Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.0
Overall		3.0

Come Play with Me Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Jeffrey Kauffman February 1, 2021

Note: This film is available on Blu-ray as part of The Mary Millington Movie Collection.

MM.

For film fans, those redolent initials might unavoidably call up images of a gorgeous blonde who was one of the top box office stars of her day, who it was said had bedded at least one of the most powerful politicians in the country, and one who tragically died young from an apparent suicide, though there are still rumors of foul play swirling around her demise. Marilyn Monroe, you say? Well, sure, her, too, but for fans in the United Kingdom in particular MM could just as easily make them think of a woman who was completely notorious in her native land but whose fame is a bit more sparse on this side of the pond, Mary Millington. Millington was the face (and body) of British porn in the 1970s, becoming one of the biggest ticket sellers of her era in England. That UK renown accounts for what may strike some as a perplexing aspect of this Region A release: it comes from Screenbound Pictures, a label located in England, and its cover also clearly features a British Board of Film Classification rating. It turns out MVD Visual is distributing a limited number of copies of the original Region B release (which offered region free discs, in case anyone is/was worried) for sale here in “the colonies” and other Region A markets. The release offers a grab bag of Millington’s often provocative work in porn, as well as a documentary about her.

It might be tempting to compare Come Play With Me to Deep Throat, at least in terms of capturing some kind of weird "porn zeitgeist" at the time it was released, though this is a film that is considerably less hardcore than the Linda Lovelace legend. Come Play With Me also holds an astounding record that Deep Throat wasn't able to attain despite its popularity, namely having the longest running theatrical exhibition in London history. This is a relatively tame outing that offers a bunch of well known British character comedians in a tale of two ne'er do wells holing out (so to speak) at a "health farm" where there are a number of promiscuous nurses, including one played by Millington in what is really a supporting role.

Come Play with Me Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Come Play With Me is presented on Blu-ray courtesy of Screenbound Pictures with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 1.66:1. While the insert booklet doesn't have any information on the element utilized or restoration undertaken, there is a brief restoration video Screenbound has on YouTube which shows the improvement delivered on this release compared to previous home video releases. The palette is noticeably more suffused and detail levels are also more precise looking. There is an appealing clarity to the bulk of the presentation, but due probably at least in part to the low budget and filming conditions, some moments look a bit fuzzy. There's no major damage of any kind to speak of, though there is some minor discoloring in the opening credits and a couple of times afterward. Grain resolves naturally. My score is 4.25.

Come Play with Me Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Come Play With Me features a spry sounding LPCM 2.0 mono track. Some fun musical moments including the rock inflected theme sound robust if narrow, and all dialogue is rendered cleanly and clearly. As with all of the features in this set, there are no subtitles available.

Come Play with Me Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Audio commentary by Simon Sheridan and Sue Longhurst


• In Bed with Josie Harrison Marks (1080p; 21:40) is an enjoyable interview with the daughter of George Harrison Marks.


• 8mmmillington (1080p; 24:11) is a really interesting compendium of what are described as "tamer" moments from some of Mary's hardcore 8mm outings.


• Original 1977 Trailer (1080p; 2:49)


• Sex is My Business 8mm (1080p; 8:27)

Come Play with Me Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

While rated "X", this is a fairly tame enterprise that, yes, features nudity and supposed sex acts, but which is really a kind of caper comedy with slightly salacious aspects. Technical merits are generally solid and the supplementary package very enjoyable, for those who are considering a purchase.