This coming of age love story touched the hearts of moviegoers everywhere. The 30th Anniversary Edition of “Dirty Dancing” is available on a Blu-ray combo pack, a single DVD, and a special collector’s edition with plenty of fun little keepsakes to commemorate specific parts of the film.
The story takes place in 1963 when 17-year-old Francis – Baby – Houseman (Jennifer Grey) and her family go to Kellerman’s resort for the summer. This idealistic young woman then met dance instructor Johnny Castle (Patrick Swayze) and, after a crazy beginning, they fall in love. Johnny was a guy from the streets of Philadelphia. These two were like oil and water, but they managed to shake things up – in more ways than one – and became the love story of the summer.
Besides the story of Baby and Johnny, there are other stories woven into this classic film. This was the time before Roe v Wade and abortions were illegal. One of the characters needed an abortion and almost lost her life after she got a back alley abortion. Also, Baby’s sister decides to lose her virginity with one of the waiters at the resort. But the most impressive part of the film is the love that blossomed between Baby and Johnny.
Many hours of bonus features on the Blu-ray disc look at the “Dirty Dancing” phenomenon and background of the story and the movie. It was unexpected for the producers and this low budget film shocked Hollywood with its rise to fame.
Patrick Swayze explains the dancing “is very hot” and really sexy. And Grey says it’s sexy but “not really dirty.” For the cast the final wrap was “bittersweet” because they had such a great time together making the film. The story went on to become a short-lived TV show and now a popular stage play.
Swayze explained he didn’t want to make a “dance” movie but he “just couldn’t resist” this one. The actor had studied ballet, jazz, modern, and tap and explained “ballet is the basis of all dance.” He had a strong sense of discipline and hard work, which paid off in his career and life. He stayed in shape and never let his success go to his head. This guy had his feet on the ground, except when he was doing leaps in the air!
Interviews with Swayze, Grey, writer Eleanor Bergstein, choreographer Kenny Ortega, and dancer/actor Miranda Garrison add to the background of the film. There are screen tests, outtakes, and plenty more bonuses included in this 30th Anniversary Edition.
