Sanatorium is a hybrid mix of porn, feature length film and art-house style cinema. This isn't just porn with a plot, but (rather it is) porn with subliminal messages, great symbolism and a lot more than meets your eye. Layer, upon layer of messages, meanings, stories and of course quite a lot of sex.

I wouldn't say that this would suit all purveyors of porn, it's far different from any adult movie I've ever come across. But if you enjoy films that make you think and don't mind long, hardcore sex scenes mixed in (often in a way that completely disrupts the plot and flow of the story)it might be perfect for you. It will make your mind tick, just as it will get your blood pumping.

Mixed throughout the movie and Tabitha's narration of the plot many different genres of porn are touched upon and explored. Even the seedier and somewhat offensive genres such as torture and snuff scenes get screen time. They are, however, mixed within other scenes which portray more mainstream sexual acts and themes. With so many different sexual acts than I can count, no matter what your personal kink or perversion is, Tabitha's not only done it- but it's featured in this film.

Which is rather fitting considering that the main thread of the movies plot is 'once you've gone so far you keep having to push the boundaries in order to stay fresh in porn'. Tabitha has certainly succeeded in examining this thought throughout Sanatorium, pushing the boundaries so far that it includes almost all of porn's genres in some way.

Tabitha Stevens is more than just the lead actress, also taking on the roles of director and producer of the movie. As for the rest of the cast, the list is as long as it is distinguished and includes both legends of porn as well as relative newcomers. Even Porn veteran Ron Jeremy makes an appearance (albeit a clothed one).

The sex scenes were all played very well by all involved. It was during the in between scenes where Tabitha is narrating the story and sharing the pivotal points of her journey with the anti porn politician, that her presence felt off. The scenes that told the actual story and moved the plot forward are the ones in which she is overly rigid and stiff. Very un-natural, especially in contrast to the actual sexual scenes and the sexual acts performed within them.

The costumes were absolutely amazing, fitting well into both the scenes and the film as a whole. It is obvious a LOT of time, thought and effort went into all aspects of production.

A number of different artistic touches and filming effects were used in the sex scenes, all of which added to the depth of the story, such as amateur P.O.V shots and heavily lit, almost fake studio style shots. Although there was a lot of artistic experimentation within the sex scenes they always returned to the same feel visually for scenes that moved the plot forward. This consistency helps to prevent complete confusion within the non-linear plot.

Sanatorium arrives in what I can only call impressively sized packaging. It is the size of a thick children's book, with the regular sized DVD case held within. I would call it anything but discreet with many screen shot images of Tabitha and her co-stars emblazoned all over it in various screen shots from the movie.

This twin DVD package comes with a lot of bonus features on top of the full length film which include commentaries, behind the scenes, an interview with Tabitha, and bonus scenes as well. The DVD also has an auto-start mechanism which I personally dislike, I prefer to hit play or choose a scene to start with rather than the movie just starting on its own. Other features and inclusions include a full motion menu, scene selections, an image gallery and of course the cum shots reel.

I must admit that I have struggled greatly when it comes to writing this review. The somewhat confusing events and non linear plot truly affected my ability to write a thorough and concise review of the movie.

I actually really enjoyed the movie and relished in all the different layers of it. Artistically I feel it is a masterpiece, it is clever and incredibly insightful. I just felt that it covers so many bases porn wise(which is kind of the point she is making with this film) that it detracted from the arousal factor.

Whilst it may be arousing sexually I found it to be much more arousing to my mind. It is more a feature film that contains explicit sex scenes than porn with a plot. Something I'd recommend to people on a scholarly level rather than a sexual one as I feel it has more intellectual merit than masturbatory excellence.