Will preface that I was initially buzzed about this '50th Anniversary: The Ultimate Playmate Search'. However my excitement was quickly swept away by a reliance on amateur photoshoots (a cheap concept) fueling the nude visuals plus a bit of overblown glitz & glamour presentation.
You get a standard montage intro, soundbites from media and Hef then footage of ladies on the Playboy grounds (3 mins). "Los Angeles" is the first stop as bevy of models, everyday ladies show-up to take a shot (6 mins). "San Francisco" follows with many more pretty ladies showing it off for the camera (5 mins). "How the Search Works" is the obvious rundown as a PB photographer talks (30 secs). "Vancouver" keeps the same energy going North of the border (4.5 mins). "Playmate Photo Test" where chosen ladies go onto the next step. Here it's brunette Jacqueline KcKinnon strutting a natural beauty posing (30 secs).
"Phoenix" yet another city with no shortage of pretty ladies (4 mins). Quick word from Hef then "The Anniversary Playmates" of the past. Candy Loving (25th, 1979), Penny Baker (30th, 1984), Fauna Maclaren (35th, 1989), Anna Marie Goddard (40th, 1994) and Jaime Bergman (45th, 1999) thru sights and a few words (3 mins). "Miami" returns to the usual routine and no shortage of busty blondes in the mix (6 mins). "Playmate Photo Test" with Ania Zalewski (30 mins). "Houston" has the photos get snapped in a poolhall (4.5 mins). Hef breaks in to talk about changing times and how body piercings, tattoos are acceptable now as a precursor to "Metal & Ink" which is a montage of those (30 secs).
"Cleveland" marks the next city as more beauties pose and towards the end it starts to focus on Sandra Hubby giving off girl next door vibes (4 mins). Naturally next "Playmate Photo Test" is her striking a look in pro shots (30 secs). "Denver" is more pretty gals and a soundbite "twenty cities, thousands of girls" puts things in perspective too (5 mins). Last bit with Hef as it narrows it down to the top candidates. Some you've already seen, some you haven't in detail and Colleen Shannon is the 50th Anniversary Playmate (5.5 mins). Funny / cute outtakes over the end credits a nice touch.
Some will really enjoy a mix of history and nude sights, but the quality / momentum of the latter wasn't high enough for my tastes. The whole thing flows well, but there's no mistaking it for top tier Playboy. If your objective is to be aroused constantly you'll be left wanting more.
