As with Grease (1978) and Footloose (1984) before it, Dirty Dancing was a cultural phenomenon that now plays more like camp. That very campiness, though, is part of its biggest charm. And if the dancing in the movie doesn't seem particularly "dirty" by today's standards--or 1987's--it does take place in an era (the early '60s) when it would have. Frances "Baby" Houseman (Jennifer Grey, daughter of ageless hoofer Joel Grey) has been vacationing in the Catskills with her family for many years. Uneventfully. One summer, she falls under the sway (as it were) of dance instructor Johnny Castle (Patrick Swayze). Baby is a pampered pup, but Johnny is a man of the world. Baby's father, Jake (Law and Order's Jerry Orbach), can't see the basic decency in greaser Johnny that she can. It should come as no surprise to find that Baby, who can be as immature as her name, learns more about love and life--and dancing--from free-spirited Johnny than traditionalist Jake.
Dirty Dancing spawned two successful soundtracks, a short-lived TV series, and a stage musical. It may be predictable, but Grey and Swayze have chemistry, charisma, and all the right moves. It's a sometimes silly movie with occasionally mind-boggling dialogue--"No one puts Baby in a corner!"--that nonetheless carries an underlying message about tolerance and is filled with the kind of exuberant spirit that's hard for even the most cynical to resist. Not that they'd ever admit it. --Kathleen C. Fennessy |
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 The best movie from the 80s |
| Review Date: September 26, 2002 |
| Reviewer: Deanna, Maryland |
| In Dirty Dancing, Jennifer Grey stars as Frances "Baby" Houseman, a girl who goes on vacation to the Catskills with her father, mother and sister in the summer of 1963. She meets the handsome dance instructor Johnny Castle (Patrick Swayze), who works at the lodge where they're staying, and is smitten with him. When she volunteers to fill in for Johnny's dance partner, Baby experiences love and life firsthand from the free-spirited Johnny. The DVD version of this movie is terrific. The clarity is amazing, the sound is crisp & clear and the bonuses are wonderful. With the bonus features, you get commentary from the movie's creator, a behind-the-scenes featurette (with no audio), the videos for "She's Like the Wind," "I've Had the Time of My Life" & "Hungry Eyes," biographies about the cast & crew (Jennifer Grey, Patrick Swayze, Cynthia Rhodes, Jerry Orbach, Jack Weston, the director, the producer, the writer and the choreographer), a short "Reliving the 60s" documentary, the theatrical trailer and a concert featuring the music from the movie. If you love Dirty Dancing, I highly recommended getting this DVD. It would be a great addition to add to your collection! |
Nobody puts baby in the corner
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| Review Date: April 19, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Coqui2k, Lompoc, CA USA |
| Lionsgate Home Entertainment will release Dirty Dancing: 20th Anniversary Edition on May 8th. The two-disc set will feature an anamorphic widescreen transfer and newly remastered Dolby Digital 5.1 & 2.0 tracks. Extras include commentary with writer/ co-producer Eleanor Bergstein, never-before-seen deleted & alternate scenes, outtakes, a new exclusive interview with Patrick Swayze, a tribute to Jerry Orbach, original screen tests, multi angle dance sequences, "The Classic Story on Stage," interviews with Emile Ardolino, Eleanor Bergstein, Jennifer Grey and Kenny Ortega, music videos ("Hungry Eyes," "She's Like The Wind," "(I've Had) The Time Of My Life"), a photo gallery and trailers. |
You'll have the time of your life!
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| Review Date: June 5, 2001 |
| Reviewer: , Missouri |
| For a PG-13 film, this has got to be the sexiest film I've seen. This movie is a typical love story: girl and guy are different "classes"...girl and guy get together anyway...people object, etc. However, this film manages to get, and keep, your attention through several plot twists. Jennifer Grey stars as "Baby" a spoiled daddy's girl. Baby goes with her family to a resort for summer vacation. There, she meets Johnny Castle (Patrick Swayze), the defiant and seductive dance instructor. Even though Baby is encouraged to learn "lady-like" dances and crafts, her heart's desire is to be a rebel for once in her life & dance like the staff...dirty dancing. When Johnny loses his dance partner, Baby takes over...even though she's never danced like that before. It is obvious that Johnny is not pleased with the arrangement, but decides to endure the torture. During Baby's private dance lessons, the music is great and the chemistry between the two actors is absolutely sizzling! This is very much a "coming-of-age" film. We get to see several characters grow up and learn life lessons quickly in this movie. Although this movie appeals to a younger crowd, my best friend's mother is one of the biggest fans I know!! I was somewhat disappointed with the ending, but overall, this is one of my favorite films of all times. This is a must see & a "must buy"...you'll want to see it again and again. |
Still superb!
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| Review Date: December 16, 2002 |
| Reviewer: Ian Phillips, Bolton, Lancashire, UK |
| ...Dirty Dancing still stands incredibly well proving the point critics made about the film at the time of its release about it being a timeless classic! Dirty Dancing is simply the ultimate feel-good movie. The chemistry between Patrick Swayze (then relativley unknown) and Jennifer Grey (who has not starred in any major production since) is positivley electric and never strikes a false note. Its a charming story of a young, innocent teenager staying with her family at a holiday camp for her vacation who meets the exciting and rebelious dancer, Johnny who she immediatley falls in love with. They show each other a different side to life and soon become lovers. But as with all good love stories there are complications. Giving superb backing support is Cynthia Rhodes in a small but highly effective role as Penny Johnson who is forced into having an abortion and in the process must give up dancing whilst she recovers - enter Jennifer Grey. There are many fun and amusing scenes of Swayze frantically trying to teach Grey all the right dance moves whilst the touching romance between them gradually and beleavably builds. The ending is a triumphant high! What truly makes Dirty Dancing absolutley unmissable is the fabulous dancing which is highly erotic though never once tacky and is accompanied by a sizzling soundtrack that helps build the potential atmosphere. Superb throughout, Dirty Dancing is indeed a timeless classic! |
AWESOME!!
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| Review Date: May 12, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Wayne Minge, Tennessee |
| I bought this DVD on the day it was released and I must say this is a very extensive and the BEST DVD release ever of Dirty Dancing! I am so glad it is in widescreen and not stupid fullscreen (which is very annoying). You can defenitly tell that the sound has been remastered..I could not believe my ears. And all the special features is mind blowing. Throw away all your other versions of this film as like I said this is the most extensive and best DVD version ever released. The film is presented in a widescreen format of 1.85:1 with tons of new features including all new interviews with Jennifer Grey, writer Eleanor Bergstein, and others. Along with Deleted, Alternate, and Extended Scenes and very funny Gag Reels/Outtakes. Just take my word for it..BUY IT NOW if your a true Dirty fan! I do not think this movie should EVER be released in fullscreen format because if so then it will be taking away some of the picture in the film and the movie would just be terrible if it was in fullscreen as you do not get the full effect of it in fullscreen like you do in widescreen. One word left to say...BUY THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY DVD! You will NOT be disappointed! |
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