6.2 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 3.0 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
A reporter and his girlfriend investigate deaths surrounding a hotel where several prominent people go to have sex.
Starring: Ray Lovelock, Anna Maria Rizzoli (I), Mario Cutini, Marina Hedman, Enzo FisichellaHorror | 100% |
Mystery | 14% |
Thriller | Insignificant |
Crime | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.66:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.66:1
Italian: LPCM 2.0
English: LPCM 2.0
English
25GB Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Slipcover in original pressing
Region A, B (C untested)
Movie | 3.0 | |
Video | 3.0 | |
Audio | 3.5 | |
Extras | 2.5 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
1979’s “Play Motel” is a confusing picture from director Mario Gariazzo, with its focus mixing the terror of a traditional giallo endeavor with the sleaze of soft-core pornography. Somewhere in the mix is a story, though any level of dramatic engagement is cast aside for exploitation highlights. There blood and bare skin in “Play Motel,” which struggles to build momentum as a chiller, stopping every ten minutes to assess the visual potency of naked women.
The AVC encoded image (1.66:1 aspect ratio) presentation has an adequate handle on colors, with blazing reds retained to sell the sinful mood, while interiors and costumes also display a comfortable range of refreshed hues. Detail is flat, fighting inherent cinematographic softness and focus issues, but faint textures remain, especially during the parade of flesh, which is frequently covered in close-up. Delineation is acceptable, preserving chiller sequences that utilize shadow play. Judder, scratches, and speckling are detected, and warping pops into view periodically.
The Italian 2.0 LPCM mix is quite loud, with a strong musical presence that's introduced with the titular tune, sounding as fresh as to be expected with an older, obscure film. Dubbing overrides dialogue exchanges, keeping them clear and artificial -- nothing is distinctly unintelligible. Sound effects are pronounced, with sharp gunplay and violent kills. Hiss and pops are detected throughout the listening experience.
"Play Motel" isn't terribly convincing as a whodunit, showing more interest in a takeitoff, keeping the picture lascivious, not frightening. It's certainly colorful work with occasional flashes of naughty humor, but the blend of aggression and sexuality never gels as desired, leaving "Play Motel" meandering, lacking true direction.
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