Almost Summer (1978) {Kino Lorber Blu-ray Review}

Reviewed by Jason Lockard

When you think of teen movies many films come to mind including Cooley High, Grease, The Breakfast Club and Fast times at Ridgemont High, Ferris Bueller's Day Off. But there is a film that has kind of fell off the radar a bit is the 1978's Almost Summer.

Now just in time for Summer comes this cult classic teen film on Blu-ray thanks to the great folks at Kino Lorber and Code Red, Scorpion Releasing. And to make this even better it features a brand new 2K Master.

Bobby DeVito (Bruno Kirby, City Slickers) schemes to get even with ex-girlfriend Christine (Lee Purcell, Eddie Macon's Run) who is running unopposed in the high school election. So Bobby decides to nominate a shy new kid Darryl (John Friedrich, The Boy in the Plastic Bubble) as her challenger.

Beyond a really nice cast including that of Didi Conn, known for her roles in Grease and the classic TV show Benson. The soundtrack is a stellar one. Most of the soundtrack was written by Mike Love of the Beach Boys.

When audiences think of teen movies most people think of John Hughes, but the director of Almost Summer Martin Davidson has some pretty impressive teen films to his credit as well including Lords of Flatbush and Eddie and the Cruisers. Of course my favorite film is the not so well known John Ritter superhero comedy Hero at Large. Here Martin Davidson is in rare form bringing us a classic coming of age tale.

Now if you have seen The Breakfast Club or Fast times and Ridgemont High you can expect the same kind of adult themes and language. So Almost Summer is not for the kids by no means. I really consider these films for more mature audiences.

The film is presented in 1080p in 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The new 2K Master really is something beautiful. The colors are bright and vibrant and the picture quality is crisp and clear. Scorpion Releasing and Kino Lorber really deserves a lot of respect for how much love was put into this release.

This Blu-ray release not only holds a absolutely stunning 2K Master of the film, but there is some amazing bonus features. Take a look at what is included on this Blu-ray.   

• NEW Interview with Actor Tim Matheson (Kevin Hawkins in the film)

• NEW interview with Actress Lee Purcell (Christine Alexander in the film)

• NEW interview with Director Martin Davidson

• NEW interview with Costume designer Sandy Davidson

• Theatrical Trailer

• Reversible Art

• Optional English Subtitles

Now as you saw in the Blu-ray cover above this is a really nice looking cover. But there is reversible artwork. On the other side is the theatrical poster art. Which really makes for a nice change to this release. You can change it to fit you mood. Take a look at that art work below.
 

Watch The Trailer Below:


I think if you are a fan of The Breakfast Club and other teen comedies like that, that Almost Summer is going to be right up your alley. But if you find some of the themes and language of those types of films offensive. Almost Summer will offend you as well.

I think the Kino Lorber has done a lot to make this release extremely attractive for coming of age movie fans. So if you would like to add Almost Summer to your collection do yourself a favor and get this Blu-ray copy with all the bonuses. Head over to Amazon and order your copy today.

Out of 4 film reels (4 being the best) Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release of Almost Summer receives...