Rating summary

Movie		2.5
Video		5.0
Audio		5.0
Extras		2.5
Overall		4.0

Vice Academy Part 3 Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf November 29, 2019

Inching away from the relatively gritty ways of 1989’s “Vice Academy,” 1993’s “Vice Academy Part 3” is basically a Troma Entertainment production, with writer/director Rick Slone preferring more of a schlock approach to his ongoing police series. While broad villainy hasn’t been an issue before, Sloane constructs his own ode to comic book cinema with this second sequel, pitting the Joker-style Malathion (a woman sprayed with poisonous chemicals) against Holly (Ginger Lynn) and new addition, Candy (Elizabeth Kaitan). Of course, this is a Sloane production, which doesn’t allow for superhero expanse, but he’s trying to amuse himself with extremes in antagonism, going cartoon to best support a return trip to this franchise.

The business with Malathion gives “Vice Academy Part 3” a heightened sense of conflict, which doesn’t connect with the rest of the effort. Sloane aims directly for camp, and he’s not particularly suited for the physical work such rhythm requires, displaying more skill with prison sequences, tracking Holly’s survival behind bars. “Vice Academy Part 3” is always better off away from Malathion, as Sloane orders up some police gamesmanship and time with the new recruit, and the whole endeavor is boosted by cinematography from Robert Hayes, who delivers a wonderfully colorful world, selling the picture’s comic book intent.

Vice Academy Part 3 Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Easily the most colorful of the first three "Vice Academy" movies, "Vice Academy Part 3" delivers stunning color throughout the viewing event. The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation captures the comic book lighting used in the production, with deep washes of prison blues and toxic greens, and costuming for Malathion retains intended Joker hues, joined by equally explosive henchwomen. Clothing also pops for Holly, who enjoys vibrant pinks and golds. Skintones are natural. Detail is sharp, exploring technical achievements in full, and facial particulars come through crisply, providing a look at exaggerated makeup application. Locations are dimensional, including park visits, and bar interiors are defined in full. Delineation is ideal. Grain is fine and film-like. Source is in strong shape.

Vice Academy Part 3 Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA is much like "Vice Academy Part 2," with emphasis on scoring cues and soundtrack selections, which are offered a wide, clean presence. Dialogue exchanges are appealing, with distinct voices and performance choices, and group activity remains free of distortion. Atmospherics are appreciable, capturing bar bustle and outdoor adventures.

Vice Academy Part 3 Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features writer/director Rick Sloane.

• A Trailer has not been included.

Vice Academy Part 3 Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Select moments in "Vice Academy Part 3" hit their mark, and the cast is noticeably stronger here, offering more of an ensemble effort. Sloane wants the feature to explode with comedic possibility, adding some necessary sleaze at times, but "Vice Academy Part 3" doesn't possess that type of inspiration. It's the best looking of the trilogy, but also the most unwieldy.