The original cabaret musical created by Richard O'Brien—channeling old Hollywood horror and science fiction flicks, with heavy dollops of rock and roll and sexual liberation—was a flop when it was turned into a high-energy film in 1975. But then The Rocky Horror Picture Show was revived as a midnight-movie with audience-participation—people dressing up as characters, calling back to the screen, and even reenacting in-tandem scenes onstage. Oddly enough, behind the peripheral partying lies a surprisingly entertaining film. Tim Curry's swaggering camp vamp, Dr. Frank-N-Furter, unleashes the libidos of virginal sweethearts Janet and Brad (Susan Sarandon and Barry Bostwick) to a score of '50s-style tunes after they take refuge in his castle on a dark and stormy night. This kind of loving lampoon rarely works, but the reference-riddled script (full of loopy puns and clever gags), energetic direction by Jim Sharman, and over-the-top performances capture just the right mix of gee-whiz and come-hither. In addition to the handful of extras ported over from earlier DVD releases, this sparkling Blu-ray edition includes “The Midnight Experience” with four different picture-in-picture tracks (a pop-up trivia track, a vintage callback track, a prop box option, and a “Late Night, Double Feature” show with a cast acting out the film), a U.K. version of the film (which includes the original ending and the full “Super Heroes” number), audio commentary by O'Brien and costar Patricia Quinn, and a sing-along option. Not only a rite-of-passage experience for many teens and young adults, but also an essential slice of pop culture, this is highly recommended. (S. Axmaker)
The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Fox, 100 min., R, Blu-ray: $34.99 Volume 26, Issue 1
The Rocky Horror Picture Show
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