Grease Widescreen VHS - Recommendation (1 Viewer)

[Jeff(R)]

I recently saw Grease performed live in a theater which

made me want to see the film again. I was aware that

the DVD is not available yet (and won't be anytime soon)

so I searched around and looked for a widescreen VHS version.

I found it online (new) for $15.96 and it was described

as "VHS (Gift Set / WS)" with the cover art showing

"20th Anniversary Limited Edition." I wasn't sure what

"gift set" meant and details were not provided at the

store, but as I was only interested in seeing the movie

in WS it didn't matter to me so I just ordered it.

I had not purchased a prerecorded VHS tape in over

five years (since acquiring a DVD player) and did not

have high expectations. When I opened the box I

was surprised that the tape comes with a complete

final shooting script for the film and a compact disc

with a re-mixed medley of "You're The One That I want,"

"Greased Lightning," and "Summer Nights." The tape

(THX mastered) is probably the best I had seen VHS look

in quite a while. The Dolby Stereo Surround was very

good and it was great seeing Grease in widescreen for

the first time since 1978. The tape begins with

interviews with John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John,

Stockard Channing, Jeff Conaway, the director and more,

who all provide anecdotes and interesting information

about the film and how it changed their lives. I find

myself in the unusual position of recommending VHS,

but Grease is an incredible high energy fun ride and

I'm happy that I made the purchase so I can enjoy it

now rather than waiting for the DVD (which I will no

doubt also buy when released.)

Jeff

 

[Jefferson]

Yes, I own that VHS, and agree it was a nice package, and very unusual extras. I always thought the sound mix was strange, with a lot of reverb in the musical numbers(to my ears anyway), but perhaps that was intentional. So, where is the Paramount DVD?

 

[Peter McM]

I saw the re-release in the theaters. You're right about the music, Jefferson--the lead vocals sound like they were recorded in a cave! The original mix did not have this problem.

The movie has been embroiled in music-rights issues which have delayed its release on DVD. Olivia Newton-John was battling with Paramount over past royalties, but that, I understand, has recently been settled.

Cross your fingers for late this year or early next.