Loosely based on the Jane Austen novel, Emma, Clueless focuses on Cher Horowitz (Alicia Silverstone) a vapid, spoiled teenager living in Beverly Hills. One of the coolest girls in school, Cher drives a white jeep even though she only has a learner’s permit, and chats on her cell phone.  Cher’s mother passed away when she was very young, and her father (Dan Hedaya) is always busy with his career as a lawyer; though it’s her father’s success that allows Cher to live in a mansion with household staff, and regularly engage in her favorite pastime of shopping. Cher and best friend Dionne’s (Stacey Dash) lives revolve around clothes and how they look each day.

Cher enjoys meddling in other people’s lives. In an effort to get two teachers to relax their grading standards, she plays matchmaker to her frumpy debate teacher, Mr. Hall (Wallace Shawn), and her absent-minded environmental studies teacher, Miss Geist (Twink Caplan). After seeing how happy the new couple are, Cher decides to help a New Jersey transplant named Tai (Brittany Murphy), with a makeover that will allow her to fit in.

In the midst of doing all these good deeds, Cher realizes she needs love too. Though she generally detests boys, Cher begins to realize there are benefits to having a steady in her life. Cher could have almost any man she wants, but none meet her criteria. This includes campus stud, Elton (Jeremy Sisto) who she believes is perfect for Tai. However, Tai has her eye on skateboarder Travis (Breckin Meyer), and the guy Cher has her eye on, Christian (Justin Walker), isn’t what he seems. The only guy she finds interesting, her former stepbrother Josh (Paul Rudd), she also happens to detest.

The plot is somewhat thin, but definitely has its fun moments. Director Amy Heckerling’s script is classic stuff, but it has lots of witty dialogue, peppered with ‘90s pop culture references. I’ve always felt Alicia Silverstone was tremendously likable, and she does a great job with all the humorous lines she delivers. Add in then up-and-coming talents Paul Rudd, Brittany Murphy, Breckin Meyer and Donald Faison and you have an enjoyable piece of ‘90s nostalgia.

Presented in its 1.85:1 aspect ratio, Paramount’s 1080p transfer looks pretty good, but a few issues crept up along the way. The image is fairly sharp, I noticed some softness in a few shots, but nothing major. No shimmering showed up, but some edge haloes became apparent. I noticed a few specks and marks, but nothing really problematic. Colors generally look good. Black levels are deep and rich throughout, while shadow detail is fine. Facial tones look natural.

The DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack does a fine job reproducing the dialogue and music. Voices are smooth and clear, coming through the midrange. The rear speakers add ambiance, carrying through sound effects such as squealing tires and other environmental noises.

English, English SDH, French, Spanish, and Portuguese subtitles are included.

The following extras are included:

  • The Class of ’95 (HD, 18:31) A detailed look at casting the film and their performances in the film.
  • Creative Writing (HD, 9:39) An examination of the film’s development, its origins as a television show, evolution into a film, its basis in Jane Austen’s Emma, Paramount’s involvement, the film’s success, and more.
  • Fashion 101 (HD, 10:46) A look at the film’s costumes and why they were chosen both for the film at large and for each character in particular.
  • Language Arts (HD, 8:09) A piece that educates audiences on the film’s slang.
  • Suck ‘N Blow: A Tutorial (HD, 2:47) How to play the game as seen in the film.
  • Driver’s Ed (HD, 3:49) Filming the “driver’s ed” scene and the real dangers of driving on the freeway, even when filming a movie.
  • We’re History (HD, 8:52) Cast and crew look and the film’s legacy, speak on its success, react to their first screening, discuss Amy Heckerling’s work, and more.
  • Trailers (HD) Teaser (1:59) and Theatrical (2:39).