Grease on DVD: Rockin' Rydell Edition

Grease: Rockin' Rydell Edition

Starring John Travolta, Olivia Newton John, Stockard Channing, Jeff Conway, Michael Tucci Kelly Ward, Didi Conn, Dinah Manoff, Eve Arden, Frankie Avalon, Sid Caesar

Directed By Randal Kleiser
Paramount Home Video
Rated PG

Fans of Grease can rejoice as the movie has once again been released on DVD. This time the classic film is in a spectacular DVD set calling itself the "Rockin' Rydell Edition". Originally released in 1978, Grease has become a cultural phenomenon capturing generations of fans through the years with its memorable music and timeless story earning a cult like following that has lasted to this day.

Set in the 1950's at Rydell High Schools, Grease is essentially a coming of age story told with music and comedy. Audiences are transported back in time where fast cars and slicked back hair are the norm. A time when being "cool" was the most important thing you had to worry about.

The film stars John Travolta as Danny Zuko the ultra cool leader of the T-Birds who experienced a summer fling with innocent Sandy Olsson (Newton John). When the summer ends so does there romance, but much to their surprise, they find themselves both attending Rydell High School. Sandy discovers that the sweet boy she fell for has a reputation of being a tough guy he must live up to, and the story goes on from there with Sandy and Danny finding themselves at odds with each other while at the same time trying to figure out how they can get back together.

The movie is filled with musical and dance numbers that have become synonymous with the film itself. Songs like "Summer Nights", "Greased Lightening", and "Beauty School Drop-Out" have actually become more famous than most of the actors in the movie. The acting is not great, but it really does not matter because whatever short comings the actors may have are clearly overshadowed by the music and entertaining silliness of the film.

The presentation of the DVD set is perhaps the best I have ever seen. The lockbox is encased in an actual leather T-Birds jacket complete with snaps and working zipper. The film's logo is nicely stitched on the front of the jacket as well. This only adds a sense of authenticity that adds quite a bit of charm to an already beloved movie.

The DVD is also full of extras. Perhaps the best feature is that every song in the film is offered in a karaoke style format with the Rydell Sing-Along option. There is also a new audio commentary from the director and choreographer which is really interesting. There are eleven deleted scenes along with cast interviews, though these are a bit dated. Several featurettes have also been added in this set including "The Moves Behind the Music" and "Thunder Roadsters", and they round out the special features nicely.

Grease is a timeless classic filled with memorable songs and entertaining dance numbers. It continues to add new fans even though it is nearing its thirtieth anniversary. This magnificently packaged DVD set will only fuel that fire. With its many new extras and remastered format Grease: Rockin' Rydell Edition is an absolute must have for any fan.