Screw Magazine is set to revive its Peter Meter adult film rating system on October 6, nearly six decades after its initial launch. The system, which rates releases from one limp peter to five raging erections, will appear on Screw's website, in its upcoming print revival, and be distributed to major industry news outlets.

The Return of a Legacy Rating System

The Peter Meter, first introduced by founder Al Goldstein in 1968, is returning to adult film criticism. A representative for Screw Magazine stated that the publication "set the standard by offering the first critical reviews of adult films, pulling smut out of the gutter and into the cultural conversation" long before mainstream outlets reviewed porn. The representative added that the Peter Meter "returns to reclaim its throne as the Shangri-La of porn criticism."

The rating scale will range from 1 limp peter to 5 raging erections, with fractions in between. These reviews will be accessible on Screw's website and in the magazine's forthcoming print edition. Additionally, the ratings will be shared with major industry news outlets.

According to a representative, a high Peter Meter rating was historically a "must-have endorsement in adult cinema," providing "instant notoriety and marketing gold." The representative further stated that as adult filmmaking continues to evolve, Screw's rating system aims to once again be "the badge of honor every producer craves and every consumer trusts."

Review Process and Eligibility

Screw Magazine will recruit 10 consumers annually to review movies on a weekly basis. Currently, five positions are available for those interested in participating. Individuals can contact publisher Phil Italiano at [email protected] to inquire about these roles. A $100 fee applies to cover the delivery of review titles.

To be eligible for a Peter Meter review, movies must meet specific criteria. They must be available for streaming or purchase without a subscription on a Video On Demand (VOD) site, such as Adult Empire or AEBN, or through another distributor. Eligible films must also feature a plot and dialogue, rather than consisting solely of sex scenes or compilations. Furthermore, productions must have been created in 2003 or later, though eligibility is not limited to brand-new releases.

Screw is currently processing a backlog of movies for review but is accepting new submissions. A dedicated web page for submissions is scheduled to launch by the end of the year.

Movies that achieve a rating of four or more Peters will receive a custom graphic for marketing purposes. This graphic is intended to serve as a "legendary badge of honor" for productions, according to AVN.

Historical Context and Impact

Screw Magazine was the first outlet to provide critical reviews of adult cinema. The reintroduction of the Peter Meter nearly six decades after its inception aims to re-establish its influence in the adult industry. The system's return is positioned to offer producers a recognized endorsement for their work.

The Peter Meter's original launch in 1968 marked a significant development in how adult films were evaluated and discussed. Its revival seeks to continue this tradition, providing a critical framework for adult content in the contemporary landscape.

For additional information, individuals can visit Screw Magazine's website and follow the publication on X.com.

Key Facts

  • Screw Magazine will relaunch its Peter Meter adult film rating system on October 6.
  • The Peter Meter, first launched in 1968, rates releases from 1 limp peter to 5 raging erections.
  • Reviews will appear on Screw's website, in its print revival, and be distributed to major industry news outlets.
  • Screw will recruit 10 consumers annually to review movies weekly; five positions are currently open.
  • Eligible movies must be available on VOD without a subscription, feature a plot and dialogue, and be produced in 2003 or later.
  • Movies earning four or more Peters will receive a custom graphic for marketing use.