I had to rent this movie when I heard that Olivia Newton John passed away. As a 6 year old black little girl in Texas in 1980 this was my number 2 favorite film of ALL time. Number 1 The Wiz. I can't believe Gene Kelly was 68 and sexy. This film had it all! Dance, romance, animation, architecture (art deco) fantasy and a great soundtrack. I cried watching it today. Oh the memories. This film is magic. Rest in peace Dame Olivia. She was a triple threat and a muse.
I can't believe Olivia is gone..."Xanadu" and "Grease" were the soundtracks of my childhood and with Olivia's passing, a large part of the childhood of the kids who grew up in the late 70's/early 80's also passes. The Xanadu soundtrack was the very first album I ever got at the age of 7 and I don't care about the naysayers or Razzies or anything, this film and the music are pure gold and have withstood the test of time. Strange fact: "Xanadu" was first released August 8, 1980 and Olivia passed away on August 8, 2022.
No kidding, this is my comfort movie. My dad recorded it on VHS is 1982 (including super awesome commercials!) when I was 5 for me and my friends in suburban 1982 neighborhood and we watched and re-enacted it for years. I still have white roller skates. I still have the record on my wall. I used to listen to it while I read the lyrics. My dad is a huge Gene Kelly fan so I always had his movies in my life so Xanadu was a way to bring the old into the new. In college, after big parties, in the mid 90's anyone who stayed on our couches or floors were introduced and familiarized and forced to watch Xanadu or Valley Girl. I mean, I am in love with everything in this movie. I am in love with Jeff Lynne because of the music and I still tear up the instant any of the songs start. I loved the 40's part but even as a sheltered little girl, I always wanted the tiger-striped skin-tight outfit but ultimately always wanted to be Kiera. I named my goldfish Kiera 1 and Kiera 2. And! It introduced me to Coleridge. This movie is SO under-appreciated. I love it :)
I feel like we could have been best friends - I was exactly the same way- this movie got me through so many moments happy and sad and everything in between so I get your description “comfort” movie- every time I hear I song or see anything from it I simply feel like I’m ..home.
Here we are in 2018 and I have a five year old granddaughter, SCARLETT, whom is so infatuated with this movie. Every time she comes over to spend the night, she has to watch this movie....XANADU....and learned to roller skate at the age of 3.....she loves it. I am so glad that she will grow watching this movie...
This is one of my favorite movies. It makes me feel so happy. I fell in love with it when I was 11. I just showed my 9 yr old daughter and she is crazy about it. Xanadu lives!!!💜🧡💛😁❤️💙💚
i mean, the black woman at the art studio had zero dialogue, unlike her co-workers and the only thing that happened to her was that dude handing her papers, in a very rude manner. Other than that, great movie.
Xanadu was a great movie, someone thought it was horrible and everyone jumped on the bandwagon. It had great sets, costumes, make-up, soundtrack, acting, dancing, visuals.....I'm happy it has a big cult following. The people who worked on it should be very proud.
One of my Sister and my favorite movies. We were born early 70’s and growing up watching and listening to Olivia Newton-John was that era. Olivia Newton-John has is a very talented lady and it was awesome to see her star with a Hollywood Legend Mr. Kelly. We probably listen to the album hundreds of time remembering every scene as we watched our Xanadu vinyl record going around and around. Electric Light Orchestra and Jeff Lynne was such an added bonus to it all. No one could ever tell me this movie was not good. 💕😊💕
Johnston Ralston What about the co-star in the film, Michael Beck? At least Jeff Lynne's band, ELO got a mention, yet not once did Michael Beck get talked about despite being in the entire Film!
In recent times, Jeff somewhat warmed up to Xanadu but for many years prior to it he downplayed it. He was once quoted as saying 'Everybody makes mistakes, mine was Xanadu.'.
I have watched this movie a thousand times!! If I was sad I would play it to cheer me up!! For All it is worth this was never a waste of film !! This was one of the Greatest films Ever !! All the talent that went in to this movie is incredible!! How much a pure pleasure I get watching it !! Never will I tire of this Wonderful artistic film !! Thank you from the bottom of my heart !! Loved the synchronicity of the big band era and the rock !! Gene Kelly and Olivia dancing !! Just superb !! I think I will watch it again for old time sake !!! Thanks for making it !!!
COLLAGE of time pieces, music, imagination, fantasy, visuals, colors, skating, cir del sole, love, talent, actors, animation, costumes, dancing all in one movie! ❤️ A FEAST FOR YOUR SENSES= XANADU 😍
my wife and I were 8 years old when Xanadu came out. We both saw it about 6-7 times at the same movie theater as kids. We started living together 30 years ago after our first date. Our first apartment was right next to the Dudley filming location in venice and we went to the market there [or used to be] every day for years. She worked right on Main street for years next to that filming location I had no idea this whole time. We still quote this movie and songs to each other occasionally. THANK YOU for posting this.
This movie will always hold a special place in my heart. The nostalgia of it can make me cry. I was 16 when it came out. My friend's and I listened to the soundtrack and danced to the mixed band part. Great fun and great memory. I introduced my daughter (who is now 30) to the movie and I swear she's an "old soul" - she gets it all, loves it all. We cry when we watch the Gene/Olivia 1940s dance number - so special. So cool to know that it will always be among one of the all time feel good movies. Generations to come, will love it too, regardless of what critics have to say....what do they know anyway?
This movie actually taught me to not give a grain of salt what movie critics thought. Loved this movie. I played the LP so much that I eventually kind of wore it out (I was a kid who may not have taken the best care with records). I remember being so bummed that the 2nd copy of the record I got didn't have the movie art on it. = (
A film that somehow makes you look long and hard. Capped by some amazing music at start and finish. What happens in between is ageing in the strangest way. Thanks for uploading this video
Disco was dead by 1980. That and the movie sucked ass is why it failed. Had they made it in 1976-1979 it might have had more fans but the movie was still a hot mess, no matter when it was filmed and released.
This movie was imprinted on me when was younger. Its magical and memorable😆My interest in rollar skating was deepened from this movie👍The soundtrack literally made me feel ALIVE😎
It's amazing that with so much talent, the movie could fall so hard. The art of choreographing for the camera was nonexistent with the exception of the number directed by Kelly. Lots of Busby Berkeley and Gene Kelly ambition but none of the dialog between the dancers and the camera. Hard to believe Lawrence Gordon was still delusional about it being a flop only because it didn't open in enough theaters.
I first saw this film with my mother when I was 4 or 5 years old. I remember then being drawn to ONJ and that dress with the leggings. 40 years later, I still enjoy that image I had of her in my head, and the music is still pretty awesome, despite the campiness of the film itself. Still love ELO!
i saw that movie with mom and dad in a drive-in theater and i immediately felt in love with Kira who is a magical girl from the sky ( at my age, that's what i could understand) and at the end of the movie, when i see that poor guy realizing that she went away back to the sky, i was so sad for him i started to cry silently... my heart was literaly broken... it is true that most people saw that their were no chemistry between the two, but even at my age around 12 at the time, i totally understood that she was not human and so, she could not 'be with him' and he could not 'be with her'. So for me it was just normal that the chemistry was not 'right'. For me, it just make it even more believable...
Thank you for posting this behind the scenes documentary. It provides an appreciation for all the hard work and incredible talent that was poured into making this cult classic movie.
I was like that fanatic towards the end, who was 9 years old when it came out--so was I. I saw it twice, which I had only done for Star Wars and Superman before that. Even now--I'm 45, and I still watch it a lot, and I love it. :)
I recall going with my family to a mall as a kid, back when VCRs were not yet commonplace & they had those stored with video disc ho,e theater setups and demonstration rooms. I sat in there for hours watching Xanadu over & over. Years later I bought it! It was an excellent fantasy movie.
I saw the movie when it first came out, i was 14 years young, & what attracted me to it was the ELO soundtrack. Mind you, I'm growing up in Cedar Falls Iowa where there is farming, you work with farmers or in the farming industry, & you have country/pop/gospel music on the radio. The movie left a strong impression on me when it came to the integration of the big band & rock music scene. I was in awe.... How could the two so seamlessly merge together? Not to mention this newfangled machine called a synthesizer.... Later in life, I find it interesting how music is still merging in the same way. You have country involving more rock aspects, rock merging with rap, etcetera. I sometimes wonder where music will go next?
One of my all time favorites and who gives a damn what critics think we the fans are the actual people who decide what is and isn't good...... Gene Kelly will always be the classiest of all gentleman dancers r.i.p
I saw Xanadu in the theater and fell in love all over again with Olivia Newton John. A pity they do not make family friendly musicals any longer. The studio did almost nothing to promote this movie. I appreciate the care you took in editing this documentary.
I have always said that people who dislike this movie simply have no soul. It is the ultimate "feel good" movie and I adore it. This came out the year my husband and I got married...it's been over 40 years and this movie is one of the things we share. The music is amazing, the choreography is wonderful, the story is timeless. What's not to like? When times are tough (writing this in 2021) you need a movie like this to take you away to a better time and a better place. For me, that place is Xanadu!
I love the movie Xanadu, as a young mother who never learnd how to skate When I would hear the soundtrack I would skate around the house in my socks and sing ✨I dont care about Becks bad acting , he brings a bit of down to earth earthlyness to this movie that works for so many of us nobody's.... ✨
Okay so that lady around 6:40 says it didn't work. I'm here to say that it did work. I was 16 at the time I saw it in the theatre and it was a magic ride. I still love that film.
The Dancin' number with The Tubes is one of the coolest most outrageous things ever. The blending at the end of the song is fabulous and I still listen to it often.
One of my all-time fav films. Critics are called critics for a reason. It's the fact that it is a film that can be watched so many years later and it still makes you feel the magic. The costumes, music, dance and choreography are brilliant in this film, even after all these years.
Grease is the word is the word! Nope! Gene kelly.olivia newton John and Michael bec! Roller skaters! No comparison! Best cult film ever. Best love story 😁 love it Nd to top it all elo. Cliff Richard on the best soundtrack ever x
I loved this movie SO much! It made me want to be a graphic design artist and I, like many girls my age, was crazy about roller skating! I think what made the movie amazing was Olivia Newton John, Gene Kelly and ELO! What a sound track, wow! I actually eloped last year and did my wedding march to Suddenly by Olivia and Cliff Richard ❤️
With respect to the animated piece for "Don't Walk Away", it is one of my favourite parts of the movie and I've watched it over and over for years. I loved it from themoment it came on screen to this very day watching it again. You did a great job!!
The guy hit the nail on the head about the number of theaters. The movie wasn't a "bad" movie. It would have had good numbers if it was shown in more cinemas. Underrated movie. The soundtrack alone carried the movie. Add Olivia and Gene Kelly and the movies still works today.
we had it in 1980/81 on a Phillips V2000 video recorder, which had the double sided tapes. It was the first ever video I watched. I love the film...always will!
Frederico Pinto They could NEVER remake this film! It could only have ever been made in the small time frame that combined the sci-fi of Star Wars, the disco of Saturday Night Fever, the production of Grease and the culture of the late 70's- early 80's. Nowadays it would have auto tune, CGI, and an overly polished look.
Who cares about the finished film? People should start to learn to relax and just enjoy a an innocent film, especially in these days of pessimism. The musical sequences were great and couldn't be remade nowadays.
I loved Xanadu (thus my screen name). The music, the dancing, the visuals literally saved me after a very bad and heartbreaking end to a relationship. It brought me back again. "I'm alive"....
RIP Olivia - I've just returned back to the UK after 10 years in prison. I did two and a half years solitary confinement in that time. Whilst I was in solitary, I "replayed" this video segment with the roller skaters in my mind to cheer me up. Thanks for that Olivia x
This movie defined my taste in music and it also made me realize how much I loved tap dancing, introduced me to ELO which is my most favorite band. It made me able to enjoy the merging of different types of music. ❤❤❤❤
Absolutely love this film. Always have. Definitely never listen to what critics say. I look at a film and make my own mind up based on how it makes me feel. Xanadu was moving, fun, and extremely entertaining. Olivia and Gene were perfection, as were the whole cast. Love it!
Really loved this movie and remember it coming out when I was around 11 but it didn’t release were I lived so had to wait until it came out on video. Loved the whole fantasy and mythological theme as well.
I'm 52 years old I saw this INCREDIBLE move in theaters when it first came out in Phoenix, AZ and everyone in the theater, not the boys, were going nuts over the movie, I saw it every Sat and Sun till it left 2 months later, started rolor skating and wanted to wear the dresses of the Muses, but found out the only store selling them was in NY. I still have 3 VCR tapes unopened because I've worn out 6 before the one I own now. The movie is perfect in every way.
I remember driving my mom crazy as a kid, wanting to see it. Then, when I finally went to see it, I drove her crazy for the soundtrack!!!! Love this movie still!!!!
Xanadu is still one of my all-time-favorites. And the soundtrack of Jeff Lynne and John Farrar is such amazing. Thanks for uploading! :) Best wishes Oliver Höppner, Fernblick-Radio, Germany
I keep hearing, “but it just didn’t work...” . You are so so SOOOOO wrong!! People, it WORKED!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ I only wish Gene Kelly were alive to see the following it has today and how much joy this movie (along with the music) brings to others!! You have to remember where we were at the moment in America and it wasn’t dark- it was colorful and alive!!
I'm just really surprised in this entire half-hour show, they never once mention the name of Michael Beck. He was only the leading man in the movie! He's in a ton of the clips, but they never once say his name, talk about him auditioning or how he got the role, what he was like on the set. It's just strange.
What I am thinking is that he (Michael Beck) wanted to move beyond it since it was almost 30 years later. I have read some of the stars just hate being remembered for just one role that maybe they didn't like at the time. He didn't want to be part of the documentary. But that is just speculation.
I am not sure but I know many consider it killed his career (him even I think). Its to bad, he was excellent in The Warriors, and while not a movie that showed much acting chops, ok in this movie.
I was a kid when Xanadu was released. I saw it several times in the Theatre in Miami. I even recorded the music on a cassette and used to carry around a hand held tape recorder with headphones while I roller skated around my neighborhood !! (Now I am dating myself) I loved this movie, and today in 2022, I have the vinyl Xanadu record in my collection this very day and a copy of the movie !!
I was 12 that year too. And much like the one guy fan in the doc, I was at the Chinese Theater too on opening day, 8/8/80. In fact I can still recall after my screening there was the cue line outside for the next show, and actress Cheryl Ladd was in the line. And she was still in Charlie's Angels at that time. Crazy. And yes, I'm a fan, with the soundtrack especially.
I remember this movie from my childhood very fondly. I only have two musicals in my video collection, this is one of them. Olivia was in the other one as well. ...I'm sure you all know which one it is. :)
I love this movie! Never get tired of watching it. It reels you in. I love the Muses coming alive and dancing. I love the water scene, it's so magical. This movie has a lot of very unique features. Pretty much had it all.
I love it when critics say negative things about Xanadu back in 1980, but fans prove them wrong. That's why I never trust what critics say about any movie. I prefer to hear what other real people say about a film. Xanadu now 40 years later is still a cult phenomenon. And it will be a phenomenon in 60 years later on.
I love Xanadu. There was a lot of captivating 2 the movie. But most importantly it gave you the ability to dream and to push you towards making your dream come true. It's too bad that a lot of people really didn't take time to really look at the movie and realize what it was trying to show them. My hat goes off to the producers, the choreographers period and the actors and actress especially Gene Kelly and Olivia Newton-John. Thank you both
Also can we take a moment to acknowledge the music and soundtrack for a second? Olivia Newton-John Electric Light Orchestra And…. THE TUBES! I’m almost positive this soundtrack conditioned me to gravitate to punk, alternative, post-punk and New Wave music later on as a teen.
A tremendously silly film with one of the best soundtracks of a film musical of all time; truly, one could almost say it doesn’t *deserve* such a flawless soundtrack - predominantly thanks to the genius that is Jeff Lynne and ELO! As you mention in your notes, Xanadu Preservation, it’s extremely odd that for an ‘official’ documentary on Xanadu, not a single bit of music (arguably the strongest thing about this shambles of a picture) from the soundtrack is used in it! 🤔😲 How could they not have been able to obtain the rights? But still, that was a highly enjoyable 27 minutes for a long-time Xanadu fan, so thank you so much for posting it 😘! NB. Kenny Ortega seems like such a nice man - very cool to know that this super-successful choreographer (eg. the High School Musical films, working extensively with Michael Jackson) basically got his start on Xanadu!
I saw it in the theater when I was 13, I knew I was going to love it even before I saw it. I was a huge ELO & ONJ fan. And with me being an artist it opened my eyes to commercial art. I wanted to do work for album covers. The don bluth animation sequence, and the end dance number, for me were pure perfection.
I was 17 when it came out and insisted on my boyfriend/future husband to take me...gosh...I don't know how many times. It was and is such an important movie in my life that it's mentioned several times in a book I wrote about my high school years in that era. I just saw Olivia in concert last year in my hometown and she's still as lovely and effervescent as ever. I very much enjoyed watching this documentary. Thank you for posting this! I'd love it if someone did a Xanadu screening in my city!
I watched this movie just recently. I don't care if people the same age as me question my taste in music and movies. I just love the 80's vibe, the music,the colours,and the dances. I got surprised that Kenny Ortega was part of this. No wonder the choreography was awesome. Plus, I never expected an animation scene on the movie. P.S. I was born in 1995 😂😂😂 Another P.S. I also watched HSM 1,2,3 and also Descendants 1&2 and he choreographed those movies
Watching all things Olivia after she passed away 11 days ago. Still heartbroken for her loss and always will be. I was raised with her music. I feel like my childhood died with her.
Omg! Really loved that movie it was so innocent and clean and great songs and dances... I was a child at that time but till this day I always watch it and enjoy it... Thank You for making this great movie
Ciritcs hated it but we took the kids to see this 4 freaking times at the theater and once at a local drive-in , lol. I was watching clips of it just last night. It is the cheesiest of films but gotta love the 80's.
I’m so glad that I watched this. I wish that it would come back on the tv for us to see again. I actually have it on video and dvd. It will always be magical for me. X
I had to rent this movie when I heard that Olivia Newton John passed away. As a 6 year old black little girl in Texas in 1980 this was my number 2 favorite film of ALL time. Number 1 The Wiz.
I can't believe Gene Kelly was 68 and sexy. This film had it all! Dance, romance, animation, architecture (art deco) fantasy and a great soundtrack. I cried watching it today. Oh the memories. This film is magic. Rest in peace Dame Olivia. She was a triple threat and a muse.
*I don't care what anyone says... I will always love Xanadu.... one of my favorite films of all time... to me... it is just perfect... period*
applepitz I agree with you, this movie made me believe in love again
So do I.I love Xanadu.
Has always been one of my favorite movies EVER!!
I agree 100% !!! My favorite musical movie of all time !!!
I absolutely agree...I can watch it over and over.
I can't believe Olivia is gone..."Xanadu" and "Grease" were the soundtracks of my childhood and with Olivia's passing, a large part of the childhood of the kids who grew up in the late 70's/early 80's also passes. The Xanadu soundtrack was the very first album I ever got at the age of 7 and I don't care about the naysayers or Razzies or anything, this film and the music are pure gold and have withstood the test of time.
Strange fact: "Xanadu" was first released August 8, 1980 and Olivia passed away on August 8, 2022.
I feel that. Same. I got to interview her once. It was so satisfying to tell her how much she meant to me and a bunch of other little girls.
@@KristineLevineComedy Wow what a moment! Did you tape it? A backstage pass?
Hmm...interesting coincidence. In a sad sort of way. Thanks for sharing.
No kidding, this is my comfort movie. My dad recorded it on VHS is 1982 (including super awesome commercials!) when I was 5 for me and my friends in suburban 1982 neighborhood and we watched and re-enacted it for years. I still have white roller skates. I still have the record on my wall. I used to listen to it while I read the lyrics. My dad is a huge Gene Kelly fan so I always had his movies in my life so Xanadu was a way to bring the old into the new. In college, after big parties, in the mid 90's anyone who stayed on our couches or floors were introduced and familiarized and forced to watch Xanadu or Valley Girl. I mean, I am in love with everything in this movie. I am in love with Jeff Lynne because of the music and I still tear up the instant any of the songs start. I loved the 40's part but even as a sheltered little girl, I always wanted the tiger-striped skin-tight outfit but ultimately always wanted to be Kiera. I named my goldfish Kiera 1 and Kiera 2. And! It introduced me to Coleridge. This movie is SO under-appreciated. I love it :)
I feel like we could have been best friends - I was exactly the same way- this movie got me through so many moments happy and sad and everything in between so I get your description “comfort” movie- every time I hear I song or see anything from it I simply feel like I’m ..home.
Same here except I live in Egypt & my parents took me to watch Xanadu when it debuted. To this day I still feel it was a dream💕💕
Same here except I live in Egypt & my parents took me to watch Xanadu when it debuted. To this day I still feel it was a dream💕💕
I saw it in 1983, I was 6, tons of memories.
I too still have my white roller skates with pink wheels 🤫I remember making those barrettes with ribbons and begged my parents for leg warmers 😍
I still love the movie. I love both ELO and ONJ. The combination of both ONJ and ELO in Xanadu is phenomenal. I love Roller Skates as well.
Here we are in 2018 and I have a five year old granddaughter, SCARLETT, whom is so infatuated with this movie. Every time she comes over to spend the night, she has to watch this movie....XANADU....and learned to roller skate at the age of 3.....she loves it. I am so glad that she will grow watching this movie...
It's wonderful to be able to share something like this across generations!
This is one of my favorite movies. It makes me feel so happy. I fell in love with it when I was 11.
I just showed my 9 yr old daughter and she is crazy about it. Xanadu lives!!!💜🧡💛😁❤️💙💚
I feel the same way ❤️
It’s so bizarre to me that anyone could say anything bad about this movie. it’s absolute magic and the most wonderful movie ever!
i mean, the black woman at the art studio had zero dialogue, unlike her co-workers and the only thing that happened to her was that dude handing her papers, in a very rude manner. Other than that, great movie.
Xanadu was a great movie, someone thought it was horrible and everyone jumped on the bandwagon. It had great sets, costumes, make-up, soundtrack, acting, dancing, visuals.....I'm happy it has a big cult following. The people who worked on it should be very proud.
One of my Sister and my favorite movies. We were born early 70’s and growing up watching and listening to Olivia Newton-John was that era. Olivia Newton-John has is a very talented lady and it was awesome to see her star with a Hollywood Legend Mr. Kelly. We probably listen to the album hundreds of time remembering every scene as we watched our Xanadu vinyl record going around and around. Electric Light Orchestra and Jeff Lynne was such an added bonus to it all. No one could ever tell me this movie was not good. 💕😊💕
I know right?
Talk about stuck in the 70s
@@WilliamMaslow well it was sort of a modernized musical of sorts.
@@WilliamMaslow And what's so bad about a broadway show? The movie and the music had real heart.
My favorite movie of all time. The history, the costume, the idea, the choreography, the amazing music, Gene Kelly and all that magic. Xanadu forever!
Sadly , no mention of Jeff Lynne . He wrote half the Soundtrack and was a huge factor in the success of the movie !
ELO was so huge back then there really wasn't a need to mention him. The man & his music will never be forgotten long after he's gone.
Johnston Ralston What about the co-star in the film, Michael Beck? At least Jeff Lynne's band, ELO got a mention, yet not once did Michael Beck get talked about despite being in the entire Film!
In recent times, Jeff somewhat warmed up to Xanadu but for many years prior to it he downplayed it. He was once quoted as saying 'Everybody makes mistakes, mine was Xanadu.'.
The movie wasn't a success though. :p
Brand X ...but the soundtrack was a smash success and had a multitude of hits!
I have watched this movie a thousand times!! If I was sad I would play it to cheer me up!! For All it is worth this was never a waste of film !! This was one of the Greatest films Ever !! All the talent that went in to this movie is incredible!! How much a pure pleasure I get watching it !! Never will I tire of this Wonderful artistic film !! Thank you from the bottom of my heart !! Loved the synchronicity of the big band era and the rock !! Gene Kelly and Olivia dancing !! Just superb !! I think I will watch it again for old time sake !!! Thanks for making it !!!
Xanadu is one of my all time favorite movies of all time. Here I am in 2018!!!!
2019 here. Still love it.
The number with Gene Kelley and Olivia is by far my favorite scenes in Xanadu. It was so beautifully choreographed
a movie that transcends it's faults-- a source of joy then, as it still is now
COLLAGE of time pieces, music, imagination, fantasy, visuals, colors, skating, cir del sole, love, talent, actors, animation, costumes, dancing all in one movie! ❤️ A FEAST FOR YOUR SENSES= XANADU 😍
my wife and I were 8 years old when Xanadu came out. We both saw it about 6-7 times at the same movie theater as kids. We started living together 30 years ago after our first date. Our first apartment was right next to the Dudley filming location in venice and we went to the market there [or used to be] every day for years. She worked right on Main street for years next to that filming location I had no idea this whole time. We still quote this movie and songs to each other occasionally. THANK YOU for posting this.
This movie will always hold a special place in my heart. The nostalgia of it can make me cry. I was 16 when it came out. My friend's and I listened to the soundtrack and danced to the mixed band part. Great fun and great memory.
I introduced my daughter (who is now 30) to the movie and I swear she's an "old soul" - she gets it all, loves it all. We cry when we watch the Gene/Olivia 1940s dance number - so special.
So cool to know that it will always be among one of the all time feel good movies. Generations to come, will love it too, regardless of what critics have to say....what do they know anyway?
This movie actually taught me to not give a grain of salt what movie critics thought. Loved this movie. I played the LP so much that I eventually kind of wore it out (I was a kid who may not have taken the best care with records). I remember being so bummed that the 2nd copy of the record I got didn't have the movie art on it. = (
Xanadu is still one of my favorite movies and probably my favorite music soundtrack. Still listen to it today (listening to it right now).
I was 7 when this movie came out. I loved it and still do! The soundtrack is great, I love OLJ, Michael Beck, and Gene Kelly. Cheesy, but fabulous!
A film that somehow makes you look long and hard. Capped by some amazing music at start and finish. What happens in between is ageing in the strangest way. Thanks for uploading this video
"Aging in the strangest way."
That is likely the best description of this unique film! Thank you!!
This film helped me dream as a child. I adore this film.
I just hope Gene Kelly didn't leave us thinking it was a big ole mess of a movie. IT WAS GREAT FUN...............AND STILL IS!
I know what you mean...Ive had the same thought. Hopefully he knows now that it really is what he wanted it to be-amazing for us.
This movie was my first glimpse of his talent
I remember seeing this back in 1980 and it was absolutely thrilling! I LOVE this film! 💖
Disco was dead by 1980. That and the movie sucked ass is why it failed. Had they made it in 1976-1979 it might have had more fans but the movie was still a hot mess, no matter when it was filmed and released.
This movie was imprinted on me when was younger. Its magical and memorable😆My interest in rollar skating was deepened from this movie👍The soundtrack literally made me feel ALIVE😎
It's amazing that with so much talent, the movie could fall so hard. The art of choreographing for the camera was nonexistent with the exception of the number directed by Kelly. Lots of Busby Berkeley and Gene Kelly ambition but none of the dialog between the dancers and the camera.
Hard to believe Lawrence Gordon was still delusional about it being a flop only because it didn't open in enough theaters.
No lie, I loved the movie. Yeah it was campy, but damn it was fun. :)
Swordsquire loved it !! eventually bought dvd !!! lol !! it was lots of fun - never cared what movie critics thought anyway !
Swordsquire AGREED. classic. oh to go back in time.
I first saw this film with my mother when I was 4 or 5 years old. I remember then being drawn to ONJ and that dress with the leggings. 40 years later, I still enjoy that image I had of her in my head, and the music is still pretty awesome, despite the campiness of the film itself. Still love ELO!
Amazing film I cannot fathom why anyone would have anything negative to say about it
Simple: the US and its population are just a small portion of the World. There's an entire World out there. That's «why».
i saw that movie with mom and dad in a drive-in theater and i immediately felt in love with Kira who is a magical girl from the sky ( at my age, that's what i could understand) and at the end of the movie, when i see that poor guy realizing that she went away back to the sky, i was so sad for him i started to cry silently... my heart was literaly broken...
it is true that most people saw that their were no chemistry between the two, but even at my age around 12 at the time, i totally understood that she was not human and so, she could not 'be with him' and he could not 'be with her'. So for me it was just normal that the chemistry was not 'right'. For me, it just make it even more believable...
Thank you for posting this behind the scenes documentary. It provides an appreciation for all the hard work and incredible talent that was poured into making this cult classic movie.
I was like that fanatic towards the end, who was 9 years old when it came out--so was I. I saw it twice, which I had only done for Star Wars and Superman before that. Even now--I'm 45, and I still watch it a lot, and I love it. :)
I'm 62 and still watch it.
I recall going with my family to a mall as a kid, back when VCRs were not yet commonplace & they had those stored with video disc ho,e theater setups and demonstration rooms. I sat in there for hours watching Xanadu over & over. Years later I bought it! It was an excellent fantasy movie.
I saw the movie when it first came out, i was 14 years young, & what attracted me to it was the ELO soundtrack. Mind you, I'm growing up in Cedar Falls Iowa where there is farming, you work with farmers or in the farming industry, & you have country/pop/gospel music on the radio. The movie left a strong impression on me when it came to the integration of the big band & rock music scene. I was in awe.... How could the two so seamlessly merge together? Not to mention this newfangled machine called a synthesizer.... Later in life, I find it interesting how music is still merging in the same way. You have country involving more rock aspects, rock merging with rap, etcetera. I sometimes wonder where music will go next?
One of my all time favorites and who gives a damn what critics think we the fans are the actual people who decide what is and isn't good...... Gene Kelly will always be the classiest of all gentleman dancers r.i.p
I saw Xanadu in the theater and fell in love all over again with Olivia Newton John. A pity they do not make family friendly musicals any longer. The studio did almost nothing to promote this movie. I appreciate the care you took in editing this documentary.
The closest thing to a great movie musical we’ve had in recent years is the Greatest Showman.
I have always said that people who dislike this movie simply have no soul. It is the ultimate "feel good" movie and I adore it. This came out the year my husband and I got married...it's been over 40 years and this movie is one of the things we share. The music is amazing, the choreography is wonderful, the story is timeless. What's not to like? When times are tough (writing this in 2021) you need a movie like this to take you away to a better time and a better place. For me, that place is Xanadu!
It’s tough to find a good kind of cheesy movie like Xanadu in this day and age.
I love the movie Xanadu, as a young mother who never learnd how to skate When I would hear the soundtrack I would skate around the house in my socks and sing ✨I dont care about Becks bad acting , he brings a bit of down to earth earthlyness to this movie that works for so many of us nobody's.... ✨
Okay so that lady around 6:40 says it didn't work. I'm here to say that it did work. I was 16 at the time I saw it in the theatre and it was a magic ride. I still love that film.
This movie was great and the music was even better. I just think people love to jump on the negativity bandwagon.
You are correct, in spite of the defects (or perhaps because of them) this movie has become a cult classic. It has aged well.
xaniiu I love this movie. It probably got so much hate because of the dumb ass Disco Sucks "movement."
No. It's a pretty terrible movie, but it doesn't matter because it's a FUN terrible movie.
@@Stratmanable So bad it's good and the music was amazing.
@@Stratmanable agreed
The Dancin' number with The Tubes is one of the coolest most outrageous things ever. The blending at the end of the song is fabulous and I still listen to it often.
first commercial original mashup ever i reckon - groundbreaking
One of my all-time fav films. Critics are called critics for a reason. It's the fact that it is a film that can be watched so many years later and it still makes you feel the magic. The costumes, music, dance and choreography are brilliant in this film, even after all these years.
I own the dvd and watch it a couple times a year...love it
Same here!
Grease is the word is the word! Nope! Gene kelly.olivia newton John and Michael bec! Roller skaters! No comparison! Best cult film ever. Best love story 😁 love it Nd to top it all elo. Cliff Richard on the best soundtrack ever x
I’m a bigger fan of Grease than Xanadu
I loved this movie SO much! It made me want to be a graphic design artist and I, like many girls my age, was crazy about roller skating! I think what made the movie amazing was Olivia Newton John, Gene Kelly and ELO! What a sound track, wow! I actually eloped last year and did my wedding march to Suddenly by Olivia and Cliff Richard ❤️
The "Xanadu" soundtrack still holds up. "Dancing" with Olivia & The Tubes is the first mash up.
certainly the first original commercial mashup
Gene Kelly, ELO and Don Bluth animation!!! How can you not love this movie???
A pretty surreal combination for its time!
With respect to the animated piece for "Don't Walk Away", it is one of my favourite parts of the movie and I've watched it over and over for years. I loved it from themoment it came on screen to this very day watching it again. You did a great job!!
The guy hit the nail on the head about the number of theaters. The movie wasn't a "bad" movie. It would have had good numbers if it was shown in more cinemas. Underrated movie. The soundtrack alone carried the movie. Add Olivia and Gene Kelly and the movies still works today.
I agree and I’m long overdue to revisit the film
One of the first Betamax tapes I owned!!! I will love this movie til the end of time.
we had it in 1980/81 on a Phillips V2000 video recorder, which had the double sided tapes. It was the first ever video I watched. I love the film...always will!
I agree it was pop culture in the 80,s and great movie to Olivia was awsome
This film destroyed Micheal Beck's career, this and Magaforce.
Xanadu sparked my 80’s pop culture phase in the late 2000’s
I love this movie for various reasons; i just wish Olivia and Michael Beck were on this documentary. Unfortunately, Gene Kelly passed away in 96.
hell they couldn't even mention Beck you think he fucking cares?
Outside a movie theatre, Sydney, Australia,1980, standing wit my Mum, late Aunt, and Cousins, high on Xanadu fever.
RIP ONJ. We love you tonnes. 😇🐨🦘🇦🇺
Never has a soundtrack been so much greater than the finished film. This music BEGS for a remake film but first they have to clone ONJ.
Frederico Pinto They could NEVER remake this film! It could only have ever been made in the small time frame that combined the sci-fi of Star Wars, the disco of Saturday Night Fever, the production of Grease and the culture of the late 70's- early 80's. Nowadays it would have auto tune, CGI, and an overly polished look.
And guys with pants on the ground. Plumber's cracks for everyone, if not that.
Stop unnecessary abbreviations you insufferable millenial.
Cloning ONJ isn't the hard bit. It is finding another Gene Kelly. Now THAT would be something special.
Who cares about the finished film? People should start to learn to relax and just enjoy a an innocent film, especially in these days of pessimism. The musical sequences were great and couldn't be remade nowadays.
I loved Xanadu (thus my screen name). The music, the dancing, the visuals literally saved me after a very bad and heartbreaking end to a relationship. It brought me back again. "I'm alive"....
RIP Olivia - I've just returned back to the UK after 10 years in prison. I did two and a half years solitary confinement in that time. Whilst I was in solitary, I "replayed" this video segment with the roller skaters in my mind to cheer me up. Thanks for that Olivia x
I loved this movie when it came out and still love it!!
This movie defined my taste in music and it also made me realize how much I loved tap dancing, introduced me to ELO which is my most favorite band. It made me able to enjoy the merging of different types of music. ❤❤❤❤
Absolutely love this film. Always have. Definitely never listen to what critics say. I look at a film and make my own mind up based on how it makes me feel. Xanadu was moving, fun, and extremely entertaining. Olivia and Gene were perfection, as were the whole cast. Love it!
Really loved this movie and remember it coming out when I was around 11 but it didn’t release were I lived so had to wait until it came out on video. Loved the whole fantasy and mythological theme as well.
The special effects on display throughout this film were so far ahead of their time and so 'out of this world.'
This is amazing, thank you for an awesome video. I am grew up watching this movie and cannot get enough of Xanadu.
This movie was so amazing!!! I saw it 6 times.
I'm 52 years old I saw this INCREDIBLE move in theaters when it first came out in Phoenix, AZ and everyone in the theater, not the boys, were going nuts over the movie, I saw it every Sat and Sun till it left 2 months later, started rolor skating and wanted to wear the dresses of the Muses, but found out the only store selling them was in NY. I still have 3 VCR tapes unopened because I've worn out 6 before the one I own now. The movie is perfect in every way.
This movie just rocks. Opened the door to loving different music genres
Absolutely one of my all time favorites with a freaking killer soundtrack
I actually loved this movie! ONJ is still got as hell!
I remember driving my mom crazy as a kid, wanting to see it. Then, when I finally went to see it, I drove her crazy for the soundtrack!!!! Love this movie still!!!!
Xanadu is still one of my all-time-favorites. And the soundtrack of Jeff Lynne and John Farrar is such amazing.
Thanks for uploading! :)
Best wishes
Oliver Höppner, Fernblick-Radio, Germany
I keep hearing, “but it just didn’t work...” . You are so so SOOOOO wrong!! People, it WORKED!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ I only wish Gene Kelly were alive to see the following it has today and how much joy this movie (along with the music) brings to others!! You have to remember where we were at the moment in America and it wasn’t dark- it was colorful and alive!!
Beats the crap out of the comic book movies we are being feed these days.
I'm just really surprised in this entire half-hour show, they never once mention the name of Michael Beck. He was only the leading man in the movie! He's in a ton of the clips, but they never once say his name, talk about him auditioning or how he got the role, what he was like on the set. It's just strange.
What I am thinking is that he (Michael Beck) wanted to move beyond it since it was almost 30 years later. I have read some of the stars just hate being remembered for just one role that maybe they didn't like at the time. He didn't want to be part of the documentary. But that is just speculation.
I am not sure but I know many consider it killed his career (him even I think). Its to bad, he was excellent in The Warriors, and while not a movie that showed much acting chops, ok in this movie.
I’m willing to bet he “auditioned” for the roll on his knees. The absolute worst actor ever!
Michael Beck once said 'The Warriors opened a lot of doors for me in show business which Xanadu quickly closed!"
I was a kid when Xanadu was released. I saw it several times in the Theatre in Miami. I even recorded the music on a cassette and used to carry around a hand held tape recorder with headphones while I roller skated around my neighborhood !! (Now I am dating myself) I loved this movie, and today in 2022, I have the vinyl Xanadu record in my collection this very day and a copy of the movie !!
I'll always love Xanadu, best movie I ever seen and the music from ELO, best band around! Love this movie!! A+
I love this movie , I was 12 years old when this came out, and now I watch it all the time.
rajah1993 I think I was about the same age. My daughter loves this movie. It's one of her all times favs!
I was 12 that year too. And much like the one guy fan in the doc, I was at the Chinese Theater too on opening day, 8/8/80. In fact I can still recall after my screening there was the cue line outside for the next show, and actress Cheryl Ladd was in the line. And she was still in Charlie's Angels at that time. Crazy. And yes, I'm a fan, with the soundtrack especially.
The Goddess of Xanadu: Rest in peace Olivia.
I remember this movie from my childhood very fondly. I only have two musicals in my video collection, this is one of them. Olivia was in the other one as well. ...I'm sure you all know which one it is. :)
Ummmm, 'Two Of A Kind'. ? 😋
@@pjw202 The latter for Disney was a cult hit.
I ❤ Xanadu!!! As a kid, I thought it was magical.. still is!
I love this movie! Never get tired of watching it. It reels you in. I love the Muses coming alive and dancing. I love the water scene, it's so magical. This movie has a lot of very unique features. Pretty much had it all.
❤️❤️ one of my most favorite movies to this day,...and so underrated!!!!
LA LA Land before there was LA LA Land.
And will still age better than that.
I’ve seen Xanadu more times than La La Land
I love it when critics say negative things about Xanadu back in 1980, but fans prove them wrong. That's why I never trust what critics say about any movie. I prefer to hear what other real people say about a film. Xanadu now 40 years later is still a cult phenomenon. And it will be a phenomenon in 60 years later on.
At least I don’t always trust Rotten Tomatoes. Some movies I’ve seen made me wish I had my head examined for believing the critics
What a great channel. One of my favorite movies.
A timeless classic .I loved it then ,love it still. Great closure here.They all were kissed by a Muse.
Child of the 80s here. I consider Xanadu, and The Last Unicorn, my top two childhood movies. I watched them on repeat! Xanadu was THE BEST!!!
I love Xanadu. There was a lot of captivating 2 the movie. But most importantly it gave you the ability to dream and to push you towards making your dream come true. It's too bad that a lot of people really didn't take time to really look at the movie and realize what it was trying to show them. My hat goes off to the producers, the choreographers period and the actors and actress especially Gene Kelly and Olivia Newton-John. Thank you both
Also can we take a moment to acknowledge the music and soundtrack for a second?
Olivia Newton-John
Electric Light Orchestra
And….
THE TUBES!
I’m almost positive this soundtrack conditioned me to gravitate to punk, alternative, post-punk and New Wave music later on as a teen.
A tremendously silly film with one of the best soundtracks of a film musical of all time; truly, one could almost say it doesn’t *deserve* such a flawless soundtrack - predominantly thanks to the genius that is Jeff Lynne and ELO!
As you mention in your notes, Xanadu Preservation, it’s extremely odd that for an ‘official’ documentary on Xanadu, not a single bit of music (arguably the strongest thing about this shambles of a picture) from the soundtrack is used in it! 🤔😲 How could they not have been able to obtain the rights?
But still, that was a highly enjoyable 27 minutes for a long-time Xanadu fan, so thank you so much for posting it 😘!
NB. Kenny Ortega seems like such a nice man - very cool to know that this super-successful choreographer (eg. the High School Musical films, working extensively with Michael Jackson) basically got his start on Xanadu!
I saw it in the theater when I was 13, I knew I was going to love it even before I saw it. I was a huge ELO & ONJ fan. And with me being an artist it opened my eyes to commercial art. I wanted to do work for album covers. The don bluth animation sequence, and the end dance number, for me were pure perfection.
I adore this movie! My favorite part will always and forever be the animation scene. Spectacular!
I was 17 when it came out and insisted on my boyfriend/future husband to take me...gosh...I don't know how many times. It was and is such an important movie in my life that it's mentioned several times in a book I wrote about my high school years in that era. I just saw Olivia in concert last year in my hometown and she's still as lovely and effervescent as ever. I very much enjoyed watching this documentary. Thank you for posting this! I'd love it if someone did a Xanadu screening in my city!
I watched this movie just recently. I don't care if people the same age as me question my taste in music and movies. I just love the 80's vibe, the music,the colours,and the dances.
I got surprised that Kenny Ortega was part of this. No wonder the choreography was awesome. Plus, I never expected an animation scene on the movie.
P.S. I was born in 1995 😂😂😂
Another P.S. I also watched HSM 1,2,3 and also Descendants 1&2 and he choreographed those movies
I have always loved Xanadu.
Watching all things Olivia after she passed away 11 days ago. Still heartbroken for her loss and always will be. I was raised with her music. I feel like my childhood died with her.
Omg! Really loved that movie it was so innocent and clean and great songs and dances... I was a child at that time but till this day I always watch it and enjoy it... Thank You for making this great movie
I love this movie. I've watched it so many times, I've lost count! And I bought the soundtrack three times in different formats.
Xanadu is just a fun musical film with an awesome soundtrack. Great escapism.
It’s tough to find anything like it today
Ciritcs hated it but we took the kids to see this 4 freaking times at the theater and once at a local drive-in , lol. I was watching clips of it just last night. It is the cheesiest of films but gotta love the 80's.
My all time favourite movie. I was 6 when it came out and loved it so much and still do ♡
I’m so glad that I watched this. I wish that it would come back on the tv for us to see again.
I actually have it on video and dvd.
It will always be magical for me. X