Location: Home > DVD > Musicals > Purple Rain [1984]

Purple Rain [1984]

Director: Albert Magnoli
Actors: Prince, Apollonia Kotero, Morris Day, Olga Karlatos, Clarence Williams Iii
Studio: Warner Home Video
Category: DVD

List Price: ~~Ł13.99~~
Buy New: Ł3.22
You Save: Ł10.77 (77%)

New (26) Used (1) from Ł3.22

Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars

12 reviews
Sales Rank: 10148

Format: Box Set, Pal, Special Edition
Language: English (Original Language)
Rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
Number Of Items: 2
Running Time: 107
Discs: 2
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.1
Dimensions (in): 7.5 x 5.4 x 0.6

EAN: 7321900335331
ASIN: B0002WYRSC

Theatrical Release Date: July 27, 1984
Release Date: July 1, 2006
Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
Condition: Brand New & Sealed - DIspatched Within 24 hours

Similar Items:

•	Under The Cherry Moon [1986]
•	Prince - Sign 'O' The Times
•	Graffiti Bridge [1990]
•	Purple Rain: Original Soundtrack
•	Prince - Live At The Aladdin - Las Vegas [2003]

Editorial Reviews:

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 protegee Appollonia, rises above the cliches 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

Customer Reviews: Read 7 more reviews...

5 out of 5 stars

If you love great music.... June 29, 2008
I 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.

5 out of 5 stars

Enough To Merit 5 Stars May 17, 2008
When this came out in 1984 it was a phenomenon and turned Prince from a man with potential into a global superstar. Which is quite an achievement considering his early work set him apart from the more mainstream artists. Having included some quite risque material on earlier albums. Looking at the cover of "Dirty Mind" it's hard to believe he'd be the star he was in under 5 years.

The film itself was meant to be semi-autobiographical (although that claim has since been refuted) and centres around the club The Kid (Prince) and his band (The Revolution) play in. It details the struggles he has to maintain his artistic sensibilties and also the rivalry with the other band who play the club (The Time). There is also a love interest in the shape of Apollonia who is given the chance to sing with her own band thanks to Morris Day (leader of The Time) which increases the rivalry. There's also a sub plot about The Kid's unsuccessful father and his relationship with him. In truth the plot is paper thin and there for one reason and one reason alone - to get you to the next piece of music. Plotted like a disaster movie more than a musical it lives for its highs.

The music itself is the film's saving grace. In strict terms what Prince plays here at times harks back to the old style ("Darling Nikki") and also hints at where he'd go next with the lush orchestral gentle grooves of "Take Me With U". The rest was pretty much where he was at the time with a mix of soul, funk, and blistering Hendrix-like guitar. It's impressive music and it makes the film rise above the mediocre.

Prince performs with aplomb when onstage and the chief delight of the film itself is to show what an utterly electrifying live performer he is. Offstage he's moody and rather inarticulate but once he's in front of the crowd he's another person performing on another plane. James Brown leaps and yelps, Michael Jackson's dance moves - plus that guitar - made Prince a total one-off and the main purpose of the film is most adequately satisfied. Even 20+ years on it is still a marvel to behold.

The extras on the DVD follow pretty much the standard fare with some talking heads discussing the movie, and a rather dated MTV piece covering the film's premier which is of little interest. The rest of the disc is made up of the videos for all the tracks released as singles. The best of the lot, surprisingly, is the one for Apollonia 6's single "Sex Shooter" which is delightfully silly but at least doesn't rely on the film for most of its footage. The rest fall evenly into those designed to advertise the film, with "When Doves Cry" topping the bill acting as a 3 and a half minute trailer in itself, and live performances. There are a couple of these and the extended jam session that is "I Would Die For U" is the most enjoyable, featuring some blistering timables from Shiela E.

Overall it's a wonderful advertisment for a brilliant live performer. It's not the greatest cinematic achievement in modern cinema but it still manages to hold your attention - although Jerome Benton is sorely underused - and once Prince hits the stage, the magic begins. For the price, it's worth the ride.

5 out of 5 stars

Purple Rain November 11, 2007
I remember this movie from many years ago (watching it as a teenager) i loved the entire movie and of course the music, not only should you buy this dvd, you should also purchase the cd soundtrack, very beautiful lyrics...

4 out of 5 stars

Purple Rain remains one of the most contemporary and entertaining films of its decade June 29, 2007
4 out of 4 found this review helpful

This movie is soooo 80's and watching this last night had me dying while bringing back some fond memories. This semi-biographical tale of Prince's struggling to make it in the music industry is hit and miss throughout. For those who haven't already seen this; the film is really nothing more than a feature-length music video marking Prince's acting debut; he is essentially playing himself here, and is surprisingly charming. Prince is no actor...he mumbles his lines and resorts to melodrama in serious scenes...but his performance truly conveys a great deal of pain and conflict.

For a musician in his first role, he is actually quite good. Morris Day is a virtual scene-stealer; the "Time" leader plays, who else, Morris Day and his performance is inspired and funny. Prince's then-band mates Wendy and Lisa also shine as well as Apollonia who is adequate as The Kid's love interest. Clarence Williams III ("The Mod Squad") gives the best performance here as The Kid's father; his rage, confusion, and guilt truly come through in a brilliant performance, and his role should have been bigger.

"Purple Rain" is certainly an ego trip for its star. But Prince certainly deserves to have a big head because the music in "Purple Rain" is nothing less than awe-inspiring. He deservedly won an Oscar for his score, and the excitement of his live shows are truly on display here. The Time is also fun to watch; "Purple Rain" includes their performances of two of their biggest hits, "The Bird" and "Jungle Love."

"Purple Rain" is not without its imperfection. The film doesn't fully investigate The Kid's home life with the exception of a few throwaway scenes. Despite the charms of most of the performers, the acting is amateurish and often laughable. Despite its shortcomings, "Purple Rain" is a modern classic, the quintessential 80's picture. If you get a chance, rent or buy this DVD, the quality is great as well as the music.

5 out of 5 stars

if only...... October 24, 2006
2 out of 6 found this review helpful

I wish the deleted scenes were in this release

its weird when u see them elsewhere, please please please include them in a future super fantastic edit Mr Nelson

thsnks