Assault of the Party Nerds 2: The Heavy Petting Detective Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		2.0
Video		2.5
Audio		3.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		3.0

Assault of the Party Nerds 2: The Heavy Petting Detective Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf April 24, 2025

1995’s “Assault of the Party Nerds II” (also known as “The Heavy Petting Detective: Assault of the Party Nerds II” and “Assault of the Party Nerds II: The Class Reunion”) looks to reconnect with the merriment of the original 1989 film, and doing so in a manner taken by many sequels: the remake route. It’s a loose replication of the first picture, though writer/director/star Richard Gabai has a noticeably larger budget and more shooting days to work with, aiming to spruce up what was arguably his biggest career hit. Unfortunately, the helmer’s sense of humor doesn’t receive an upgrade in the follow-up, which remains with dismal writing and acting as it attempts to conjure a return to past late night basic cable glories for the Blockbuster generation.

Five years after saving Lambda Alpha Eta, Richard (Richard Gabai) is now a private investigator. He’s been hired by Grand Master Norm (Arte Johnson) to prevent the sale of the Lambda house to Zeta Alpha Mu, tasked with disrupting the deal. This involves a reunion with Bud (Christopher Dempsey), his old frat enemy, who’s attempting to wrestle control of his father-in-law’s (Burt Ward) law firm, secretly looking to manipulate his wife, Muffin (Michelle Bauer). Tasked with helping the current roster of Lambda losers, Richard returns to his party hardy ways, arranging a shindig while attempting to avoid all the trouble coming for him.

“Assault of the Party Nerds II” looks to become just a little more epic. There’s a “Star Wars”-style scroll trying to update viewers on Richard and his accomplishments, and Gabai looks to increase buzzy energy to the endeavor by including a surplus of supporting characters. It’s a community of idiots and impish types competing for screen time, and it makes “Assault of the Party Nerds II” a little hard to follow, or perhaps tiring is a better description. Gabai is in such a hurry to pack in as many subplots as possible, he loses sight of the main mission to put Richard in a party-making position, returning to his old Lambda pals while hoping to encourage the current line-up of couch potato duds.

Bambi (Linnea Quigley) returns, as Richard puts the beauty salon owner to work during his investigation. There’s also scheming between Bud and Muffin, joined by office woes involving Lori (Gloria Perez), Richard’s girlfriend, which eats up a surprising amount of screen time. Focus isn’t on the “Assault of the Party Nerds II” to-do list, as Gabai mostly wanders around in the feature, trying to launch film tributes (there’s a brief detour into black and white classic cinema) and comedy, which never lands (this includes Richard posing as a woman to access a gym). However, Gabai does have more practice with moviemaking, giving the picture a chance to show off additional locations, actually employ camera moves, and provide some editing.

Assault of the Party Nerds 2: The Heavy Petting Detective Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

While originally shot on film, Culture Shock only offers a video tape source for "Assault of the Party Nerds II." The AVC encoded image (1.31:1 aspect ratio) presentation doesn't provide any detail, but a general appreciation of frame information is offered (some AI filtering is present), following the characters as they make their way around Los Angeles and its many living spaces. Colors are aged and bleed-y, but maintain some level of presence with period hues, including hot pinks and blues. Primaries are acceptable throughout the viewing experience, exploring greenery and signage. Skin tones are natural. Delineation is acceptable. Source is in decent condition, with occasional debris.

Assault of the Party Nerds 2: The Heavy Petting Detective Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix reaches the limitations of the source, and the original technical achievements of the production. Dialogue exchanges are a little fuzzy at times, but intelligibility isn't threatened, securing performance choices and actor volume. Scoring supports with acceptable clarity, joined by soundtrack selections that maintain defined vocals. Sound effects are appreciable.

Assault of the Party Nerds 2: The Heavy Petting Detective Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Intro (1:03, HD) is a welcome to the Blu-ray experience from actress Rhonda Shear, which oddly resembles a video greeting from Cameo.

• Commentary #1 features director Richrd Gabai and actress Michelle Bauer.

• Commentary #2 featured director Richard Gabai and actors Tane McClure and Joe Toppe.

• Image Gallery (2:54) collects BTS Snaps, film stills, and publicity shots.

• Behind-the-Scenes (13:16, SD) joins actress Linnea Quigley on the set of "Assault of the Party Nerds II." A video camera wanders around, capturing cast camaraderie, watching the actors work hard to charm and be funny. BTS footage is included, exploring the vibe on-set as shots are prepared. Director Richard Gabai also offers a brief interview about Quigley, sharing his thoughts as a loud plane passes overhead.

• "Up All Night" (3:01, SD) is a clip from the cable program, watching host Rhonda Shear attempt to summon some comedic energy as she cracks jokes and welcomes director Richard Gabai to the set. The guest looks a little uncomfortable, but he's quick to sell his effort, "The Heavy Petting Detective: Assault of the Party Nerds II," and offers three "New York Dos and Don'ts," which is an attempt to promote the video and pay-per-view release of Gabai's sequel.

• Interview (6:15, SD) is a conversation with actor Burt Ward, joined by director Richard Gabai, who shares his memory of being a child during the release of 1966's "Batman: The Movie," representing his first meeting with Ward. The interviewee sings the praises of the helmer, celebrating his ability to multitask, sticking with Gabai for multiple pictures, allowed to play different characters. Talk returns to "Batman," as Ward shares his audition story and the influence of the crimefighter, also detailing his experience with fame, enduring "7,000 personal appearances" over the years.

• Interview (6:00, SD) looks to celebrate the 10th anniversary of "Assault of the Party Nerds" with actress Linnea Quigley, who claims she attracts some degree of attention from the movie from fans on the street. Recollections from the original shoot are shared, also detailing other adventures in filmmaking, celebrating her cult hits. Life highlights are provided as well, including information about her fan club.

• Interview (8:33, SD) also heralds the 10th anniversary of "Assault of the Party Nerds," this time with actress Michelle Bauer, who was six months pregnant during the original shoot. Career movement is analyzed, as Bauer works to get away from "bimbo" roles, hunting for better parts as she ages. Convention life is explored, keeping the actress busy signing items for fans and dealing with lascivious men. The interviewee also explores her friendships and professional history, offering anecdotes from other career achievements.

• Interview (6:27, SD) is a chat with Richard Gabai, who quickly dodges a strange question about his time on "Dinosaur Island," redirecting to topics concerning "Assault of the Party Nerds." Filmmaking achievements are highlighted, pushing the crew to complete entire features in a matter of days. Fame associated with the "Party Nerds" series is examined, as Gabai shares plans for more installments to come (spoiler alert: they didn't come).

• And a Trailer #1 (2:41, SD) and Trailer #2 (1:13, SD) are included.

Assault of the Party Nerds 2: The Heavy Petting Detective Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

As much as "Assault of the Party Nerds II" tries to move forward in time with the characters, it remains a remake, down to almost the exact same climaxes, only the sequel is a bit more bewildering in its hazy sense of character continuity. Gabai has little control over the continuation, and his love of silliness is not something to appreciate, but something to be endured, once again launching a tale of celebration that feels like imprisonment.