DVD Reviews

Booty Call (The Bootiest Edition)

Was there ever anything better than '80s sex comedies? Of course not! So when I picked up this DVD about a film that was hyped as a raunchy sex comedy about two young black guys who "will do anything for a little something" I was expecting a good time. Booty Call is a comedy jam-packed with so many stereotypes, its almost too funny to be funny. Asians, gays, blacks, Pakistanis... almost no racial group escapes unscathed in this tale. The movie is loaded with educational messages about safe sex, and it includes not only lengthy explanations about the differences between latex and lambskin condoms, but also detailed instructions regarding the proper use of Saran Wrap in oral sex. And all this happens while it tries to be serious. Who would have thought it was possible? Obviously writers Takashi Bufford and Bootsie (Bootsie is a kick ass name) did.

Presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen, BOOTY CALL comes with a crisp, clean picture transfer. The colours and black levels are well presented and film grain/damage is very minimal. The 5.1 Dolby Digital sound is also well done. Never is the dialogue overpowered and the surround channels are used often enough to notice. The music is delivered quite well in this rap filled soundtrack, with a solid low end and clear sounding middle. It never overpowers the film or the dialogue and blends in quite nicely in this mix.

Booty Call comes to us in this new "Bootiest Edition." Of course this would imply we're either going to get a ton of extras or the film is a new steamy sex filled directors cut. Well it's no steamier then before so it must refer to the great amount of extras right? Wrong! There are a few extras, but only enough for a simple "special edition." Nothing worthy of the moniker "Bootiest Edition." The special features include:

- Commentary from director Jeff Polack, writer Takashi Bufford, and producer John Morrissey. This commentary includes little tidbits, but really lacks the comedy one would have liked or even expected. No commentary from either Jamie Foxx or Tommy Davidson, which was also very disappointing.

- "Smooth Operator": This section is a documentary letting you know everything you ever needed or wanted to know about the art of booty calling. Includes definition, origin, chances of scoring, and how both sexes use this fine art to their advantage. The cast, crew, comedians, and other people give their tips on how the Booty Call works. It's somewhat slow and drags on but all in all it is an OK feature as it's something different then the standard stuff we see on DVDs.

- "Previews": This section is filled with 6 trailers including: Boyz 'N the Hood, Breaking All the Rules, The Brothers, Hustle and Heat, Motives, and Two Can Play That Game.

- Last but not least is an alternate ending, which isn't in very good condition but has a few good laughs in it.

Most of the film consists of nothing but physical gags and pratfalls, and the relentlessly goofy tone is either a good thing or a bad thing (depending on your mood and taste). If you happen to like wacky sexual slapstick, zany dog humor, racial stereotypes and fast paced jokes then you're in luck. This film was created just for you. It's not the best comedy out there, but it's still a half decent satirical black movie.

Review By Rob Harding