Another Gay Sequel: Gays Gone Wild (DVD)

Connect to Facebook/Twitter, recommend via email and much more.

---

In the end, this is a mish mash of ideas designed to cash in on the popularity of the first film. Sans a story the audience can get behind, all "Gays Gone Wild" does is diminish the legacy of its predecessor. It´s sad, in a way. "Another Gay Movie" filled a niche in the gay film genre by being unapologetically gay, but also sensible at the same time. The same can´t be said to the nonsense portrayed on the screen this time out.

VIDEO:
"Another Gay Sequel" is brought to disc in its original 2.35:1 anamorphic aspect ratio. Perhaps owing to its ultra-low budget, the transfer sports a number of problems, though none completely destroy the disc. First off, most outdoor scenes tend to be overexposed just a little bit. This isn´t completely the fault of the mastering process itself, though the problem is magnified on home video. Bare bodies are the biggest culprit of this overexposure; sunlight tends to bounce right off each boy and create a ethereal look. Then there´s the distinct lack of detail or depth to most of the night scenes, especially in the finale.

By and large, however, the picture turns out to be remarkably serviceable for this type of production. Colors outside of black are rendered with little issue while scenes taking place near hotel pools at night come off magnificently.

AUDIO:
TLA Releasing provides two audio tracks, both English, utilizing both a complete stereo set up and one channeling the soundtrack through the television speakers. Conventional wisdom holds that the 5.1 version would be better than the 2.0. Stephens never allows the film to bring directional effects to the forefront, giving the front speakers all the dialogue work and the rears the soundtrack proper. Because of this, they are largely interchangeable.

Both are clear of distortion, allowing all parts of the soundtrack to come across without incident. The best word to describe this part of the disc is underwhelming. I don´t expect a reference-quality audio experience, but something more than what we get from a conventional comedy would be nice.

EXTRAS:
Of all the supplements packed onto this disc, the only one worth anything is the commentary with Stephens and producer Derek Curl. Neither man is quiet for more than ten seconds for the entire 97-minute running time, though the director hogs most of the track. The conversation starts off the minute the feature begins with behind-the-scenes casting scoop: it was known during the filming of the first movie Jonathan Chase (Jarod) would not be returning. However, up until pre-production, Michael Carbonaro (Andy) and Mitch Morris (Griff) were going to star alongside Jonah Blechman. When Carbonaro and Morris dropped out, the plot was slightly rejiggered, giving supporting players Mosser and Clabots starring roles.

Stephens is also fond of pointing out both homages to other films, as well as the number of porn stars he cast and every single instance of product placement. The two get raucous at times, providing a breezy, informative and fun experience.

If the feature-with its plot revolving around sex-got you hot and bothered, check out the quick five minute "Becoming Stan the Merman" featurette. There´s not a whole lot of substance, but Brent Corrigan parades around in the buff for at least half of it. And yes, there is a full frontal shot. Skip the other two featurettes, check out the Perez Hilton video for "The Clap" and then call it a day. The deleted scenes are mostly scene extensions; we´ve seen all the trailers before. The feature is broken down into 20 chapters.

PARTING THOUGHTS:
The cast mentions doing a third entry in this franchise at the very end of "Gays Gone Wild." Here´s a tip or two for everyone potentially involved: (1) no more recasting; (2) lighten up on the gross out "humor"; and (3) get the series back to being about characters the audience can relate to as opposed to vapid ideas like fuckstamps.

---

Connect to Facebook/Twitter, recommend via email and much more.

---