Prince’s 1980s Musical Epic ‘Purple Rain’ Ready To Go Crazy On 4K In June
by David Lewis
Prince‘s 1984 autobiographical box office hit Purple Rain will celebrate its 40th anniversary by making a 4K Ultra HD debut this June. But before purchasing this disc, you will have to purify yourself in the waters of Lake Minnetonka. Sorry, we don’t make the rules! Prince does.
After conquering the music charts, the diminutive singer turned his talents to the big screen, playing “The Kid,” an aspiring rock star who uses his music to escape his troubled home life and abusive father (Clarence Williams III). Along the way, he woos a beautiful singer (Apollonia), and enjoys a friendly rivalry with the flamboyant singer Morris Day and his band, The Time. It all culminates in one of the best concert sequences ever filmed, with Prince climbing onstage at Minneapolis’ famed First Avenue to perform several hits of the era, including “I Would Die For You,” “Let’s Go Crazy,” and the electrifying title track.
Directed by Albert Magnoli, Purple Rain picked up an Oscar for Best Original Song Score, and a Grammy for Best Album of Original Score Written for a Motion Picture.
The 4K UHD disc is sourced from an 8K scan of the 35mm negative, and offers previously released special features including an audio commentary with Magnoli, producer Robert Cavallo, and cinematographer Donald E. Thorin, a featurette celebrating First Avenue, and eight vintage music videos.
Purple Rain will be available on 4K UHD Blu-ray June 25th, and for purchase digitally from Amazon Prime Video, AppleTV, Google Play, Fandango at Home, and more.