DVD review: ‘The Campaign’ is a race to so-so

In “The Campaign” — released in August — Will Ferrell (often very funny) shared center stage with Zach Galifianakis (often entirely annoying). Even if Ferrell’s not at his very best (which would be “Anchorman”), he’s still funny here; more amazingly, Galifianakis is surprisingly tolerable and at points very funny.

Ferrell plays a completely corrupt, scandal-plagued North Carolina congressman, who usually runs unopposed. But this year the opposing powers-that-be decide to field an opponent, a bigger idiot (Galifianakis), who lacks even Ferrell’s questionable charisma. Their campaigns descend into the dirt, including mutual adultery.

This is not likely to be anybody’s favorite, but it has maybe a dozen laugh-out-loud moments and certainly provides sufficient amusement to justify viewing on an otherwise slow evening.

The disc includes both the theatrical cut (85 minutes) and an extended, supposedly naughtier cut (95 minutes). The extras are surprisingly thin. There is no commentary track, even though Ferrell’s are usually genuinely worthwhile. All we get are nine deleted scenes, totaling 15 minutes, a three-minute gag reel, and unused improvisational material from the stars.

“The Campaign” (Warner Home Entertainment, Blu-ray, $35.99; DVD, $28.98)

ANDY KLEIN is the film critic for Marquee. He can also be heard on “FilmWeek” on KPCC-FM (89.3).