After defining the No Wave film movement of the New York underground of the 1970s and ’80s, Beth B emerged in the 1990s as a provocative multi-disciplinary artist, creating a series of confrontational visual works that explore the dynamics of sex, power, and money. Beth B’s stylistically adventurous work seduces the eye even as it shocks the mind with an emotional nakedness seldom found in contemporary cinema. With every film, Beth B challenges the viewer to hold her cinematic gaze as she explores themes of sexual desire, the justice system, gender identity, the Vietnam War, or the female body. Derived primarily from analog video elements, the films in this two-disc collection have been restored under the filmmaker’s supervision, and adapted to HD for theatrical and Blu-ray release.

DISC ONE

The Dominatrix Sleeps Tonight – U.S. 1983 Color 4 Min. Stereo 1.33:1

Voyeur – U.S. 1983 Color 5 Min. silent 1.33:1

Under Lock and Key – U.S. 1983 Color 30 Min. Stereo 1.33:1

Belladonna – U.S. 1989 Color 12 Min. Stereo 1.33:1

Stigmata – U.S. 1991 Color 40 Min. Stereo 1.33:1

Thanatopsis – U.S. 1991 Color 10 Min. Stereo Featuring Lydia Lunch 1.33:1

Amnesia – U.S. 1992 Color 2 Min. Stereo 1.33:1

Visiting Desire – U.S. 1995 Color 65 Min. Stereo 1.33:1

Hysteria – U.S. 2001 Color 3 Min. Stereo 1.33:1

DISC TWO

Out of Sight, Out of Mind – U.S. 1995 Color 6 Min. Stereo 1.33:1

Breathe In, Breathe Out – U.S. 2001 Color 71 Min. Stereo 1.33:1

Voices Unheard – U.S. 1997 Color 58 Min. Stereo 1.33:1

High Heel Nights – U.S. 1995 Color 10 Min. Stereo 1.33:1

For thoughts on Sex, Power, and Money: Films by Beth B, please check out our discussion on The Video Attic:

[youtube https://youtu.be/aZzGzUFbAHY?si=RZQNX93tFsFBTzIk&t=1828]

Video Quality

This Blu-Ray set contains an array of films and short films spread across two discs that have been restored under the supervision of Beth B and adapted to HD from their primarily analog video elements. Since these works were nearly all shot on video, the presentation might not be as pinpoint precise as some from the label, but it features this work in the most stable and pleasing manner possible. This is a very striking transfer that eliminates nearly all of the jitter and flicker that videotape often provides. When you consider the enterprising way in which these works were shot, it is impressive how great everything looks. There do not appear to be any issues with compression artifacts or any other such digital anomalies. The track does show off some detail in the clothing of the subjects and their facial features. Colors present as vivid as the original format will allow. This presentation showcases these works in the most impressive manner that could possibly be expected.

Audio Quality

The new Blu-Ray set is presented with a DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio track for all the films in the set which suits the material perfectly well. The words of the subjects are the standout aspect of these works, and they mostly come through quite clearly in relation to the competing sounds. Some of the more lyrical and poetic moments are imbued with a pleasing warmth within the track that is quite striking. There are minor sound issues due to the source material, but the most important thing is that the track remains faithful to the intention of the creative team. English SDH subtitles are provided for those who desire them. These works sound as good as they possibly can in this Blu-Ray collection.

Special Features

Interview with Beth B: A new nearly 14-minute interview between Beth B and Sandra Schulberg in which the filmmaker discusses how she took her career into her own hands after failing to secure meaningful financing from others. This is a testament to her artistic drive yet also a condemnation of the creative process that so many talented artists fail to secure money even after proving themselves.

Final Thoughts

Sex, Power, and Money: Films by Beth B is a selection of films that tackle vital and searing topics with grace and nuance. While the material may seem too intimate for some, both physically and emotionally, Beth B never fails to find a way to make these topics engaging. The material is not always an easy watch but it is rewarding. Kino Lorber has released a Blu-Ray featuring a strong A/V presentation for the source and a welcome new interview. If you are a documentary fan or interested in learning more about complex power dynamics, this one is a worthy viewing. Recommended

Sex, Power, and Money: Films by Beth B is currently available to purchase on Blu-Ray.

Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.

Disclaimer: Kino Lorber has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.