Homework Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		3.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.0
Overall		3.5

Homework Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Dr. Svet Atanasov October 7, 2024

James Beshears' "Homework" (1982) arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Unearthed Films. The supplemental features on the release include archival program with producer Max Rosenberg and vintage promotional materials. In English, with optional English and English SDH subtitles for the main feature. Region-Free.

The dream that remained a dream

Homework hits as hard as the The Last American Virgin does. However, it does not wait until the very end to do so. It starts punching early, gradually increasing the intensity, almost as if to ensure no one misinterprets its humor. The Last American Virgin is a cheekier film. For a while, it creates the impression that it wants to be like Porky's and Screwballs, a funny skin flick for teenagers, but then, having successfully tricked its audience, it abruptly veers off in an entirely new direction. Homework chooses a direction and does not pull off any tricks while trying to reach its final destination. It can surprise only viewers who think of it as a conventional comedy, which it most definitely is not.

James Beshears’ camera closely follows several teenagers in Los Angeles, all good friends, who form The Flies, a small band with big ambitions. They are not good musicians, good songwriters, or good entertainers. They are not even that much into music. They are ordinary boys and girls, but smart enough to understand that success in the music industry can open many doors and make dreams come true, or silence preachy and often openly hypocritical parents who act like they have never been young. All of them have a very secret dream. Tommy (Michael Morgan), who is still a virgin, imagines being devoured by several adult models while performing on stage. Ralph (Lanny Horn) wants to be popular with all girls. Lisa (Shell Kepler) wants to be famous and in a relationship with a Hollywood star. Cookie (Renee Harris) likes singing but wants a proper relationship with Mix (Mark Brown), whose motto is “live fast, die beautiful.” Gilles (John Romano) wants the posh toys of his wealthy father and more. Sheila (Erin Donovan) has been repeatedly asked to join the band, but is too busy training because she dreams of earning a spot on her school’s famous swimming team.

As the band begins rehearsing, its members have various adventures that reset their ambitions and grasp on reality. Tommy has a disastrous date with a prostitute and walks away from it convinced that he is gay. Ralph books a private lesson with his sexy French teacher (Lee Purcell), fully convinced that he has figured out how to approach women he wishes to bed, but discovers that Gilles is already talking to her. Gilles discovers that his wealthy father values his new Porsche more than he loves him. Lisa auditions for Hollywood star Reddog (Wings Hauser) and walks away with gonorrhea. Cookie learns that her father does not think she is old enough to be with Mix, who has been secretly pursuing other naïve girls like her.

Even though there is some genuinely funny material, the message of Homework is that while maturing all teenagers, regardless of their racial and social background, get scarred, frequently by close friends and adults whom they trust, too. Some of the funny material softens the scarring, but this is not enough to assume that Homework was conceived to impress as a comedy. The funny material is a byproduct of the naivety that allows the scarring to occur, which Homework neither exaggerates nor downplays.

A seduction scene with Joan Collins has always been the big reason to see Homework, but while nicely shot and effective, it does not offer the thrills it has been said to produce. It is because there is just more scarring in it. (Apparently, the complete scene was done with a body double and caused a lot of controversy right before the film’s premiere).

The production values are a mixed bag. When Tommy decides to become a man and visits one of the seediest parts of Los Angeles, a lot of very interesting material could have been shot, but his entire trip lasts less than two minutes. Also, the music fails to create a memorable environment. Oddly enough, the average and unpolished material makes Homework look like a refreshingly sincere period film.

Homework was produced by Max Rosenberg, whose credits include such cult films as Dr. Who and the Daleks, Daleks' Invasion Earth: 2150 A.D., Tales from the Crypt, and Cat People.

Homework Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted a 1080p transfer, Homework arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Unearthed Films.

The overwhelming majority of the film has the type of appearance that a master struck from an aged interpositive or 35mm print would produce. I do not know which of the two might have been used, or if a different source was accessed, but the quality of the visuals is not optimal. However, I would describe it as pretty good for two important reasons. First, despite some noticeable density fluctuations, all visuals have strong organic qualities. Some just look slightly dated. Second, delineation, clarity, and depth remain pleasing even in areas where light fading is visible. There are no traces of any compromising digital corrections. Colors balance is stable, but this is an area where various meaningful improvements can be made, with the most significant ones affecting the supporting nuances. I noticed numerous tiny nicks, blemishes, and even a few scratches, but there are no large cuts, warped or torn frames to report. Also, there is room for some minor stability enhancements. All in all, while a bit rough, the technical presentation is fair to describe as nice. (Note: This is a Region-Free Blu-ray release. Therefore, you will be able to play it on your player regardless of your geographical location).

Homework Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

There are two standard audio tracks on this Blu-ray release: English LPCM 2.0 (Mono) and Dolby Dgitial 2.0 (Stereo). Optional English and English SDH subtitles are provided for the main feature.

I used the lossless Mono track, which is noticeably stronger than the lossy Stereo track. While all exchanges are clear and easy to follow, the Mono track can use a proper remastering job. In many areas, there are minor but obvious fluctuations that have an impact on its dynamics as well. In the upper register, there is a bit of light hiss, too.

Homework Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Interview with Producer Max Rosenberg - in this archival program, producer Max Rosenberg explains how Homework came to exist, all the drama surrounding Joan Collins' contribution, and the film's distribution and publicity histories. In English, not subtitled. (28 min).

• Promotional Gallery - a small collection of vintage promotional materials for Homework. With music. (2 min).

• Trailer - presented here is a vintage trailer for Homework. In English, not subtitled. (2 min).

Homework Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Homework is not a conventional comedy, and Joan Collins, who is proudly featured on the original poster for it, is not its star. If you keep this in mind and give Homework a chance, you will discover an imperfect but intriguing small film that has a lot in common with The Last American Virgin. It is about teenagers getting scarred by experiences that are and always will be part of the transition from adolescence to adulthood. This recent release from Unearthed Films offers a rather rough but attractive organic presentation of it, with an outstanding archival program featuring its famous producer, Max Rosenberg. RECOMMENDED.