Who's In It: John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John, Stockard Channing, Jeff Conway, Barry Pearl, Michael Tucci, Kelly Ward, Didi Conn, Jamie Donnelly
Who Directed It: Randall Kleiser

When Can I Buy It: NOW (Region 1)

Grease: Rockin' Rydell Edition - Reviewed by: Paul Heath

• Audio Commentary with Director Randal Kleiser and Choreographer Patricia Birch
  
• Introduction from Director Randel Kleiser
  
• “Rydell Sing-Along”
  
• “The Time, The Place, The Motion: Remembering Grease” Featurette
  
• 11 Deleted/Extended/Alternate Scenes
  
• “Grease On DVD” Launch Party
  
• “Grease Memories from John and Olivia” Featurette
  
• “The Moves Behind the Music” Featurette
  
• ”Thunder Roadsters” Featurette
  
• “John Travolta and Allan Carr ‘Grease Day’ Interview”
  
• “Olivia Newton-John and Robert Stigwood ‘Grease Day’ Interview”
  
• Trailer
  
• Photo Gallery
  
• Previews

If there is a male out there that managed to get all the way through childhood, school, college and through to marriage without seeing this movie, then shouts out man, you did good. My first recollection of GREASE was the nights after nights that my sister watched the movie, again and again when she was a kid. I was then coaxed into seeing the musical version in London's West End when I was a little older with my first girlfriend. The last time I think that I saw the film, prior to this review was just after then when it was on TV one Christmas.

So here we go again with the GREASE: ROCKIN' RYDELL EDITION. This one hits the region one DVD shelves just a couple of years shy of the movie's thirtieth anniversary. For those who do not know the story, let me recap.

Danny (John Travolta) and Sandy (Olivia Newton-John) enjoy a hot romance one summer. When they return to high school, they discover that they are both attending the famous Rydell High School, only Danny is a member of the T-Birds, and immediately acts cool in front of his friends and shuns hurt Sandy. What follows is a rock 'n' roll ride full of classic hits like "You're The One That You Want", "Summer Nights" and "Greased Lightning" as we see Danny and Sandy fall in love all over again.

Well, if you're a girl, and you're aged around 25 and 40, chances are that GREASE played a huge part in you're childhood. Hell, if you're a guy and aged about the same, then chances are that it played a big part in your life too. Be it sitting in front of the film when your little sis had it on, or if you maybe wanted to grow up to be Danny. Whatever, it's hard to not be a part of the phenomenon that is GREASE. Personally, I was more of a SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER guy, but you can't help but hold a fondness for this movie. I dig the timeless songs. I dig the coolness of Travolta, and I kinda have the hots for Olivia Newton-John in those hot pants. Sue me.

GREASE is a timeless classic, and has to be a part of your DVD collection somewhere. An American classic!

• Feature commentary with director Randall Kleiser and choreographer Patricia Birch
  A nice little commentary from the director and choreographer. There's a lot of production info from Kleiser and a nice little addition for all you die-hards out there. A few nice anecdotes from the man too, as he even tells us that he had to re-shoot the opening scenes with Travolta to get his good side. Entertaining.
• Rydell Sing-A-Long
  Here's one that I had a ball with. Here are twelve of the famous songs included with karaoke lyrics underneath. I blasted out Sandy the other night to much of my friends concern and heterosexuality questioning.
• The Time, The Place, The Motion (22 mins)
  A featurette looking back at the making of the movie. Interviews with Allan Carr, Robert Stigwood, director Randall Kleiser, John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John, choreographer Patricia Birch and more. A nostalgic look back at the movie with recent interviews with Travolta/ Newton John.
• Grease On DVD Launch Party
  A look at the 2002 launch party for the movie when it was first released on DVD. Some great footage of the man that is John Travolta (dude can still sing) and Olivia Newton-John (she's still hot) on stage performing a couple of tracks from the movie. There are also red carpet interviews with the main cast and director. A nice little feature.
• Grease Memories from John and Olivia
  More from the two stars from the DVD launch party.
  
• Thunder Roadsters Featurette
  A look at the meaty little cars used in the movie. Short (approx. 5 mins) but interesting all the same.
• John Travolta And Allan Carr “Grease Day” Interview
  Not an interview between Vincent Vega and that camp British comedian, but an archive between Travolta and producer Allan Carr. Travolta looking young and hot ladies.
  
• Olivia Newton-John and Robert Stigwood “Grease Day” Interview
  Again, archive footage of the two on Grease day. Olivia with big hair (but still looking hot), Stigwood in awe of his young starlet.
• “The Moves Behind the Music” Featurette
  Learn the moves of the dance so that you can danc along while you sing along.
  
• Deleted Scenes
  So, so many to list here, but there are 11 in total, although these are in black and white for some reason. But this has got to be a must for any Grease fan out there! More Grease, including more of the Pink Ladies and The T-Birds.
• Theatrical Trailer
  Original trailer for the release. Man with cool voice on the soundtrack!
• Photo Galleries
  Pics from the movie, production stills, images from the premiere and Grease Day.

GREASE: THE ROCKIN' RYDELL edition does exactly what is says on the tin. Rocks. It all comes complete with a lovely leather jacket bound cover to put on your cat, or whatever. It's the definitive Grease DVD release. You've got to have it in your collection haven't you really?

FILM: A-
DVD: A

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