Riding the strange '50s nostalgia wave that swept through America during the late 1970s (caused by TV shows like Happy Days and films like American Graffiti), Grease 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, Grease 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 Saturday Night Fever, 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. --Dave McCoy
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
Heavy on the Grease Grease will always hold a special place in my heart, it is part of my childhood and holds many nostalgic memories for me. Saw the movie when I was 8, was given the soundtrack on vinyl (as well as Saturday Nite Fever) for christmas. Played it on my ladybug turntable, and sang along to every song with my friends, 1978. The only way to truely watch Grease is on "full screen". U just can't enjoy it any other way. I bought it on widescreen and was totally horrified. It just doesn't have that same effect. I later... more info
One small problem... OK, fun songs, cute acting, generally a good time. But has anyone noticed that the moral of this story seems to say that you should change yourself into something you're not in order to please someone else? Not sure that's a message I'd want my kids to hear.
SHOO BOP! What american would not love JOHN TRAVLOTA and OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN in "GREASE"!! When I first saw this movie I was only a kid and I knew all the songs and I actually thought high school was gonna be like RYDELL HIGH!
One of my all time favorites 30 years and I never seem to get tired of this movie. This movie inspired so many plain Janes and the soundtrack is just good fun to sing a long to. John Travolta was handsome and cool and Olivia Newton John was just adorable. Rah. Rah. Rydel High!!!
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