Hairspray (2007) [DVD] [2017]

If you haven't seen the original version don't worry you don't need to. If you have then at least you know the basics of how the film goes."It's rare that a movie captures the intensity and excitement of a live Broadway musical production while appealing to a broader movie-going audience, but the 2007 Hairspray is an energetic, powerfully moving film that does just that. A re-make of the 1988 musical film Hairspray the new Hairspray is a film adaptation of the 2002 Broadway musical and features more likeable characters than the original film and an incredible energy that stems from a great cast, fabulous new music, and the influence of musical producer Craig Zadan. What remains constant throughout all three versions of Hairspray is the story's thought-provoking exploration of prejudice and racism. Set in Baltimore in 1962, the film opens with chubby girl Tracy Turnblad (Nikki Blonsky) singing her heart out in a rendition of "Good Morning Baltimore" that, while admittedly a bit too long, sets the farcical tone for the film."I think the above statement gives you a good idea of what the actual film is about, but there is so much more than just a musical about prejudice and racism.For one you have John Travolta playing Tracy Turnblad's mother, yes you read right, John Travolta is dressed up like a women, talks like a women, in fact is a women all through this movie, and he does it very well. That for me was enough to make this film worth watching.If you are a fan of musicals you are bound to love this as well, its good a story that can easily stand the test of time, even though humanity has moved on from the prejudice of the 60's films like this are still an effective reminder even if done in a comical musical way.Zac Efron plays his part well, but then this wasn't long on from his High School Musical days so he was still in the 'teen musical' frame of actorship. James Marsden also plays his role well as the presenter of the TV show at the centre of all controversy. That's not all you have the likes of Michelle Pfeiffer playing the evil TV station boss that is obviously racist and dislikes Tracy Turnblad immensely she going out of her way to make sure things don't go how they should.The dancing, acting and singing, just make this whole movie a fun one to watch with all the family. Look out for some cameos roles from people that was in the previous version of this film. Some of the songs are the same or similar as the previous version, but enough new stuff, and a completely different take, make this different enough to be classed as difference.

All the hype when it was at the cinema. Hailed as the new Grease. It just didn't appeal to me. No musical could possibly beat Grease and it would be so overrated. So when I saw it at my local supermarket for cheap I thought i'd give it a try and I almost kicked myself after watching it. Not for spending money on it but for not seeing it on the big screen. The songs are so beautifully sung by a magnificent cast and so catchy you just want to sing along and be apart of it. I immediately ordered the soundtrack when it finished. Nikki Blonsky was cast perfectly as Tracy Turnblad and Zac Efron (I don't usually like him in HSM but he won me round in this) was the right choice of Link. John Travolta also had me laughing in every one of his scenes as Edna and never fails in my eyes to give the performance of his life no matter what he starring in. The scene with him and Christopher Walken singing 'you're timeless to me' was done brilliantly.The film is moving with a storyline about acceptance from being overweight to black and portrays everyone as equal no matter what walk of life they're from. A movie that is superb from the storyline to the music. I think Grease had better watch out because this film has just overtook it in my book as the best musical of all time. I'm about on my 10th time of watching it and I only bought it a few weeks back. If you see it and you have some spare money, BUY IT. It really is that good!!!

Yep good film

This is not the sort of movie I go for, but having read a few glowing reviews elsewhere about the film and the quality of picture and sound, and given that it is selling for well under £10, I thought I'd try it.If you don't like musicals then its best to avoid, but I don't mind them and hoped this would be entertaining part of the film.From the outset, the movie is crammed with songs, maybe one or two could be better or one or two less for me, and a little more dialogue. I felt it became a bit too broadway,but seeing as this is taken from the stageshow I can see how it's turned out that way.Some people are saying it's the new Grease or some are going OTT and saying it's better, but I can report IMO, it's not in the same Grade.On the upside though, I was entertained, even though this is bubblegum stuff that's more of a girlie movie for most of it, I wish John Travolta had been the father and not in a fatsuit in drag, maybe he could have danced better then but thankfully Chirtopher Walken and Michelle Pfeifer play very decent parts and keep the movie from being too cheesy. I thought Michelle Pfeifer in particular was great, she has some really good scenes and wished she was in it more.Other than that the plot gets a little dull sometimes mainly focusing on the musical numbers and could have been crafted a little better with more character involvement.The Best thing about this BluRay apart from it being great value and having two discs, is it doesn't dissapoint with Picture or Sound Quality,Each is absoulutely fatastic brimming with detail and colour - by God, the colours are so vibrant it's like your tv has maxed out on it. You might even want to turn down the colour setting on your tv as its so intense,I didn't but felt like it sometimes or putting it on a cool setting, just to make things a little more natural. It wasn't too distracting though and suited the poppy musical numbers.The sound is awesome and has the full 7.1 treatment, but I don't know what it's like as I had to settle for my 5.1 speakers, though this is quite enough and extremely high quality.The Extra's are overflowing - great for the little featurettes and extra deleted scenes and songs.All in all a very entertaining movie - not one for me personally to watch over and over, I much prefer Grease, but I can see quite a lot of kids and girls loving this and wanting to watch it time and time again, although not every song floated my boat, they were fun to watch and most of the actors gave very good performances. I may watch it every so often just for Pfeifer.Verdict - Well worth the money under a tenner, superb value, Entertaining performers, Good Songs,5 Star picture and sound.