Blu-ray Review: ‘80s Hits ‘Gremlins,’ ‘Dirty Dancing’ & Their Sequels

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CHICAGO – The generation raised on movies of the ’80s is now the one that buys the most Blu-rays. And so it makes sense that more and more of the films of our youth are hitting the format. Again. And again. Lionsgate has turned releasing and re-releasing “Dirty Dancing” into an art form (and would never pass up the 25th anniversary without another re-release). And Warner Bros. has finally given both “Gremlins” and “Gremlins 2” an HD polish although one wishes they had given more care and love to Joe Dante’s gems. Oh yeah, you can also now own “Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights” on Blu-ray if there’s anyone out there who considers that valuable information.

It may say something about the war of the sexes but I imagine more men would choose the “Gremlins” 2-pack and more women would lean toward the “Dirty Dancing” 2-film collection on the new releases shelf. I could be wrong and the fact is that both of the first films in these sets are pretty timeless. Sadly, the transfers on both “Gremlins” films are shockingly lackluster. They look over-mixed like a DVD being upconverted instead of a digital restoration. If you already own them, there’s zero reason to do the HD upgrade. “Dirty Dancing” looks better but the fact is that all four of these films have been available before with the exact same special features. These are releases for the few fans who still haven’t added them to their collection. If you already own the sagas of Baby & Johnny and Mogwai & Stripe then don’t bother.

Gremlins
Gremlins
Photo credit: WB

“Gremlins”

HollywoodChicago.com Oscarman rating: 4.0/5.0
Rating: 4.0/5.0

Synopsis:
Gremlins is a wildly original roller coaster ride of hilarious mischief. One minute your hair will stand on end, the next you’ll hold your sides with laughter at the havoc these supposedly gentle furballs create when the rules are broken. One of the most fondly remembered box office hits of recent times, with sly special effects that dazzle and enchant, Gremlins is “what superior popular movie making is all about.” (Richard Corliss, Time)

Special Features:
o 2 Commentaries
o Over 10 Minutes Of Additional Scenes
o Making Of
o Photo/Storyboard Gallery
o Theatrical Trailers

“Gremlins 2: The New Batch”

HollywoodChicago.com Oscarman rating: 4.0/5.0
Rating: 4.0/5.0

Synopsis:
The rules are the same but the laughs are bigger and the thrills are better. This time Billy and everyone’s favorite Mogwai, Gizmo, must face off against a new batch of Gremlins that definitely think New York is their kind of town.

Plus, feed on a great batch of extras including footage not seen in theaters, a “behind-the-screams” look at working with the Gremlins, a full-length audio commentary and much, much more!

Special Features:
o Over 20 Minutes of Footage Not Seen In Theaters
o Behind-The-Scenes Documentary
o Commentary By Director Joe Dante, Actor Zach Galligan, Writer Charlie Haas and Producer Michael Finnell
o Gag Reel
o Alternate Home Video Sequence
o Theatrical Trailer

Dirty Dancing Collection
Dirty Dancing Collection
Photo credit: Lionsgate

“Dirty Dancing”

HollywoodChicago.com Oscarman rating: 4.0/5.0
Rating: 4.0/5.0

Synopsis:
Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey star in this beloved coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of a Catskill Mountains resort during the summer of 1963. Drawn to the staff quarters by the sound of stirring music, vacationing 17-year-old Baby (Grey) meets rebellious Johnny (Swayze), the hotel dance instructor, who is as experienced as Baby is naive. Baby becomes Johnny’s pupil in dance - and in love - in this heartwarming, spirit-lifting movie that continues to captivate generations of movie fans around the world.

Special Features:
o Kellerman’s: Reliving the Locations of the Film
o Dirty Dancing: The Phenomenon
o Commentary With Writer/Co-Producer Eleanor Bergstein
o Commentary With Kenny Ortega, Miranda Garrison, Jeff Jur, Hilary Rosenfeld and David Chapman
o Kellerman’s: Reliving The Locations Of The Film
o Dirty Dancing: The Phenomenon
o Dancing To The Music
o Tributes: In Memoriam - A Tribute To Patrick Swayze, Emile Ardolino Tribute, Tribute To Jerry Orbach
o The Rhythm Of The Dancing
o Photo Gallery
o Fan Reel
o Theatrical Trailer
o Eleanor Bergstein Script
o Vintage Featurette
o Trivia Track
o Dirty Dancing Live In Concert
o Dirty Dancing With Patrick Swayze
o Outtakes
o Music Videos: “Hungry Eyes,” “She’s Like The Wind,” “(I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life”
o Multi-Angle Dance Sequences
o Cast Interviews With Jennifer Grey, Eleanor Bergstein, Miranda Garrison and Kenny Ortega
o Original Screen Tests
o Deleted, Alternate And Extended Scenes

“Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights

HollywoodChicago.com Oscarman rating: 2.0/5.0
Rating: 2.0/5.0

Synopsis:
On the eve of Cuba’s revolution, a young American woman discovers a passion for dance and for her sultry Cuban partner, Javier. As the two prepare to take their place in the prestigious national dance competition, their bodies align in a sensual harmony that mirrors the growing bond between them. They dominate the dance floor with a sizzling style and rhythm all their own.
Synopsis:

Special Features:
o Multi-Angle Dance Sequences
o Deleted Scenes
o Baila!: A Dance Piece
o Inside Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights
o Yerba Buena Music Video
o Producer And Choreographer Commentary

“Gremlins,” “Gremlins 2: The New Batch,” and “Dirty Dancing Collection” were released on Blu-ray on May 8, 2012.

HollywoodChicago.com content director Brian Tallerico

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

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