The DVD

Video:
Lost Lake is presented in a letterboxed 1.85:1 format that, aside from the fact that it's non-anamorphic, does an adequate job of reproducing the digital video quality of the production. Colors looks bright and vivid on this transfer with the crisp whites of the ski slopes and warm, accurate fleshtones. The overall image is a bit soft, so detail is lacking at times. Darker scenes reveal some slight edge enhancement and shimmering with a little video flicker thrown in as well. Shadows and lighting are well delineated, but black levels could be a bit deeper. This is, generally, an adequate transfer of a digital video film. It looks better than it probably should with the biggest downfall being the lack on an anamorphic transfer.

Sound:
The audio on this disc is presented in a Dolby 2.0 stereo format that won't exactly impress anyone, but does manage to get the job done. Dialogue is always crisp, clear, and distinct (even though there were times when I had no idea what the hell these characters were talking about). The cheesy soundtrack is pretty well balanced and never overwhelms the rest of the audio presentation. There is, however, some slight level fluctuation and a bit of hiss at times. I guess this is to be expected from a low-budget digital feature like Lost Lake. Nevertheless, this audio presentation doesn't have any major problems, but it doesn't exactly shine either.

Extras:
For a film as bad as Lost Lake, Warner Bros. (for some reason) has seen fit to provide quite a few extra features. Unfortunately, none of these extras do anything to make you appreciate the film more.

The first extra feature is an audio commentary with Writer/Director Anthony Leigh Adams and Writer/Producer Christina Adams. The best way for me to describe this track is to remind you of the Saturday Night Live skit about the two radio women (played by Ana Gasteyer and Molly Shannon) who speak in slow, calm monotone voices throughout the entire show. Anthony and Christina sound exactly like that skit. In addition to the two sleepy voices, this track is pretty much the worst kind of commentary: one where the director and writer think they've made a great film when they've actually made a horrible one. The pair talk about Lost Lake as if it's the greatest film ever made, and the entire track makes you feel like you're in on some big, embarrassing joke. They are, however, very chatty throughout, provide some neat anecdotes from the set, and tell quite a bit about how the film was made. Unfortunately, the film is just so bad that about five minutes into the track, I just didn't care how they made it.

Also included on this disc is a 16-minute featurette called "Experiencing Lost Lake" that is your basic behind-the-scenes feature, complete with the same cheesy digital effects as Adams employed in the film itself. In addition to some clips from the film, we also get to see some behind-the-scenes footage interspersed with interviews with most of the cast and crew. Anthony and Christina continue to put forth the idea that this film is a real triumph and, the funny thing is, they seem to have brainwashed their cast into thinking the same thing. It's hilarious to watch these actors try to find some real substance in this film. Amazing. Nevertheless, as far as featurettes go, this is a pretty good one. It's not your typical EPK-style fluff, but it still doesn't do anything to make you enjoy the film more.

There is also an alternate ending with optional commentary included on this disc. Anthony and Christina basic explain the difference between the two endings and why one was chosen over the other for the final version of the film. It's amazing to me just how seriously they take this film.

Finally, we have a trailer for Lost Lake, and a few text web links.

Final Thoughts:
If you're still reading this review, you must either love really bad movies or you must really have a thing for Angel Boris. If you fit into either of those categories, then Lost Lake is probably right up your alley. It's horribly written, full of wooden characters (and actors), completely indecipherable, and pretty much a total waste of time. I don't know what else to say to keep you from watching this movie. Chances are, everything I've just said will probably make you want to see Lost Lake even more. I know how you really-bad-movie-lovers are. I'm one of you, but even I couldn't subject myself to repeat viewing of this mess. I'm still trying to figure out what exactly happened because the extra features certainly weren't any help. Except for an audio-visual presentation that a film this bad doesn't even deserve, there's nothing on this disc that could make me recommend it in any way. Check it out if you really feel the urge, but please don't ever say I didn't warn you.