Quadrophenia (2 Disc Special Edition) [DVD]

 

 

Create your own review

This is what I've been waiting for. I've various copies of this movie, from the original video release through the region 2 and region 1 versions but although the extras that were gradually added were interesting, the film itself was still the original grainy print.

This 2 disc edition has a new digitised version of the film, crystal clear and properly formatted for widescreen.

The new extras are great, the making-of documentary contains some great interviews with the cast and the brief guide to the locations is quite interesting and will save you doing the Brighton tour.

Finally, the verbal sparring between Phil Daniels and Franc Roddam in the commentary is amusing and worth a listen. Even if you already have a copy of the film, this is probably still worth buying.

This remastered 2 disc set is absolutely brilliant in virtually all respects. The film print itself is wonderfully clean, the soundtrack is quite naturally fully engaging amd the acting is of the highest possible standard. It is quite easy to forget that those on the screen were actually earning a wage for their performances.

I won't bother explaining the plot. We all know it. Suffice to say that this is the very best ever presentation of this iconic cinematic masterpiece. The second disc features director Franc Roddam detailing the trials and tribulations of the production, also featured are quite lengthy and illumnating contributuions from Toyah, Phil Daniels and other key players.

This is an essential purchase. There is however one minor quibble. Given Pete Townshend's unquestionable genius couldn't he have done a Dolby 5.1 or even a DTS mix of the soundtrack for this release? I am sure there were good reasons why this was not possible but if only...........an opportunity missed.

Wow! Doesn't this classic musical drama still rock after over 30 years since it premiered. Written by Franc Rodder (who also directed this film), Dave Humphries and Martin Stellman, "Quadrophenia" (1979) was rock group The Who's explosive, enthralling musical tribute to the mods and rockers of the swinging sixties.

"Quadrophenia" boasts a stellar cast list, headed by a riviting, powerful performance from the ever-great Phil Daniels. The rest of the cast are full of familiar faces such as the legendary ex-lead singer of The police, Sting, Mark Wingett (later famous for his role as DCI Jim Carver in ITV's police drama "The Bill"), Philip Davis (who's list of film and television credits are endless), Leslie Ash (long before her days as one of the leading stars in ITV's action-drama "C.A.T.S Eyes" and the classic BBC sitcom "Men Behaving Badly"), singer Toyah Wilcox, the ultimate screen hard-man Ray Winstone (though is disappointingly given very limited screen time), Garry Cooper, Trevor Laird, Michael Elphick (later known for his lead role in ITV's "Boon"), Kate Williams, Kim Nave and Gary Shail. Each of these immensely talented actors are all finely tuned into their characterisations, but for me the true star of the show is, without a doubt, the dynamic Phil Daniels.

"Quadrophenia" is set in the heart of London in 1964, where two rival cult groups have emerged - the mods and the rockers. As Pete Townshend of The Who aptly quoted: "Mod is a shorter word for young, beautiful and stupid". For Jimmy (Phil Daniels) being a mod is simply a way of life and for him and his mates the ONLY way of life. They dress in suits, pop pills like their sweets in a candy store, ride around wrecklessly on their scooters, thriving off the many violent clashes with their rivals - the rockers.

A wild trip to "sunny" Brighton sees the mods make headline news as they encounter the rockers and a deadly riot erupts, spreading throughout Brighton like wild fire. Amusingly during the riot, Jimmy finally gets the girls of his dreams - Steph (Lesley Ash) - and sneaks off down a back alley with her to consummate their "relationship" (well poor Jimmy thinks its the beginning of a relationship but for Steph its merley a one-night stand) before hes arrested and carted off in a riot van for his part in the riot. His so-called friends leave Jimmy behind to face the trial alone and his supposed best friend Dave (Mark Wingett) wastes no time in taking away Jimmys girl, Steph.

On returning home and discovering the betrayal and distinct lack of loyalty from his friends Jimmy becomes disheartened. Making matters worse is where his intolerable mother (Kate Williams) boots him out of his home - and no one wants to know or help, least of all Steph. His mental state is rapidly deterioating with his incessant drug taking, boshing pills like theres no tomorrow. I wont reveal the ending as dont wish to spoil it for those that have yet to see this classic British film, but will says its a corker!

"Quadrophenia" is a belter right from the opening scene which sees Jimmy happily riding along on his beloved scooter through the streets of London, seemingly without a care in the world. There are many fun, blazing party and orgi scenes, all of which are injected with humour, not least to some cracking one-liners from the always impeccably-timed Phil Daniels. To accompany these scenes is a sizzling soundtrack. The 60's dancing and the costumes and hair styles are all very authentic in detail.

Undoubtedtly the most rip-roaring, exciting, adrenalin-pumping scenes are where the mods head off to Brighton for a weekend of hard-partying and drug-taking. All suddnly spirals out of control when they come across the rockers and a major riot breaks out, fighting everywhere from the beach, to insides pubs, clubs and other establishements - nowhere or no one is left safe! Breathtaking scenes and all visually, incredibly powerful. You just wander where its all going to end and who's gonna get killed first.

Jimmy is played expertly by Phil Daniels who is dynamic throughout. His character is fun, funny, daring, seemingly full of life but at the same is mentally unstable and this masquerades his sadness and confusion. His home life is explored and you see that a lot of his escalting emotional problems stems from his irresponsive mother who is more interested in her partner than listening to her sons problems. Though there are many laughs packed in "Quadrophenia", obviously with the subject matter, theres plenty of serious drama and the ending proves a shocker. Phil Daniels is both likeable and totally convincing in his flawless and literally perfect performance.

Mark Wingett (Dave) and Philip Davis (Chalky) both excell in their roles, providing many of the films humorous moments and delivering equally likeable characterisations. Sting makes a very impressive acting debut as the cool Ace Face, who is admired and emulated by the mods for his slick, stylish dance routines. He appears to be refined from the outset but soon lets rip during the rip-roaring Brighton scenes.

Leslie Ash (steph) and Toyah Wilcox (Monkey - shes almost unrecognisable) are both splendid in their roles, breezing into the atmosphere effortlessly, while Garry Cooper shines in his roles as Peter. Only very minor quibble about "Quadrophenia" is that Ray Winstone, as Kevin, is only seen in a handful of scenes but theres great comic value in one scene where Kevin And Jimmy are both bathing (seperately of course!) and try and out-sing each other. Kevin is an old friend of Jimmys but their paths rarely cross as Kevin is one of the rockers. You will laugh when you see Ray dressed as a rocker with slick leather jacket and Elvis Presley-like hairstyle - a far cry from the usual hard man we see.

On the whole, "Quadrophenia" is a rollercoaster ride of a film and easily one of the most definitive and innovative films of its time. It's no understatement to declaire that "Quadrophenia", is an out and out masterpiece.

Ian Phillips
August 2009

Share your thoughts with other customers: Create your own review

› See all 36 customer reviews on Amazon.co.uk

 

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
What a fantastic film. Was great to see the story of the rockers and mods. Wish I'd been around in them days to have lived through it myself :)

Published 5 months ago by Loopy

5.0 out of 5 stars A British Classic !!!!!
Quadrophenia is to this day a classic film about two rival youths called the mods and rockers during the 1960s England featuring music from the Who

This film is an... Read more

Published 6 months ago by dan88

4.0 out of 5 stars Quadrophenia
You killed my Scooter. An excellent film, pretty dated by todays standards but gives a great insight into popular Britich culture.

Published 7 months ago by Vincent Sneed

3.0 out of 5 stars I agree with Mr Elphick
I remember enjoying this when it first came out, but subsequent viewings have left me more and more agreeing with Michael Elphick as Jimmy's dad. Read more

Published 8 months ago by David Arturovitch

5.0 out of 5 stars Quadraphenia 2 Disc
This is stil a must see film. The second disc is also very worthwhile viewing. Most interesting to hear the thoughts of the people who made it and acted in it all these years... Read more

Published 9 months ago by Creek Crawler

5.0 out of 5 stars Quadraphenia
My Husband who this was purchased for loved the film it was good quality and we recieved it packaged well and within a few days of ordering

Published 12 months ago by Chrissy

1.0 out of 5 stars quadrophenia
Bought this dvd for my son who is 20yrs old thinking it would give him an insight into the 70's.
He is a film freak but hated it... Read more

Published 12 months ago by Ms. P. Smith

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic
Brilliant film specially if your into the MOD Scootering era!! Its A MUST SEE!!! its great seeing so many stars alot younger too. hehehe

Published 13 months ago by pip11pop

4.0 out of 5 stars Classic (spoiler)
Although many of us associate The Who as a major band who have made a massive difference with rock music, their influence on film proved key with the success of their musical... Read more

Published 13 months ago by Mr. S. K. Mackie

4.0 out of 5 stars 2 Disc Special Edition Version and me nit picking!
I'm not going to review the movie plot, this review of mine is really for those that know the film very well and like to scrutinise! Read more

Published 13 months ago by Patrick Wylie

Search Customer Reviews
Only search this product's reviews

› See all 36 customer reviews on Amazon.co.uk

Search Listmania!