Actors: Ben Stiller, Tim Blake Nelson, David Goldman, Kenan Thompson, Cody Burger, Joseph Wayne Miller
Director: Steven Brill
Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Walt Disney Home Video
Release Date: December 11, 2012
Run Time: 97 minutes
Film: 2 out of 5 stars
Extras: 4 out of 5 stars
I have never been a big fan of “Heavyweights”. Let’s just say that age does not make this film any better. It features the early writing and executive producing from Judd Apatow, whom I am not a big fan of to begins with. A little trivia about the film is that it features appearances from the father-mother-son team: Jerry Stiller, Anne Meara, and Ben Stiller. Obviously, this is the best role that Stiller has ever done. I have a feeling the only reason why Disney is releasing this catalog title on Blu-ray is to cash-in on Apatow’s latest film “This is 40”. It is not really a film that I would rush out and purchase on high-definition though. I would only recommend for mega-fans of the film only, if not just for the special features.
Synopsis: From the Producer of Bridesmaids…comes Heavyweights, a comedy of enormous proportions! It’s the hilarious story of a group of underdog kids who discover their beloved summer camp has been sold to a crazy fitness fanatic (Ben Stiller) who’s determined to make their lives miserable! The new owner plans to keep the boys huffing and puffing, but these hungry kids have a plan of their own. They unite to turn the tables, take back their woodsy hideaway and challenge the rival camp to themost outrageous summer games of all! You’ll laugh out loud with these Heavyweights – they’re big, loud and proud, and ready to win their way into your heart!
The 1080p video transfer for this release looks good but nothing stunning. The audio track included is a decent DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, which works overall but nothing special either. Like I said, this isn’t really a film that was yearning for a Blu-ray upgrade. The special features are the best part of the release. There is a behind-the-scenes feature called “The Making of Heavyweights”. There is a new audio commentary track with Judd Apatow, Steven Brill, Allen Covert, Aaron Schwartz, Shaun Weiss, Tom Hodges and Special Guest Paul Feig. There are over 30 never-before-seen deleted & extended scenes. There is a new video chat with Judd Apatow and Kenan Thompson. There is some fun Super 8 footage of the Cast and Crew. “Judd’s Art Project” are bizarre photos From the set taken by the executive producer. “Where Are They Now?” looks into the film’s cast and their current status. Lastly there is a theatrical trailer included.