Rating summary

Movie		2.5
Video		3.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.5
Overall		3.5

Almost Summer Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf June 8, 2022

1978’s “Almost Summer” represents a transition in teen-centric storytelling, moving past the beach party movies of the 1960s while inching toward a more sympathetic understanding of adolescent concerns, as found in features throughout the 1980s. It wants to be many things for many audiences, which ultimately prevents the endeavor from becoming something truly memorable. Director Martin Davidson (“The Lords of Flatbush,” “Eddie and the Cruisers”) has a large collection of characters to manage, and an eager cast to make magic for the cameras, but the writing is often stuck while trying to be silly and sincere, becoming a sluggish, melodramatic study of growing pains and relationship challenges, also delving into the bitter world of politics and all the treachery that includes.

It’s a new year at Pacific High School, and Bobby (Bruno Kirby) is desperate to back a candidate capable of beating his ex-girlfriend, Christine (Lee Purcell), during a race for Student Body President. When his best bet is suspended, Bobby turns to Darryl (John Friedrich), looking to transform the meek teen into a dominant political force. Darryl enjoys his rise to power, distracted by Bobby’s sister, Donna (Didi Conn), who’s in love with him, and Christine has her own issues with boyfriend Kevin (Tim Matheson), a football star whose bright collegiate future is suddenly threatened. Also struggling to make sense of things is Bobby’s friend, Dean (Thomas Carter), who’s having trouble with his girlfriend, Nicole (Petronia Paley), a singer more interested in developing her career than preserving their relationship.

“Almost Summer” opens with a main title sequence that offers a lengthy shot of a bikini-clad model laying lustfully in the sun while The Beach Boys offer an original tune for the soundtrack, selling seasonal playfulness to come. But this is not the movie Davidson is making, offering an introductory blast of ocean air before the story returns to Pacific High, which is dealing with a particularly heated political contest. Bobby has bet cash on the outcome of the Student Body Presidential election, trying to manage potential disaster when he’s forced to turn to Darryl to help solve a candidate crisis. “Almost Summer” primarily deals with the election, as Bobby has a history with Christine, interested in her possible failure, while she looks to victory as validation, struggling with Kevin, who’s on his way to losing a golden future he’s planned for the both of them.

There’s dramatic value in the pressures of election performance, watching Darryl lose himself during the process, but the screenplay also wants to be a typical teen movie diversion, offering crushes and heartbreak, and tensions concerning prom dates are included. It’s a strange blend of lighthearted misadventures (including a cafeteria-wide food fight sequence) and darker political maneuverings, with Bobby trying to manipulate the vote in his favor. Davidson never finds a proper balance of mischief and mourning with the material, and “Almost Summer” certainly has the fingerprints of late-inning editorial reconsideration, with Davidson trying to turn a somewhat bleak tale of lost innocence into something more conventionally approachable.

Almost Summer Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Listed as a "Brand new 2K master," the AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation for "Almost Summer" is rough around the edges at times. Speckling is common, along with a few damaged frames and light scratches. Wear and tear runs throughout the viewing experience, and there's softness as well. Fine detail isn't present, but some mild textures are appreciable, especially with skin surfaces and select costuming. School interiors are adequately dimensional, getting a sense of classrooms and hallways. Color is acceptable, preserving brighter primaries on period outfits. Signage is appealing. Skintones are natural. Delineation is satisfactory. Grain is heavy, with a chunkier quality.

Almost Summer Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix presents forceful, wide music cues, finding soundtrack selections pleasingly defined with sharp instrumentation and clear vocals. Dialogue exchanges are also welcoming with some mild age, handling softer emotional moments and the school day bustle, including various assemblies and hallway chatter.

Almost Summer Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Interview (27:17, HD) is a video conference chat with actor Tim Matheson, who explores his career ambition at the time of "Almost Summer," working to transition from a child actor to more mature roles, finding a new place in Hollywood. Matheson shares information concerning deleted scenes and offers memories of director Martin Davidson. Co-stars are assessed and character is detailed, with the actor trying to achieve popularity that eluded him as an adolescent. The interviewee also recalls being on tour with The Beach Boys to help promote "Almost Summer," getting a feel for the grind. Matheson provides thoughts on other career achievements as well, including "Animal House," "A Little Sex," "Fletch," "Magnum Force," and "The House of God," which was shot in 1979 and was shelved until 1984.

• Interview (20:58, HD) is a discussion of "Almost Summer" with director Martin Davidson, who details his early partnership with producer Steve Tisch, helping to put the movie into development. Initially conceived as a New Jersey story, Davidson was forced to compromise his idea when Barry Gordy announced he was developing a California teen-centric feature. The interviewee analyzes his working relationship with cast members, committed to the rehearsal process. He also goes into the power of the Universal production machine, paired with a costume designer who completely ignored his requests, inspiring him to hire his wife, Sandy. Davidson explores his time with The Beach Boys, dealing with separate band member demands and creative thinking. Closing out the interview is a brief discussion of Davidson's unofficial trilogy: "The Lords of Flatbush," "Eddie and the Cruisers," and "Looking for an Echo."

• "A Hot Summer" (22:01, HD) is an interview with actress Lee Purcell, who recalls her initial casting in "Almost Summer," happy to work with director Martin Davidson, sharing adoration for his previous picture, "The Lords of Flatbush." Cast and crew camaraderie is shared, with Purcell detailing a happy set, and she's overwhelmed by emotion when remembering co-star Bruno Kirby. The interviewee offers her memories of touring with The Beach Boys with Tim Matheson, getting so lost during the weeks, she couldn't even remember the name of the cities she was visiting. She also highlights personal mischief with Matheson to keep themselves entertained during press conferences. Purcell also highlights her acting research, going undercover at a local high school for weeks, making friends and breaking hearts along the way.

• Interview (6:54, HD) features costume designer Sandy Davidson, who was selected for the job on "Almost Summer" when the previous hire didn't meet director Martin Davidson's standards, aiming to dress average high school students up in high fashion outfits. The interviewee recalls the might of the Universal wardrobe department during the 1970s, and she explores how she worked with the stars of the picture to find their characters.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (3:28, HD) is included.

Almost Summer Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

The cast is likable, working to sell the primal needs of their characters, fighting their obvious age (a few of the actors are pushing 30) to portray earnest and vulnerable high school students. The ensemble brings needed emphasis to the picture, capturing specific feelings while Davidson fails to land a consistent tone for the endeavor. "Almost Summer" isn't all there, creating a slightly deflating sit, as potential is present for a more delicate understanding of adolescent wants and needs, offered a tempting complication by the world of politics.