Purple Rain [DVD] [1984]

'Purple Rain' is the best Rock 'n' Roll movie ever made...i'll get that out the way first.The amount of money the film grossed worldwide is quite staggering, and i'm assuming pretty much everyone who was around in 1984 would have went to see it. The film basically made Prince a global superstar.'Purple Rain' is essentially the story of Minneapolis club musician 'The Kid' (Prince), and his attempt to try and make an impact with his music whilst struggling with an abusive homelife and a troubled relationship with his girlfriend; Apollonia Kotero.The movie centres around The Kids fiery relationship with Apollonia and his rivalry with Morris Day (front man of one of many prince side projects - The Time).The story will be unimportant to most, and truthfully the plot & characters are fairly one dimensional, but that isn't why you would see this film...The musical set-pieces in the movie are outstanding, and it is Prince's performances and stage theatrics that carry the film. Particular highlights during the film??......take your pick, there isn't a single bad movement from Prince in the entire duration, but if you want to proove to someone that Prince is truly a master showman let them watch the 'I Would Die 4 U/Baby, I'm A star' performance at the climax of the film, and tell them to notice that he doesn't sit still for the 7 minute + running time.Other then the obvious highlights of the music, Morris Day is about the best thing in the film. Cocky, arrogant, and over-the-top; he is a stark contrast to Prince's smouldering, myserious portrayal of The Kid and provides some light-hearted comic touches in pretty much every scene he's in.The acting throughout is for the most part good; Prince and Co. were never going to have too much trouble, the movie is semi-autobiographical after all, but it's still quite an achievement considering none of the stars had any previous acting experience.The only two professional actors in the film (Clarence Williams III & Olga Karlatos) play Prince's parents and understandably spent more time rehearsing, and doing numerous takes to get their scenes as good as they can be.'Purple Rain' really can't be recommended enough, as a Prince fan you should already have it, and if you don't you NEED it.Saying that though, a lot more could have, and should have been done with the DVD version.At the least the americans got a trailer with it...

My favourite film, a great watch.

This 1984 rock musical drama is an unabashed showcase to the singer Prince in which he illustrates his particular talents through several extended concert/show sequences. The songs are linked via a basic plot in which struggling musician Prince, falls for new girl on the scene, Appolonia, and his rivalry with other stage acts, principally the Time.If you don’t like Prince or his music, leave this alone, but if you even have a passing interest, then buy it. Featuring the bulk of his greatest songs, the setting of them to a storyline gives a new insight to them. Yes, the acting is often poor and stiff, the hairstyles and approach very dated 80’s and the script not very innovative, but it does capture the flavour of the time in a pop video culture manner. The humour is mainly dry and dark with a fair amount tongue-in –cheek, some of which Prince aims at himself.This two disc set has the widescreen film on one disc, the other containing interviews and 8 Prince music videos, plus behind the scenes commentaries. The film contains some swearing and nudity which rates this as a 15 but despite the flaws is well made and has a great sound presence making this a ***** movie.

I didn't see this the first time around and the misogyny grates with a modern viewing but the music is amazing and it really takes you back to that time. If you love Prince then you'll love this.

5 stars because the music is nothing short of a masterpiece and lets face it, it's all about the music. The story, while not bad, is meant to attach the various songs. The acting may not be up to oscar standings but its not bad either. If you havbe not seen the movie you are missing out and if you have you know what i mean. Blu-Ray is nice. Its hard for me to do any real good comparison as the latest version i saw was on VHS so everything is an upgrade :) This was also the reason why i bought it on Blu-Ray.I consider this as one of those must have movies.

There are so many good reviews for this movie (mostly DVD) that I will only describe shortly what I felt about it. Im not particular Prince fan, but very fond of concerts, this was the only thing I found on Blueray from him. I didnt even read description close, so didnt knew if it was a movie or a docu or what. But I mostly like it. It was very 80th, but I like to go back in time to remember how things was!Details: Picture are varying from grainy to very good, mostly when needed it is good. Audio is also very good, with an extra punch in the bass. A strange thing, under the competition between the two groups in the end of movie, the not winning group (which also played good) seems to be given a worse mixing/mastering to make them sound way worser than the winners?The plot was quite simple, but in this setting where I think music is essentiell, its OK. Acting was varying and maybe no one will be big star, but didnt disturbed much. The BD was worth its money alone just to see sweet Appollonia Kotero in her sexy skin leather outfit, when they were on a motorbike trip to a lake. If u like her to take suit off, u should also buy the movie (yes Im a man). It was one particular thing I did not liked so much in the story, most of the girls acting in the movie were not treated well. Was it to show how tough a mans world can be? I felt it unnecessary.As a biker I also must comment Kids (Prince) motorcycle. Strange they didnt use a Harley when its a US movie! Anyway it was a nice bike, and typical for that time. This Honda (is it CM400) probably was much cheaper and made no problems during the film production. But of course in this story, price also fit young and not rich Kid better.

Present