Class of 1984

The notorious "Class of 1984" flew by me back in 1982, and upon finally viewing this revenge film on Blu-ray, I have mixed emotions about the final result. Without a doubt, it's well-acted and was visionary for its time... who knew that thirty years later students in high schools wouldn't be safe from crime or bullying? The events in "Class of 1984" were based on real-life stories of teachers and struggles with problematic students.

Presented on Blu-ray for the first time from Scream Factory, the depiction of a new music teacher (Perry King) and his run-ins with a gang of ne'er-do-well kids at the local high school comes to life in high definition. The graphic nature of the film can be brutal, and shows how a teacher must take authority into his own hands. Roddy McDowall has a small role as a frustrated teacher, as does a quite young Michael J. Fox. The breakout role goes to Timothy Van Patten, who plays the sadistic leader of the high school. Patten the actor sneers and leers his way through "Class of 1984" and (SPOILER ALERT) his exit from the film has to be one of the most memorable this viewer has witnessed.

Special features adorn the Scream Factory Blu-ray nicely. Interviews with some cast members provide some good insight into the filmmaking process, including Perry King's in-depth discussion. Director Mark Lester readily admits his in both his interview segment and audio commentary that his film is an exploitation one but is proud of it regardless.

"Class of 1984"
Blu-ray Collector's Edition
www.shoutfactory.com