May 19, 2014

Revenge of the Nerds Blu-ray Review






**SYNOPSIS**



At Adams College, the jocks rule the school from their house on high, the Alpha Beta fraternity. So when a group of socially-challenged misfits try to go Greek, they’re instantly rejected by every house on campus. Deciding to start their own fraternity to protect their outcast brothers, the campus nerds soon find themselves in a battle royale as the Alpha Betas try to crush their new rivals. But in this game of brains vs. brawn, the nerds devise the perfect plan to gain the upper hand...and their rightful place at the top of the social ladder.





**MOVIE REVIEW**



It's funny to look back how far the world has come but stays stuck in the past. When Revenge of the Nerds was released it was but a dream for the nerdy kids to think they one day would rule the world. In the year 2014 "nerds" have taken over as practically everyone has a smart phone, HDTV, video game console or PC that helps them navigate and enjoy daily life. Unfortunately there are still those social outcasts or the ones who aren't in a click like the jocks or rich kids who are bullied daily and life is no different than it was in 1984 for those who are not understood or different.

Revenge of the Nerds as a film has always been one of my favorite comedies. The nerds are very likeable and you root for them right form the start. The cast lead by Robert Carradine and Anthony Edwards play their roles well and the supporting cast is just as fun. My personal fave is Curtis Armstrong as "Booger", he is one of those guys that truly does not care what anyone thinks and is himself through and through. The Alpha Betas have some memorable characters as well and they include the all American Quarterback Stan (Ted McGinley) and the Ogre (Donald Gibb), Betty Childs is played by the beautiful and blonde Julie Montgomery. The film is filled with some good, genuine laughs and runs at a breezy and fun 90 minutes. Whether you have yet to see this 80's comedy or are already a fan I would suggest picking this one up. 8.5/10


**VIDEO QUALITY**



Revenge of the Nerds arrives on Blu-ray with a 1080p transfer in the aspect ratio of 1.85:1 - Previous owners of the dvd would do themselves a favor by considering the upgrade to HD. Colors are nicely saturated and some bold primaries really pop. Flesh tones exhibit a natural appearance. Blacks were solid and contrast was well balanced. I noticed a fine layer of film grain. Clarity was surprisingly strong and shows fine detail in textures and close ups. No signs of edge enhancement or noise reduction. 8.5/10


**AUDIO QUALITY**



Audio is provided by a DTS-HD Master Audio 1.0 track. - The funny dialogue was crisp and clean. Music cues and score have good clarity but there were a few moments of shrillness. The track overall though is a good if not great performer. 7.5/10


**SPECIAL FEATURES**



* Audio Commentary - Participants include Jeff Kanew, Robert Carradine, Curtis Armstrong and Timothy Busfield.
* I'm a Nerd, and I'm Pretty Proud Of It (SD, 38min36sec) - An enjoyable look back at the making of the film and it's enduring charm. Cast and crew are interviewed and seem to be having a good time reminiscing.

* Deleted Scenes (SD, 8min48sec)

* Revenge of the Nerds Television Pilot (SD, 24min16sec) - A failed attempt during the 1991 pilot season to turn the film into a tv series.

* Theatrical Trailer (SD, 1min25sec)

Bachelor Party Blu-ray Review






**SYNOPSIS**



Oscar Winner Tom Hanks stars in this outrageously funny look at one man’s hilarious final moments of bachelorhood. It’s a rude and crude, wildly uproarious evening that the soon-to-be bride and groom will never forget.





**MOVIE REVIEW**



A crass and crude relic from the wild comedies of the 80's Bachelor Party is a funny if slightly flawed film. Tom Hanks in one of his earlier roles shows some flashes of his now world loved charisma and likeability as the character Rick Gassko. Rick though comes across as a bit of a jerk during the film and his friends throwing him an impromptu celebration before getting married aren't that memorable or worth caring about either. For what it is you can do worse but it doesn't have the lasting charm I feel a film like Revenge of the Nerds or Animal House have. 7/10


**VIDEO QUALITY**



Bachelor Party arrives on Blu-ray with a 1080p transfer in the aspect ratio of 1.85:1 - This is a really strong transfer with solid overall clarity and detail. Granted there are a few soft scenes but nothing to harm the overall presentation. Colors are well balanced and saturated. Fleshtones have a mostly natural appearance. There is a fine layer of grain that is welcomed. No signs of compression artifacts. 8.5/10


**AUDIO QUALITY**



Audio is provided by a DTS-HD Master Audio 1.0 track. - Dialogue is consistently crisp and clear. Effects sounded good with no distortion. The score and music is blended well into the channel. No signs of pops, cracks or hisses. 8/10


**SPECIAL FEATURES**



* Behind the Scenes (SD, 3min10sec)
* An American Tradition (SD, 2min51sec)
* While the Men Play (SD, 1min43sec)
* Tom Hanks Interviews (SD, 2min44sec)
* Theatrical Trailer (SD, 2min7sec)