A good sex ed class covers the basics on how to have "safer sex." "The Art of Sexual Positions" starts off with a "safe sex" disclosure which is a wonderful reminder for all of us, and a great way to begin this film.

The first person I met was Mr. Turtleneck Sweater. He talks a bit about the film and the company who makes it; this begins to feel like a very awkward, though short, lecture. He does not blink much, which adds to the slightly humorous-yet-creepy factor, and it is obvious that he skipped speech class. He ends his mini lecture with, "All the sex products you see in the film can be purchased from our site!" Thank goodness this is his sole appearance.

After the opening credits roll by, I am introduced to the narrator of the 44 minute movie: an attractive woman who is nicely dressed, has a pleasant voice and a much more relaxed and natural presence about her. This is a very welcome change from Mr. TS. She talks me through each of the sex scenes (which are purely heterosexual), explaining in decent detail what the couples are doing and why. She gives a few pointers on how to tweak some of the positions to add to the experience, even mentioning safety issues and concerns. Her manner of speaking is comfortable and never once made me feel like I was watching a dirty movie.

Each of the positions involves erotic scenes from the various couples featured throughout the movie. I found the couples to be pretty attractive and not overly porn star-ish; definitely a plus (I should mention that while the DVD states these are all real life couples, there were a few in particular that I could not help but question, as it felt a bit staged). While the movie covers simple and basic positions, thankfully the majority of the film focuses on the more advanced positions. It was fun and amusing to learn some of the names for several positions that I currently enjoy, including: “Pair of Tongs” and “Blossoming Flower.” Certainly, those names alone will peak an interest!

The love scenes are comfortable enough to watch for even the most timid viewer, while they are still erotic enough to hold the more adventurous persons' attention. Some of the scenes have dual frame shots, allowing for a secondary image to be displayed. During the “Wide Open” position sex scene, I couldn't stop laughing at the images of little porcelain figurines cruising alongside the action. A couple of the scenes reference the sex toys being used by the couples and, again, mention that they can be purchased from their website.

At the closing of the movie, the lovely narrator states that, "Variety is the spice of life,” emphasizing the exact point of why this film was created in the first place: to add a little heat to lovemaking through erotic film. I would recommend this DVD for couples and individuals who are trying to push past their shy barriers and/or looking for a non threatening form of porn. For those of us who are not so shy, I would recommend something more like "The Expert Guide to Positions".

I really like that, in the DVD menu, I can quickly and easily access any of the positions as they are each placed into their own chapter. If there is a particular position I want a refresher on or one that I just felt like watching again, it is easily available without having to rewind or fast forward.

It has been a while since I first reviewed this DVD, and I have to say that my first impression still lies. It's not a horrible film by any means, but really does nothing for me. I didn't personally learn anything new, besides names for things I already do, and the visuals didn't do much for me, either.

I still think someone new to porn, or just wanting something easy to begin spicing things up, would benefit from this film; but I personally don't have any interest in watching it again.