Search - Quadrophenia on DVD

MPAA Rating: R Content Advisory: Violence, Nudity, Adult Situations, Not For Children, Adult Language Movie Release: 1979 DVD Release: 09/25/2001 Format: DVD - Letterbox for TV Edition: Restored/Remastered SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 1 hrs 54 mins Studio: Rhino Home Video Members Wishing: 21 Genres: Drama, Teen Movie, Rock Musical, Coming-of-Age

This film version of The Who's rock opera Quadrophenia makes a few tentative stabs at "explaining" the alienation of 1960s British working-class youth, but its major selling point is its nonstop rock-and-R&B musical score, including the hit single "Love Reign O'er Me." Phil Daniels (replacing the original opera's Roger Daltrey) plays Jimmy, a member of a well-dressed, drugged-up teenaged gang called the Mods, forever duking it out with the cycle-punk Rockers. The rivalry between the two gangs comes to a head during three tempestuous days in the seaside town of Brighton. Here Jimmy makes love to lovely local Steph (Leslie Ash), and forges a strong friendship with unofficial Mod leader Ace Face (Sting). A series of disappointments and setbacks in his own London neighborhood convinces Jimmy to return to Brighton to pick up the pieces. If you aren't fascinated by the visual pyrotechnics of Quadrophenia, just close your eyes and revel to the soundtrack music of The Who, James Brown, Marvin Gaye, The Chiffons, Manfred Man, and many others. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Phil Daniels - Jimmy Michael Cooper
Mark Wingett - Dave
Philip Davis - Chalky
Sting - Ace Face
Leslie Ash - Steph
Garry Cooper - Peter

Quadrophenia hasn't shined brighter since its original theatrical run than it does in this feature-packed Rhino DVD edition. A lovingly restored widescreen 1.85:1 print sparkles with color and spectacle, providing far more contrast and far better flesh tones than previous home video releases. The Dolby Digital 5.1 audio track is worlds more dynamic than earlier releases. The menus are as cool and stylish as the Mod and Rocker wardrobes on display in the film. Supplemental features make this a monumentally thorough package. The full-frame theatrical trailer is a bit hyperbolic, but it's a minute and a half of healthy nostalgia. Sting's interview shows the musician/actor's reverence for the movie that houses his first cinematic performance. Director Franc Roddam's feature-length commentary is superb; it's as interesting as it is informative. Roddam leaves no stone unturned as he provides background details on the production, the Who's music, and the history of the Mod scene. A trivia track (accessed via subtitles on the third audio track) turns the movie into a fascinating kind of pop-up Quadrophenia. The Vespa mini-documentary is really just a short, hyperactive commercial. The Rhino Film Restoration section compares the before and after of their sound and video restoration process. "London to Brighton" is a completely cool fast-forward simulation of a Mod Vespa journey. "Are you a Mod or a Rocker?" is a fun quiz that helps a viewer answer the timeless question. "Photos" breaks the photo gallery into three areas: black-and-white publicity pics, Roddam's color continuity Polaroids, and memorabilia (there's an option to view all three sections as one slide show). The "British Mod Film Compendium" is an annotated look at many worthwhile Mod films. The Who discography is a list of the band's albums and compilation appearances. "Cast and Filmmakers" gives biographies and filmographies via glossy menus. In addition, there's a wealth of easter eggs, including "Portrait of a Mod," film reviews, and other fantastic surprises. =Quadrophenia is an essential DVD for Mods and Rockers alike. ~ Tim DiGravina, All Movie Guide