Xanadu

Rating:
Summary: A true transition piece - generationless
Review: This video is a unique mix of Oliva, Gene K. and a Beegee in a fantasy setting. It helps to know your Greek mythology, the social character of the 1940's and the excitement of the 1980's. This mix, in fact, shows that the music and values from one generation to the next is not a far apart as is often claimed. This video gives the older viewer and the younger viewer the opportunity to enjoy "their" music together. Enjoy the performance.

Rating:
Summary: A big music video (before the birth of MTV)
Review: I saw this over 25 times when it was originally released in the theater in 1980. I was a huge Olivia Newton-John fan. She, combined with ELO, made some great music come alive. Probably won't do much for kids today with MTV and VH1, but still worth at least checking it out. Enjoy!

Rating:
Summary: OK, I admit it, I liked it!
Review: I was a college sophomore when my roommate (a big Olivia Newton-John fan) dragged me to see "Xanadu" at the movies back in 1980. Despite my intention to hate the movie, I actually enjoyed it -- both the first time and a half-dozen other times he managed to get me to the theater. The roller-boogie sequences are really pathetic, but overall, the goofy energy and awkward electricity generated in this love story make it worth watching. Gene Kelly really makes the movie for me; he is a wonderful father (or grandfather) figure, and when he is off screen, the movie just kind of limps along to the expected finish. Olivia Newton-John is a fresh-faced sweetie, and the music really grows on you if you give it a chance.

Rating:
Summary: 80's Camp Classic
Review: This 1980 musical, starring the living legend Olivia Newton-John and the sadly departed legend Gene Kelly, is for some strange reason the one film I can watch over and over again. The music is awesome, who would ever have thought to collaborate the talents of ELO & ONJ for that disco classic title song "Xanadu" ? OK, the acting is rather "cardboard" but can't the same be said for almost all musicals.... We're not really meant to sit there and scrutinise, but rather be carried off to another realm for an hour and a half... something Xanadu does rather well. Watch during the Danny/Kira 40's dance sequence for a glimpse of a cameraman in the ballroom mirror ! Fun for all the family...

Rating:
Summary: A cozy return to the 80's
Review: This is a wonderful movie for those who want to get lost in the mystical world of Greek mythology and cuddly love where everything turns out right. And for those who remember the term "all skate", this finale of this will get your wheels spinning!

Rating:
Summary: Dated but thoroughly charming musical fantasy
Review: "Xanadu" is one of those films people either love or loathe. To love it is to allow yourself to get totally carried away by this rather spirited fantasy that is escapist, fun, and a treat for the ears and eyes. "Grease" may be more popular, but for my money Olivia Newton-John is a knockout in this movie and she and the terrific music of ELO make it one of the best musicals to come out of Hollywood since 1971's "The Boy Friend".

Colorful, imaginative, and loaded with dance and spectacle, "Xanadu" is almost too far-out for most people to digest. Glowing muses, mannequins coming to life, Gene Kelly on Rollerskates...

Definitely worth a look-see and chock full of kicky oddities like the 'things that make you go hmmmm' look of Livvy in her sun dress, leg-warmers and high heels. My Favorite class/trash film of all time!

Rating:
Summary: A Nostalgic Classic!
Review: I first saw this movie at the age of 11, on video. I didn't understand it or appreciate it, but the traces of the title song "Xanadu" rang in my mind. Six months ago I rented it again, and I couldn't take my eyes off it! The performance by Olivia Newton-John is stunning. She positively radiates in this movie, and her voice sends shivers through my body every time I hear her sing one of these songs! Her co-star, although less spectacular, simply serves to illuminate her character even more. Gene Hackman's character is a warm, comfortable type, surprisingly odd for Hackman. The story line, although dubious in this day and age, is irrevelant. The nostalgia of a time long gone is warm and fuzzy, and every song is a hit. And that is what this movie is about - the music. It is a musical, after all. If you want to think, go watch Saving Private Ryan. If you want explosions, I'm sure Arnie's got a new movie out soon. But if you want great music delivered with style, and a warm setting touched by romance, then see Xanadu!

Rating:
Summary: A Classic from the 80s!
Review: This is a classic 80's film. A must see, Olivia Newton-John steals the show with her voice and her rollerskating. Can't miss the surprising appearance of Gene Kelly (what was he thinking?) as a sweet "semi-retired" entertainer that helps make Kira's (Olivia) and (what was his name?) her male counter-part's dream of a dance club really happen, Xanadu. The soundtrack is awesome too! END

Rating:
Summary: Love the movie, but DVD transfer quality is so-so.
Review: I really enjoyed this as a kid (10 yrs old when it was in theatres). I even have the LP soundtrack somewhere. So I was excited to buy the DVD. On the nostalgia level, it doesn't disappoint. Great scenes with Gene Kelly, Olivia Newton John, and the real star of the movie -- the Pan Pacific Auditorium in LA, an art deco landmark that burned down years ago. But technically, I think Universal did a lazy job. The sound is wimpy and muddy, which is disappointing. These awesome ELO songs should jump out of speakers, not struggle out of them. The picture quality is also substandard: it looks like a 3d generation videotape (except with the ability to freezeframe). If you're like me, you'll hold your nose and buy this, because it's the only game in town. It's unlikely that Universal will go back and remaster this for another DVD release (but who knows?). Overall, it was a great late-night, flashback DVD to watch, and I'll definitely watch it again, as time goes by. One final thing: don't expect toooo much from the DVD extras. Other than the film trailer, all you get are static text bios to flip through.

Rating:
Summary: Gene Kelly's dancing career ends in this wretched musical
Review: Well, you have to admit they tried to find a follow-up vehicle for Olivia Newton-John after the smash success of "Grease," but it was just not to be. "Xanadu" is one of the most laughable musicals of its day, which did not include a whole lot of musicals. Olivia plays Kira, a muse who comes down from heaven to inspire a Sonny Malone (Michael Beck), young roller-boogie artist. Also helping is Gene Kelly as Danny McGuire, who had been inspired by Kira forty years before. The one thing that stands out for me in this movie is watching poor Olivia dance with Kelly; you can just see her counting off the eights in her head. Music is provided by John Ferrar and the Electric Light Orchestra, including Olivia's hit song "Magic," providing some element of redemption to the proceedings. But all in all, this is a painful experience. Forget about Olivia's career, Gene Kelly certainly deserved much better than this.