Rating summary

Movie		2.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf December 8, 2023

Hopes were high for 1984’s “Police Academy” to do some business, but nobody could’ve predicted its massive success. The little comedy managed to enchant audiences for months, ending up as the sixth highest-grossing feature of the year (sandwiched between “The Karate Kid” and “Footloose”), putting producer Paul Maslansky in a position to launch a potential franchise with a superb chance for low-budget profitability. Instead of mulling over his creative directions, Maslansky slammed “Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment” into production, with the picture arriving in theaters a mere 53 weeks after the original offering of cadet mischief. Setting the tone for future sequels, “Their First Assignment” isn’t concerned with plot and it doesn’t do much with character, moving forward with pranks, stunts, and general tomfoolery with a new PG-13 rating and a desire to bring in a wider audience for the brand name.

Crime rages on in the big city, with the 16th Precinct hit hard by gang activity, finding The Skullions, and their leader Zed (Bobcat Goldthwait), terrorizing the community with their lawless ways. Captain Pete (Howard Hessman) needs help, receiving graduates from the Police Academy, with Mahoney (Steve Guttenberg), Hightower (Bubba Smith), Jones (Michael Winslow), Tackleberry (David Graf), Hooks (Marion Ramsey), and Fackler (Bruce Mahler) joining the squad. Standing in the way of success is Lt. Mauser (Art Metrano), who desires power of his own, aiming to sabotage the efforts of the Class of ’84, allowing him to take over for Captain Pete, joined by his toady, Sgt. Proctor (Lance Kinsey). With The Skullions increasing their violence, and Mauser using underhanded means to support such chaos, it’s up to Mahoney and the gang to save the day, but first they need to get used to their new surroundings and partners.

“Police Academy” climaxed with violence in the city, and “Their First Assignment” remains there, introducing Sweetchuck (Tim Kazurinsky), a helpless store owner repeatedly attacked by The Skullions, unable to pay protection money to Zed. The character represents the dire situation in town, putting the graduates to use for Captain Pete, with his sibling Commandant Lassard (George Gaynes), happy to help his baby brother with staffing shortages. The gang from “Police Academy” has been paired down, with the screenplay aiming to create new cops to freshen up comedic potential, including Schtulman (Peter Van Norden), an outrageous slob, and Tackleberry is handed a partner in Kirkland (Coleen Camp), and the pair find love in their shared interest in firearms. With Lt. Harris out of the way, “Their First Assignment” brings in Mauser to serve as the same wormy antagonist function in what little here passes for a story, setting up new Mahoney tricks as he takes on the establishment, including putting glue in Mauser’s shower, instantly securing his hands to his head.

The vibe is jovial enough, but “Their First Assignment” makes a mistake in adding new players, which takes some screen time away from the main cast (Hooks and Hightower are barely used here). Captain Pete’s woes are identified, and Tackleberry’s ways with love are given proper attention, making for a fun subplot as the Rambo figure reveals a particular insecurity when it comes to women. However, bits dominate, and few of them are engaging, especially when it comes to Mauser’s humiliations, which become quite random. Winslow is gifted a shot to showcase his love of martial art cinema when Jones becomes a badly dubbed Bruce Lee movie before taking on enemies, and Mahoney remains a scamp, prioritized in the last act as he goes undercover to infiltrate The Skullions, keeping Guttenberg front and center, perhaps contractually so.

Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) is sourced from a 2K scan of the interpositive. Color maintains presence, preserving the darker hues on police uniforms and precinct events, while cooler city hues are appreciable. Signage and decoration provides livelier primaries, and outdoor events, such as beach patrol, carry a slightly brighter feel for period fashion. Skin tones are natural. Detail is softer but acceptable, delivering a passable look at facial surfaces and costuming. Urban tours are dimensional, and interiors deliver a good sense of decorative additions in shops and professional settings. Delineation is satisfactory. Grain is adequately resolved. Source is in good condition.

Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix offers a basic sense of dialogue exchanges, with performance choices, including Zed's screaming, intelligible, without distortive extremes. Scoring supports with a heartier orchestral sound, offering appealing instrumentation and dramatic support. Sound effects are basic but appreciable.

Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• "Armed and Dangerous: Making 'Police Academy 2'" (13:46, HD) is an interview with assistant director Robert Joseph Pugliese, who was initially loyal to the professional who brought him on the shoot. However, when the man quit, Pugliese stepped up to handle the position, making his debut as an assistant director. The interviewee explores his education in the film business, figuring out his responsibilities and the politics of it all. Pugliese is a little vague when it comes to the details of a directorial firing that occurred, but he discusses Jarry Paris and his more aggressive ways of handling a set, managing the cast. Locations are recalled, including time at a local zoo. "Challenging days" are mentioned, but Pugliese doesn't go in-depth when exploring the shoot.

• "First Class Schmuck: Recruiting Lt. Proctor" (11:45, HD) is an interview with actor Lance Kinsey, who recalls his initial audition for "Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment," competing for the role of Proctor with Jerry Seinfeld. The interviewee discusses the innocence of the character and his place in the overall mayhem of the picture. Memories of director Jerry Paris are shared, who trusted his actors until it was time to yell at them. Kinsey also provides his experience on "Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol," meeting co-star G.W. Bailey right before being released into a raging river. Additional memories are provided from "Police Academy 5: Assignment Miami Beach."

• "Accidental Heroes: The Best Of" (6:28, SD) is a 2004 look at the making of "Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment," featuring interviews with producer Paul Maslansky, and actors Steve Guttenberg, Lance Kinsey, and Marion Ramsey. Maslansky introduces the featurette with a discussion of the funny bone, and it's importance to the "Police Academy" saga. Casting is highlighted, with Kinsey joining the gang, and appreciation for Art Metrano is offered. The producer also points out the international success of the series, with its broad comedy finding a global audience.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (1:24, SD) is included.

Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Their First Assignment" is a noticeable step down from the original "Police Academy," and while it shares the same snappy pace and remains supported by Robert Folk's wonderful theme music, the sequel isn't focused enough for a continuation. The ending feels rushed, or perhaps made up on the spot, with "Their First Assignment" in need of more consideration with its tale of rookie anxiety and new professional challenges. It's more of the same, but not as inspired or lively as the previous picture (an uptick in racial humor is also strange), while the community of oddballs vibe of the 1984 feature is weirdly downplayed in the follow-up. It's a film of some charm and a few laughs, but with all the potential "Police Academy" presented for future installments, the endeavor is strangely flat.