Disturbing Behavior

A humorous examination of cliquey high school life came in the form of 1998's "Disturbing Behavior." Horror movies were making a comeback in the late 1990s and this latest Shout Factory Blu-ray film was mis-marketed as part of that genre. In actuality, the cheeky James Marsden and Katie Holmes starring movie has more in common with the conformist "Stepford Wives" tale.

Teen angst has never been this much fun and in "Disturbing Behavior," Steve (Marsden) and his family move to the fictional Cradle Bay after a family tragedy. He instantly clicks with two outcast classmates (Holmes and Nick Stahl) and soon discovers that the more popular kids at school act very righteous and robotic. James learns the town has a sinister plan for its non-conformist residents.

Holmes is unintentionally funny as she pouts and preens, playing a leather-clad teenage rebel. Meanwhile, Marsden shows his future superhero acting abilities in one of his early film roles.

Fans of the previously-released "Disturbing Behavior" DVD may be a bit disappointed in Scream Factory's extras on the Blu-ray. They're the same exact special features carried over; an audio commentary and a series of deleted scenes with optional commentary by director David Nutter. The deleted scenes offer more exposition and explanation as to what's really going on in the film.

As Nutter explains in his commentary, the quite short 84-minute running time was trimmed thanks to studio involvement, who thought scenes involving adults should get deleted. Studio executives wanted to appeal to a younger audience but the film tanked regardless.

Not carried over from the prior DVD is a music video by the Flys for the song "Got You Where I Want You."

The trailer for "Disturbing Behavior" also can be watched which gives the viewer an impression that it's a paranoid thriller and sci-fi film.

"Disturbing Behavior"
Blu-ray
$26.99
www.shoutfactory.com