Most helpful customer reviews
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5.0 out of 5 stars
The last 20 minutes are musical genius!, Jul 18 2004
I just recently bought Purple Rain on dvd. It is now my all-time favorite movie!! Prince is one of my favorite artists and I love the messages behind his music. I had the soundtrack way before I saw the movie. So it was more enjoyable to sing along with the songs. I am also going to see Prince in Atlanta on 8/10. I can't wait!! If his performances are anything like on PURPLE RAIN I can't wait. They are completely mesmerizing. I have to say though his music more than made up for his acting skills. Apollonia was delectable and Morris Day was funny and is quite talented himself. But the last 20 minutes after Morris Day performs the Bird is where the real magic happens. I finally understood the message behind the music. PURPLE RAIN was already one of my all-time fave songs, but after his father whot himself in the head, it made it that much more emotional. The guitar riff in that song is the heavens opening up! THere has never been a song more beautiful than PURPLE RAIN then he goes into another one of my faves I WOULD DIE 4 U its also a beautiful song with some of the best lyrics I have ever heard. Even if you're not a Prince fan, watch this movie. It is one of the most important musical movies ever!! You know Prince won an Oscar for the score, plus Grammys so you know it was good. I mean this movie is in a class all by itself just like Prince, in a class all by himself!!
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Princely treatment for a pop classic, Jul 15 2004
Condemned for years to a truly mediocre DVD version, Prince's epochal 1984 effort Purple Rain has finally been awarded the reissue it was waiting for. With commentaries, previously-unseen documentaries and numerous pop videos, this 20th anniversary edition has more than enough bells and whistles on it to compensate for the failings of its DVD predecessor. All of which, of course, wouldn't make the slightest bit of difference if the film itself wasn't up to scratch. Purple Rain, fortunately, doesn't have this problem. It is, quite possibly, the Greatest Vanity Picture Ever: a monumental edifice to the ego, excess and brilliance of the little man on whose life it is very loosely based. Prince plays The Kid, a talented musician who must rise above his turbulent family life and self-obsession if he is to get with the hot chick and have everyone love his ass forevermore. It's contrived stuff, but surprisingly well-played: Prince himself is pretty effective, Clarence Williams III delivers a nuanced turn as his dad, and Morris Day and Jerome Benton do a neat comedy double-act as The Kid's rivals. That said, the drama is pretty incidental to the musical set-pieces: Prince's place is on stage, and he doesn't disappoint here - be it getting jiggy with a speaker stack in "Darlin Nicki", or putting his heart on his spangled sleeve for the title track. Whilst parts of the film may now seem hilariously dated - dig the motorcyle, the formation dancers, and the "tough" fellas in the crowd - there's no denying the impact and vitality of the stageshow itself. And, as a period piece, this one beats the competition hands down.
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4.0 out of 5 stars
The Soundtrack of 1984, Jun 12 2004
"Purple Rain" is a great film to commemorate Prince's career, which he stars and writes and performs the songs. Most people remember this film mostly for its catchy songs that changed music history forever. Its plot is also something worth remembering. Its combination of storylines within The Kid's life blends wonderfully: his struggle to stay employed in the Minneapolis club where he performs, falling in love with Apollonia, and confronting his demons of frequently witnessing his abusive father in action. Certain scenes give it edge and drama that keeps audiences interested and that accent the characters' surroungings. The emotional impact is always present, namely the fight scenes. Therefore, the film is more than just a long music video. Such film quality makes it worth watching multiple times. The actors offer their own emotional theme to the film. Though certain roles were not demanding, Prince's role as The Kid is his acting best of his career. The music featured in "Purple Rain" has since become instant classics. Though every Prince hit is genius, these songs remain his best in his career. Its soundtrack stayed at #1 for 24 weeks on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Charts, sold 11 million copies in the US, and spawned four smash hits. Prince earned two Grammys and an Oscar for his song "Purple Rain". These songs combine pop, R&B, funk, rock, and soul beautifully. They alone make the film worth watching; yet, they don't distract from the plot. There has since not been a music-based film like it, not even "8 Mile" (2002). "Purple Rain" is a great film for music and/or Prince fans for viewing pleasure. Those looking for more should also buy the soundtrack. Such combination gives fans great entertainment pleasure.
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