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When this dynamic musical drama hit movie screens in 1984, it raised Prince Rogers Nelson’s profile from critical favorite to legitimate phenomenon in a single two-hour stroke. And while the eccentric, flamboyant star’s career has had its ups and downs in the intervening years, Purple Rain remains every bit as compelling now as then. At that time Prince had already dazzled critics, audiences, and peers with his unique pop-music stylings, but the film's critical and commercial success surprised nearly everyone. At least partially autobiographical, Purple Rain stars Prince as a young musician in Minneapolis, struggling to win acceptance for his music while dealing with numerous crises in his personal life. Reluctant to indulge in relationships lest he lose his focus, he nonetheless falls for a sassy dancer (Apollonia Kotero, at the time Prince’s real-life girlfriend) with ambitions of her own. Morris Day and the Time appear as Prince’s chief competitors in a battle of the bands, and Clarence Williams III is remarkably effective as the young musician’s abusive father. But it's the kinetic concert sequences that made Purple Rain an instant classic: the opening party anthem, "Let's Go Crazy," the Time's "Jungle Love," and the soaring closer, "Purple Rain," are just a few of the film's many musical highlights. Very much a product of its time and place, Purple Rain clearly isn’t a musical in the tradition of Singin’ in the Rain or My Fair Lady, yet to many viewers this fun and fascinating cinematic memoir represents no less a pinnacle in musical moviemaking. Ed Hulse

All Movie Guide

Purple Rain, the first starring film for Prince, is the story of an arrogant, young black singer, born and raised in Minneapolis, who reaches the pinnacle of stardom. The dramatic complications include "The Kid's" (Prince) miserable home life, where he suffers the brutalities of his father (well played by Clarence Williams III) and the youth's efforts to win the love of the beautiful Apollonia. Despite the misogynistic undercurrents in Purple Rain, the film's biggest fans were young women. Gorgeously photographed by Donald Thorin, Purple Rain is essentially a glorified music video, highlighted by a catalogue of Prince's hits, including "I Would Die 4 U," "When Doves Cry" and "Let's Go Crazy"; the score deservedly won an Academy Award and a Grammy. Hal Erickson

Product Details

• UPC: 085391139829
• Source: WARNER HOME VIDEO
• Region Code: 1
• Aspect Ratio: Pre-1954 Standard (1.33.1)
• Presentation: Pan & Scan
• Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround
• Language: English, Français
• Subtitles: English, Français, Español
• Time: 1:51:00
• Sales Rank: 15,389

This DVD is also available as part of a box set:

• Purple Rain & Fame / (Dub Sub Ac3 Dol)

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