Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #470 in DVD
• Released on: 2007-11-19
• Rating: Parental Guidance
• Format: PAL
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 112 minutes

Amazon.co.uk Review
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 re-make 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 Marsdon) 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

Synopsis
After finding success on Broadway, the hilarious John Waters 1988 classic comes to the big screen once again with this Adam Shankman remake featuring an star-studded cast led by newcomer Nicole Bronsky in the part originally played by Ricki Lake.

Customer Reviews

Welcome to the 60's!
This is a great movie! John Travolta made a good choice when he decided to play in this one. It has many of the same qualities that makes us love Grease, it is sweet and innocent with a great message to young people, yet it doesn't try too hard to preach or change the world. It is all about fun. There were moments when I was laughing so hard, I was crying, and my feet never stopped tapping the rythm of the fantastic soundtrack.

If you want to find reasons not to like the movie, then I'm sure you will succeed. True, there were times when a voice didn't quite measure up to the material, the lyrics are a far cry from Shakespeare, and the character of Edna would not be even remotely as funny if it hadn't been John Travolta in women't clothing. That being said, I happily forgive every flaw, and willingly declare that I loved it!

THE BEST FILM EVA! XX
This film combines passionate opinions with magnificent songs. This has to be my favourite film ever and every time I see it, it makes me smile and want to boogie on down. John Travolta, Elijah Kelley, James Marsden and Zac Efron are excellent actors and have proved to be very good at singing in this film. As well as these, newcomer Nikki Blonsky is a very talented girl and portrayed Tracey Turnblad to a key. I hope this isn't the end for her as I believe she has great potential to make it big in Hollywood. Every time I have gone to see HAIRSPRAY, I have come out singing the hit tunes and with a huge grin on my face. I believe this film will appeal to everyone, no matter their age, or what their favourite genre is, you can't argue the fact that this revolutionary film will make you smile. :)

the next grease
hairspray has got to be the only film i went to see at the cinema more than once, i actually went to see it 5 times within about 2 weeks of it coming out because of the catchy songs and funny memorable scenes that leave you with a constant grin on your face through out the film. i can gaurantee your cheeks will be sore after watching this film and the songs will be stuck in your head until you watch it again and again.

definatly a must see