My oh my, how times have changed. It's been simply ages since I last viewed Class of 1984, so it comes as no surprise to note that this 1982 film, had actually done a fairly splendid job at predicting the future of our youth. In '82, it may have seemed odd that there would be metal detectors in schools or students carrying guns and knives. Today, this is more of a reality than anything else. Actually, in some instances, it's really much worse. Definitely a product of its time, Class of 1984 has surfaced on DVD as a French import (Region 2 PAL). Oddly enough, attempting to view the film now, as you may have in the past could likely prove to be quite the little challenge.

Perry King stars as Andrew Norris, an orchestra teacher who has just transferred to Abraham Lincoln High. Not quite the high school that Norris was accustomed to in Nebraska, this is a school in which the students reign supreme (or at least they THINK they do). Aside from the fact that they sport bandannas, flashy leather outfits and dyed hair, they also deal in weapons, drugs and multiple ass kickings for no apparent reason. When the bad students aren't disrupting class, they're defacing school property, torching teachers cars with molotov cocktails, or harassing members of the staff in their own homes. Norris is helped along by a Biology teacher named Terry (played by Roddy McDowall), that is until Terry eventually goes off the deep end himself, ultimately teaching a class at gunpoint. When the gangs invade Norris' home and threaten the well being of his wife and unborn child (in a scene that screams of A Clockwork Orange), he's forced to take matters into his own hands. This includes an attempt at a "once and for all" final takedown of the powerful gang and their smarmy leader Peter Stegman (Timothy Van Patten).

The ole "kids' running amok in school" scenario, is a cinematic theme that we've seen many times over. From the dead serious in tone (Lean on Me), to the overly exploitative (The Substitute or The Principal) right on down to the ridiculously coreographed satire (Class of Nuke 'em High). Amazingly enough, Class of 1984 doesn't really seem to fit into any one of these categories. While the film is undeniably exploitative, it tries to break free, unfortunately stepping on its own feet most of the time in the process. Why are these kids behaving the way that they do? Are they just bored or restless? Do they feel as if they are owed, have they been wronged? We never really know - and while there's an attempt to create some sort of emotional investment in these characters (good or bad) there's never really a proper fit. We're forced to accept it, it just is.

Today's audience will most likely not be too amused by Class of 1984 beyond the point of just laughing it off. Performances range from mildly effective to hammy and over the top (Michael J. Fox anyone?). Those who hold the film dear, have their reasons and I am not about to take issue with them. Despite its flaws, I still dig 1984 on some masochistic levels and enjoyed rediscovering it once again. While the film is never really overly graphic (most of the real carnage takes place during the final reel) it's still quite a disturbing and brutal affair. Any attempt at social commentary within this piece is null and void. As far as I'm concerned Class of 1984 works primarily as a piece of 80's exploitation trash. It's an unapologetically harsh film and not in just a purely visual sense either. In the end, it's just a really mean flick - and in some disturbingly entertaining way, this is why I'm drawn to it.

Picture quality is a mixed bag, but overall quite pleasing. Print damage is surprisingly minimal with only a few blemishes here and there. There is some grain (which is to be expected) along with slightly muted colors and black levels that are only a tad off balance. Make no mistake about it, Class of 1984 looks like a product of the 80's and the films original budgetary restrictions definitely show. However, all things considered, fans should be ultimately pleased by this 16X9-widescreen presentation, that is until the film is given a complete overhaul by one of the big boys (and who knows, they may not be able to do much better).

Audio options include French Dolby Digital 5.1, English Dolby Digital 5.1 and English Stereo. There is a DTS English track listed as well (on both the packaging and menu screen), but if it exists, I certainly couldn't access it. No matter anyway, all of the audio options here sound the same. Dialogue is clear and there is virtually no surround activity whatsoever. Serviceable, but nothing to write home to ma about. Also worth noting are the non-removable French subs that appear during all of the English audio options. That's right, NON-REMOVABLE, so bear this in mind. They aren't very intrusive - but they are indeed there the entire time.

Extras include selected filmographies (in French only), some text examples of critical response (in French only), a few unrelated trailers and a still gallery. The presentation here is definitely above average, you'll just not be able to show off the capabilities of your souped up home theatre system with this disc. Extras are pretty much non-existent so you'll have to base your decision to purchase on the title alone. Class of 1984 is no doubt fun, and the last 20-minutes or so are worth the price of admission all on their own. Disobeying the teacher has never been this much fun.

You can purchase Class of 1984 at www.xploitedcinema.com