The Film (4/5)

Showdown is an adult hardcore western comedic film from director and co-writer Henri Pachard.  Showdown comes from the mid-1980s when most adult movies were shot on video and sported shoddy production values.  Unlike many of his contemporaries at the time, Henri Pachard shot Showdown on 35mm film and had a reasonable budget for the movie.

Showdown is a bit light in the plot department.  There are two main plot threads in the film.  The first thread has Alvin (Jamie Gillis), Jack (Mike Horner), and Marty (Herschel Savage) who are going to the Bar Nothing Dude Ranch.  The three are under the impression that they are headed to an authentic dude ranch; however, the Bar Nothing Dude Ranch is a brothel that is run by Crystal (Sharon Mitchell).  The other thread has Clem (Josy Silvera), who is heading to the bar Nothing Due Ranch with sheriff Zeke (Henri Pachard) to get back his wife Jennie (Gina Carrera), who is now working at the brothel.

Mainly the plot for Showdown serves as an excuse for introducing comedic moments and sex scenes and little else.  Viewers who are familiar with adult videos from the period will note that Showdown has more plot than many of its contemporaries but not as much plot as many films from the beginning of the decade.

Despite the limited plot in Showdown, the film sports an excellent cast.  The cast members manage to bring their characters to life despite the limitations of the plot and have great comedic timing for the jokes that are in the movie.

The sex scenes are nicely shot, and the cast members give some excellent sexual performances, which shouldn't surprise anyone familiar with the cast members in the film.  The cast reads like a Who's Who of the top adult actors and actresses at the period.

Henri Pachard has done a great job with the sets and locations that are used for Showdown.  They all help with the general feel of the film and give the movie a western feel.  Viewers who like comedic adult films will enjoy Showdown; however, viewers who like a complex plot with their sex will want to look elsewhere.

Audio/Video (4.5/5)

Vinegar Syndrome has done a beautiful job with their DVD release of Showdown.  Showdown was shot on film and Vinegar Syndrome has used a 2K scan of the 35mm camera negative for their release.  Showdown is presented in the anamorphic widescreen aspect ratio of 1.78:1 in 480p.  Showdown looks beautiful with vibrant colors.  The image contains grain, print damage, and artifacts.  Honestly, the image looks as good as you are ever going to get.

Showdown is presented on this release with an English Dolby Digital 1.0 monaural audio track.  The dialog was clear and easy to understand at all times.  There aren't any noticeable issues with the audio presentation at all.

Extras (1/5)

The only extra that Vinegar Syndrome has included on the release is the theatrical trailer for Showdown.

Overall

Showdown comes from the very end of the shot on film period for adult films.  The plot in the movie is lacking; however, the sex scenes are very well done.  The cast is excellent, and the film utilizes excellent sets.  Fans of hardcore films should enjoy Showdown; however, viewers who require a developed plot may want to give Showdown a pass.