Every once and a while a DVD Special Edition is released that truly boggles the mind. There are so many great films out there that haven’t even made it to DVD, yet there are some that get not just 1, but sometimes 2 or 3 releases. Such a movie is “Showgirls.” Yes… the incredibly famous-for-being-so-bad… “Showgirls.” Director Paul Verhoeven’s follow-up to “Robocop”, “Total Recall” and “Basic Instinct” was a film so horrendous that it is proudly listed amongst the Golden Turkeys’ Worst Movies of All Time. So why on Earth would MGM re-release it on DVD? It’s simple… there’s a market for it. That’s right, there’s always someone out there ready to buy a good… I mean bad… trashy movie.

Realizing there’s a good chance that you’ve never seen “Showgirls”, I’ll try to give you a bit of an idea as to what it’s actually about. The film stars Elizabeth Berkley as Nomi, a small town girl with dreams of hitting the big time as a Las Vegas Showgirl. She decides to hitchhike her way to Las Vegas, whereupon she is almost immediately robbed of all her belongings. She befriends a woman who works on the costumes for one of the town’s big review shows, and before long starts earning money as a stripper. As the story progresses (the term being somewhat of a stretch), Nomi eventually gets her shot at working in a chorus line, though she ends up going head to head with a rival dancer (Gina Gershon). For the most part, that’s it. The story, such as it is, is often interrupted by all manner of nudity, simulated sex and even a (gasp) rape scene!

I would complain about the film’s horribly scripted dialogue but in reality it is rather a moot point. After all the people who are going to want to own this film are the same people who read Playboy for the articles (wink, wink). However, I will mention that as bad as the film is, I was shocked at some of the casting. There was no surprise that the vapid and air headed character of Nomi was played by Berkley, after all typecasting is generally a given in Hollywood. But considering the fact she obviously can’t act her way out of a paper bag is only magnified by putting her in the same scenes with actors such as Robert Davi or Kyle MacLachlan (both of whom have acted their way out of a paper bag on many occasions…). What were these guys thinking? Well, okay… paycheck… I get it.

“Showgirls”, over time, has become somewhat of a cult classic film which is yet another reason I can see the studio re-releasing it. Being that it is full of the aforementioned rape, as well as certain other topics that previously could only be found in the X-rated market, there are undoubtedly a great number of people out there who want to see it to see what all the hubbub was about. After all, what chance was there of seeing it on TV, unless you had HBO, Showtime or any of the other movie channel available. Of course, there was an opportunity to see the film a while back on VH1, but it was not the movie as it was meant to be seen. There is so much gratuitous nudity that the network actually decided to not only cut out a lot of the scenes, but they went in and digitally edited bras and panties over the actresses’ bodies. Berkley wasn’t happy about the changes so she refused to redub her lines, so they used a different actress’ voice (oddly enough improving Berkley’s performance, though not by much).

Where I can certainly give MGM a lot of credit is that they know how to market a film, even as bad as this one. The new “VIP” Edition is packaged in a huge box, complete with tons of extras, both on the disc and in the box. The DVD itself has a commentary on it by ‘Showgirls Expert’, David Schmader. His commentary is quite funny as he goes on and on about how “Showgirls” is the best film ever made, complete with reasons why. The whole thing is delivered with his tongue planted firmly in his cheek. It’s obvious that he’s joking, and the commentary alone is almost worth watching the film for. Adding to the sleaze factor (and sales receipts), there is also a commentary on the “Cheetah’s Club” scene by the ‘legendary’ girls of Scores. I say legendary because Scores is the strip club of choice by radio personality Howard Stern, and he talks about it all the time. Then there’s a tutorial of lap-dancing by the girls, which is sure to be a ‘big’ hit with the wives of anyone who buys this set.

If you’re into the whole storyboard thing, there are some here for four of the scenes in the film. I had to admit to finding these a bit interesting considering the subject matter of the scenes, which were a far cry from the storyboards of car chases and the like usually available on other DVDs. There’s even a rather humorous Trivia Track feature that pops up little bits of information and commentary about the film while you’re watching it.

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. Fans of “Showgirls”, and believe it or not they exist, will want this new “VIP” Edition for all the goodies you’ll find inside. The film itself almost becomes superlative. Upon opening the box, you’ll find a pair of “Showgirls” shot glasses and “Showgirls” playing cards. But that’s not all… college dorm rooms will never be the same, because there is (honest to God) a “Pin the Pasties on the Showgirl” game. You get a big poster, the pasties and a blindfold. I’ll leave it to your imagination as to how you play it. Think of “Pin the Tail on the Donkey”, just leave out the kids. Once you’ve mastered the art of pasting the pasties, there are some photo cards, complete with instructions on several other party games. I thought it was interesting to note the instructions stress the use of non-alcoholic beverages…. hmmm…

In spite of how bad “Showgirls” is, I have to say I’m really impressed with the packaging and marketing of this “VIP Edition”. College boys and party animals alike are sure to get a kick out of it. The only thing missing, and I mean the only thing, is a disclaimer warning you not to lick a metal pole on a freezing cold wintry day. (If only… if only…)

Directed by: Paul Verhoeven
Starring: Elizabeth Berkley, Gina Ravera, Kyle MacLachlan, Robert Davi, Gina Gershon
Extras: Audio Commentary by Showgirls Expert David Schmader, Video Commentary on the “Cheetah’s Club Scene” by the Girls of Scores, Showgirls Diary - Storyboard to Film Comparison, Lap Dance Tutorial Featuring the Girls of Scores, Trivia Track, “Pin the Pasties on the Showgirl” Game, Shot Glasses, Playing Cards, Photo Cards and Party Games.
Specifications: Widescreen (2:35.1), Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
Studio: MGM
Release Date: 7/27/2004
Region 1
MPAA Rating: NC-17
Website

We'll give Showgirls: VIP Edition an A (Because the set embraces the movies 'finer' points - the movie still rates a... well, you know...).