Available today (March 8, 2016) on DVD is the television special Grease LIVE!
Grease LIVE! stars Aaron Tveit (Danny), Julianne Hough (Sandy), Vanessa Hudgens (Rizzo), Carlos Pena Jr. (Kenickie), Keke Palmer (Marty) and Carly Rae Jepsen (Frenchie).
My family and I missed most of the program (we were not home) but we did catch the last 15 minutes or so. I am glad that’s out on DVD so that we can see it from start to finish.
The original Grease (John Travolta & Olivia Newton John) holds a special place in my heart. My cousins and I were in love with the film. So much so that over the summer we would put on plays based on the movie. My cousin would be Sandy and I was Danny (LOL). We even charged .25 cents admission.
I still have the movie book that we used as our “script.” Not that we needed it. I think we could all recite the film from start to finish because we saw it so many times. We also know all the words to all the songs too.
Funny story… Growing up I never had birthday parties because it ALWAYS rained whenever my mom planned a party for me (she preferred outdoor parties).
For my 10th birthday my mom made the attempt to host another birthday party for me. Guess what – it rained that day. So my mom ended up taking a dozen girls to the movies to see Grease. This is another reason why this classic film is near and dear to my heart. I have a lot of memories associated with it.
When I heard they were doing a live version of the classic film, my initial response was “Why?” There is no possible way you can improve upon such an iconic film. Still… I was curious about it.
As I mentioned earlier, we missed all but the last 15 minutes. Thankfully I was sent a screener copy to review, so I was finally able to see Grease LIVE! from start to finish.
I have to say, Grease LIVE! is NOT a “re-boot” to the classic film. Instead it’s more of a “compliment,” if that makes sense?
Grease LIVE! follows the same story line as the film. Boy meets girl. Boy and girl fall in love. Boy and girl are torn apart. Boy and girl meet up again… If you have seen Grease you know the story line. Just in case, here is a brief synopsis.
Danny and Sandy met on summer vacation. It was a summer fling that they knew couldn’t last. That is until Sandy shows up at Danny’s high school as a transfer student.
Danny is a part of a “gang.” The gang has their own ladies, the Pink Ladies. Sandy is nothing like them. She is too pure and innocent.
Will Danny win back Sandy? Can Sandy be someone she’s not just to please Danny? Will love prevail? To find out you just need to pick up a copy of Grease LIVE! Look for it where ever movies are sold.
The live version was different than the original with extra songs and scenes not in the film. I like that they made the film it’s “own” and not a 100% copy of the film.
I’ve seen all of the “LIVE” productions that have aired to date and I would have to say that Grease LIVE! is by far the best one.
It’s kind of like watching a play in a theater – but also like “being there” at the same time (if that makes sense).
I’m not a big fan of Aaron Tveit as Danny. He just didn’t pull it off as well as the other actors. I just wasn’t feeling it.
Julianne Hough was an excellent choice for Sandy. Not only can she act, she can sing too (she has an amazing voice). Her dance experience also worked well in this role. I can’t see any other actress as Sandy. She was Sandy.
Vanessa Hudgens was also amazing. Her rendition of “There are worst things I can do” blew me away.
It was fun to see original Grease cast members Didi Conn and Barry Pearl (Doody). I like the subtle way they tied them into Grease LIVE!
The DVD comes with bonus features too.
- Live television production
- Without a Net: Performing GREASE LIVE!
- Becoming the “T-Birds” and Pink Ladies
- Greasin’ up the Joint
- Be-Bop, Swing and Jitterbug: The Choreography of GREASE LIVE!
- When Was Your First…?
- My Favorite Grease Moment
If you pick up the DVD be sure to check out the bonus features. I love the behind the scenes look at the making of Grease LIVE! It really gives you a better understanding and appreciation for what went on to bring this to your television screen.
Did you see Grease LIVE!? What did you think about it? Did you have a favorite song, moment or character?
Kimberly
*I received a free screener copy in order to do this review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.