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Is "Grease" still the word? |
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Written by MICHAEL JAMES ALLEN
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Tuesday, 03 October 2006 |
It’s been almost thirty years since “Grease” was first released in theaters and, by this point, it’s kind of pointless to criticize it. You’ll either love it or hate it, and chances are you’ve already made up your mind. For my part, I’ve never been a huge fan: The film’s oversimplification of both high school culture and the 1950’s way of life has always left a bitter taste in my mouth. From the film’s portrayal of greaser thugs as just loveable, misunderstood goofballs to its sugarcoated obsession with underage sex, “Grease” has always struck me as a disjointed effort, trying to instill a sunny disposition on an era that was really anything but.
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Grease: Rockin’ Rydell Edition
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 Entertainment
 Art
Special Features
Directed by Randal Kleiser
Written by Bronte Woodard and Allan Carr
Starring John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John, and Stockard Channing
Rated PG
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But perhaps I’m just being a grump. I mean it is a musical, for God’s sake, and one that features animated opening credits and a “hand jiving” competition at that. And, regardless of how you feel, there is no denying that the film has a light-hearted energy that has helped it stay fresh over time. Basically, “Grease” is a classic. Whether you like it or not.
Special Features: Because of that status the film has been newly re-released on DVD, with all new features, in the “Rockin’ Rydell Edition” (why they can’t just call it a “special edition” I’ll never know). Normally, I’m not a fan of double-dip DVD’s, but I have to admit that with an anamorphic widescreen presentation and all new features, the “Grease” DVD is fairly impressive. Of all the new features the absolute worst is a slipcover made to look like a T-Birds leather jacket. It’s the sort of kitschy junk that studio executives probably think is really clever, but it’ll look god-awful sitting on your DVD shelf.
After you toss the slipcover into the trash, however, the rest of the special features are pretty nice. Audio commentary by director, Randal Kleiser, and choreographer, Patricia Birch, is very informative, if a bit dry. There is also a “Rydell Sing Along” feature which allows you to sing along, karaoke-style, with the songs in the film. I can’t ever conceivably see myself doing this, but die-hard fans will love it. Another feature called “DVD Launch Party” shows clips from a party held in honor of the first DVD release. This is noteworthy because it shows John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John doing one final performance of songs like “Summer Nights” and “You’re the One That I Want.” It’s nice to see that Travolta and Newton-John can still belt out a song despite their age. Finally, a bevy of making-of featurettes round out the disc and, while not horribly detailed, die-hard fans will once again get a kick out of them.
Overall, I’m not sure if a re-release of “Grease” was necessary, but at least you get a lot of bang for your buck. If you love “Grease,” you’re well-advised to pick it up. Powered by AkoComment 2.0! |
