Movie: Xanadu

Movie: Xanadu
Written by: Richard Christian Danus and Marc Reid Rubel
Starring: Olivia Newton-John playing muse Kira, Gene Kelly (playing in final movie role, Danny McGuire, Michael Beck played character Sonny Malone
Universal Pictures
Release: 1980 in theaters
Fictional story
DVD release: 2008
Reviewed by: Allen Klingelhoets

I am doing this review in honor of death of Olivia Newton-John.

Xanadu means idyllic, exotic, luxurious location.

The movie follows Sonny Malone who is a struggling artist forced to draw things has no feeling or real desire to paint. This all changes when he meets muse named Kira. His life is also entwined with Danny McGuire played by very old Gene Kelly.

I really enjoyed music in movie. The sound track sold tremendous amount of albums. I looked seeing Gene Kelly roller skate. I did wish though did not cut off most skating scenes at waist upwards. Kira was one of 10 Muses.

Kira was not allowed to fall in love with mortal. She did though fall in love with Sonny Malone.

The movie tried to catch on roller skating craze of 1970's and 1980's.

I really appreciated effort put into movie. Don Bluth (who went onto own company making many animated movies and even several video games) added cartoon segment to Xanadu. The movie did not do all that well at box office. I watched several times since Olivia Newton-John passed away in August of 2022.

I wonder if Muse in Xanadu inspired Tidalwave Productions Darrin Davis to create The 10th Muse character after watching Xanadu.

I just got movie through inter library loan. I got MAGICAL EDITION.

There were many special feature. Going back to Xanadu in this all-new retrospective documentary. The cast and crew discuss the making of Xanadu and it's lasting legacy. There is also a photo gallery.

The back cover says about Xanadu.

Step into the magical world of Xanadu with the dazzling Special Edition of one of the most extraordinary musicals ever! Superstars Olivia Newton- John (Grease) and Gene Kelly (Singin' in the Rain) star in this beloved film spectacular about a beautiful muse sent from Heaven to help a struggling artist open a roller-disco. And now, this out-of-this-world sparkles like never before with a digitally remastered picture, now 5.1 surround sound audio track, al new special features. With songs like "Xanadu," "Magic," "Suddenly," "I'm Alive" and "All Over the World." It's a dream come true for musical fans everywhere!



Allen Klingelhoets