Skip to content Finally, the production quality and tone of the 1980 original represent a specific moment in adult film history that the sequels failed to recapture. The cinematography, the soundtrack, and the pacing of Taboo mirrored mainstream cinema of the era. It was a film that crossover audiences could watch not just for arousal, but for narrative interest. As the industry shifted in the mid-80s toward the "video age," the sequels adapted by adopting the faster-paced, plot-light style that dominated the home video market. They became products of consumption, whereas the original was an exercise in cinematic storytelling.
Because it is the better version. Not just musically, but historically.
Here's a report on the 1990 film "Taboo":
What makes the first four Taboo films so superior to the later installments? Several key factors stand out. taboo iiiiiiiv 19791985 better
The "better" quality of the 1984 and 1985 films can be attributed to several factors that distinguished them from typical skin-flicks of the era. 1. Superior Production Values
Below, we will analyze two of its most pivotal entries, Taboo III (1984) and Taboo IV: The Younger Generation (1985), to determine which one ultimately did it "better."
A crucial element of Taboo IIIIIIIV 1979-1985 was its performative dimension. Live shows, events, and happenings became a hallmark of the phenomenon, often incorporating elements of theater, music, and spectacle. These events blurred the lines between artist and audience, creating a shared experience that was at once cathartic and thought-provoking. Finally, the production quality and tone of the
The 1979–1985 window was the last gasp of adult cinema shot natively on 35mm and 16mm celluloid film. This gave the original Taboo tetralogy a rich, warm, and theatrical visual palette. By the late 1980s, the industry rapidly shifted to cheap, harsh camcorder video (VHS and Betacam), erasing the cinematic artistry, deliberate lighting design, and dreamlike quality of the original era. 4. Groundbreaking Narrative Risk
Furthermore, the performance of Kay Parker in the original film remains unmatched by the casts of the sequels. Parker brought a dignity and dramatic weight to the role of Barbara that was unprecedented for the genre. Her ability to convey internal turmoil made the film feel like a genuine drama that happened to feature explicit content. The sequels, while featuring popular performers like Honey Wilder and Kay Parker herself returning in Taboo III , lacked the singular focus of her character arc in the first film. In the sequels, the storytelling became more ensemble-driven, diluting the intimate, character-study quality that made the original so powerful.
The superiority of the 1980–1985 run lies in its evolution from a single, high-concept psychological drama into a sprawling multi-generational family saga. As the industry shifted in the mid-80s toward
The late '70s and early '80s were the golden age of 35mm and 16mm film stock. Unlike the polished, digital look of modern productions, Taboo I through IV possessed a grainy, organic texture. This visual "grit" added a layer of realism and atmosphere that complemented the series' dark, forbidden themes. The cinematography of this era relied on practical lighting and moody shadows, creating a voyeuristic feel that defined the "forbidden" allure of the franchise. Narrative Depth and Psychological Tension
Often cited as the best film in the entire franchise, Taboo II expands the scope of the original. While the first film focused on one family, the sequel introduces a new household, the McBrides, while keeping the original characters (like Dorothy LeMay’s Sherry) involved in the periphery.
The sequel, released in 1982, shifts focus from the Scott family to the McBrides while maintaining continuity with the original. A horny young man, Junior, has sex with Barbara, who tells him about her affair with her son. Intrigued, Junior begins fantasizing about having sex with his own beautiful sister and their mother, while the sister starts eyeing their father.
The foundational masterpiece starring Kay Parker as Barbara Scott, a mother dealing with building psychological and erotic tension regarding her teenage son. This film established the franchise's signature moody atmosphere, melodic disco score, and heavy focus on character dialogue.
The first Taboo film, in particular, is regarded as a landmark in adult cinema. It was one of the first feature‑length porn films to deal explicitly with the incest theme, and it did so in a way that provoked serious thought and discussion about the nature of desire and taboo. The series as a whole was inducted into the XRCO Hall of Fame, a testament to its lasting significance within the industry. Later entries, while profitable, never achieved this level of cultural resonance and are largely forgotten outside of hardcore completionists.