A string of hummable songs gives it momentum, Gray's admirably straight-faced narrator holds it together, and a run on black lingerie takes care of almost everything else.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
Runtime: 1 hr 46 mins
Synopsis: THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW is a magical phenomenon unlike anything ever before seen onscreen. Borrowing largely from cinema's horror conventions, the film begins as an innocent young couple is stranded at the home of a mad scientist who is building the perfect man. The castle is filled... THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW is a magical phenomenon unlike anything ever before seen onscreen. Borrowing largely from cinema's horror conventions, the film begins as an innocent young couple is stranded at the home of a mad scientist who is building the perfect man. The castle is filled with a most bizarre group of characters who worship their master, Dr. Frank-N-Furter, played magnificently by the fabulously sexy Tim Curry, in leather jacket, pearls, fishnet stockings, and heavy makeup. Brad (Barry Bostwick) and Janet (Susan Sarandon) are forced to examine their own sexuality as the voluptuous doctor releases the hidden desires in each of them. Based on the stage musical by Richard O'Brien (who also appears in the film as Riff Raff), the film comes alive with unforgettable song-and-dance numbers that have come to represent the sexual liberation of the 1970s. The outstanding costuming and makeup, the terrific acting by a group of relative unknowns (Curry, O'Brien, Bostwick, Sarandon, Nell Campbell, Patricia Quinn, Meat Loaf), and the memorable songs ("Time Warp," "Sweet Transvestite") help make THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW one of the most bizarrely entertaining and satisfying musicals ever made. [More]
Genre: Musical & Performing Arts
Starring: Tim Curry, Barry Bostwick, Susan Sarandon, Charles Gray, Richard O'Brien
DVD Info
Release:
Nov 9, 2007
DVD Features:
- Notes: Disc one contains the original American version or the new U.K. version which contains the "Superheroes" musical sequence.
- Region 1
- Keep Case - Sensormatic
- Disc One: THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW
- Letterboxed - Anamorphic 1.66
- Single Side - Dual Layer
Audio:
- Dolby Digital 5.1 - English
- Dolby Digital Mono - English
- THX Mastered Audio
Additional Release Material:
- Audio Commentary - 1. Richard O'Brien - Co-Writer/Star, Patricia Quinn - Star
- 2. Full-Length Audience Participation
Interactive Features:
- Scene Access
- Interactive Menus
- Multiple Angles - 1. Multi-View Theatre Experience - View Scenes from Theatrical Interaction
- Pop-Ups - 1. Participation Prompter
DVD-ROM Features:
- DVD-ROM Game - 1. Rocky Horror Trivia Challenge
- Screensavers
- Riff Raff's Story Lab
- Rocky Horror Video Jukebox
- Disc Two: Supplementary Material
Additional Release Material:
- Alternate Ending - 1. Misprint Ending
- Alternate Scenes - 1. Closing Credits
- Trailers - 1. Two Original Theatrical Trailers
- Deleted Scenes - 1. "Once in a While"
- 2. "Superheroes"
- Outtakes - 1. "The Time Warp"
- 2. "Brad & Janet Undressed"
- 3. "Janet's Seduction"
- 4. "Floor Show Preparations"
- Production Interviews - 1. VH1 Celebrity Interviews
- Featurettes - 1. "Rocky Horror Double Feature Video Show"
- 2. Excerpts from VH1's "BEHIND THE MUSIC" and "WHERE ARE THEY NOW" Featuring Interviews With Richard O'Brien, Susan Sarandon, Barry Bostwick, Patricia Quinn, and Meatloaf Aday.
- 3. VH1 "Pop-Up Video" of "Hot Patootie!"
Text/Photo Galleries:
- Stills/Photos
Interactive Features:
- Interactive Menus
- Sing-Alongs - 1. "Toucha Toucha Touch Me"
- 2. "Sweet Transvestite"
DVD-ROM Features:
- DVD-ROM Game - 1. Rocky Horror Trivia Challenge
- Screensavers
- Riff Raff's Story Lab
- Rocky Horror Video Jukebox
Reviews
For those willing to experiment with something a little bit different, a little bit outré, The Rocky Horror Picture Show has a lot to offer.
Most of the jokes that might have seemed jolly fun on stage now appear obvious and even flat. The sparkle's gone.
The film itself is a lot of fun -- but the audience-participation phenomenon has turned it into a one-of-a-kind cinematic experience.
The wit is too weak to sustain a film, and the songs all sound the same.
Viewed on video simply as a movie, without the midnight sideshow, it's cheerful and silly, and kind of sweet, and forgettable.
A very good film in its own right; it's a triumph of clever filmmaking by Jim Sharman, who should have gone on to bigger things.
I'm betting most fans have never really watched the film, they being distracted by the parade of guys in fishnets and flying toast.
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