I'd love to know in hindsight how titles released by Playboy focusing on history and less about female nudity fared. Did anyone care? Did a lot of people buy 'Inside The Playboy Mansion'? I'm a fan of the company for the most obvious reason. A tale of Hef and the famous property thru the ages has never been my interest.
The intro plays up not just the ladies, but the celebrity parties and Hef's once spotless image (1 min). "Behind the Gates" is the allure, famous faces, all the kickass events over the years though purely surface level (8 mins). "Beautiful Roommates" plays up the fantasy, Hef's girlfriends for a photoshoot as candid footage and talking heads continue. In the mix is Shannon Tweed who says some real down to earth things (11.5 mins).
"Hot Off the Press" switches tracks from being heavily centered on Hef (at least initially) to those Playmates within the magazine as ladies are shown typically naked. Modern day examples, but also vintage shots. Then lots of talk involving his upbringing, "girl next door" look and other topics (9 mins). "Pampered Guests" (11.5 mins), "An Empire Grows" (12.5 mins), "Sexy New World" (11.5 mins), "Never Ending Gala" (9 mins), "Unstoppable Hef" (10.5 mins) and "Better Than Ever" (7.5 mins) keeps all the usual visuals, themes, people running with quick stops into the past up until circa 2002.
I quickly tired of every element found within 'Inside The Playboy Mansion'. Endless interviews, praise, an overly positive tone. There's a humorous soundbite or two along with groovy vintage party footage, but it's not worth 90 minutes. Just leave me be with your titles of pretty ladies getting naked and save the rest for someone else.
