first 3D movie, "Real Pornstars of Chatsworth," on May 4 on the heels of increased sales for other Penthouse releases.
"Penthouse seems to be the best-kept secret in adult for the past two years," Levine said. "They put more money into their productions than just about anybody else because they’re shot for broadcast, and now everything’s being shot on 3D cameras."
Levine said that during the first three months Exile has distributed Penthouse movies that sales "have quadrupled." He attributes the spike largely to the new look of the box covers and consistently strong reviews.
"The boxes were good, but they were just a typical porno box that everybody else comes out with," Levine said. "Now they’re cleaned up tremendously so the focus is on really reflecting what the magazine looks like and what the magazine covers looks like, as opposed to what other pornos are supposed to look like."
Levine said the 3D in "Real Pornstars of Chatsworth" was shot in a different fashion than other siimilar projects. Rather than shooting 3D designed to "come off the screen and punch you in the face," Levine said Penthouse's style is "more peering into a window that maybe you should not be looking into."
"It has a great depth of field," he continued. "Our 3D version can be played as a Blu-ray and as a real 3D version, and our 2D version will play as 2D or as an analygh 3D — your father’s 3D if you will, with the red and blue glasses. And that also looks amazing because it’s shot in 3D."
Another of Levine's producers at Exile, Paul Thomas, has moved deeper into pre-production on a parody of the iconic film "The Graduate." The veteran producer/director has secured award-winning performer Savanna Samson to play a lead role.
"She's going to come out of semi-retirement," Levine said of the long-time Vivid exclusive. "And we're looking at Lexi Belle for the role of Elaine. We're talking to LA Direct Models and hoping to sign her.
"PT is writing it, producing it and directing it with a budget close to $100,000."
He added, "We're not just interested in doing goofy parodies. We want to do parodies that lend themselves to something sexual."
Levine also noted that Penthouse during the month of May is running a promotion for all its distributors.
"For every piece of new release you buy, you get a free DVD, 'Sneak Peeks 9,' starring Audrey Bitoni, Nikki Benz, Britney Amber, Kylee Reese and Blue Angel," Levine said. "These are packaged in a regular DVD case with great artwork on the front and back. 'Sneak Peeks' is a limited edition available to the first 1000 orders.
"It’s saleable and it's jackable and it’s a really good value."
