Gorp Blu-ray Review

The AVC encoded 1.85:1 aspect ratio presentation of "Gorp" delivers a moderately satisfying HD experience, but it falls short in several technical areas. The film retains its natural grain structure; however, the inherent softness and focus issues inevitably obscure many fine details and textures. Colors are generally satisfactory, capturing the lush summer tones of the camp setting. The vivid hues from costuming and chaotic pranks stand out well, though skintones unfortunately appear on the paler side, lacking vibrancy. Despite some effective delineation during evening scenes, where black levels achieve a nice depth, there are noticeable inconsistencies with some moments appearing slightly crushed and flattened.

Detail levels are underwhelming, with the period cinematography struggling to overcome baked-in filtering that affects clarity and texture richness. Facial features and set decorations never achieve deep, compelling particulars, highlighting the low-budget origins of the film. The source material is in reasonably good condition, though it does exhibit minor speckling and occasional scratches, most prominently during night scenes. This transfer, while not outright terrible, appears to have been completed with minimal effort, leaving room for significant improvement in delivering a crisper and more engaging visual experience.

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA audio track for "Gorp" suffers from inherent production issues that affect the overall listening experience. The mix has significant fluctuations in audio levels, resulting in inconsistent dialogue clarity and occasional muddiness. Dialogue exchanges, particularly in group settings, tend to blend into an indistinguishable cluster of voices, diminishing their impact. Although these problems are not severe, they are noticeable. Atmospherics and individual soundtrack elements perform better, with decent instrumentation adding some cinematic presence, but the overall sound lacks sharpness and definition.

The DTS-HD MA 2.0 track is plagued by peaks and valleys, making it difficult to maintain a balanced listening experience. This inconsistency is particularly challenging during scenes with group dialogues, where the lack of dimension and space causes the audio to turn into a muddied mix of voices. Individual performances in less crowded scenes fare slightly better. While the Blu-ray presentation manages to deliver what's available adequately, it's clear that this isn't a top-tier production, and the audio track suffers as a result.

The Blu-ray release of "Gorp" offers a range of extras that provide additional context and engagement for fans of this cult classic. The primary feature is the audio commentary by writer/producer Jeffrey Konvitz, who delves into behind-the-scenes anecdotes, sharing his experiences and memories from the film's production. Despite the focus on nostalgic aspects rather than in-depth analysis of the film itself, Konvitz's insights are endearing and add value for aficionados. The disc also includes trailers for similar films, though it notably lacks a theatrical trailer for "Gorp" itself. Overall, these extras enhance the viewing experience by situating "Gorp" within a broader cinematic context.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Solo commentary by writer/producer Jeffrey Konvitz.
• The Couch Trip Trailer: HD trailer for 'The Couch Trip'.
• Up The Creek Trailer: HD trailer for 'Up The Creek'.
• I'm Gonna Git You Sucka Trailer: SD trailer for 'I'm Gonna Git You Sucka'.
• Delirious Trailer: HD trailer for 'Delirious'.

"Gorp," a blunt rip-off attempting to ride the coattails of successful summer camp comedies like "Animal House" and "Meatballs," struggles to find its footing amid a cascade of juvenile humor and chaotic antics. Directed by Joseph Ruben and penned by Jeffrey Konvitz, the film sets up camp at Oskemo, a place where the staff's low-brow hijinks overshadow any potential narrative cohesion. The thinly veiled plot revolves around kitchen staff members Kavell (Michael Lembeck) and Bergman (Philip Casnoff), as they navigate their summer filled with pranks, lustful pursuits, and interdepartmental games. Unfortunately, the attempts at humor fall flat, rendering the feature into an endurance test marred by exaggerated characters and desperate comedic efforts.

At its core, "Gorp" targets an audience with its episodic screenplay that leaps from one over-the-top gag to another without any substantial storyline to anchor it. The film combines stereotypical characters and sophomoric behaviors, emphasizing puerile pranks such as broom hockey with meat as the puck, a ludicrous drinking game, and disruptive antics aimed at camp owner Walrus (David Huddleston). Misadventures with the female counselors, exemplified by dreary sequences featuring Evie (Fran Drescher), add little to the film's dynamics. Even standout performances by Dennis Quaid as Mad Grossman and Otis Day as Sweet Moe cannot salvage the narrative from its inherent tedium and unamusing execution.

The movie's failure extends to its cast of largely unlikable characters and a script devoid of inventive mischief or charm. Scenes range from bizarrely unfunny to outright offensive, highlighted by an uncomfortable sequence involving crude bets with unsettling outcomes. Despite its potential ensemble of talented actors, "Gorp" ends up merely as chaotic nonsense. The film’s relentless push for shock value over substance—without a coherent story or engaging humor—cements it as an unsuccessful entry in the genre, memorable only for its clumsiness rather than any innovative comedic flair.

Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release of 'Gorp' fails to resuscitate what is fundamentally a lackluster film. The technical aspects of the Blu-ray can only do so much when the source material disappoints at nearly every turn. The video transfer is serviceable, but by no means remarkable, maintaining a steady quality that does not distract but doesn't impress either. Unfortunately, the audio mix leaves much to be desired, with frequent volume adjustments required just to maintain an even listening experience. Extras, including an audio commentary and a couple of trailers, add minimal value, failing to compensate for the film's innate deficiencies.

Despite a cast comprised of competent performers, 'Gorp' squanders their talents on a screenplay marred by unfunny jokes and poorly executed gags. The humor is juvenile without the cleverness required to elevate it, likening it to a directionless rip-off of better films in the summer camp comedy subgenre. Much of its runtime involves crass and tasteless antics that feel more forced than naturally humorous. The film's lack of cohesiveness and erratic energy further undermine its potential for becoming a sleeper hit.

If one can survive group masturbation sessions, visits to a caricature of a gay bar, and non-sequiturs that include one kitchen worker dressed as Dracula (and for reasons unknown, the production proudly bills the introduction of Rosanna Arquette, making her film debut), there's mayhem waiting at the end of Gorp, which becomes a camp-wide war, battling for—well, the right to be awful human beings. There's nothing wrong with lowball humor, but for juvenile antics to succeed, they need leadership willing to challenge bad ideas, inspiring the professionals to dream up tomfoolery that surprises, even when dealing with pure ugliness. Gorp doesn't have the energy to snowball into something delightfully ludicrous. Instead, it's a lazy, unfunny entry in the summer camp high jinks subgenre. While it aims to be another Animal House, it's more of a dreary, directionless rip-off in dire need of a rewrite and a funny bone transplant.