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The Movie:
Although generally regarded as a classic in the teen film genre, "Porkys" simply has seemed to inspire a re-visit in the updated "American Pie". Neither film has much of a plot beyond a group of guys looking for sex and trying to pick up women, but at least "Pie" has slightly more successful jokes.
Here, there's six high school kids, Pee Wee (Dan Monohan), Billy (Mark Herrier), Mickey (Roger Wilson), Tim (Cyril O'Reilly), Tommy (Wyatt Knight), and Meat (Tony Ganos), looking to score or at least get a peek at some female nudity as they grow up in Angel Beach, Florida in the 50's. Their prayers seem to have been answered as they head to Porky's - a bar and brothel located nearby.
The kids end up getting humiliated by Porky and ripped off - of course, they vow revenge but aren't terribly successful. In the meantime, they have some fun playing pranks on each other and others (witness a fairly hilarious prank call about halfway through the film). None of this is particularly deep, or does it even have much of a message. It's just about showing some nudity and attempting to offer a few jokes - some of which work for a few solid laughs, while some fall flat 20 years later. "Porkys" also features a small early performance from "Sex and the City" star Kim Catrall.
"The Next Day" is the generally unfunny sequel that brings back many of the same characters, although keeps the level of laughs and raunchy fun down in comparison to the original feature. The plot revolves around the kids protesting after their play gets shut down for being obscene.
The DVD
VIDEO: This double feature disc gives Fox a chance to present "Porkys" in a new 1.85:1 anamorphic transfer. Although I haven't seen the original non-anamorphic release, this new presentation shows that the film has not aged terribly well. Sharpness is often wanting. Although some of the bright, outdoor sequences begin to come closer to looking well-defined, much of the interior sequences are noticably soft and sometimes slightly hazy.
At least there are not any instances of visible pixelation or shimmering. The only problem besides the almost consistent softness are print flaws. Although not massive, there is some wear apparent throughout the movie, including scratches and occasional marks, with slight grain. Colors generally seem solid and natural, not faded. Although there are some problems that are noticable and somewhat distracting at times, "Porkys" still looks pretty decent considering it's age.
"The Next Day" was made three years later and looks somewhat better than the original. Presented in a 1.85:1 anamorphic transfer, the picture at least looks generally sharper and somewhat more well-defined than the original, with some softness occasionally noticable in the image. Colors look more vibrant and natural, as well. Problems still do arise with print flaws often noticable in the form of small marks and scratches, although nothing majorly distracting.
SOUND: "Porkys" gets a new Dolby Surround presentation on this double feature DVD, but the results are generally decent for the film's age. It's all-dialogue, but unfortunately, the dialogue sounds slightly poor at times, sounding somewhat harsh and unnatural. The original mono soundtrack is included here, as well as on the second film.
"The Next Day" still remains a very basic audio presentation, mainly focusing on the dialogue, but sounding slightly clearer and fuller, if not by much in comparison to the original. Dialogue still sounds noticably thin at times, although better than the first film.
MENUS:: Menus aren't animated - where "Revenge" at least had some funny "film-themed" images in the background, both of these menus are generally the same, using the cover art.
EXTRAS: Trailers for "Revenge Of the Nerds" 1 and "Porkys" 1 are on the first side with the original and the trailers for both sequels are on the other side with the sequel.
Final Thoughts:
Positive: Fans of the movies will be able to pick up both for $24.98, at even less at most stores. Picture and sound quality are not remarkable in any way, although still slightly better than I'd expected.
Negative: Nothing much in the way of extra features, although with both films at such a low price, this is a minor concern as fans of the film will be thrilled to have the films in their collection at such a low price.
Porkys 1
The Film **
DVD Grades
Video 80/B- = (320/400 possible points)
Audio: 79/C+ = (316/400 possible points)
Extras: 75/C = (225/300 possible points)
Menus: 70/C- = (140/200 possible points)
Value: 83/B = (249/300 possible points)
TOTAL POINTS:1250/1600
DVD GRADE:C/78%
FILM GRADE: **
DVD GRADE: C+
Revenge 2
The Film * 1/2
DVD Grades
Video 82/B = (328/400 possible points)
Audio: 81/B = (324/400 possible points)
Extras: 75/C = (225/300 possible points)
Menus: 70/C- = (140/200 possible points)
Value: 83/B = (249/300 possible points)
TOTAL POINTS:1266/1600
DVD GRADE:C+/79%
FILM GRADE: * 1/2
DVD GRADE: C+
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