Hairspray Full Screen Edition

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 remake 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. Viewers quickly become immersed in Tracy's teenage world of popular television dance shows, big hair, the stigma of being different, and the first hesitant steps toward racial integration within a segregated world. The Corny Collins (James Marsden) television dance show is a teenage obsession in Tracy's world and Link Larkin (Zac Efron) is every girl's dream partner, so when a call for auditions goes out, Tracy skips school to try out, but is rejected by station manager Velma von Tussle (Michelle Pfeiffer) because of her large size and the threat of competition for Velma's own daughter Amber (Brittany Snow). Perseverance and the support of her friend Penny (Amanda Bynes), father Wilbur (Christopher Walken), and negro dancer Seaweed (Elijah Kelley) lead Tracy to the spotlight and the chance of a lifetime, but more and more Tracy discovers that fairness and equality for those who are different does not come without a fight and that sacrifices must be made to effect change. While the message is serious, Hairspray is first and foremost a comedy with stellar performances by John Travolta as Edna Turnblad (who ever imagined Saturday Night Fever's iconic star would appear onscreen as a woman?), Christopher Walken, and Michelle Pfeiffer. Part of what makes Hairspray so powerful is the exceptional music composed by Marc Shaiman, including songs newly composed for the movie like "Ladies' Choice," "The New Girl in Town," and "Come So Far," and the awesome vocal talents of Queen Latifah (Motormouth Maybelle) and a cast of heretofore musically-unknown actors like Nikki Blonsky, Zac Efron, and Brittany Snow who really can sing. Notable trivia includes Jerry Stiller's appearance in both versions of the film (as Wilbur in the 1988 film and as Mr. Pinky in this 2007 rendition), and a cameo appearance by 1988 director and screenplay writer John Waters. Hairspray is one of the best films of the year–it's powerfully moving entertainment that leaves you energized and motivated to fight for what you believe in. –Tami Horiuchi

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Makes me laugh
I heard rave reviews, especially about John Travolta, and watched with great anticipation. And by all standards, this is such a hilarious and cheerful musical. Its success owe much to its excellent balance of great dance numbers and everyone has their turn to lead in the spotlight. For the first half, I am captivated by the singing and dancing Tracey, she is so beautiful and so plus size! Then it is her classmates' turn, the vibrant black youths in the detention class, singing even more beautifully and leap so high in the air. When Mrs. Turnblad (John Travolta) showed up with her feminine features, not to mention her adorable and modest demeanor, that's worth zillions of laughs. The scene Mr. and Mrs. Turnblad (Christopher Walken) singing in the backyard can be so romantic. But I love the finale best - the way John Trovolta moves and bends, Queen Lativah sings and the group dancers twirl round and round unbelievably fast.

As for the plot - not to discriminate against race, size and look- it may be predictable but the cast is so funny that it's still worth watching again and again. And one big surprise, to someone who can't dance (me), the 2 dance lessons in the bonus features given by the choregraphers are eye-opening. They inspire me with the "camel pull", "chicken" moves. And now I admire those dancers greatly, even more than the main characters. All right, maybe Mrs. Turnblad's final dance is still hard to beat!

4 Stars A little bit Grease, a little bit Bye Bye Birdie & you've got
another high-school musical. Nikki Blonsky as Tracy is new to movies & really shines. But John Travolta steals the whole movie . He is fully in drag as Enda, Tracy's mom. But he can dance & sing for real. Some well known faces such as Michelle Phieffer, Chris Walken & others lend support. The plot? Dross. The dancing is the thing. Very good original rock n' roll style muscic & singing. Great live & pretty good on the larger stage of movies.

1 Star Won't play properly on Linux
I was not able to watch this DVD because it refuses to play on Linux. If you want to watch a movie using Free Software, avoid this DVD.

It does work OK in a standard DVD player, so I did not return it (because the person I was giving it to owns a DVD player too.)

1 Star hAIIRSPRAY-2 DISC
i WAS NOT SATISFIED WITH THE QUALITY OF THE PRODUCT.I WAS UNABLE TO VIEW IT BECAUSE IT HAD WHITE SMUDGES ON THE PLAYNG SIDE AND WOULD NOT PLAY.i RETURNED IT TO AMAZON FOR ANOTHER "HAIRSPRAY".iT TOO HAD THE SAME DAMAGES,AND WAS RETURED TO YOU FOR A CREDIT,THOUGHT IT WOULD BE EASIER TO GET IT LOCALLY.IMISTAKENLY ORDERED A THIRD COPY WITH THE SECOND AND HAD IT SENT TO MY DAUGHTER.THE QUALITY IS OKAY.I WAS DISAPPOINTED WITH THIS EXPERIENCE.J.AUSTIN

5 Stars the best cheer up therapy
If you're in a cloudy day and feeling blue it's the best remedy you can find

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