Porn producers are starting release titles in high definition formats but they are discovering that there is such a thing as too much realism:
SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 21 ? The XXX industry has gotten too graphic, even for its own tastes.
Pornography has long helped drive the adoption of new technology, from the printing press to the videocassette. Now pornographic movie studios are staying ahead of the curve by releasing high-definition DVDs.
They have discovered that the technology is sometimes not so sexy. The high-definition format is accentuating imperfections in the actors ? from a little extra cellulite on a leg to wrinkles around the eyes.
Hollywood is dealing with similar problems, but they are more pronounced for pornographers, who rely on close-ups and who, because of their quick adoption of the new format, are facing the issue more immediately than mainstream entertainment companies.
Producers are taking steps to hide the imperfections. Some shots are lit differently, while some actors simply are not shot at certain angles, or are getting cosmetic surgery, or seeking expert grooming.
Despite these problems, the industry is moving forward with the switch to HD, and people are being forced to adjust:
Jesse Jane, one of the industry?s biggest stars, plans to go under the knife next month to deal with one side effect of high-definition. The images are so clear that Ms. Jane?s breast implants, from an operation six years ago, can be seen bulging oddly on screen.
?I?m having my breasts redone because of HD,? she said.
The stretch marks on Ms. Jane from seven years ago when she gave birth to her son are also more apparent. But she deals with those blemishes in a simpler way: by liberal use of tanning spray.
Still, Ms. Jane likes the technology, as does her close friend Kirsten Price, 25, who appeared in ?Manhunters? and ?Just Like That.?
?HD is great because people want to see how people really look,? Ms. Price said. ?People just want to see what?s real.?
Because, you know, those movies are so realistic.
