The Stöned Age

by Mike McGranaghan

In 1993, Richard Linklater released his now classic ‘70s-set stoner comedy Dazed and Confused. The following year, another ‘70s-set stoner comedy was released. The Stöned Age did not earn the acclaim of Linklater’s film, and distributor Trimark Pictures – the company behind Leprechaun - barely put the movie into theaters. Time is a funny thing, though, as director James Melkonian’s debut went from obscurity to cult favorite status in the past three decades.

Now it makes its Blu-ray debut as part of Lionsgate’s Vestron Video Collector’s Series. Aside from the digitally restored film, the disc comes with a plethora of bonus features.

The story begins with two booze and weed-loving friends, shy Joe (Michael Kopelow) and aggressive Hubbs (Bradford Tatum), getting word that there are two out-of-town “chicks” hanging out at a house in the suburbs of Los Angeles. The two high-tail it (pun intended) to the home, only to find they aren’t the only guys hoping to score with ultra-hottie Lanie (Renee Ammann) and her homelier friend Jill (China Kantner). Their efforts to get laid are repeatedly interrupted by rival Tack (Clifton Collins, Jr., billed here as “Clifton Gonzalez Gonzalez”) and persistent cop Officer Dean (Kevin Kilner).

You could literally make a drinking game out of The Stöned Age. Take a drink or a bong hit every time one of the characters says “man” and you’ll be wasted off your backside within the first half-hour. In fact, this is very intentionally the kind of movie designed to be enjoyed under the influence. Unlike Dazed and Confused, much of the material isn’t inherently funny on its own; it’s meant to induce intoxicated giggles. Therefore, if you watch it sober, the laughs are few and the repetitiveness of the jokes is high. The movie is also badly dated for its frequent casual use of homophobic slurs as insults.

There are still some things working in its favor. The performances from Kopelow and Tatum are solid. They bring these two stoners to believable life, giving them personalities beyond that simplistic label. Also appealing is how Joe evolves in the final 30 minutes. He goes from being Hubbs’s sidekick to coming out as a good-hearted figure with an intellectual side. A pseudo-relationship between Joe and Jill offers a few sweet moments amid the otherwise raunchy comedy.

The film may be a mixed bag for newcomers, but loyal fans of The Stöned Age are bound to be pleased by how it’s represented in this release. Picture and sound quality on the disc are excellent, and the bonus features add to one’s appreciation of this quirky comedy. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll find:

Blu-ray Features:

“Back to The Stöned Age" is a well-produced 25-minute retrospective in which Melkonian, co-writer Rich Wilkes, stars Kopelow and Tatum, and several supporting actors reflect on the making of the movie. Among the subjects are the casting process, the challenges of working with a low budget, and behind-the-scenes marijuana use by the cast. Everyone has fond memories of the production, making this a fun, informative watch.

“Tales from The Blue Torpedo: The Stöned Age Reunion” also runs 25 minutes. Melkonian, Wilkes, Kopelow, and Tatum gather together to share memories of making the film. Lots of hilarious stories are told, including Tatum’s severe discomfort filming a sex scene with Renee Ammann while her boyfriend watched. You’ll also hear how a Trimark executive tried to force in a cameo for his girlfriend. Melkonian reminisces about writing a letter to Jimmy Page seeking permission to use a Led Zeppelin song on the soundtrack, only to get a rather haughty response. The four men have an easy camaraderie, so it’s a joy to listen to their conversation.

During the reunion, Melkonian mentions a fantasy sequence he was forced to shorten. That extended scene is presented as a feature, allowing audiences to enjoy an extra minute of silliness. An archival audio commentary from Melkonian and Wilkes rounds out the set.

The Stöned Age Blu-ray will be released – appropriately – on 4/20 and can be purchased exclusively at Lionsgate Limited.