Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		5.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.5
Overall		4.5

Vice Academy Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf November 29, 2019

The director of “Hobgoblins” wants to make his own “Police Academy,” coming up with “Vice Academy,” which also details the misadventures of cops- in-training, only here such antics are handed a significantly reduced budget and customary Rick Sloane stiffness. The helmer certainly tries to be wacky with the endeavor, but he’s mindful of exploitation interests. If he can’t win over the audience with laughs, he captures attention with tight outfits, bare skin, and assignments to bust prostitutes and infiltrate the adult film industry.

While Ginger Lynn shares top billing in “Vice Academy,” she’s really a supporting character, giving Linnea Quigley, Ken Abraham, and Karen Russell a chance to prove their screwball selves as cadets trying to make a big impression with their developing law enforcement skills. Slapstick is common, along with incredibly broad performances (a Sloane specialty), but “Vice Academy” tends to work best with missions, watching the gang deal with the demands and dangers of the job, which periodically takes them to Hollywood Boulevard, adding an appealing time capsule element to the viewing experience.

Vice Academy Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Presented with a new 2K scan from the 35mm original camera negative, "Vice Academy" probably looks better than it ever has thanks to Vinegar Syndrome. The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation is sharp and inviting, clearing distances for locations and delivering wonderful detail on characters, finding costuming fibrous and periodically sheer, while facial surfaces are exact. Colors are distinct, capturing strong period hues with bright greens and blues, porno pinks, and deep reds. Hollywood signage also provides a boost of hues. Skintones are natural. Grain is fine and film-like. Source is in fine shape.

Vice Academy Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix is working uphill, as "Vice Academy" wasn't built for definition. It's a slightly muddier track, working with inherent limitations, resulting in a few crackly highs. Dialogue exchanges aren't pristine, but intelligibility isn't threatened. Scoring is cursed by dulled synth, though comedic antics are appropriately supported. Soundtrack selections are also aged, but come through with some raw power.

Vice Academy Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features writer/director Rick Sloane.

• "Going Undercover" (35:07, HD) is an interview with star Ginger Lynn, who credits "Vice Academy" as one of her first jobs after leaving the adult film business, drawn to the script and its "so bad, it's brilliant" appeal. Lynn goes into the specifics of her relationship with co-star Linnea Quigley, enjoying her company while others assumed they hated each other. She also assesses Sloane's directorial presence and her personal relationship with the helmer, dealing with his low-budget shooting style. The interviewee also marvels over the lasting legacy of "Vice Academy," frequently meeting fans at conventions. For "Vice Academy Part 2," Lynn goes into the specifics of her horrible dressing room and her experience dating Charlie Sheen at the time, at one point taking off for a hellacious bachelor party during production. The actress admits the script for "Vice Academy Part 2" isn't great, also explaining her issues with tardiness, which tested production patience. In "Vice Academy Part 3," Lynn was left without Quigley, sharing her distaste for another co-star, which inspired fighting during the making of the movie. Interestingly, "Vice Academy Part 3" was shot concurrently with "Mind, Body & Soul," forcing Lynn to juggle the demands of comedy and horror, admitting the whole thing was a bad experience. However, she's unwilling to end on a sour note, offering a few positive anecdotes concerning crazy costuming and casting.

• "Head of the Class" (17:39, HD) sits down with Linnea Quigley, who details the Rick Sloane experience, requiring her to get used to learning a lot of lines and acting without coverage. The actress shares her feelings about Ginger Lynn and examines overall cast camaraderie, with their fun translating to the screen, creating a cult comedy that's endured. For "Vice Academy Part 2," Quigley recalls her excitement to come back, eager to explore her character. She also recounts Lynn's behavior on the set, working around her lateness and partying lifestyle. Quigley admits she regrets turning down "Vice Academy Part 3," with her agent trying to steer her career in a more respectable direction. The interviewee closes with an assessment of industry changes and the joys of working with film.

• A Trailer has not been included.

Vice Academy Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Vice Academy" isn't especially amusing, but the cast is eager to make an impression, working hard to bring the picture to life. Sloane achieves most of his creative goals here, delivering silliness with limited coin, and it's hard to argue with the popularity of a movie that once set a ratings record for the USA Network. Adjust expectations, and it's a breezy sit.