5.4 | / 10 |
Users | 4.0 | |
Reviewer | 3.5 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
A new batch of recruits arrives at Police Academy, this time a group of civilian volunteers who have joined Commandant Lassard's new Citizens on Patrol program. Although the community relations project has strong governmental support, a disgusted Captain Harris is determined to see it fail.
Starring: Steve Guttenberg, Bubba Smith, Michael Winslow, David Graf, Tim KazurinskyComedy | 100% |
Action | 80% |
Crime | 67% |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono (48kHz, 24-bit)
English SDH
Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region A (B, C untested)
Movie | 2.0 | |
Video | 4.0 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 3.5 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
Following the lead of 1986’s “Police Academy 3: Back in Training,” 1987’s “Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol” hopes to maintain the slowly dwindling fan base by bringing back old faces. In this case, the film welcomes Lt. Harris back to the series after taking the last two sequels off, rewarding actor G.W. Bailey with an unexpected starring role in the endeavor, with the production using the frequently humiliated character as much as possible. It’s nice to have Bailey back, but “Citizens on Patrol” isn’t creatively reenergized by the change, with director Jim Drake and writer Gene Quintano basically extending the vibe of “Back in Training,” serving up the same old antics and freak-outs as before, only here there’s noticeable fatigue with the shenanigans, which works to make the viewing experience a drag at times. With so many characters and quirks, it’s often bizarre to watch the production put very little effort into dreaming up wild events for the ensemble.
The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation is sourced from a 2K scan of the interpositive. Colors do well in "Citizens on Patrol," with period hues on the skateboarders delivering pastel brightness, and uniforms register with deep reds and blues. Outdoor adventures carry crystal blue water and distinct greenery. Skin tones are natural. Detail preserves a softer sense of fibrousness on costuming, and skin particulars are mildly appreciable. Academy grounds are decently dimensional, and aerial antics are deep, securing a look at stunt work in the film's finale. Interiors preserve decoration. Delineation is satisfactory. Grain is passably resolved. Source is in good condition.
The 2.0 DTS-HD MA leads with commanding scoring cues, which deliver a clear sense of instrumentation and dramatic support. Dialogue exchanges are sharp, capturing distinct performance choices from a variety of actors, while yelling fits remain comfortable. Sound effects are appreciable.
"Citizens on Patrol" is mostly made up of pranks (Lt. Harris's megaphone is glued to his mouth) and sight gags. And when that fails, the writing settles for a bird pooping on the characters. The whole thing perks up in the finale, which takes the action to an air show, watching the characters deal with planes and hot air balloons as they pursue criminals. It's a grand showcase for stunts and panic, getting the picture active in a major way, making one wish the whole endeavor was invested in screen activity. Sadly, only the ending shows signs of life, with the rest of "Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol" wandering around bizarre pranks and snoozy horse play, resembling a feature that was either written along the way, or loosely stitched together in the editing room to make a quick release date. It rehashes the "Police Academy" formula, but not with any distinct spark of imagination, doing very little with this now-vast world of nutty people hunting for love, authority, and opportunities to make life miserable for others.
(Still not reliable for this title)
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