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Purple Rain [DVD] [1984]
![Purple Rain [DVD] [1984]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41R2A0NRZML._SL160_.jpg)
RRP: £13.99
Our Price: £4.05 (subject to change)
Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review
While "rock musical" remains a phrase used by sadistic parents to give their offspring nightmares the genre does occasionally throw up the odd gem, Purple Rain being perhaps the shiniest example. Given the theatricality of Prince's stage shows, it was only a matter of time before the diminutive pop potentate found himself a big-screen vehicle but few could have predicted that Purple Rain would become nothing less than a cultural phenomenon. The story, co-written by one-time Starsky & Hutch scripter William Blinn, may be a somewhat hackneyed tale with His Purpleness overcoming a troubled background and musical rival Morris Day to achieve his dreams of rock stardom. However, the cast, which also includes Prince protegée Appollonia, rises above the clichés to hand in a set of performances which, while never likely to trouble the Oscars, prove that all concerned can at least play a rough approximation of themselves with minimal difficulty. What really helped push the film's box-office receipts through the roof, however, was its soundtrack featuring a clutch of hit singles--notably "When Doves Cry"--and which cemented our pint-sized hero's position as one of the globe's premiere performing artists. Sadly, subsequent attempts to re-bottle this particular brand of lightning with Under a Cherry Moon and Graffiti Moon would prove substantially less successful but Purple Rain still looks--and, more importantly sounds--rarely less than funktastic. --Clark Collis
The Arrival of a Star into the Mainstream
Review date: 2010-03-13 Rating: 10 out of 10
I think Purple Rain is when Prince arrived into the mainstream of popularity. He is an unusual and gifted phenomenon; unafraid of expressing his sexuality. Prince had a raw talent during this time, normal of many musical artists at the beginning stages of their career.
In my opinion, the Purple Rain DVD is more about the soundtrack than the film itself. You get to see Prince performing on stage as the 'Kid'; he's really just himself and it's fantastic to see his fancy footwork whilst singing now many of his great hits, such as Baby I'm a Star, Let's go Crazy and other lesser known tracks, such as Darling Nikki - look out for Prince 'humping' the stage during this one; later to become known as one of his trademark moves whilst performing.
Of course for those who like Prince's chart hits, there is the moving performance of Purple Rain.
The acting itself isn't going to award anyone with an Oscar, maybe a Razzie and if anything the performances come across as comical in an entertaining way, even though they're not meant to be.
But it's Prince and if you're already a fan, then this is him at his hottest, super cool best, at the beginning of his superstardom and like he's say knowingly of his gift, "Might not know it now, but baby ......I'm a Star!"
ReviewsMemoriesReview date: 2009-12-09 Rating: 10 out of 10I bought this after hearing Joe sing it on x factor and wanted to see the film. Bought back some fantastic memories of years gone by. Prince will always be weird and wonderful.Prince/ symbol, in Purple Rain DVDReview date: 2009-08-09 Rating: 10 out of 10This is a film featuring Prince in his band (so lots of Prince songs), competing with another band. This was something my husband wanted as he had on video... and he loved it. It's not a bad film if you don't know what to expect - entertaining enough! Haven't looked at any of the special features yet but this was a complete bargain! =o)Great funReview date: 2009-03-04 Rating: 8 out of 10Let's be honest: Prince isn't a great actor. He is, however, a superb musician and one of the best live performers I've ever seen, and this film provides a glimpse of the great man doing what he does best.
The story is very, very simple: Prince (or "The Kid") is a musician who regularly plays at a club in Minneapolis. As his music becomes more self-indulgent the manager of the venue threatens to ditch his star act unless he plays what people want to hear, and as a result tensions begin to build within the band. The Kid falls in love, makes a woman strip and jump into a lake, two of his band members write an instrumental song called "Purple Rain", Prince plays it, drives the crowd wild, and his job at the club is saved. Hurrah.
In some ways the film falls into the category dubiously named "so bad it is brilliant", but on the whole it is tremendous fun. The live performances are great, the songs are just superb, and Prince plays with a puppet. What more could you want?If you love great music....Review date: 2008-06-29 Rating: 10 out of 10I suppose one of the main reasons for watching the film is to try to extend an understanding of Prince, of that brilliant and enigmatic character whose unique talents have shaped the most joyful music of our generation. Whilst the film hints at a semi-autobiographical content, this is not fully explored. The Kid (the main character) has to overcome family difficulties and the scepticism of his peers, using his experiences, to shape his music.
Prince ,typically, is generous in allowing others to share the spotlight. Both the Time and Apollonia perform . Yet it is Prince's films and his concert performances are energetic and captivating. Darling Nikki is challenging and sexy. Purple Rain is soulful and magnificent. These sequences alone show an artist of stature and probably justify the cost of the DVD.
So it it better than a concert video? Maybe not... the script lacks dramatic energy and the acting is lightweight in places. Yet it is a wonderfully watchable record of the talents of one of our most mercurial performers.
Product Details/SpecificationsActor(s):
Prince
Apollonia Kotero
Morris Day
Olga Karlatos
Clarence Williams III
Creators:
Prince (Primary Contributor)
Apollonia Kotero (Primary Contributor)
Donald E. Thorin (Cinematographer)
Albert Magnoli (Editor)
Albert Magnoli (Writer)
Joseph Ruffalo (Producer)
Robert Cavallo (Producer)
Steven Fargnoli (Producer)
William Blinn (Writer)
Director(s):
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Recording label: Warner Home Video Manufacturer: Warner Home VideoEAN: 7321900335331Binding: DVDNumber of items: 2Format: Box set, PAL, Special Edition, Release date: 2006-07-01Number of discs: 2Audience rating: Suitable for 15 years and overRegion code: 2Running time: 107 minutesTheatrical release date: 1984-07-27Language: English (Original Language)
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