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There can be
a lot of debate when it comes to what some
people consider the ultimate ‘chick
flick.’ There who might push for “When
Harry Met Sally”, “Sleepless
in Seattle”, or any number of light
romantic comedies floating around. My vote
however goes to 1987’s “Dirty
Dancing.” Panned by critics at the
time of its release, the film went on to
become a worldwide phenomenon and still
tops the list of most women’s favorite
films (at least the women that I know).
Set in 1963, “Dirty Dancing”
weaves the tale of a 17 year old girl (Jennifer
Grey) vacationing with her parents at a
Catskill’s resort. There she meets
the resort’s dance instructor (Patrick
Swayze), and falls in love. End of story.
Well not actually, throw in a big dance
contest, parents who don’t approve,
an ex-girlfriend who doesn’t approve,
etc… and the recipe for a ‘chick
flick’ becomes complete.
The number one draw for females, however?
Patrick Swayze.
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Hot off of a couple of action flicks, “Red
Dawn” and “Youngblood”, little
did audiences know that this tough guy of an actor
could dance. Of course, up to that point he had
only danced onscreen in a ‘blink and you’ll
miss him’ scene in “Staying Alive.”
I believe prior to the release of “Dirty
Dancing”, there were rumblings from critics
about the very idea of Swayze as a dancer. Of
course, the moment he hit the screen and proved
his metal, most of them shut up. Swayze danced
his way into the hearts of women and “Dirty
Dancing” became one of his only two really
big hits. (Three years later he found his way
into women’s hearts again only this time
as a “Ghost.”)
Where some of us may differ, at least amongst
the male readers of these reviews is that I enjoy
a good chick flick as much as I do a good horror
film, drama or historical piece. I love movies;
all they have to be is good. “Dirty Dancing”
was more than good, it was great. The relationship
between Grey and Swayze was believable and heartwarming,
and I’ll watch this movie with my wife any
time I get a chance.
Last year a Collector’s Edition was released
that I never got a chance to look at (so I cannot
comment), but this year Artisan is releasing an
Ultimate Edition 2-Disc set. I’m glad I
waited to get this one on DVD. The sound and picture
are better than I ever remember them being on
any other release, and the extras are so numerous
as to overdose anyone who is more than a passing
fan of the movie.
There is an introduction to the DVD by Jennifer
Grey (daughter of Joel Grey), as well as a delightful
screen test and interview. Not content with just
one commentary, Artisan has included two commentaries.
The first one, by writer/co-producer Eleanor Bergstein
is as exhausting as it is entertaining. Bergstein
is a whirlwind of information and listening to
her really tired me out. The other is a more technical
look at the film and features choreographer Kenny
Ortega, assistant choreographer Miranda Garrison,
director of photography Jeff Jur, costume designer
Hilary Rosefeld and production designer David
Chapman.
Along Grey’s with interview, we also get
additional interview footage with Ortega, Garrison
and Bergstein. One wouldn’t think they’d
have more to say, but you’d be surprised!
The main thing missing from this DVD seems to
be Swayze. I’m really curious why he wasn’t
in any of the interviews or commentaries.
Music video fans will enjoy the inclusion of “Hungry
Eyes” by Eric Carmen, “I’ve
Hadthe Time of My Life” by Bill Medley and
Jennifer Warnes, and “She’s Like the
Wind” by (you guessed it) Patrick Swayze.
There is also a nice little tribute to the film’s
director, Emile Ardolino, who late went on to
direct “Sister Act” and “Three
Men and a Little Lady.”
This new DVD also has a feature I have really
come to enjoy on some of the newer releases, a
trivia track. This track allows you to read little
snippets of information about the film while you’re
watching it.
Last but not least, this 2-disc set has the 90-minute
video for the concert tour of “Dirty Dancing”,
which featured Carmen, Medley and a whole bunch
of the original dancers from the film. If you
liked the music in the movie, the concert is great.
Well okay… it’s a little cheesy, but
the music is really good.
Artisan’s Ultimate Edition release of “Dirty
Dancing” seems to be timed to promote the
upcoming theatrical release of “Dirty Dancing:
Havana Nights”, but this doesn’t make
it any less worthwhile to own, at least for people
who are already fans of the movie (including the
closet ones afraid to admit it…)
Starring: Jennifer Grey, Patrick Swayze, Jerry
Orbach, Cynthia Rhodes
Extras: Commentary by writer/co-producer Eleanor
Bergstein, Commentary by Kenny Ortega (choreographer),
Miranda Garrison (assistant choreographer and
actress Vivian Pressman in the film), Jeff Jur
(director of photography), Hilary Rosenfeld (costume
designer), and David Chapman (production designer),
Theatrical trailers, Trivia track, Jennifer Grey
DVD introduction, Jennifer Grey's screen test,
Interviews with Jennifer Grey, Eleanor Bergstein,
Kenny Ortega, and Miranda Garrison, Emile Ardolino
tribute, Dirty Dancing Live in Concert, Music
videos: Hungry Eyes, She's Like the Wind, (I've
Had) The Time of My Life, Exclusive sneak peek
of Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights.
Specifications: Widescreen (1:85.1), 6.1 DTS-ES
Digital Discrete Surround, 5.1 Dolby-EX Digital
Surround Audio, 2.0
Studio: Artisan
Release Date: 12/9/2003
Region 1
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Website
We'll give Dirty Dancing: The Ulimate Edition
an A.
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