To be truthful, it took me a few years to understand what all the fuss was about with this film. A bunch of weirdos and cross-dressers prancing about did not seem to hold much appeal to me then. But it seemed that every party or disco at the time would go absolutely crazy mental when 'Time Warp' ws played. In fact it is still a guaranteed floor filler at any party night to this day.
So - Why? How? What and Who?
First of all, prepare yourself for a real musical extravagaza - a true Classic. No two ways about it, this creation from the occasionally warped mind of Richard O'Brien (he of Crystal Maze fame) is required watching. It's legion of fans still organise special events to celebrate the film, characters and in fact anything to do with it.
Last year at 'Filmstock' - a Film festival held in Luton - they had an evening
Open Air showing of the film. People dressed up, really got into the spirit of things and the Town Centre overflowed with fans and onlookers aiming for a good view of the Big Screen. Did I say 'Fang-tastic' ? Oh yes, I've done that one haven't I.
Anyway, this really is a cult movie in the grandest of senses. Star and prime weirdo, Tim Curry, of course, completely steals the show in his suspenders and with his vampishly outrangeous performance. Richard O'Brien wrote the brilliant score including the previously mentioned 'cultier than cult' classic 'Time Warp'.
There is a plot too (as if anyone really cares) - based around geek, Brad (Barry Bostwick now seen on TV in 'Spin City' as the Mayor) and his fiancée Janet (Susan Sarandon). They're travelling to meet their science professor when their car gets a flat tyre. They stumble across an old castle, in their hunt to find some help and come across all kinds of weird and wonderful characters.
There is Riff-Raff - a handyman supposedly, with a nice line in hunchbacks. The master of the castle is Dr Frank-n-Furter (Curry). He is a transvestite scientist (now having read this far, I think you must be beginning to get the drift, the merest hint ,that this film is wacky!!!). Frank happens to be from another planet - the planet Transsexual in the galaxy of Transylvania!. He introduces Brad and Janet to his latest creation - Rocky - who is big and blond! Eddie (played by the one and only Meatloaf) makes a brief appearance about now. He is technically Rocky's father, Frank having transplanted his brain into Rocky. He's killed by Frank after he escapes from the deep freeze.
Lost you yet?
Later on in the proceeedings, Frank seduces Brad....and then Janet. She then finds Rocky and seduces him. And theres more - Dr. Scott, their professor turns up there too!
I could go on, I really could. If you've seen the film - you know what happens, if you haven't - well why not?
It is a GREAT Film. And in an age when that adjective is used far too frequently - this FILM IS GREAT!!! Fantastic glam and vampish costumes. Great, great rocking, singalong music. And a cast full of household names.
Now, in the wonderful digital age we all live in, we are all able to enjoy the movie in the glorious DVD Format with all the usual 'add-ons'.
As extras to the movie itself, there is also an Audio Commentary by Richard O'Brien and Patricia Quinn (Magenta in the film). Plus plenty of other stuff ideal for fans
- 11 Minutes of Outtakes and Alternate Credits Ending. - The Pop-Up Video, made by VHI of 'Hot Patootie'. - A 37 minute long documentary 'Rocky Horror Double Feature Video Show'. - Deleted scenes - Original cinema Trailers (I can't remember seeing those from the time the film was first released, that it was pretty cool to see these). - A brief Photo Gallery. - Excerpts from and previously unseen outtakes From VH1's 'Behind the Music' and 'Where Are They Now' (a total of 45 mins).
And there's more as well - indeed plenty to get your teeth into and indulge yourself in an evening's worth of Rocky Horror.
The more I think of it how many people this movie and the songs have reached - not just one generation of students, shall we say, from 20 something years ago - but teens, twenties, thirties and more love it just as much today. It is truly a phenomenon - A real Time Warp.
~~ TIP - Try www.play.com for this DVD, it's current price of £17.99 is the cheapest I've seen it and it includes free delivery to the UK.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Production Year: 1999 - Music / Performing Arts - Original Language: English - Classification: Exempt - Starring: Donny Osmond, Joan Collins, Richard Attenborough
An absolute classic. And a pretty good review too! I am VERY tempted to go order myself a copy... although Channel 4 are starting to show the film on a regular basis these days! TT.
peppersinclaire 22.03.2002 22:27
Great op for a fantastic movie, one of my Top 10 - if I had one. For the "unofficial" sequel to Rocky Horror, check out Shock Treatment, which features the same characters - sort of - a different cast - sort of - and bizarre apperances by Rik Mayall (he even sings!), Ruby Wax, Barry Humphries of Dame Edna Everage fame, and a dead seagull. It's pretty out there, not as good as Rocky, but good for camp value. Cheers, P$
KarenUK 18.03.2002 21:38
I love this film too & keep meaning to buy the video. I think I'll wait til we get a DVD player & buy the DVD instead, it sounds worth it :-)
The Rocky Horror Picture Show is an erotic nightmare beyond any measure. Relive Richard ... more
O'Brien's sinfully twisted salute to horror, sci-fi, B-movies and rock music starring Tim Curry (in his classic gender-bending performance), Barry Bostwick and Osca...
Advantages: MeatLoaf, the Time Warp, and as close to being at the theatre as you can be at home Disadvantages: It's Rocky, What disadvantages could there be??
![The Rocky Horror Picture Show (2 Disc Special Edition) [1975] [DVD]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/78241655.jpg "The Rocky Horror Picture Show (2 Disc Special Edition) [1975] [DVD]")
![The Rocky Horror Picture Show [Special Edition]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/103214183.jpg "The Rocky Horror Picture Show [Special Edition]")
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