Class Reunion Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Class Reunion" from Kino Lorber, sourced from a pristine 4K scan of the original camera negative, showcases significant advancements in visual fidelity. The AVC encoded image, presented in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, impresses with its meticulous detail and texture clarity. From the roughness of tweed jackets to the smoothness of cocktail dresses, every fabric texture is palpable. Facial surfaces are sharp, effectively highlighting personal appearance gags, while the textured set decorations enrich the nostalgic ambiance of the party scenes and the school's slight disrepair.

Color reproduction is another standout feature in this Blu-ray presentation. The palette is rich and diverse, with vibrant primaries shining through costumes and set pieces. Lively yellows and reds pop with energy, and Meredith's silver outfit offers well-defined contrasts amidst a backdrop of playful, candy-like hues. Skintones are rendered with natural warmth, ensuring a realistic portrayal. The strong delineation maintains comprehensive frame information, preserving the integrity of every scene. Furthermore, the grain structure is fine and filmic, contributing to the authentic cinematic feel. This exemplary effort makes "Class Reunion" a visual treat for genre enthusiasts.

The "Class Reunion" Blu-ray audio presentation via the 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix requires a notable boost in volume to meet cinematic standards. This can be easily managed with a slight adjustment on your receiver. Without this adjustment, the mix tends to be quiet. Dialogue exchanges are generally satisfactory, allowing a wide range of performances to shine through, from softer, mumbling antics to louder, more intense scenes. There is no detectable distortion, ensuring that the personal comedic moments are maintained well. The score retains consistent instrumentation with a pleasing balance, while the soundtrack selections are delivered with authority, showcasing sharp percussion and crisp vocals.

The stereo presentation also features commendable ambient activity and sound placement, although the overall quietness may necessitate some finesse for optimal listening. Dialogue remains clear and discernable throughout, contributing significantly to the narrative's clarity. The film's score and music selections convey a robust punch, providing an engaging auditory experience. Sound effects, while not overwhelmingly impactful, are mixed effectively into the overall composition. This careful balance ensures that each audio element is distinct without experiencing any interference or distortion, delivering a satisfactory auditory performance befitting the viewing experience.

The Blu Ray extras for "Class Reunion" provide a rich and engaging look behind the scenes of this cult classic. The director Michael Miller and stunt coordinator Dean Raphael Ferrandini offer insightful commentary, delving into the film's production, challenges, and creative decisions. Actor Gerri Graham's interview is a notable highlight, offering an in-depth narrative on his comedic influences, experience with the Second City comedy troupe, and his role in "Class Reunion," including anecdotes about co-star interactions, the film's improvisational environment, and some behind-the-scenes struggles involving Chuck Berry. The absence of a theatrical trailer is slightly disappointing but does not detract from the overall value these extras add.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: Features director Michael Miller and stunt coordinator Dean Raphael Ferrandini.
• Interview: Actor Gerri Graham discusses his comedy career, improvisation in the film, and behind-the-scenes challenges.

National Lampoon's "Class Reunion" stands as a stark contrast to the studio's previous triumph, "Animal House." Making its mark with a caricature of horror comedy, the film conspicuously strives to achieve the comic brilliance of its predecessor but falls significantly short. Directed by Michael Miller and scripted by John Hughes, whose disassociation from the final product is telling, the film showcases a notable lack of finesse in delivering its humor. Miller's method of amplifying jokes with sledgehammer subtlety undermines the satire, leading to a disappointingly flat comedic experience. Despite Hughes' intention of presenting a collection of bizarre characters and situational humor, the execution results in a cacophonous, overly broad portrayal that misses the deftness required for effective parody.

The narrative pivots on a reunion at Lizzie Borden High, where a decade-after graduation celebration morphs into a night of terror as a masked killer, a victim of past bullying, seeks vengeance. The premise, blending nostalgia with horror elements, has the potential for rich humor and insightful commentary, yet Miller's direction leans heavily towards superficial gag-laden scenes. The ensemble cast, including Gerrit Graham, Shelly Smith, and Miriam Flynn, among others, delivers performances that oscillate between farcical and tiresome. The script injects peculiar characters, such as Delores with her Satanic powers and Egon the vampire, whose jokes often land awkwardly and feel out of place.

Highlighting only a few moments of genuine laughter, most memorably through Anne Ramsey's portrayal of Mrs. Tabazooski, "Class Reunion" struggles to sustain viewer engagement. The potential for an incisive spoof is overshadowed by an overt reliance on elementary slapstick and uninspired physical comedy. While Hughes' innate creativity is evident in character design, the overall film suffers from a disconnect between script intention and directorial delivery, resulting in a final product that neither thrills nor amuses as it should.

Kino Lorber’s Blu-Ray release of “Class Reunion” provides a trip down memory lane for those nostalgic for early 1980s comedic fare, albeit of a somewhat crude and awkward nature. The film, directed by Michael Miller, attempts to capture the essence of National Lampoon’s irreverent humor but often falls short due to its over-the-top performances and lack of mystery or refined character development. The story morphs into a chase narrative as former classmates, while revisiting their past antagonisms and self-doubts, become targets in a murder plot. While this setup fails to allow for much subtlety in acting, the film compensates with energetic musical and dance sequences that certainly set a party mood.

The technical quality of Kino Lorber’s Blu-Ray presentation is commendable. The transfer maintains the film’s original visual essence while enhancing clarity and color balance that remain faithful to its 1982 roots. Audio-wise, the soundtrack is crisp, highlighting the era's typical understated atmosphere, though it complements the movie’s often loud and boisterous humor well. The disc includes a couple of notable extras that add value to those appreciating behind-the-scenes insights or retrospectives, making it a solid package for die-hard fans and collectors.

In conclusion, while “Class Reunion” may not secure a place in the pantheon of top comedies, it offers a kitschy snapshot of early '80s humor that can be enjoyable on some level. With Kino Lorber’s thoughtful presentation, both in visual and audio fidelity, along with worthwhile extras, this Blu-Ray edition is certainly deserving of attention for those with an affinity for National Lampoon's distinctively crude yet memorable style.