Blu-Ray Round Up, May 5, 2009: ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,’ ‘Grease,’ ‘Saturday Night Fever’

CHICAGO – Get on your dancing shoes before you hit the floor for the latest version of the toe-tapping Blu-Ray Round-Up, a special edition with three beloved flicks from the ’70s and ’80s with musical beats.

Only one (“Grease”) may be an actual musical, but people still remember the great soundtrack from “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” and “Saturday Night Fever” was all about The Bee Gees. All three titles were released on Tuesday, May 5th, 2009.

“Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”

Photo credit: Paramount

Synopsis: “Ferris Bueller. Larger than life. Blessed with a magical sense of serendipity. He’s a model for all those who take themselves too seriously. A guy who knows the value of a day off. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off chronicles the events in the day of a rather magical young man, Ferris (Mathew Broderick).

One spring day, toward the end of his senior year, Ferris gives into an overwhelming urge to cut school and head for downtown Chicago with his girl (Mia Sara) and his best friend (Alan Ruck), to see the sights, experience a day of freedom and show that with a little ingenuity, a bit of courage and a red Ferrari, life at 17 can be a joy!”

“Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” stars Matthew Broderick, Mia Sara, Alan Ruck, and Jeffrey Jones. The film was written and directed by John Hughes. It is rated PG-13. The film is presented in 1080p High Definition with an English 5.1 Dolby TrueHD track.

Special features on “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” include “Getting the Class Together - The Cast of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” “The Making of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” “Who is Ferris Bueller?,” “The World According to Ben Stein,” “Vintage Ferris Bueller: The Lost Tapes,” and “Class Album”.

“Grease: Rockin’ Rydell Edition”

Photo credit: Paramount

Synopsis: “John Travolta solidified his position as the most versatile and magnetic screen presence of the decade in this film version of the smash hit play Grease. Recording star Olivia Newton-John made her American film debut as Sandy, Travolta’s naive love interest. The impressive supporting cast reads like a “who’s who” in this quintessential musical about the fabulous ’50s. Grease is not just a nostalgic look at a simpler decade—it’s an energetic and exciting musical homage to the age of rock ‘n’ roll!”

“Grease” stars John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John, Jeff Conaway, and Stockard Channing. The film was written by Bronte Woodard and directed by Randal Kleiser. It is rated PG. The film is presented in 1080p High Definition with an English 5.1 Dolby TrueHD track.

Special features on “Grease” include Commentary by Director Randal Kleiser and choreographer Patricia Birch, Introduction by Randal Kleiser, Rydell Sing-Along, “The Time, The Place, The Motion: Remembering Grease,” 11 deleted scenes, Grease on DVD Launch Party, Grease Memories from John & Olivia, The Moves Behind the Music, Thunder Roadsters, John Travolta and Allan Carr “Grease Day” Interview, Olivia Newton-John and Robert Stigwood “Grease Day” Interview, 4 Photo Galleries, and the Theatrical Trailer in HD.

“Saturday Night Fever”

Photo credit: Paramount

Synopsis: “John Travolta gives a sensual and intelligent performance as the troubled Tony Manero—Brooklyn paint store clerk by day and undisputed king of the dance floor by night. Every Saturday, Tony puts on his wide collared shirt, flared pants and platform shoes and heads out to the only place where he’s seen a god rather than just some young punk. But in the darkness, away from the strobe lights and glitter ball, is a tragic story of disillusionment, violence and heartbreak. Without a doubt, Travolta’s performance made him a Hollywood legend, but Saturday Night Fever is more than just a movie that defined the music and fashion of a generation. It’s a powerful and provocative urban tragedy that carries as much significance today as it did in 1977.”

“Saturday Night Fever” stars John Travolta and Karen Gorney. The film was written by Norman Wexler and directed by John Badham. It is rated R. The film is presented in 1080p High Definition with an English 5.1 Dolby TrueHD track.

Special features on “Saturday Night Fever” include Commentary by Director John Badham, “Catching the Fever,” “Back to Bay Ridge,” “Dance Like Travolta with John Cassese,” “Fever Challenge!,” ’70s Discopedia, and deleted scenes.

By BRIAN TALLERICO Content Director HollywoodChicago.com brian@hollywoodchicago.com