Product Details

• Actors: John Travolta, Karen Gorney, Barry Miller
• Directors: John Badham
• Format: AC-3, Collector's Edition, Color, Dolby, Dubbed, NTSC, Special Edition, Subtitled, Widescreen
• Language: English (Dolby Digital 5.1), French (Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround), Spanish (Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono)
• Subtitles: English, Spanish, French
• Dubbed: French, Spanish
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: R (Restricted)
• Studio: Paramount
• DVD Release Date: September 18, 2007
• Run Time: 118 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (258 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B000SQFC0Y
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #34,842 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)
• Learn more about "Saturday Night Fever (30th Anniversary Special Collector's Edition)" on IMDb

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Saturday Night Fever is one of those movies that comes along and seems to change the cultural temperature in a flash. After the movie's release in 1977, disco ruled the dance floors, and a blow-dried member of a TV-sitcom ensemble became the hottest star in the U.S. For all that, the story is conventional: a 19-year-old Italian American from Brooklyn, Tony Manero (John Travolta), works in a humble paint store and lives with his family. After dark, he becomes the polyester-clad stallion of the local nightclub; Tony's brother, a priest, observes that when Tony hits the dance floor, the crowd parts like the Red Sea before Moses. Director John Badham captures the electric connection between music and dance, and also the desperation that lies beneath Tony's ambitions to break out of his limited world. The soundtrack, which spawned a massively successful album, is dominated by the disco classics of the Bee Gees, including "Staying Alive" (Travolta's theme during the strutting opening) and "Night Fever." The Oscar^®-nominated Travolta, plucked from the cast of Welcome Back, Kotter, for his first starring role, is incandescent and unbelievably confident, and his dancing is terrific. Oh, and the white suit rules. --Robert Horton

Product Description

From John Travolta’s electrifying Oscar®-nominated* performance to the Bee Gees’ top 10 soundtrack to the unforgettable dancing, Saturday Night Feveris a movie sensation that captured the world’s attention like never before. Now catch the fever all over again with this 30th Anniversary Special Collector’s Edition that goes behind-the-scenes with special features on the history, culture and fashion of disco, the smash-hit soundtrack, an exclusive look at Hollywood legend John Travolta, and so much more. Now more than ever before, Saturday Night Fever is the one film that’ll make you feel like dancing.

See all Editorial Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

49 of 50 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Blu-ray: Over 30 years old and the presentation is absolutely magnificent! Also, new features for this release! May 6, 2009

By Dennis A. Amith (kndy) TOP 100 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Format:Blu-ray

"SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER"...the iconic disco film from 1977 that defined a decade full of polyester, hairspray and most of all, disco dancing. Also, a film that would catapult actor John Travolta (previously known for his role on the TV series "Welcome Back, Kotter") into one of the top actors of all time.

The film was based on a New York Magazine article from 1977 titled "Tribal Rites of the New Saturday Night" written by Nik Cohn (who admitted fabricating the whole story after twenty years later) and was written by Norman Wexler and directed by John Badham ("War Games", "Short Circuit", "Blue Thunder").

Featuring classic disco music by the Bee Gees (the soundtrack is recognized as the top selling movie soundtrack of all time) and popular disco tracks of that time, the film helped popularize the disco movement.

VIDEO & AUDIO:

"SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER" looks incredible on Blu-ray. The film is presented in 1080p High Definition and I compared the video quality of the original DVD and perhaps it was the upconverting but the DVD looks terrible compared to the Blu-ray.

In the famous opening sequence as the film pans around New York and then we see John Travolta as Tony Manero walking with swagger with a can of paint while looking at the women, on the DVD the picture quality was slightly dark but watching the Blu-ray, it's brighter, sharper, more colorful. I was comparing the picture quality and it was like night and day. "SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER", for a film that is over 30-years-old, just looks incredible in high definition.

And the music, which is presented in English 5.1 Dolby TrueHD (also, featured in French 5.1 Dolby Digital and Spanish Mono) is just crystal clear.... I was very impressed with the audio quality as the disco music just comes out alive on your home theater setup. Dialogue is well-heard but when the music comes on (which is frequent), the music and hearing it on high definition was quite awesome. The film is primarily a dialogue and music driven film, so you will get more through the front channel and low frequencies on your subwoofer.

The film also comes with English subtitles inc. English SDH, Spanish and Portuguese.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

In the 25th Anniversary of "SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER", there was the commentary, VH1 special featurette and the deleted scenes. For the 30th Anniversary, we get all new special features to celebrate the 30th Anniversary. It's important to note that John Travolota is the main cast member who did not take part in the 30th Anniversary interviews. Included are:

* Commentary by John Badham - This is the same commentary used on the 25th Anniversary disc. John Badham commenting on the filming of "SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER" and the difficulties they faced due to the fans of John Travolta who were everywhere the camera crews were at. Very good insight on the whole film.
* Catching the Fever - This is where you can find a good bulk of featurettes such as:

- A 30-Year Legacy - (15:23) An interview with Director John Badham, Producers and cast of "SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER" sans John Travolta. The group talking about working on the film, how iconic the film became as it inspired disco, fashion and much more.

- Making Soundtrack History - (12:37) An interview with the Bee Gees and more in regards to how the film used the music as a form of promotional by having the soundtrack released first and eventually creating hype around the film. Also, interesting information of how the Bee Gees felt their careers were over because they were a 60's band and how the film gave them a new life.

- Platforms & Polyester - (10:35) Polyester was very big then and quite inexpensive. But those who wore polyester were in and also how the film made a certain brand of shoes quite a fad back in the late 70's.

- Deejays & Discos - (10:17) Interviews with DJ's and people of the time talking about how things were back during the day at disco clubs and how celebrities were often DJ'ing and more.

- Spotlight on Travolta - (3:35) Interviews with cast and big names from the 70's in regards to working with John Travolta. The theme was the same with each talent, Travolta was courteous, friendly and never put himself higher than anyone on the set. Everyone loved working with him.

* Back to Bay Ridge - (9:00) Actor Joseph Cali who plays the character of Joey visits the various locations from the film in New York and shows how things have or haven't changed since 1977.
* Dance Like Travolta with John Cassese - (9:48) John "The Dance Doctor" Cassese teaches the viewer how Tony and Stephanie dance their popular competition dance.
* Fever Challenge! - (4:00) Learning some of the complicated dance moves from "SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER"
* Deleted Scenes - (3:36) It's important to note that there were two films available for the public. A rated "R" version and a "PG" version which would attract a young audience (note: There was no PG-13 at the time). The deleted scenes were used in the PG version of the film and the more sexual and profane scenes were toned down. Included is a deleted scene which shows Tony's father getting his job back, Tony going to Stephanie's home to apologize and more.

JUDGMENT CALL:

It was great to have 30th Anniversary features for this Blu-ray but for those who own the 25th Anniversary DVD edition, you may not want to give away the DVD just yet. The original DVD contained a VH1 special feature that shows more of the emotional and somewhat darker side behind-the-scenes of the film in which Travolta's real life girlfriend was dying of breast cancer and how it took a toll on him during the filming of "SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE" and also other things discussed on that 30-minute featurette.

I would imagine that the featurette was not included on the Blu-ray because of rights or the fact that everyone on the VH1 special no longer look the same as they do on the 30th Anniversary featurettes and wanting to keep things consistent.

My parents were hardcore into disco when I was a child. I was taken to watch "SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER" at the theaters twice, my parents put the vinyl of the soundtrack and the Bee Gees playing quite often during those years and remember all these people coming over for disco parties.

Suffice to say that "SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER" was an iconic film of that time period. Sure, there are music videos and shows that I could think of that popularized disco but this film did more than that. It is now ingrained into pop culture for the music, the dancing, the polyester, the platform shoes and the hair.

I think there is a misconception among people that "SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER" is like "GREASE" (a film made in 1978, a year after SNF). This is not a musical, the film is about teenagers living in New York and one knowing he has potential to do something bigger. His family life sucks, his friends constantly get into trouble and don't share the same passion in dancing as he does and he's tired of living his life of being a dancer at a club and wants to get serious with his life.

The film shows major repercussions to the characters at the end and the things you see on this film, especially its racial tone probably would not be acceptable today. This film is about youth and a people wanting more in their lives (unfortunately, its sequel "Staying Alive" directed by Sylvester Stallone was not as great despite it being a financial success).

John Travolta does an absolutely great job as Tony Manero. It's one thing to learning the various choreography for the film but there are certain mannerisms that you can't help but laugh. In one scene, his father hits him in the back in the head after he mouths off to his mother. Tony makes a comment of how he has been working so long on his hair and his father hits it. Another scene, where Stephanie and Tony go out and eat and Tony with no manners talks with food in his mouth. But to find out that a lot of these scenes were improvised by Travolta was shocking.

As James Dean made "Rebel Without a Cause" a youth film for its time and both he and the film became iconic for that time, John Travolta and the cast knew that this was his vehicle to shine and Travolta succeeded.

And the other talents made this film feel real, such as his gang of friends to even Donna Pescow as Annette, having to gain weight and regain her New York accent for this role. Karen Lynn Gorney having to learn all the dance moves along with Travolta was convincingly real as a woman not wanting to be bad but wanting to be better.

John Badham did a great job in capturing the urban life and the youth during the late 1970's and although his name would be branded with "War Games", "SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER" was a film that many people would forever remember as one, if not his best directorial work ever.

And the music especially for those who did grow up around disco knows the impact of the soundtrack of the film. The soundtrack for "SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER" was the first music soundtrack to utilize a double album and also released before the film to create hype and eventually becoming the largest selling soundtrack ever is a great accomplishment.

And last, the 30th Anniversary Blu-ray is just fantastic. Again, comparing the DVD picture quality and the Blu-ray quality is like night and day. The Blu-ray blows away the 25th Anniversary out of the water. I'm just impressed with both picture and audio quality and how well the transfer is in High Definition.

Again, for those who own the 25th Anniversary, may want to keep it for the VH1 Special Feature which has a deeper behind-the-scenes of what happened on set during the filming but overall, the new featurettes created for the 30th Anniversary in combination with HD video and audio makes this 1977 classic a disc worth owning for film buffs and those who are nostalgic of that time period.

"SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER" is highly recommended! Read more ›

42 of 47 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Still Flaming Hot October 15, 2002

By J. Michael Click VINE™ VOICE

Format:DVD

Unfairly dismissed by many viewers today as a relic of the disco era, "Saturday Night Fever" should more properly be remembered as the classic coming-of-age tale in which John Travolta exploded onto the big screen. The actor's character, Tony Manero, is a nineteen-year-old Italian-American still living with his family in Brooklyn who is stuck in a dead-end job and hanging around with a group of old friends who (like himself) have no real hopes or ambitions for the future. Manero's only true talent - and his escape from the world around him - is his prowess on the dance floor. It's a tricky role - the outwardly racist, sexist, homophobic, immature Manero is not the most sympathetic of characters - but Travolta imbues him with a aura of underlying decency and vulnerability that causes the audience to identify with him and ultimately, cheer for him. It's truly a knockout performance ... one that deservedly netted Travolta an Oscar nomination for Best Actor and won him the top male acting award from the National Board of Review.

The 25th Anniversary edition DVD offers home viewers a great video and sound transfer. A VH-1 "Behind the Music" documentary offers an interesting look at the troubled production history of the film, as well as some interesting insights into the movie's impact on popular culture. Regrettably, the disc does not include the Original Theatrical Trailer; I found myself curious to see how the distributor (Paramount) promoted this film to theatregoers. This one minor flaw aside, the DVD offers a solid presentation of this 1977 classic, and is a video worthy of repeated viewings. Enjoy!

44 of 52 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars A Period Piece September 15, 2001

By Martin A Hogan HALL OF FAMETOP 500 REVIEWER

Format:VHS Tape|Amazon Verified Purchase

"Saturday Night Fever" started out as a low budget film by legendary John Badham and ended up being an unforgettable period piece nominated for Oscars and selling more soundtrack albums in history. A tale of a paint shop guy who blows his money on the weekends to become a local legend on the disco floor, John Travolta nailed the role dead on. Although gritty with language and scenes that some might consider offensive, it is a true life tale of the mid seventies in New York City. Some call it the revival of the movie musical, but it's much more than that. Ultimately a story of one man's growth into adulthood through misled love and the confusion of youth, this freinds and family story rings true to the bone. Fueled with the dance beat of that generation and climaxed with the writing and singing skills of the Bee Gees, this movie is a classic representation of the times.

32 of 39 people found the following review helpful

1.0 out of 5 stars not SO special edition...where's Waldo..er Travolta? September 18, 2007

By Richardson TOP 500 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase

This 30th anniversary special edition might have been re-thought when John Travolta decided NOT to be in the documentary. There have been MUCH better retrospectives on TV . The small section on the Music which DOES feature recent interviews with Barry and Robin Gibb...is okay but big time redundant...and the BEHIND THE MUSIC on VH1 which was put in excerpt in the 25th Anniversary Edition would have been MUCH better than all the useless junk on this edition. This was an important ( I know that is an overused word) movie for my generation ...with big themes of growing up , friendship, career , family,and moving out...among others..and the special features of this edition reduce it all down to clothes and dance steps...THOSE THINGS didn't make this movie important...they missed the boat entirely.

John Travolta is NOT in the bonus features? Oscar nominated for his performance....he's missing from this "special" edition..and for my money..if he's not participating ...WHY make it? and if I'd known he wasn't in this I would not have wasted my money...the 25th Anniversay Edition is frankly...much BETTER!
instead of the DELETED Scenes on the 25th Anniversary Edition we get dance lessons? YIIIKES this stuff stinks!
the 25th Anniversary Edition
commentary, a very very good half hour behind the music documentary with interesting interviews and Travolta plus never before seen rehearsal footage , deleted scenes
the 30th Anniversary Edition
commentary...no behind the music, no deleted scenes , no Travolta.
no way!!