When looking at the history of popular music, no artist was (or will ever be) quite like Prince Roger Nelson. With his unique stature, confidence, incredible wardrobe, and even more impressive musical skills, Prince would become an icon in every sense of the word for generations to come. But with such a wonderful collection of work within his catalog, there’s one project that (arguably) defines his legacy. And in the view of this writer, it might be the one film that captures the magic of music better than any other. The film/album in question is, of course, Purple Rain. Now with the movie turning 40 this July, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment has released a 4K edition to celebrate this milestone achievement. But does this release live up to the glory of this rock and roll classic? Much like Prince himself, there’s no simple answer.
Right from the beginning, Purple Rain sets itself as a gritty-yet-glamorous look into the world of Minneapolis’s local club scene. Within it we meet “The Kid” (Prince), a rock and roll frontman whose life is far from the cool aesthetic he presents on stage, especially when it comes to his relationship with an abusive parent. Thankfully, he meets Apollonia (Apollonia Kotero), an aspiring singer who brings a shred of hope (and a spark of romance) into his troubled existence. The film then follows our protagonist as he tries to keep his band together, make his girlfriend happy, try to save his parents’ marriage, all the while competing with his rival (Morris E. Day) for musical dominance. Simply put, it’s a wild ride.
On paper, Purple Rain sounds like a mess of a movie. It centers on a script written by William Blinn (Roots) and Albert Magnoli (Batdance) based on a story rumored to have been created by its lead talent, features a cast of mostly non-actors, and could have easily come across as a commercial rather than a legitimate film. But the charm of this rock and roll fable (not to be confused with Walter Hill’s Streets of Fire (1984)) is the authenticity at the center of its story. And though much of that is thanks to director Albert Magnoli’s talents behind the camera, the true reason Purple Rain works is, of course, Prince himself.
As soon as he speaks the opening lines of “Let’s Go Crazy,” Prince commands the screen much like a conductor leading a symphony. Not only are his musical performances the definition of “electrifying,” but his more dramatic, introspective moments are just, if not even more, thrilling. With just a simple look towards a mirror, you can understand the pain and struggle his Kid is going through, all the while being annoyed at some of said character’s less-than-stellar decisions. And considering how many of his musician peers were failing in their acting attempts (ex: Paul McCartney), it’s amazing to see that genuine potential.
An aspect that’s just as magical to watch is Prince’s chemistry with Apollonia (Black Magic Woman). Much like other iconic off-screen couples captured on celluloid, it’s easy to see why this relationship was so steamy to begin with. The sparkle in both of their eyes every time they’re together is the stuff of rom-com movie legend, and even though the arc of their characters’ relationship is far from ideal, it’s obvious that these two have a spark between them that few movie pairs ever do.
But perhaps the movie’s true secret sauce is Morris E. Day (Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back). From the moment he’s introduced, this dynamic performer steals the spotlight from everyone else, including Prince. He’s a comedic force that owns every line with confidence and lightning-fast timing, making some of the more questionable material he has to say sound way more natural than it has any right to. Plus, how can you deny the magic of watching him and the rest of his band, The Time, perform “Jungle Love”?
Similarly, Purple Rain wouldn’t be nearly as magical if it wasn’t for a few key players on the technical side of things. First, is cinematographer Donald E. Thorin (Thief), whose lush use of royal colors and thoughtful framing gives Purple Rain a whimsical-meets-theatrical energy; one that perfectly matches Prince’s iconic, hyper romantic aesthetic. Magnoli and co-editor Ken Robinson (Sweet Sugar) bring a then-modern MTV sensibility to the film that’s still unmatched within music-driven cinema to this day. It’s bold, ridiculous, and cartoony at times, but nevertheless is the element that makes it stand out from other music movies of the decade.
Yet, even with all of these wonderful aspects, not every ingredient within Purple Rain has remained fresh amidst its 40-years-long existence. From its not-so-great treatment of its female characters to its borderline romanticization of abuse, it’s easy to see why some modern audiences might have a harder time stomaching said material. And while some viewers can handwave said flaws to being products of mid-‘80s sensibilities, it can be awkward to watch an artist like Prince (who often propelled and sponsored some of the greatest female musicians of all time) create material that forces them into uncomfortable scenarios.
Those criticisms aside, Purple Rain remains a unique piece of rock and roll filmmaking that clearly deserved a 4K release. In terms of its technical presentation, this remaster (which utilized an 8K scan of the 35 mm camera negative and presents the film in its original theatrical aspect ratio) does a great job of making Purple Rain visually pop off the screen. The grain is balanced with the color just right to give that uniquely ‘80s look that’s both cool and comfy. The same can be said for the remastered sound mix, which, while it has some quieter moments when it comes to the dialog, ultimately sounds crisper and bolder than ever before.
Unfortunately, the bonus material on this Purple Rain 4K doesn’t quite match the royal, purple badness of the remaster itself. Sure, the commentary by Albert Magnoli, Donald E. Thorin, and producer Robert Cavallo (Prince: Sign O’ the Times) gave some great insight into the movie, and the featurette focused on the famous Minneapolis First Avenue Club was a treat to watch, but both of these (along with the musical videos) are just ported over from previous home video editions and are far from the high quality they should be for such a milestone release.
Regardless of the lackluster special features, Purple Rain is a great addition to any 4K collection, especially for those who love their music-focused cinema. This is easily the best the film has (and will likely ever) look or sound, and this remaster is absolutely worthy of Prince’s majestic musical legacy. So whether you’re wanting to watch this offbeat classic for the first time, or are revisiting this weird little slice of ‘80s filmmaking, then this 4K is definitely the way Purple Rain should be experienced.
Purple Rain 4K Previously Available Special Features:
- Commentary by director Albert Magnoli, producer Robert Cavallo and cinematographer Donald E. Thorin
- First Avenue: The Road to Pop Royalty – featurette
- Let’s Go Crazy – music video
- Take Me with U – music video
- When Doves Cry – Music Video
- I Would Die 4 U/Baby I’m a Star – music video
- Purple Rain – music video
- Jungle Love – music video
- The Bird – music video
- Sex Shooter – music video
Available on 4K UHD Blu-ray and digital June 25th, 2024.
For more information, head to the official Warner Bros. Pictures Purple Rain webpage.
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Categories: Films To Watch, Home Release, Recommendation
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