Revenge of the Nerds (Panty Raid Edition)
20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
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A motley assortment of campus outcasts form their own fraternity and attempt to get back at the "in-crowd" that has made them the butt of many a joke and prank.

Good times the 1980s were. There's a certain amount of sarcasm there. Although the Free-Love era had long since given way to the "Me Generation", someone had forgotten to tell Hollywood. Following in the footsteps of the influential Canadian comedy Porky's, Revenge of the Nerds opted for going cheap on the ladies' wardrobe if you get what I mean. Yet, despite it's liberal use of nudity and indiscretion, there's still something innocently appealing about all the clichés and stereotypes that run rampant in this film that spawned several sequels (and even a putrid TV pilot as this DVD shows).

From thick-rimmed glasses to pocket protectors to virginal angst, Revenge of the Nerds hits every familiar note in the caricature of the "nerd". In fact, there's also the jocks, blondes and ultra-strict college deans to name a few of the other stereotypes you'll find within. But somewhere in all the fluff and garbage is just enough heart to make Revenge of the Nerds one of the forefathers of a generation of light-hearted comedies like American Pie, American Pie 2 and American Wedding.

Video: How's it look?
The film is shown in its original widescreen format. While it looks solid, it is a little on the soft side in the way of colour.

Audio: How's it sound?
If this DVD is lacking anywhere, it's in the audio. The best you get is Dolby two-channel stereo. There's also a mono track as well as mono French and Spanish tracks.

Extras: What additional goodies are included?

• Director Jeff Kanew and actors Robert Carradine, Timothy Busfield and Curtis Armstrong provide a quiet but funny commentary track. Kanew is particularly sharp and honest.
• The dirt is dished in the almost 40-minute making-of featurette "I'm a Nerd and Pretty Proud of It." Most of the main cast and director Kanew are on hand to offer what it was like to make the film and its lasting impression on the industry.
• They made a "Revenge of the Nerds" pilot for TV. Who knew? Thankfully it never aired. It's unveiled here and it's horrible. Basically, it's a 20-minute retelling of the film with worse jokes and a slightly tweaked storyline.
• Six deleted scenes totaling about 10 minutes.
• Theatrical trailer and trailer for Revenge of the Nerds II: Nerds in Paradise.
• English and Spanish subtitles.

Closing Thoughts
Although it might be lowbrow humour, it's lowbrow humour at its best. It may be nostalgia talking, but Revenge of the Nerds is a classic in my books. This DVD isn't great from a presentation standpoint, but the features are excellent.

Review brought to you by our friend Ryan @ Movie-Views.com