 | |
List Price: $19.98 | | Label: New Line Home Video
Salesrank: 3947
Released: November 20, 2007 |
| Our Price: $2.51 |
| Used Price: $2.05 |
|
MPAA Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Media: DVD |
|
Editorial Review:
It's 1962 and change is in the air in Baltimore. Tracy Turnblad a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart has only one passion--to dance. She wins a spot on the local TV dance program "The Corny Collins Show" and is transformed overnight from outsider to irrepressible teen celebrity. But can the trendsetting Tracy win the heart of teen-dream Link Larkin and stand up for what she believes in despite the program's scheming stage manager? All she needs is her best friend Penny a toe- tappin' beat - and a little HAIRSPRAY!Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: MUSICALS/MUSICALS UPC: 794043112126 Manufacturer No: 1000034930
Description of Hairspray (Widescreen Edition):
It's rare that a movie captures the intensity and excitement of a live Broadway musical production while appealing to a broader movie-going audience, but the 2007 Hairspray is an energetic, powerfully moving film that does just that. A remake of the 1988 musical film Hairspray, the new Hairspray is a film adaptation of the 2002 Broadway musical and features more likeable characters than the original film and an incredible energy that stems from a great cast, fabulous new music, and the influence of musical producer Craig Zadan. What remains constant throughout all three versions of Hairspray is the story's thought-provoking exploration of prejudice and racism. Set in Baltimore in 1962, the film opens with chubby girl Tracy Turnblad (Nikki Blonsky) singing her heart out in a rendition of "Good Morning Baltimore" that, while admittedly a bit too long, sets the farcical tone for the film. Viewers quickly become immersed in Tracy's teenage world of popular television dance shows, big hair, the stigma of being different, and the first hesitant steps toward racial integration within a segregated world. The Corny Collins (James Marsden) television dance show is a teenage obsession in Tracy's world and Link Larkin (Zac Efron) is every girl's dream partner, so when a call for auditions goes out, Tracy skips school to try out, but is rejected by station manager Velma von Tussle (Michelle Pfeiffer) because of her large size and the threat of competition for Velma's own daughter Amber (Brittany Snow). Perseverance and the support of her friend Penny (Amanda Bynes), father Wilbur (Christopher Walken), and negro dancer Seaweed (Elijah Kelley) lead Tracy to the spotlight and the chance of a lifetime, but more and more Tracy discovers that fairness and equality for those who are different does not come without a fight and that sacrifices must be made to effect change. While the message is serious, Hairspray is first and foremost a comedy with stellar performances by John Travolta as Edna Turnblad (who ever imagined Saturday Night Fever's iconic star would appear onscreen as a woman?), Christopher Walken, and Michelle Pfeiffer. Part of what makes Hairspray so powerful is the exceptional music composed by Marc Shaiman, including songs newly composed for the movie like "Ladies' Choice," "The New Girl in Town," and "Come So Far," and the awesome vocal talents of Queen Latifah (Motormouth Maybelle) and a cast of heretofore musically-unknown actors like Nikki Blonsky, Zac Efron, and Brittany Snow who really can sing. Notable trivia includes Jerry Stiller's appearance in both versions of the film (as Wilbur in the 1988 film and as Mr. Pinky in this 2007 rendition), and a cameo appearance by 1988 director and screenplay writer John Waters. Hairspray is one of the best films of the year--it's powerfully moving entertainment that leaves you energized and motivated to fight for what you believe in. --Tami Horiuchi
Hairspray (Widescreen Edition) Reviews:
Fabulous movie!!!! 
2008-10-10 - I bought this movie for my daughter, she absolutely loves it...has watched it about 20 times already...If you love upbeat singing and dancing this is a great movie
Definitely fun
2008-09-27 - The original movie is my only other "Hairspray" reference--meaning I never had the opportunity to see the Broadway version. Even so, I could not help but fall in love with this edition from the first moment I saw it. Yes, it takes some artistic license to make its own distinguised "Hairspray" but it was fun, colorful, and rowsing. I immediately fell in love with the almost ditzy whirl of fun as well as the juxtaposition of the racism story. I know truer fans of "Hairspray" could pick this apart, but a novice like me fell wildly in love with the inspirational and heartfelt film.
Where's the Cover? 
2008-09-15 - I ordered the 2-disc Shake & Shimmy Edition of Hairspray for my daughter's birthday. The contents were everything we expected (Fabulous!) but we were very disappointed that Amazon didn't include the fancy cardboard cover that we had seen in the stores.Hairspray (Two-Disc Shake & Shimmy Edition)
A Terrific Feel-Good Movie!!!
2008-09-15 - I just finished watching this movie for like the 25th time. Watching this movie reminds me why John Travolta is one of my most favorite actors. I loved his portrayal of Mrs. Edna Turnblad. No, he didn't look like a Miss America contestant, but not many of us do. John pulled this one off, and to see him dancing and singing again was a pure joy.
Newcomer, Nikki Blonsky, was perfectly cast. It almost seems as if she were born to play Tracy Turnblad. Spunky, perky, energetic. Wow! She made me feel good just watching her. From "Good Morning, Baltimore" to "You Can't Stop the Beat", she had me smiling.
And then there's Queen Latifah, Christopher Walken, Michelle Pfeiffer, James Marsden, Zac Efron, Elijah Kelley, Brittany Snow, and Amanda Bynes. How could you NOT love a movie with all that talent?
Hairspray is now and forever gonna be one of my most favorite movies. In fact, I think I'll hit "play" again and watch it for the 26th time.
more hairspray 
2008-08-24 - This ain't exactly my cup of tea, but I can enjoy movies that aren't my normal fare. We should all be open minded and try new things. Take a walk on the wild side, you know what I mean?? But anyway, if you enjoyed HAIRSPRAY you should definitely check out John Water's film version. The original film had Sonny Bono, Debbie Harry, and Ricki Lake in it. I've seen most of this one and I saw Water's version years ago. Waters is a talented cat. By the way, if you like HAIRSPRAY and are one of those unfortunate souls out there that have not experienced other classic comedies by John Waters PINK FLAMINGOS comes highly recommended. It's just good light entertainment for the family to enjoy.
