Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #50556 in DVD
• Released on: 1999-12-21
• Aspect ratio: 2.35:1
• Formats: Anamorphic, Closed-captioned, Colour, DVD-Video, Special Edition, Widescreen, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Subtitled in: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 95 minutes

Amazon.co.uk Review
It's hard to call Detroit Rock City a "coming of age" movie--since it's hard to argue that any of the characters do any genuine growing up. But even though it's about four young metalheads trying to get to a Kiss concert, the movie actually has more in common with sincere portraits of adolescence than it does with raucous teen comedies. The four heroes are members of a teen metal band called Mystery (written in the same font as the letters of Kiss, lest anyone mistake their source of inspiration). After the drummer's religiously zealous mother burns their tickets to a long-awaited concert in nearby Detroit, the boys go anyway and try to get tickets through theft, skullduggery, and entering a male stripper contest. The jokes are broad and the movie culminates in an orgy of male adolescent wish-fulfilment, but here and there some loving attention is paid to the details of 1970s teenage life--the haircuts, clothes, and toys the film-makers probably had when they were kids. Edward Furlong (John Connor from Terminator 2, now grown up) as the band's singer exudes his particular lopsided charm; the rest of the cast play their parts with similar high spirits. Though Detroit Rock City was probably meant to be a no-holds-barred comedy in the vein of American Pie, the end result is curiously wistful; no one's going to mistake it for The Last Picture Show, but something sincere and elegiac lurks in those bang-covered eyes. --Bret Fetzer, Amazon.com

:On the DVD: Director Adam Rifkin gives a chaotic but funny commentary about a subject clearly dear to his heart; Gene Simmons is more level-headed but no less fascinating in his own commentary as he talks about his transition from a naive nine-year-old immigrant from Israel to the extravagant showman of Kiss. Hardcore Kiss fans will also appreciate another commentary track in which the other members of the band are interviewed on the telephone by associate producer Tim Sullivan. There's a good "making of" featurette with contributions from all involved. Four deleted scenes show how certain sections were cut for length, and you can also watch the complete "Detroit Rock City" concert footage. Also included are two original music videos: Everclear's cover of "The Boys Are Back in Town", and "Strutter" by The Donnas. The movie's trailer and cast and crew biographies round off a good DVD package. --Mark Walker

Customer Reviews

Top stuff!
This has to be one of my favourite films. Although, it definately helps to be a rock fan (even if not necessarily a KISS fan - as I'm not especially) in order to enjoy this film and relate to these really likable characters.

It's not just the comedy that makes this film great. It's that you really care about all four guys, who are brilliantly cast. It's often compared to films like Road Trip and Amercian Pie, but I feel it has alot more depth than films in that genre.

" I lost my virginity in a confessional booth!"
THis is one of the greatest movies about rock'n'roll and young misfits trying to loose their virginity and getting into a concert.
THis movie truly spawned the AMERICAN PIE generation!
it is actually flawless. i never thought icould say that about a movie that deals with the rock genre; thre is so much to cover, and this being KISS(one of the greatest and most celebrated rock bands around) the film would have to live up to all the hundreds of thousands of the KISS-ARMY to deal with.
THe director truly loves KISS and this shows in the film. It is a movie that is not just a vehicle for KISS, but an awesome movie even if you're not a KISS fan.
THe movie boasts many great preformances including a preformance from EDWARD FURLONG (before all the drugs), and a show stopping finale with KISS.
The movie is produced by kiss and there are some worthy DVD extra-features of the KISS name, including an interview with GENE SIMMONS and a comentary by SIMMONS, STANLEY etc.
This is truly an awesome movie that is just such a good movie to watch with your friends!! A definite for KISS fans, or those who want to see a remarkably funny comedy.
"Good tunes, good comedy, great KISS!"

AgathaMinge.

Funny, great tunes, and great one liners
It doesnt matter if you are a fan of KISS or not as this movie is great in every respect. I have watched it over 20 times and still find it funny. The story of 4 boys: Hawk, Trip, Lex and Jam is great as they embark on a road trip to see their idols KISS. The fact they have no tickets is great too (as Jam's mum burns them),so please buy this video as it is impossible to watch it only 10times, plus not only this, but there is also fantastic music, except for maybe MYSTERY themselves!!!