The Last American Virgin Blu-ray Review

The 1080p presentation of "The Last American Virgin" on Blu-ray, utilizing an AVC encoded transfer in the 1.85:1 aspect ratio, showcases a range of visual characteristics consistent with catalog titles derived from older masters. While the color space and clarity are generally comparable to the British release, the image sometimes demonstrates issues typical of aged transfers, including occasional grain resolution problems in dimly lit scenes. It's noteworthy that the palette occasionally appears slightly anemic, with flesh tones veering towards ruddy pink. Small nicks, scratches, and dirt are present but not overly distracting.

In terms of clarity and detail, the transfer impressively captures nuanced elements from the character on Gary’s pizza delivery car to fabric textures on clothing. Despite minimal instances of smoothness, the overall image radiates vibrancy and life. Depth perception is solid, with smooth, cinematic movements and substantial background clarity, contingent on focal precision. Black levels are robust, with only minor detail obscuration in very dark scenes. Color reproduction is suitably lively without overwhelming saturation or bleeding, maintaining an authentic 80s aesthetic.

Flesh tones remain mostly natural throughout various scenes, with close-ups effectively highlighting facial details such as dimples and wrinkles. As expected with transfers from older materials, there is a presence of grain and intermittent dirt and specks, which adds to the film's vintage feel. Overall, this Blu-ray release’s video section offers a commendable balance of detail and authenticity, despite a few age-related imperfections.

The audio presentation of "The Last American Virgin" on Blu-ray is delivered through a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track that impresses with its vibrant and forceful music cues from the 1980s. The dynamic range is particularly noteworthy, with musical instruments being distinct and the performances compellingly front and center. The music, a true highlight of this film, maintains its energy throughout. However, as is common with source mixes of this era, there are occasional prioritization issues where the dialogue can be slightly obscured by the robust soundtrack.

The audio fidelity is strong, with no discernible age-related degradation. Dialogue reproduction is generally clean and clear, ensuring that vocals are loud and possess good clarity when not competing with the music tracks. Notably, the film repeats the substitution of Devo’s “Whip It” for a Human League song—a change linked to licensing issues dating back to the film's original release. Despite these minor concerns, the overall audio experience is excellent, with well-placed sound effects that add to the immersive quality of the track.

This DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mix is among the finest for a vintage catalog title from Olive Films, devoid of any overlooked analog artifacts. The film excels in placing sound effects and vocals with precision within the mix. For those seeking a high-energy, nostalgic audio experience from this era, "The Last American Virgin" delivers one of the most dynamic and enjoyable soundtracks available on Blu-ray.

The Blu-ray release of "The Last American Virgin" offers a profound exploration of its rich supplementary content, enhancing the viewing experience with well-curated and insightful extras. Unlike certain previous domestic releases, this edition elevates the standard by incorporating various engaging features that delve deep into the film's production and legacy. These carefully crafted additions add significant value for fans and cinephiles alike, providing behind-the-scenes insights and historical context. The packaging is thoughtfully designed to facilitate easy navigation without overwhelming the viewer.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: An insightful track featuring director Boaz Davidson and notable cast members.
• Behind-The-Scenes Featurette: A fascinating look at the making of the film, including interviews and rare footage.
• Deleted Scenes: Various clips that didn't make it into the final cut, offering additional context.
• Trailer Gallery: A collection of original promotional materials.
• Interview Segments: Candid discussions with key contributors about their experiences during production.

"The Last American Virgin," a quintessential 80s teen sex comedy directed by Boaz Davidson, stands out for its blend of humor, romance, and reality. Originating as an American adaptation of the Israeli hit "Eskimo Limon" (Lemon Popsicle), the film shifts to Los Angeles and the contemporary 1980s, offering a depiction of teenage boys' universal quest for sexual experiences. Central to the story are Gary (Lawrence Monoson), a shy and sweet pizza delivery boy, and his bold friends, Rick (Steve Antin) and David (Joe Rubbo), whose misadventures oscillate between laugh-out-loud comedy and poignant moments of growth and introspection.

Despite the movie's initial presentation as a series of raunchy episodes reminiscent of "Porky's" or "Revenge of the Nerds," it diverges with unexpected narrative depth. The character of Karen (Diane Franklin) introduces a compelling love triangle that challenges the friendships and personal ideals of the protagonists. Marvelously transitioned into darker subject matter, the film explores themes of unrequited love and the emotional repercussions of casual sex, drawing the viewer into the authentic turmoil faced by teenagers. This tonal shift is augmented by a memorable soundtrack featuring iconic tracks from Journey, U2, and The Police, solidifying the film's period authenticity.

One notable aspect is the nuanced portrayal of the friendship triangle. Gary's earnest affections towards Karen stand in stark contrast to Rick's cavalier attitude, creating a genuine emotional conflict. The performances of the cast—especially Monoson's heartfelt portrayal of Gary—add substantial gravitas to their arcs. Director Boaz Davidson deftly balances humor and serious themes, making "The Last American Virgin" not just another teen comedy but a significant coming-of-age story that resonates beyond its era. The unexpected yet impactful ending cements its status as a remarkable and somewhat underappreciated gem within the genre.

The Last American Virgin, a seemingly straightforward teen comedy, transitions into a considerably more dramatic narrative as its closing act approaches. This shift imbues the film with what can be described as a "schizophrenic" quality; however, this divergence from the anticipated raunchy comedy format is commendable. The unexpected emotional depth is often obscured by the antics of the boys attempting to navigate their sexual awakenings, but it nonetheless provides a meaningful layer to the overall story. Performances are consistently strong, contributing to the film's engaging nature. The technical execution in this Blu-ray release is competent, with commendable audio and visual fidelity. However, potential buyers might be drawn towards the Arrow release featuring supplementary material that this Olive Films edition lacks.

Olive Films' Blu-ray presentation of The Last American Virgin is visually and audibly impressive, bringing new life to this overlooked teen comedy classic. Despite the high-quality transfer, the absence of bonus features significantly detracts from the overall experience. Knowing that other editions include interviews with the director and principal cast members makes this omission more noticeable. Nevertheless, Olive Films deserves recognition for releasing this title when other studios may have overlooked it. This film not only captures the essence of its era with nostalgic charm but also resonates today with its relatable themes and personal storyline. Among 80s teen sex comedies, The Last American Virgin stands out for its humane undertones and character-driven plot that delivers genuine consequences.

In conclusion, The Last American Virgin might initially seem like any other raunchy teen comedy, but it surprises with a depth that elevates it above its genre peers. Although this Olive Films release is lacking in supplemental content, it remains a recommended acquisition for fans and collectors due to its solid technical quality and enduring emotional resonance.