The Police Academy Collection Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.0

The Police Academy Collection Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf December 8, 2023

In 1984, it was a low-budget comedy hoping to find a small audience, only to become a major box office hit. The origin story of “Police Academy” is one of modest expectations, but it soon became a Hollywood force for producer Paul Maslansky, who returned to the well six more times, and all these law enforcement misadventures are collected for “The Police Academy Collection,” with Shout Factory sweetening the deal by offering new scans of the movies, adding some fresh supplementary material as well.

Click here for a review of Police Academy

Click here for a review of Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment

Click here for a review of Police Academy 3: Back in Training

Click here for a review of Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol

Click here for a review of Police Academy 5: Assignment Miami Beach

Click here for a review of Police Academy 6: City Under Siege

Click here for a review of Police Academy: Mission to Moscow

The Police Academy Collection Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

See above for reviews.

The Police Academy Collection Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

See above for reviews.

The Police Academy Collection Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Extras Disc

• Additional and Alternate Scenes (45:40, SD) provide a rough look at different moments from the "Police Academy" series.

• T.V. and Video Spots (8:12, SD) offer domestic and international ads for the "Police Academy" franchise.

• Image Gallery (15:44) collects poster art, film stills, publicity shots, lobby cards, and BTS snaps from the "Police Academy" franchise.

• Theatrical Trailers (10:40, SD) include all "Police Academy" films.

Police Academy

• Commentary features director Hugh Wilson, producer Paul Maslansky, and actors Steve Guttenberg, Michael Winslow, Leslie Easterbrook, and G.W. Bailey.

• "What They Don't Know Can't Hurt Them" (19:56, HD) is an interview with producer Paul Maslansky about his time on "Police Academy." Maslansky was originally hired by The Ladd Company to work on "The Right Stuff," which put him in contact with San Francisco police academy cadets for crowd control purposes. A story was born and development commenced, soon attracting attention from co-writer/director Hugh Wilson. Casting is celebrated, with the interviewee offering special attention to Michael Winslow, who was a struggling stand-up comedian at the time. Shooting locations are detailed, with the franchise eventually traveling all over the world. Test screening memories are shared, with the first picture requiring a different ending to send viewers out on a high.

• "Desperate Measures Were Taken" (11:49, HD) is an interview with co-writers Neal Israel and Pat Proft (who appears audio only), who were tasked with coming up with the script after charming producer Paul Maslansky. The men actually visited various law enforcement academies, studying the students, collecting their personalities for characterizations, finding gold with these odd people. Only Mahoney is an invention, with Israel and Proft putting themselves into the character. Some talk of structure is shared, and comedy trends of the day are recalled, with the pair going raunchy to keep up with marketplace demands. Early reaction to "Police Academy" is revealed, with the writers quickly turning down a chance to create a sequel.

• "Move It! Move It!: Recruiting Captain Harris" (16:03, HD) is an interview with actor G.W. Bailey, who wasn't delighted with the "Police Academy" script, but happy to take a major role in a movie, only to learn he was on standby while Paul Dooley considered an offer to play Lt. Harris. Bailey identifies possession of his swagger stick as the birth of the character, keeping it throughout his time on the series. The interviewee recalls his struggle saying rough lines to Bubba Smith, who became a dear friend, and he details relationships with other co-stars, including time spent with Lance Kinsey. Memories of director Hugh Wilson are shared, who was a no-nonsense helmer, shooing away the actor's concerns about the part. Bailey wanted to continue on with Wilson for "Burglar," requiring help from producer Paul Maslansky to rejoin the "Police Academy" series for the third sequel.

• "Send in the Recruits" (15:53, HD) is an interview with composer Robert Folk, who shares his hiring story, with his name making its way to producer Paul Maslansky, who required the creation of a memorable march. Folk analyzes the manufacturing of themes and tone for the endeavor, looking to generate fun for the physical comedy of the feature. Folk was brought right back for "Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment," looking to generate a more urban sound for the sequel. Technical choices are highlighted for "Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol," and atmosphere is identified for "Police Academy 5: Assignment Miami Beach."

• "Behind Academy Doors: Secret Files Revealed" (30:23, SD) is a 2004 making-of for "Police Academy," featuring interviews with producer Paul Maslansky, director Hugh Wilson, stunt actors Wink Roberts and Alan Oliney, and actors Steve Guttenberg, Bubba Smith, G.W. Bailey, Michael Winslow, Leslie Easterbrook, George Gaynes, Donovan Scott, Marion Ramsey, David Graf, Brant Van Hoffman, and Scott Thomson. Maslansky and Wilson detail the origin story of the screenplay, using real exposure to police cadets to fuel a comedy about their antics. The cast is celebrated, with Maslansky marveling over the ensemble, who all brought something special to the project. Casting stories and characterization is extensively explored, with the interviewees analyzing their parts in the "Police Academy" puzzle, also showing off their lasting camaraderie as they "visit" one another's interview time. Some on-set stories are recalled, and stunt action in analyzed, with some dangerous situations involved in the making of the comedy. Tales from pop culture longevity and screening glory close out the featurette.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (2:14, SD) is included.

Their First Assignment

• "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.

Back in Training

• "All Washed Up: Floating Memories" (8:13, SD) is a 2004 look at the making of "Police Academy 3: Back in Training," featuring interviews with producer Paul Maslansky, stunt actors Wink Roberts and Alan Oliney, and actors Bubba Smith, Steve Guttenberg, Michael Winslow, Lance Kinsey, Leslie Easterbrook, and Marion Ramsey. Maslansky opens with an appreciation of the brand name recognition for "Police Academy," making it easy to launch sequels. Casting is explored, finding Smith hesitant to wear a dress, while Easterbrook played a mother to Brian Tochi's character in a play, complicating their sexual tension. Trying to make an action comedy, Maslansky discusses the stunt work in the picture, and Roberts's history of doubling actors is spotlighted.

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

Citizens on Patrol

• Commentary features film historian Russell Dyball.

• "Remembering a Lofty Investigation" (8:28, SD) is a 2004 look at the making of "Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol," featuring interviews with director Jim Drake, and actors Bubba Smith, Brian Tochi, David Graf, Michael Winslow, Lance Kinsey, G.W. Bailey, Leslie Easterbrook, and Marion Ramsey. Drake compliments the cast and their ability to improvise their way through scenes. Kinsey details his experience sitting on a toilet in the middle of a packed football stadium, with the crowd less than happy to see him. Acting challenges are explored, with Easterbrook struggling to maintain a straight face during on-camera antics, and Kinsey describes his experience in a hot air balloon basket with co- star G.W. Bailey, with the pair dumped into a raging river.

• "Skateboard Stunts" (3:28, SD) is a look at the physical challenges of "Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol," with stunt actor Wink Roberts introducing a BTS look at the shooting of skateboard footage for the film.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (1:23, SD) is included.

Assignment Miami Beach

• "Fun and Guns Under the Sun: Making 'Police Academy 5'" (16:52, HD) is an audio interview with director Alan Myerson, who worked to find a more substantial story for the picture, dealing with the aging cast. The helmer also had to juggle the needs of new and returning characters, finding a balance between them. The interviewee explores his sitcom training, which served him well on the movie, orchestrating physical comedy moves, and he recalls his first day on the job, learning of a massive earthquake in his home city of Los Angeles. Myerson discusses his time with the cast, focusing on Bubba Smith, who openly complained about the workload on "Police Academy 5: Assignment Miami Beach."

• "Mistaken Identity: Case Reopened" (7:40, SD) is a 2004 look at the making of "Police Academy 5: Assignment Miami Beach," featuring interviews with director Alan Myerson, and actors George Gaynes, Matt McCoy, G.W. Bailey, Leslie Easterbrook, Bubba Smith, Lance Kinsey, and Michael Winslow. Technical challenges are explored, with an opening golf bag gag requiring some choreography to pull off, adding silliness to the endeavor. Bailey shares his feelings on the "dork" sunburn gag, with fans often asking him if he still has the mark on his chest. Myerson discusses some scenes made up on the spot, including a martial arts showdown, and adventures in Florida are shared, with the cast dealing with airboats, water skiing, and local wildlife.

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

City Under Siege

• "Undercover Blues: Making 'Police Academy 6'" (12:34, HD) is an interview with director Peter Bonerz, who recalls his boredom on the set of "The Bob Newhart Show," eventually learning how to direct to pass the time. Bonerz was hired for "Police Academy 6: City Under Siege," only taking the job on the condition he could downplay gun violence. Locations are discussed, making use of Los Angeles, and characterization is highlighted, with the helmer trying to assign different sight gags to the personalities. The interviewee also identifies B-movie inspiration, with Bonerz aiming to keep things silly, working with a game cast.

• "Unholy Alliance: A Retrospective" (7:56, SD) is a 2004 look at the making of "Police Academy 6: City Under Siege," featuring interviews with director Peter Bonerz, and actors Leslie Easterbrook, Marion Ramsey, and G.W. Bailey. Bonerz describes his creative challenges, trying to find a fresh approach to the "Police Academy" series without making severe changes. Casting is explored, finding the helmer aiming to play to the strengths of the actors, often staying out of their way. The rap sequence is detailed, and Bonerz shares his cinematic inspirations in the picture, including references to "The Third Man" and "The Manchurian Candidate."

• And a Theatrical Trailer (1:27, SD) is included.

Mission to Moscow

• "Underneath the Mission" (10:06, SD) is a 2004 look at the making of "Police Academy: Mission to Moscow," featuring interviews with producer Paul Maslansky, and actors George Gaynes, G.W. Bailey, Leslie Easterbrook, and Michael Winslow. Maslansky celebrates the feature's timing as an American production permitted to shoot Russia, making it one of the first endeavors to achieve such access. Easterbrook's moment as a lounge singer is analyzed, tasked with pre-recording the song in a massive space. Bolshoi Ballet memories are shared, with Bailey joining the fun, though he remains hazy as to why the character was involved. A counterrevolution broke out during the shoot, adding some tension to the production, with Winslow often called in to show the locals, via sound effects, that a "Police Academy" movie was being made.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (1:27, SD) is included.

The Police Academy Collection Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

The "Police Academy" series certainly ranges in movie quality, but the "The Police Academy Collection" does a reasonable job bringing these efforts to Blu-ray, likely topping previous releases in A/V quality, while extras add to the story of this weird, seemingly unstoppable franchise and the producer who never wanted it to end.