The Last American Virgin Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "The Last American Virgin" by MVD Rewind Collection presents the film with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. This transfer appears consistent with prior releases from both Olive and Arrow, demonstrating minimal variation in picture quality. While there may be slight improvements in grain resolution compared to the Olive version, these differences are marginal. The color palette used remains unchanged, and minor blemishes observed in the Olive release persist here.

However, this release benefits from a new MPEG-4 AVC encoding, providing a subtle yet noticeable enhancement over its predecessors. This is particularly evident in the improved shadow detailing in darker scenes, which now appear more defined and motion-friendly. Although occasional clumping of grain is noticeable in low-light scenes, overall, the video presentation achieves a level of pleasing fidelity. Minor artifacts such as nicks, scratches, and bumps are present but do not significantly detract from the viewing experience.

In summary, while this Blu-ray release does not dramatically advance the visual quality beyond its predecessors, the updated encode offers slight improvements that make it a commendable option for those seeking optimal playback of this cult classic.

The audio presentation of "The Last American Virgin" on Blu-ray manages to deliver a robust sonic experience despite a few minor limitations. The disc includes both LPCM 2.0 and DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 tracks, with negligible perceptible differences between them. The soundtrack emerges as one of the film's standout features, offering a lively and full-bodied rendition of its diverse source cues. Dialogue throughout is consistently crisp and clear, supporting effective narrative delivery.

However, it's worth noting the presence of some balance issues between dialogue and music, potentially ingrained in the source material itself. While the dialogue remains intelligible and well-articulated, occasional tininess in higher frequencies can be detected. This is subtle and generally does not detract from the overall immersive experience. Optional English subtitles provide an additional layer of accessibility for viewers who may require it.

In essence, the audio track on this Blu-ray provides a faithful and engaging reproduction of the original soundtrack, cementing its status as an essential component of the viewing experience. Despite minor imperfections, the quality of sound offers an enriching complement to the film’s visual presentation.

The Blu-ray release of "The Last American Virgin" by MVD Entertainment Group provides a substantial array of extras, addressing the lack found in previous US editions. A notable inclusion is the series of in-depth interviews with key contributors: Director Boaz Davidson sheds light on his intentions with the remake and reveals behind-the-scenes insights; actor Lawrence Monoson shares amusing anecdotes about his casting process; Diane Franklin discusses her role, coinciding with the release of her autobiography; and cinematographer Adam Greenberg provides technical insights—though some may prefer subtitles due to his accent. Additions like the photo gallery and TV spot enrich the package beyond what was previously available in the UK. Collectible items like a mini-poster and reversible art supplement this comprehensive offering, ensuring a rewarding exploration for fans and collectors.

Extras included in this disc:

• The First American Remake: Interview with Boaz Davidson.
• Memories of a Pizza Boy: Interview with Lawrence Monoson.
• Babe of the Eighties: Interview with Diane Franklin.
• In Praise of Smaller Movies: Interview with Adam Greenberg.
• Photo Gallery: Image collection.
• Original Theatrical Trailer: Promotional footage.
• TV Spot: Short advertisement.
• Collectible Mini-Poster: Folded artwork.
• Limited Edition Slipcover: First pressing exclusive packaging.

"The Last American Virgin" is a seminal 1980s teen comedy that cleverly balances comedic exploits with poignant drama. Directed by Boaz Davidson as a remake of his 1978 film "Lemon Popsicle," the film captures the youthful quest for love and maturity against a backdrop of Los Angeles in the 1980s. The narrative follows three friends—Gary (Lawrence Monoson), Rick (Steve Antin), and David (Joe Rubbo)—as they navigate the trials of adolescence. Unlike its contemporaries, this film infuses emotional honesty into the archetypal teenage pursuit of sexual adventures, with Gary standing out as a character driven by more than just carnal desires. The storyline is punctuated with humorous and sometimes darkly comedic set pieces, such as their initial misadventure involving Sweet’n Low masquerading as cocaine.

Technically, the Blu-ray release of "The Last American Virgin" offers enthusiasts a comprehensive viewing experience. It combines the strengths of previous regional releases into one package, making it accessible for Region A with valuable supplements previously exclusive to Region B. These enhancements include a meticulously crafted menu system offering seamless navigation for audio and video setup, chapter selection, and special feature exploration. The presentation is straightforward, housed in a clear Viva case, adorned with a limited-edition slipcover, and includes a fold-out poster, further appealing to collectors.

Notably, the film's soundtrack is an essential component that elevates its narrative, featuring iconic 80s tracks from bands like U2, The Police, and Devo. Songs are thoughtfully curated to align with the film's emotional beats, such as U2’s “I Will Follow,” which adds emotional depth to an abortion scene. This integration of music ensures that while the film revels in adolescent escapades, it remains grounded by serious real-world issues, offering a memorable and touching cinematic experience.

"The Last American Virgin" Blu-ray offers a captivating dive into the contrasting themes of 1980s teen life. Its narrative balances between comedic escapades and poignant topics like abortion, challenging viewers not to judge its depth solely from its genre label. The presentation mirrors the technical standards set by previous Olive and Arrow editions while integrating engaging supplements previously exclusive to Region B.

The disc boasts a commendable 1080p transfer orchestrated by MVD Entertainment Group within their MVD Rewind Collection. The quality of the video presentation enhances the film’s nostalgic visual appeal without detracting from its essence. Additionally, the inclusion of entertaining supplements enriches the experience, reflecting on the cultural context and production nuances that define this era of cinema.

In conclusion, "The Last American Virgin" delivers a vivid mixture of humor and heartache, embodied impeccably in this Blu-ray edition. With its blend of high-quality video and thoughtful extras, it provides an enriching retrospect into its complex themes, making it a recommended addition for enthusiasts of unique teen comedy-dramas.