Can't Hardly Wait (1998) 4K Review

The 1980s seemed to usher in a new genre of films known as teenage angst, rom/com movies. Many of these seemed to be written and/or directed by John Hughes (Sixteen Candles) and starred members of the "Brat Pack". Every decade since has had its own version of these types of movies and the 1990s saw films like Clueless, She's All That, and 10 Things I Hate About You. Another one of these movies that starred young adults who later became staples in Hollywood was 1998's Can't Hardly Wait. In August, Sony Pictures decided to release the new teen classic in 4K, for sale in retail stores now.

For those who are unfamiliar with the film, here is the 411: School's out, and an entire graduating class -- from football stars and cool girls to complete nerds -- gathers at a wealthy classmate's home for a party. There, the artistic Preston (Ethan Embry) hopes to move in on Amanda (Jennifer Love Hewitt), the beauty he has admired from afar for years. Dorky William (Charlie Korsmo) schemes to pay back meathead Mike (Peter Facinelli) for years of bullying, and would-be rapper Kenny (Seth Green) gets locked in a room with snarky Denise (Lauren Ambrose).

As previously stated, Can't Hardly Wait included many young actors who would later become well-known and star in their own movies. The main character Amanda played by Jennifer Love Hewitt (I Know What You Did Last Summer) who'd perfectly cast as the beautiful but shy girl every guy in the graduating class has a crush on. Her obnoxious, jock boyfriend is played by Peter Facinelli, who is probably best known for the Twilight Saga films. Ethan Embry (Sweet Home Alabama) is Preston who has pined over Amanda since the first day of high school and Seth Green (The Italian Job) plays Kenny who is trying to be something he isn't. Other cast members include Jason Segel (Forgetting Sarah Marshall), Breckin Meyer (Road Trip), Melissa Joan Hart (Sabrina the Teenage Witch), Jerry O'Connell (Scream 2), and Donald Faison (Scrubs).

The technical specs are as follows: Dolby Vision with a 1.85:1 aspect ratio and Dolby Atmos audio. The video quality is a huge upgrade from the 2008 Blu-ray release with more realistic colors and sharper details throughout. There are still some scenes that come across as soft but that makes the foreground actors seem sharper which works.

The Dolby Atmos audio is also an excellent upgrade, especially for a film where music is one of the key elements. From background songs at the party to the scene where the nerdy kid sings his version of "Paradise City" by Guns & Roses, the music is incredibly important. The dialog is also clear sitting upfront.

Unfortunately, the extras are all previously released. They include: Two Audio Commentaries with the Filmmakers and Cast, 10 Years Later, Alternate & Deleted Scenes, Huntington Hills High Class of '98 Reunion, Can't Hardly Wait: The Making of a Teen Classic, Six Archival Deleted Scenes, The Life of the Party Featurette, "Can't Get Enough of You Baby," Smash Mouth Music Video, and Theatrical Trailer.

Can't Hardly Wait is the typical fare for 1990s teen movies and it is entertaining without going too far overboard. There are some hilarious moments and some cringeworthy, embarrassing ones as well. The ending is groan-worthy and unrealistic and the title leaves something to be desired but if you go into it with realistic expectations you will get out of it exactly what you should, which is simply an enjoyable, hour and 40-minute walk down memory lane back to your high school years.

Grade: B