Product Details

• Actors: Rae Dawn Chong, Guy Davis, Jon Chardiet, Leon W. Grant, Saundra Santiago
• Directors: Stan Lathan
• Writers: Andrew Davis, David Gilbert, Paul Golding, Steven Hager
• Producers: David V. Picker, Harry Belafonte, Mel Howard
• Format: Closed-captioned, Color, Original recording reissued, NTSC
• Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: MGM (Video & DVD)
• VHS Release Date: June 6, 2000
• Run Time: 105 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (90 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 079284565X
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #216,786 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

A slightly dated but nonetheless fascinating snapshot of musical history, Beat Street is an urban musical detailing the roots of hip-hop. Set in early-1980s New York, the film focuses on the lives of a small group of young people setting their experiences against the larger backdrop of the city's burgeoning music scene. The story of up-and-coming DJ Kenny (Guy Davis) and his relationship with jazz musician Tracy (Rae Dawn Chong) may only be a device, but it's surprisingly effective, as is the ultimately tragic tale of graffiti artist Ramon (Jon Chardiet). The movie's real raison d'être, however, is to showcase the sounds of the street, so it's full of some of hip-hop's most influential names--Melle Mel, Doug E Fresh, Kool Moe Dee, the Rocksteady Crew, Jazzy Jeff, and Arthur Baker. And while the combination of electro and rapping may sound a little crude to modern ears, there can be no doubt that Beat Street is the sight and sound of history being made. --Phil Udell

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Oh My GOD!, June 24, 2000

By 

Ed (POINT COOK, Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Beat Street [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I was franticly looking for this movie not more than 6 months ago, cannot find it anywhere! . This is a movie that must be seen and owned by anyone who loves hip hop and it's culture. Unlike the other breakdance movies this one is so well made, not only does it include artist that are the foundation of hip hop such and melle mel, afrika bambaataa and tina b to name a few but it outlines the culture, from dj-ing to graffity and showdowns on the dancefloor. The rocksteady crew are pure ledgens and for them to be in this movie is just a major bonus. I am propably preaching to the converted here but if you are into hip hop or just listen to the music, you have got to get this movie, hopefully it will come out on dvd 'cos the music would absolutely ROCK.

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars And the Beat Goes On, August 1, 2000

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Beat Street [VHS] (VHS Tape)

A true hip-hop classic. I was first introduced to this film through my mother who was a teenager at the time of it's original release in 1984. Thanks to this movie, at 9 years old, i have a greater appreciation for hip hop and better understand its origins. This movie gives an accurate representation of one of the 20th century's most influential musical genres. Unlike the other hip hop movies Beat Street accurately captures the look and feel of the hip hop culture of New York City in the 80s (sheepskins, bomber jackets, kangol hats) It also takes a holistic look at hip hop nation astutely incorporating all of its elements - rap music, break dancing, spinning/mixing, graffiti art. More than just a movie about hip hop, it is a movie about familial ties, friendship and the triumph of the human spirit. It is a must see for the new generation of hip hop soldiers. Buy it - YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED! Peace out!

Leandro B. a.k.a. Rocker

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beat Street will NEVER leave the place in my HEART., August 5, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Beat Street [VHS] (VHS Tape)

This is a very gooooood movie, I loved this movie since I was a kid growing up and now I really need to add this to my collection. I know there is another movie that came out in the 80's called "Breakin'". It's similar to Beat Street. If anyone knows where I could get my hands on that movie let me know because Iam a breakdancing-aholic. Email me if you have any clues about that movie. Thanks!!