Revenge
Of The Nerds (1984/Fox
Blu-ray)
Picture:
B- Sound: C+ Extras: C+ Film: B
Revenge
of the Nerds
is one of the quintessential 1980's films. Its offbeat humor coupled
with a fun college tale (like that of Animal
House)
shtick has stood the test of time as future generations continue to
discover and relate to the film.
In
Revenge
of the Nerds we
have (the now) classic tale of the outcasts (nerds) overcoming all
odds to best the mean, entitled jocks that have made their lives a
living hell. We are treated to a brilliant cast of interesting,
lovable characters including the likes of the disgusting Booger
(Curtis Armstrong), the fabulously flamboyant Lamar Lamtrelle (Larry
B. Scott), the child genius Wormser (Andrew Cassese), and the leader
of the pack Lewis Skolnick with his smile inducing/yet cringe worthy
laugh. Half the reason, however, the nerds
are so good is due to their plotting, devilishly cruel jock
counterparts. The likes of John Goodman as Coach Harris, Ted
McGinley as Stan Gable, and Donald Gibb as the unforgettable, NERD!
Smashing Ogre
making up part of the cast of too
cool for school
jocks. The story of Revenge
of the Nerds is
that of the age old archetype of the underdog. The Nerds just want
to be part of something, without worrying about ridicule or bodily
harm; unfortunately for them the world is a cruel place and the jocks
(Frat boys of Alpha Beta) have been specially trained (brainwashed)
into hating anything different.
The
story progresses through the highs and lows (mostly lows) of being a
Nerd in college with many laughs along the way; but luckily for the
Nerds, good always prevails. At least in movies...
The
film is by no means an Oscar winner, but is a classic in its own
right as it is creative and full of heart. The cast seem to be
having a great time and the chemistry (Nerd joke!) is undeniable.
The
Revenge of the Nerds
went on to make numerous sequels, but none would match the
charismatic comedy of the original; somewhat reminiscent of the
(seemingly) never ending Police
Academy sequels
also popular in the 80s/90s.
As
previously mentioned Nerds
is a
great college flick that continues to entertain new generations.
The
picture and sound quality are only so, so on this new Blu-ray; a step
up (but not much) from previous releases. The 1080p, 1.85 x 1 image
gets the job done but tends to be soft with a degree of grain.
Whereas the image is mostly clear and maintains that real film
feel, it continues to need some touching up. The sound is also
adequate in its DTS-HD Master Audio Mono track comes all from the
front, but with that memorable Song/Dance number at the end (Devo
inspired) I was hoping for more.
Extras
include:
-
Michael P Dougherty II
