Search - Saturday Night Fever [30th Anniversary Special Collector's Edition] [Special Packaging] on DVD

MPAA Rating: R Content Advisory: Mild Violence, Not For Children, Profanity, Sexual Situations, Alcohol Consumption, Watch With Your Teen Movie Release: 1977 DVD Release: 09/18/2007 Format: DVD - Color,Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV Edition: Special Collection Audio Tracks: English, French, Spanish Subtitles: English, French, Spanish SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 1 hrs 58 mins Studio: Paramount Members Wishing: 9 Genres: Drama, Musical Drama, Urban Drama, Dance Film See Also: Saturday Night Fever, Saturday Night Fever [Special Collector's Edition] [Spanish Version], Saturday Night Fever [30th Anniversary Special Collector's Edition] [Special Packaging], Saturday Night Fever [Blu-ray]

John Travolta graduated from minor celebrity to superstar with Saturday Night Fever. Travolta plays Tony Manero, a Brooklyn paint-store clerk who'd give anything to break out of his dead-end existence. In life, Tony is a peasant; on the disco dance floor, he's a king. As the soundtrack plays one Bee Gees hit after another (including "Stayin' Alive"), we watch white-suited Tony strut his stuff amidst flashing lights and sweaty, undulating bodies. Tony's class aspirations are mirrored in his relationship with his dance partner, Stephanie (Karen Lynn Gorney), a secretary eager to move into the glamorous world of Manhattan. Saturday Night Fever's huge success grew meteorically thanks to the towering popularity of its soundtrack; during the first half of 1978, when the movie's disco songs saturated the singles charts up to four at a time, it was no longer clear whether the hit movie was feeding the hit songs or the hit songs were feeding the hit movie. This crossover between music and movies set the pace for many movies to come, as it also marked the rise and fall of 1970s disco culture. Two versions of this film exist: the original R-rated version and a PG version, edited down to more "family-friendly" fare and fed to the public with the tagline, "Because we want everyone to see John Travolta's performance." ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

John Travolta - Tony Manero
Karen Gorney - Stephanie
Barry Miller - Bobby C.
Joseph Cali - Joey
Paul Pape - Double J.

An enduring favorite from the 1970's gets a solid upgrade with this new Collector's Edition disc from Paramount. The letterboxed, anamorphic transfer does well by the film's colorful cinematography, bringing the right amount of depth and visual dazzle in the frequent nightclub sequences. The audio portion of the disc is also strong, offering well-mixed Dolby 2.0 and 5.1 tracks for the listener. The difference between the two isn't huge but both use the film's standout song score to potent effect. There are also plenty of extras. First up is a commentary track from director John Badham that appeared on the previous disc of this title: it's a comprehensive track that looks at the film from angles of its production and a worthy listen for fans. The biggest extra is a five-part documentary entitled "Catching The Fever": John Travolta is noticeably absent from this piece (and that's a shame) but virtually every other major cast member and above-the-line participant steps forward to discuss the film with great fondness. Also included is a light but diverting return to the film's locations, a 'how to dance like Travolta' featurette (presumably catering to the Dancing With The Stars fanbase) and a "simon says"-style dance game that the viewer can play with their remote control. Rounding out the package is a "Discopedia" option that allows the viewer to watch the film with a fact-track that offers contextual information about the 1970's -- it's a nice touch for those who are too young to remember the era. The one disappointment in the extras area is the lack of any trailers for the film. That quibble aside, this is a solid special edition for a deserving film and a great way for fans new and old to re-experience the Saturday Night Fever phenomenon. ~ Donald Guarisco, All Movie Guide