Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #106 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

A big dissapointment
I got this film for christmas last year and, as a result i was pleasantly surprised at how different it was to all the other musicals. I first watched it as soon as i got it (for an hour); as it went on i thought how bored i was, i think this was because the story seemed to go on and on etc. I wasn't understanding at all what was happening; i realise that i am younger than most people that watch it ,but all my friends seemed to watch it and agree with my opinion of it. I am a big fan of musicals, however i am not a big fan of this one!

Review by Chloe aged 11

what a movie!
its 1962 and change is in the air.Tracy turnblad is the lovable hairhopper with big hair and big dreams to be the star of the corney collins show.with an allstar cast including john travolta and Queen latifah this film is amazing with get up and dance songs.This film is my NO.1 favourite musical of all time!A must watch for all!

Grease has a strong contender in Hairspray
All the hype when it was at the cinema. Hailed as the new Grease. It just didn't appeal to me. No musical could possibly beat Grease and it would be so overrated. So when I saw it at my local supermarket for cheap I thought i'd give it a try and I almost kicked myself after watching it. Not for spending money on it but for not seeing it on the big screen. The songs are so beautifully sung by a magnificent cast and so catchy you just want to sing along and be apart of it. I immediately ordered the soundtrack when it finished. Nikki Blonsky was cast perfectly as Tracy Turnblad and Zac Efron (I don't usually like him in HSM but he won me round in this) was the right choice of Link. John Travolta also had me laughing in every one of his scenes as Edna and never fails in my eyes to give the performance of his life no matter what he starring in. The scene with him and Christopher Walken singing 'you're timeless to me' was done brilliantly.

The film is moving with a storyline about acceptance from being overweight to black and portrays everyone as equal no matter what walk of life they're from. A movie that is superb from the storyline to the music. I think Grease had better watch out because this film has just overtook it in my book as the best musical of all time. I'm about on my 10th time of watching it and I only bought it a few weeks back. If you see it and you have some spare money, BUY IT. It really is that good!!!