Bijou Brings Back Set of Toby Ross Classics

CHICAGO — Bijou Video has rereleased two popular gay adult titles by director Toby Ross, on DVD: “Classmates” and “Mr. Wonderful.” Both were remastered using digital capturing technology and reissued with new artwork and packaging.

“Classmates” (1986) stars David Ashfield as a randy college student attracted to his art professor, played by Jack Luft. Costars include Jerry Carter, Phil Gerard, Rick Goulet, John Miller and Bill Saxton.

1987’s “Mr. Wonderful” headlines Tom Law as a “computer operator” [a job title reflecting the mid-‘80s milieu] who moonlights as a photographer of male nudes.

Costars include Dennis Anderson, Matt Houston, Tom James, Monroe Perry, James O’Brian, Steve Phillips, Dennis Reilly, Brad Richardson, Red Ryder and Everett Storm.

“Both of these Toby Ross films are some of his best work,” Bijou’s David Boyer told XBIZ. “They both feature a good-looking and well-hung cast. But it’s the storytelling of early porn, I believe, that stands out so well in some of these films.”

He said by the time these films were produced, the videotape revolution in adult was well underway. Consumers no longer had to buy tickets to an adult theater like Chicago’s Bijou. Therefore Ross invested more time and effort into the physical production of his films to produce a better home-viewing experience.

Ross’s attention to detail allowed his films to stand the test of time. However, Boyer said they also have an strong emotional pull.

“At the time these were made, they were almost the only positive images of gay men. We didn’t have gay characters and situations on television or in movies,” Boyer said. He added that Ross was a master at layering emotion into the erotic scenes he staged.

“Toby was a master at this. Although he is best known for his films that featured young men exploring their bodies, he could also put together a great film that showed older men as sensitive beings.”

Boyer cited the first scene in “Classmates” as an example.

“OK, some of it touches on being hokey. But the sexual fantasies involve caressing, touching, not just ‘bend-him-over-and-fuck.’ Toby would put more thought into the relationship between the characters than I think many directors do today,” Boyer said.

The Bijou Theater is part of the Bijou World family of adult businesses located in Chicago, which include the theater, an adult retail store and sex club. Owner-founder Steve Touschin also owns Bijou Video.

All Bijou World titles are available via their official website and through select retailers. For wholesale information, call (800) 932-7111 or email David@bijouworld.com.

Related:  

Copyright © 2024 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

TeamSkeet Releases 1st Installment of 'Ripe for the Taking'

TeamSkeet has released the first installment of its latest feature, "Ripe for the Taking," starring TeamSkeet March AllStar Scarlett Alexis.

Pineapple Support Taps Kasey Kei as Brand Ambassador

Pineapple Support has named veteran performer and content creator Kasey Kei as its latest brand ambassador.

Eva Maxim, Katrina Colt Headline 'Cumming to LA' From Cherry Kiss

Eva Maxim and Katrina Colt star with Vince Karter in 2021 XBIZ Europas Female Performer of the Year Cherry Kiss' "Cumming to L.A.," from Evil Angel.

Skylar Snow Headlines 'Infidelity 4' From Sweet Sinner

Skylar Snow toplines "Infidelity 4," the latest release from Mile High Media studio brand Sweet Sinner.

Serenity Cox Stars in 'Enjoy It' From MILFY

Serenity Cox stars with Alberto Blanco in "Enjoy It," from Vixen Media Group studio imprint MILFY.

Melissa Stratton Stars in Finale of Wicked's 'So Extra'

Melissa Stratton and Robby Apples star in the final scene from Wicked Pictures' "So Extra."

BiPhoria Drops Jim Powers' 'Saying GoodBi'

BiPhoria has released director Jim Powers' "Saying GoodBi."

Jade Venus, Kasey Kei Star in 'Trans Rave' From GenderX

Jade Venus and Kasey Kei star in "Trans Rave" from GenderX, directed by Jim Powers.

TeamSkeet Debuts New Series 'Brat Tamer'

TeamSkeet has released the first episode of its new series, "Brat Tamer," titled "Three Cheers for Madi," starring Madi Collins.

Bella Rolland Stars in New Gangbang From Blacked Raw

Bella Rolland stars with Jax Slayher, Chocolate Rod and Rocket Powers in a new gangbang from Vixen Media Group (VMG) studio imprint Blacked Raw.

Show More