Grease (Aniv)

Buy This Item Grease (Aniv) by Paramount  Available from Amazon  $9.95  on 11-15-2008     Riding the strange '50s nostalgia wave that swept through America during the late 1970s (caused by TV shows like <i>Happy Days</i> and films like <i>American Graffiti</i>), <i>Grease</i> became not only the word in 1978, but also a box-office smash and a cultural phenomenon. Twenty years later, this entertaining film adaptation of the Broadway musical received another successful theatrical release, which included visual remastering and a shiny new Dolby soundtrack. For its video and laser disc re-release, <i>Grease</i> lovers can also now see it in the correct 2:35 to 1 Panavision aspect ratio, and see retrospective interviews with cast members and director Randal Kleiser. All these stylistic touches are essential to the film's success. Without the fabulously choreographed, widescreen musical numbers; vibrant colors; and unforgettably campy and catchy tunes (like "Greased Lightning," "Summer Nights," and "You're the One That I Want"), the film would have to rely on a silly, cliché-filled plot that we've seen hundreds of times. As it is, the episodic story about the romantic dilemmas experienced by a group of graduating high school seniors remains fresh, fun, and incredibly imaginative. The young, animated cast also deserves a lot of credit, bringing chemistry and energy to otherwise bland material. John Travolta, straight from his success in <i>Saturday Night Fever</i>, knows his sexual star power and struts, swaggers, sings, and dances appropriately; while Olivia Newton-John's portrayal of virgin innocence is the only decent acting she's ever done. And then there's Stockard Channing, spouting sexual double-entendres as Rizzo, the bitchy, raunchy leader of the Pink Ladies, who steals the film from both of its stars. Ignore the sequel at all costs. <i>--Dave McCoy</i> Reader Reviews John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John star in this '70s version of the '50s. Olivia came from Australia and won the hearts of music fans. "You're The One That I Want" is the hot number here. The pair dress in black. "Tell me about it, stud!" Grease appeals to successive generations. Male/female duos perform Summer Nights to karaoke tracks. The film exaggerates. There were no T-Birds or Pink Ladies where I was from. The cast of Grease was long since out of high school, ranging in age from 19 to 35.

Grease (Aniv) Available from Amazon Price: $9.95 Updated on 11-15-2008.

SPONSORED LINKS