Product Description

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

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #589 in DVD
• Brand: Warner Brothers
• Released on: 2007-11-20
• Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
• Aspect ratio: 2.35:1
• Formats: AC-3, Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, DVD-Video, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Subtitled in: English, Spanish
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: 1.00 pounds
• Running time: 117 minutes

Amazon.com
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

Customer Reviews

Better than I anticipated
I've put off watching this movie because I had caught snippets of the '88 version years ago was never impressed enough to watch the whole thing. I might do so now to compare. I found this version fresh and fun and even a little inspiring. And even though I can respect John Travolta for being a actor's actor-a man who even over 30 years in the biz willing to take some serious risk, I pray that he will now please step away from dresses and high heels. I easily found him to be the weakest singer of the lot and his makeup more disturbing than anything else. That was my only gripe. I love the music and the message. I also think Michelle Pfeiffer is just stunning and Christopher Walken as funny as always.

Get Ready to Rock Out!
Absolutely phenomenal ensemble cast! Nikki Blonsky as our heroine Tracy Turnblad is fresh and delightful with star power to spare! John Travolta's Edna Turnblad is endearing and unlike any gender bending performance I've ever seen. It's not a "man" playing a "woman" - he embodies Edna and you can easily forget that she's being played by a man! Christopher Walken as Edna's husband, Wilbur, is just (as Edna defines him) the shiniest white knight ever! During his big dance number with Travolta, you can see he is genuinely enjoying his "wife!" Amanda Bynes could be my favorite! She delivers her one liners with perfection and I believe she could be the next generation Lucille Ball - just watch this girl's facial expressions! Her comedic timing is flawless. James Marsden is always easy on the eyes and is perfectly cast. Queen Latifah, Zac Efron, and Brittany Snow - they are all superb! Michelle Pfeiffer is delightfully cruel and watching her chew up the scenery as well as the other cast members is great fun. This is one to watch over and over again! Integration is the new frontier! :)

Awesome movie!
This is the most fun musical since Grease. The singing, dancing, and relevant story line will definitely put a smile on your face.