Dirty Dancing Celebrates 20 Years
Theatrical Return, DVD Release, Calendar Planned
A new DVD and special two-night only theatrical engagement celebrate 20 years of dirty dancing.
To celebrate the 20-year anniversary of the classic date movie Dirty Dancing starring Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze, Lionsgate and National CineMedia have planned several special events in the coming months. The film returns to movie theaters for a special two-night engagement on May 1 and 2, 2007. This brand new 35mm print with enhanced picture and sound will be presented at more than 300 AMC and Regal Entertainment Group movie theaters across the United States at 7:30 p.m. (local time) for a special two-night only screening.
The screenings include a 20-minute exclusive look inside Dirty Dancing featuring a collection of interviews with key people involved with the film, along with a glimpse of the Dirty Dancing London stage production. Tickets are on sale now at participating movie theater box offices and online.
Sexy Dance Moves
Directed by Emile Ardolino and starring Jennifer Grey (Ferris Bueller’s Day Off) as “Baby” Houseman and Patrick Swayze (Ghost) as Johnny Castle, the story is set in 1963 and concerns an idealistic girl who meets and falls in love with an experienced dance instructor at the Catskills during a summer vacation. Despite the melodrama of class structure, prejudice, and women’s rights that swirl around the secret lovers, the film touched many viewers with its charismatic stars, gentle humor, catchy soundtrack, and sexy dance moves. Several music videos were created from the soundtrack, and a sequel to the film, Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights, was released in 2004 to mixed reviews.
In addition to the theatrical event, there will be a 20th anniversary home entertainment re-release of the DVD special edition and Blu-Ray disc, a remastered companion CD from Sony/BMG, and a full licensing and merchandising program that includes calendars, sportswear, and a videogame. Because of the stage play's continued popularity across several continents, Lionsgate launched the eight-episode Dirty Dancing: The Reality Show television program on the WE Network.
Anniversary Edition DVD
The Dirty Dancing 20th Anniversary Edition DVD, being released on May 8, is highlighted by Patrick Swayze’s first-ever DVD participation, and also features deleted and alternate scenes, original screen tests, outtakes, and a tribute to the late Jerry Orbach. Also on May 8, Sony/BMG will release a newly re-mastered anniversary edition of the film's soundtrack with a bonus DVD containing five music videos. The bonus DVD includes a photo gallery with behind-the-scenes photos of the making of the film and a karaoke version of the Oscar-winning song “(I've Had) The Time Of My Life.”
First released in 1987, Dirty Dancing generated more than $170 million in worldwide box office receipts and sold more than 10 million DVDs. The Oscar®-winning film (Best Music, Original Song) consistently ranks among top date movie rankings, and is among the most popular films in Lionsgate's 10,000-title library.
For more information about musicals, read Hairspray Remake is Good, Clean Fun and Across the Universe on DVD.
