For a generation that came of age in the early 1980s, few films capture the anarchic, hormone-fueled spirit of teenage rebellion quite like Porky's. Released in 1982, this low-budget comedy became a surprise box office smash, spawning sequels and cementing its place as a defining cult film. Now, preserved on high-definition Blu-ray, the misadventures of Angel Beach High's class of 1954 are more vibrant and raucous than ever. This review explores why the Porky's Blu-ray is an essential pickup for fans of classic comedy and a fascinating time capsule of a bygone era in filmmaking.
The film's premise is deceptively simple: a group of Florida teenagers in the 1950s wage a perpetual war against their libidos and the local, corrupt roadhouse owner, Porky, who humiliates them. What unfolds is a series of escalating, crude, and often hilariously inventive gags centered around peepholes, shower stalls, and ill-fated revenge plots. Directed by Bob Clark (who later directed A Christmas Story), Porky's operates with a gleeful, anything-goes mentality that pushed the boundaries of mainstream comedy at the time. Its success paved the way for a wave of R-rated teen comedies and remains a touchstone for the genre.
Visual and Audio Presentation: A Clear Upgrade
The transition to Blu-ray is where this release truly shines. The 1080p transfer presents the film with a level of clarity and color saturation that VHS and DVD copies could never achieve. The vibrant hues of 1950s Florida—the deep blues of the water, the green of the foliage, and the pastel tones of the cars and clothing—pop off the screen. Film grain is preserved, giving it an authentic cinematic texture without appearing overly noisy or digitized. This visual upgrade allows viewers to appreciate the film's period production design in new detail, from the meticulously recreated high school hallways to the sleazy interior of Porky's itself.
The audio mix, presented in DTS-HD Master Audio, is equally impressive. While not a bombastic surround sound experience, the dialogue is crisp and clear, and the iconic soundtrack—featuring classics like "Centerfold" by The J. Geils Band—sounds fuller and more dynamic. The subtle ambient sounds of the swamp, the chatter of the school, and the chaotic noises of the film's many pranks are all rendered with excellent fidelity. For a film of its age and original budget, the technical presentation on this classic comedy blu-ray is commendable.
Special Features and Legacy Content
Beyond the improved A/V quality, the Porky's Blu-ray includes a suite of special features that contextualize the film's impact. While not exhaustive, they offer valuable insights for fans and film historians alike. Typically, you can expect a retrospective documentary featuring interviews with key cast members, including Dan Monahan, who played the perpetually flustered Pee Wee. Hearing the actors reflect on the film's unexpected success, the on-set camaraderie, and its lasting cultural footprint adds a rich layer to the viewing experience.
Commentary tracks, often with the director or cast, provide a scene-by-scene breakdown of the filming process, the improvisations, and the challenges of making such a risqué film on a tight schedule. These features solidify the disc's status as more than just a movie; it's a historical document of a specific moment in Hollywood where a scrappy, unapologetic comedy could become a bestseller comedy phenomenon.
Why Porky's Endures as a Cult Classic
Watching Porky's today is an exercise in understanding shifting cultural sensibilities. Its humor is unabashedly crude and politically incorrect by modern standards, focusing heavily on sexual discovery and adolescent anxiety. Yet, its enduring appeal lies in its genuine heart and relatable core. Beneath the bawdy jokes is a film about friendship, standing up to bullies (whether they're sadistic gym teachers or greedy strip club owners), and the universal awkwardness of growing up.
The ensemble cast, featuring names like Kim Cattrall in an early role, brings a surprising amount of charm to their broadly drawn characters. The film doesn't aspire to be high art; it aspires to make you laugh, and decades later, it often succeeds. Its influence is visible in everything from American Pie to Superbad, making it a foundational text for the teen sex comedy genre. Owning the Blu-ray allows you to study this lineage firsthand.
Final Verdict: Is the Porky's Blu-ray Worth It?
For collectors and aficionados of 80s comedy movie history, the answer is a resounding yes. This isn't just a movie upgrade; it's the definitive way to experience a cultural landmark. The high-definition restoration breathes new life into the film's visuals and sound, while the supplemental material offers appreciated depth. It captures the film exactly as it should be remembered: loud, messy, offensive, and incredibly funny.
Whether you're revisiting it for a dose of nostalgia or discovering the antics of Angel Beach High for the first time, the Porky's Blu-ray delivers the complete package. It secures the film's legacy on a modern format, ensuring that the laughs, the chaos, and the sheer audacity of Porky's will continue to entertain audiences for generations to come. To own a piece of this irreverent history, adding this disc to your collection is a no-brainer.
