iTunes has the new 40th anniversary edition of "Grease" available to purchase. I was initially skeptical about purchasing it but after doing some research on it's restoration, boy am I glad I did!
This restoration was done form the original 1978 camera negative and it brings back after 20 years the original Paramount logo and fanfare music that originally opened the film. The best part is the restored soundtrack of the original 1978 release!
For Grease's 20th anniversary the soundtrack was completely re-done, and in the process was over amplified, ambient noises and effects were added that weren't originally there and worse - - - some songs were replaced with alternate takes. This botched version is the one that has been shown for the last 20 years!
The most glaring example is in "Hopelessly Devoted to You", Paramount wound up using the soundtrack album version which is why as Sandy is singing all alone in Frenchy's back yard she is suddenly joined by unseen background vocalists. Gladly all of that is gone!!
I'm sure the generation that grew up with the 20th anniversary edition are going to assume Paramount messed the movie up when in fact they have corrected the many errors they created 20 years ago.
I’m waiting for the 24th when it’s released on Blu Ray along with Grease 2 (one of my favorites, warts and all). Glad to hear that it’s not just a reissue of the first Blu Ray transfer of Grease. Thanks for the info!
Mildred Plotka said: "I’m waiting for the 24th when it’s released on Blu Ray along with Grease 2 (one of my favorites, warts and all). Glad to hear that it’s not just a reissue of the first Blu Ray transfer of Grease. Thanks for the info!"
You're welcome Mildred. I'll be getting the physical release as well but I wanted to see what they did with the film before I actually committed to purchasing it. I also have a soft spot for Grease 2.
Maxwell Caulfield, Adrian Zmed, Peter Frechette and Tab Hunter. Grease 2 was like gay porn for my newly puberty-laden tween self. A terrible film with some fun songs that I have a...well, let's just say, a...spot for.
"What can you expect from a bunch of seitan worshippers?" - Reginald Tresilian