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American Pie 2: Collector's Edition
American Pie 2 both succeeds and fails for the same reasons that made its progenitor a surprise blockbuster. With the entire cast returning to their likable roles, all but congenitally humiliated Jim (Jason Biggs) are relegated to the background as returning screenwriter Adam Herz and first-time director J.B. Rogers churn out a thinly likable jukebox of crass comic scenarios. Every famous scene from the first film is dutifully echoed, with the stale air of forced humor avoided only by the cast's persistent charm and the expanded role of Alyson Hannigan as band geek Michelle. Universal's Collector's Edition DVD is available in both the theatrical R-rated cut and an unrated version running six minutes longer, available separately in both widescreen and pan-and-scan formats. The anamorphic transfer (1.85:1) is solid, with typically strong DTS and Dolby Digital 5.1 audio tracks. Boasting "over 10 hours of entertainment," this disc features four commentary tracks, with director J.B. Rogers, screenwriter Adam Herz, Jason Biggs, Thomas Ian Nicholas, Mena Suvari and Eddie Kaye Thomas offering mostly tepid insights. Also included are a featurette, several reels of behind-the-scenes outtakes and deleted scenes, selections of favorite scenes and dialogue, screen tests for the original film, a music video for"Be Like That" by 3 Doors Down, and the trailer with an introduction by Jason Biggs.
—Gregory P. Dorr
