Revenge of the Nerds Blu-ray Review

Revenge of the Nerds" makes its Blu-ray debut from 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment, offering fans a 1080p AVC-encoded video in the original aspect ratio of 1.85:1. This high-definition transfer receives nods for its commendable handling of a film that's inherently not the sharpest in its visual clarity due to its age. The color reproduction is a standout feature, showcasing highly saturated and true-to-life hues, particularly the reds, which exhibit a remarkable vibrancy and eye-catching pop. Contrast levels are maintained with steady consistency, supporting the visual presentation's overall solidity.

However, viewers should temper their expectations regarding sharpness and detail clarity, as the film doesn’t match the crispness found in modern high-definition releases. Midrange shots exhibit a noticeable lack of sharpness, often appearing somewhat soft or hazy. Despite this, certain close-ups manage to deliver impressive detail, such as the texture of fabrics, highlighting the careful balance maintained in this transfer. Grain levels are prominently visible throughout, a testament to the transfer’s fidelity to its filmic roots by avoiding overzealous noise reduction techniques that could otherwise compromise the natural film grain.

Aided by a robust bitrate, the video presentation avoids the pitfalls of compression artifacts, ensuring a clean and stable viewing experience. This Blu-ray edition respects and preserves the original cinematic experience of "Revenge of the Nerds," balancing the act between retaining film authenticity and providing a visually appealing high-definition upgrade. Fans of the film will appreciate the effort that has gone into this transfer, making it a worthy addition to their collection despite the inherent limitations of the source material.

The DTS-HD Master Audio Mono mix presented in the "Revenge of the Nerds" Blu-ray showcases a performance that, while mostly faithful and clear, particularly concerning dialogue and source music cues, does not escape from an initial auditory discomfort. The mix begins on a less-than-stellar note with the iconic Alfred Newman's Fox fanfare, presenting a somewhat brittle and unexpectedly shrill quality. This introductory segment unfortunately echoes the inconsistencies one might expect from an amateur performance, somewhat reminiscent of the whimsically off-key efforts of a high school band, rather than the polished soundscapes we associate with cinema's grand openings.

As the presentation moves forward beyond the initial hiccup, there's a notable climb in audio quality; however, it struggles to fully transcend the confines of its mono mix origins. The audio scape remains fairly constrained in width and depth, encapsulating the sounds in a manner that feels slightly compressed and restricted in its dynamic range. Despite these limitations, the clarity of dialogue and fidelity to source cues are commendable traits, preventing the sound from becoming muddled or losing its narrative coherence.

In essence, while the audio presentation of "Revenge of the Nerds" on Blu-ray does suffer from some early drawbacks and inherent limitations due to its mono mix structure, it ultimately provides an adequate auditory experience. The clean rendition of dialogue and adherence to source material preserve the film's humorous and spirited essence, even if the overall sonic breadth feels somewhat confined and lacks the vibrancy found in more modern audio mixes.

The extra presentation of the Blu-ray edition of "Revenge of the Nerds" strikes an intriguing balance between nostalgia and insight. The commentary featuring Jeff Kanew, Robert Carradine, Timothy Busfield, and Curtis Armstrong is particularly enjoyable, offering a mix of fun anecdotes and some self-congratulation, which adds a personal touch to the viewing experience. The "I'm a Nerd, and I'm Pretty Proud Of It" making-of featurette stands out by providing an in-depth look at the film's creation with noteworthy interviews from both cast and crew. While the deleted scenes and theatrical trailer offer additional context and a glimpse into the cutting room floor decisions, the inclusion of the rarely seen 1991 television pilot serves as a unique gem for die-hard fans. These extras together enrich the overall appreciation of this celebrated classic, adding layers of enjoyment beyond the film itself.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary by Jeff Kanew, Robert Carradine, Timothy Busfield, and Curtis Armstrong: Enjoyable and conversational commentary with a mix of anecdotes and insights.

• I'm a Nerd, and I'm Pretty Proud Of It: An in-depth making of featurette with interviews from cast and crew.

• Deleted Scenes: Additional content that didn't make it into the final cut.

• Revenge of the Nerds Television Pilot: A rare 1991 television pilot episode offering a unique look at what could have been.

• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional content for the film.

Revenge of the Nerds," a cornerstone of 1980s college comedy, deftly balances humor and heart while exploring the then-novel idea that the intellectually gifted, albeit socially awkward, could eventually claim victory over traditional campus royalty. Through the lens of its time, it juxtaposes its narrative against the jock-dominated hierarchy of college life, laying the groundwork for today's culture where geekiness can equate to coolness. The central duo, Gilbert Lowe (Anthony Edwards) and Lewis Skolnick (Robert Carradine), embody the quintessential "nerds" - bright yet ostracized - who navigate the challenges of social acceptance and self-affirmation upon their arrival at Adams College. Their journey, filled with both comedic misfires and genuine charm, captures a turning tide in the perception of nerd culture.

Notably, "Revenge of the Nerds" intertwines slapstick comedy with a tender undercurrent that highlights the protagonists' battle against stereotypical campus bullies, particularly dramatized through their confrontations with the Alpha Beta fraternity. The plot advances as the nerds, along with other marginalized students, rally to overturn their outcast status, leading to an unlikely alliance with the historically black fraternity Lambda Lambda Lambda. This alliance not only emphasizes themes of unity and inclusion but also stages a broader commentary on the evolving social landscape of the 1980s, portraying a microcosm of societal shifts towards embracing diversity and intelligence over brute strength or popularity.

In its essence, while "Revenge of the Nerds" might resonate as a light-hearted comedy emblematic of its era, its underlying narrative offers a poignant critique on societal norms and the valorization of intellectualism over physical prowess. Despite its occasional dips into crass humor and improbable scenarios, the film succeeds in delivering a message that is as relevant today as it was during its release: the inherent value and potential triumph of being true to one's self, regardless of societal labels. Coupled with memorable performances and a thematic boldness to challenge stereotypes, it stands as a testament to the enduring allure of the underdog story in American cinema.

Revenge of the Nerds," a cult classic that champions the underdog, strikes a fine balance between juvenile humor and the heartwarming triumph of the less conventional over the archetypical "beautiful people." This emotional core, supported by the memorable performances of Carradine and Edwards alongside a vibrant supporting cast, speaks to a universal feeling of rooting for the outsider. The film's message, subtly woven into its comedic fabric, suggests a quiet solidarity among those who might not fit the traditional mold of heroism but find strength in their collective differences.

The Blu-ray presentation of "Revenge of the Nerds" brings this colorful and spirited tale into sharp relief with very good to excellent technical specifications. The visual and audio quality enhance the overall experience, allowing the film’s eclectic ensemble and unique aesthetic to shine. Fans will appreciate the care taken in preserving the film's original charm while offering an upgrade that respects the nuances of high-definition viewing. The fidelity to detail in color grading, sound mix, and the preservation of visual comedy timing ensure that both new and returning audiences can fully engage with the film's layered humor and thematic depth.

In conclusion, the Blu-ray release of "Revenge of the Nerds" is a recommendable addition to any collection, serving not merely as a nostalgic trip but as a commendation of individuality and camaraderie against the odds. Its technical excellence complements its enduring appeal, proving that some stories, regardless of their surface levity, carry timeless messages worth revisiting. As such, this release not only caters to long-time fans but also introduces new generations to its underdog ethos with clarity, humor, and heart.