Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		3.0
Audio		3.5
Extras		2.5
Overall		3.0

Play Motel Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf August 20, 2015

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.

One does feel a little bad for the actors, who put in a serious effort to spark “Play Motel” to life as a murder mystery, depicting the hunt for a serial killer who’s picking off specific targets, leaving supporting characters confused, searching for clues. Of course, the real star of the feature is the titular palace of sin: a getaway for secret lovers who wish to spice up their fantasies with role playing. Blackmail and death soon enter the picture, but Gariazzo takes his time surveying motel trysts, offering elongated sex scenes that actually contained hardcore imagery during the movie’s initial theatrical release.

Play Motel Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

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.

Play Motel Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

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 Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Booklet contains six pages with photos and an uncredited essay concerning the production history of "Play Motel."

• "Midas Touch" (18:41, SD) is a featurette focusing on the production company behind "Play Motel," who had a habit of sneaking in hardcore scenes to spice up their catalog. Interviewees include actor Ray Lovelock, who's absolutely disgusted with the movie.

• "Hard Cut Scenes" (7:11, SD) contain all the X-rated material that was once included in the feature to spice up its appeal. If you're a fan of unsullied champagne bottles, you might want to avoid this collection of penetration.

• A Theatrical Trailer has not been included.

Play Motel Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"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.