Rob Schneider’s newest comedy, “THE HOT CHICK,” is being released on dvd from BUENA VISTA.  While he hasn’t parlayed his “SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE” fame as well as Adam Sandler, Phil Hartman and other have, he does have a certain annoying charisma, and his last film, “DEUCE BIGALOW” wasn’t nearly as bad as many other cast members’ films have been. 

“THE HOT CHICK” plays like a lewder version of “FREAKY FRIDAY,” only in this case it’s a guy and girl who switch bodies rather than a mom and her daughter.  Due to some magic earrings, the girl who bought them, Jessica, and the pathetic guy who finds one of them, Clive, wake up in opposite bodies.  The intended running gag of seeing Rob Schneider portray a girl trapped in a man’s body “sometimes” works and sometimes fails miserably. 

Unfortunately, the script actually tries to be “sweet” at times, and those overtones don’t work well in a film that’s mostly silly and crude.  “THE HOT CHICK” is never as consistently funny as “DEUCE BIGALOW,” but there’s enough laughs in it to please most fans.  While it’s not overly memorable, it makes for a good 1 ½ hour of light entertainment. 

BUENA VISTA has preserved the film’s 1.85:1 aspect ratio with 16:9 enhancement.  Colors are solid throughout and the image is well-polished. Contrast is excellent, with deep blacks and grays. Fleshtones appear natural throughout.

BUENA VISTA has presented a Dolby Digital 5.1 mix.  While most of the separation effects are limited to the front soundstage, there are some effective surround moments interspersed throughout the film.  All speakers kick in to high gear when the film’s fun soundtrack comes into play. Dialogue is always intelligible and free from distortion.

BUENA VISTA has included some extras with this release.

A running commentary with the film’s director is included, but, he has “nothing” of any real value, entertainment-wise, or insight-wise, to offer.

There is a substantial deleted scenes section. Two of them are actually worthwhile, but the rest, including a horrible alternative ending, are a complete waste.

Additionally, there are some featurettes, a music video and trailers included.