Grease [1978]

Based on the 1972 stage show and adding several new numbers, Grease is at heart a rites-of-passage movie with plenty of feel-good moments and a euphoric buzz. "You're the One That I Want", "Hopelessly Devoted to You" and "Summer Nights" became the soundtrack for a generation of high-school students on the cusp of adulthood. Today, it looks like a pastiche of those 1950s Connie Francis rock & roll beach films. But the steady stream of double entendres and knowing body language render it more accessible to the less innocent late 1970s. It's overwhelming nostalgia for anyone in the vicinity of 40.

On the DVD: The 25th anniversary special edition of Grease rolls back the years: the 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen presentation transports you instantly back to fifth-form heaven in the local fleapit. The Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound ensures that the songs--ever the staple of MOR radio--complete the nostalgia trip with real zip. The main extra is a short series of fond reminiscences from the actors and director Randal Kleiser, actually filmed for the 20th anniversary. --Piers Ford

This "new" DVD version is truly remarkable. The picture is sharper (which - thankfully - gives much needed improvement to the opening "cartoon" segment), and the soundtrack has been digitally remastered giving it a much clearer sound. I have seen the digitally remastered VHS version of "Grease", but it's pale in comparison to the DVD. In fact, I found myself re-playing the songs just to hear how good they really are (most notably the improved quality of "Sandy", "Hopelessly Devoted To You" and "You're The One That I Want").

The only negative remark worth mentioning about the DVD version of "Grease" has to be the rather disappointing extras. To be honest, I was looking for more than just the original theatre trailer and a somewhat dated 18 minute interview section (which was originally produced for the 20th Anniversary VHS edition). Hopefully there will be a "Grease: Special Edition DVD" released soon that will rectify these lacklustre 'extras'. Still, "Grease" is an excellent purchase - especially if you want to listen to the songs in glorious CD quality.

Jon.


They say our love is just a growing thing..   December 29, 2006
K.B (UK)
13 out of 14 found this review helpful

My favourite film..
why?

1. Pure cheese - songs to remember, sing along to, the typical boy meets girl, drama, happy ending storyline
2. Costume - so much nostalgia within this film!
3. Actors and characters to idolize
4. Deals with little teenage mishaps such as boy problems, pregnancy etc
5. Its aim isnt to be a groundbreaking, convention-breaking, film but just a happy representation (yes, representation - an interpretation as opposed to a mirror) of high school and 1950s society.
6. I mainly love this film because I have never grown tired of it, some films are amazing because they completely surprise or shock you but this has the quality of being watched over and over.
7. Haha the jokes and loveable characters - always wanted to be like Rizz!

I could think of much more...



"Conventionality belongs to yesterday"   February 11, 2003
Jennifer Litchfield (Auckland, New Zealand)
19 out of 21 found this review helpful

Grease is everything a musical film should be. It is a visual and aural feast that has captured the imaginations of audiences for over 25 years. Everything is larger than life and the action occurs amidst a riot of 1950s colour. Who cares if the cast is largely composed of 30-somethings playing teenagers? The key to Grease's success is not realism, but the enormous amount of infectious energy exuded by the cast.

This zest for life is particularly apparent in the lively and eminently sing-able chorus song-and-dance numbers. The tunes of retro party favourites such as 'Greased Lightning' and 'You're The One That I Want' will probably be familiar to many viewers, but lesser known songs, including the short and sarcastic 'Look At Me I'm Sandra Dee' and 'Beauty School Drop-Out' (with Frankie Avalon in the role of guardian angel) are also fun toe-tappers.

Musicals work best when, like Grease, they concentrate on the music rather than the plot; however, the story here is completely adequate. Sandy and Danny had a summer fling at the beach, but at school Danny has an image to uphold - which Sandy doesn't really fit - so their senior year at Rydell High is spent in a daze of "will-they-won't-they" teenage angst.

John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John set the screen alight as Danny and Sandy; there are some fabulous character roles in the "Pink Ladies" and "T-Birds" school cliques, and some very funny cameos - particularly the pairing of Principal McGee and Blanche the office lady. There are sexual innuendoes aplenty if you look hard enough, and despite the fact that the movie is set half a century ago, the viewer is led to conclude that teenagers have been, and will always be, teenagers.


How can you not like this wonderful film?   September 25, 2006
T. Clarke (UK)
10 out of 11 found this review helpful

I grew up watching grease, and I loved every minute of it. From originally just taping it off the telly, I wore the video out over the years, and its been great to watch it on a super quality DVD.
While the film mixes music, comedy, and romance, it focuses on the fun lives of a group of teens, who will soon graduate from college. I love the way it looks at the issues you get when your young - love, choices etc but its not meant to be analysed deeply, its just meant to be watched and enjoyed.
And to the reviewers that say 'they want to puke' because of the cheesyness - this is the reason everyone likes it! Its fun, happy, funny, and people take it too seriously.
Its a genuine success through its entertainment - excellent choreography, singing, and of course wonderful acting. A lovely film for summer nights!


"If you canyt be an athlete, be an athletic supporter"   December 7, 2004
B. Chandler (Arlington, Texas)
7 out of 8 found this review helpful

Many conversions from stage to film lose spontaneity, also one has to pick what songs to add and subtract. Of course because of the public sense of decency many things have to be cryptic. With all of these restrictions this film is able to rival the play.

You will notice that there is a smooth transition from story to dialog to song and back to story. The sound track from the movie is worth buying.

Summer vacation from high school is ending. Danny (John Travolta) and Sandy (Olivia Newton-John) standing on the beach must say goodbye. This is the beginning.

The play is basically of two people Danny and Sandy adjusting to each other while maintaining their respective places in high school society. We see a text book school environment which no one had but parts of the story touch on everyone's life.

Will Danny give up his gang and become a jock just to impress Sandy?
Or will Sandy say goodbye to Sandra Dee to impress Danny?
And who gets the hickey for Kinicke?