Stranded at the drive-in

'Grease' returns to the big screen after twenty years

Stars John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, along with rest of the group from Rydel High, dance their way back into theaters this weekend.

Although it's not quite time for those summer nights yet, the T-Birds and the Pink Ladies will be out again this weekend.

Grease, which first premiered in 1978, is being re-released in theaters today with digitally remastered sound and enhanced color as part of a 20th anniversary celebration.

The movie will open in the State College area at Cinema 6, 501 Benner Pike, said David Donavon, an employee of Carmike Cinemas.

The film, set in fictional Rydel High, follows the love story between Danny Zuko, played by John Travolta, and Sandy Olsen, played by Olivia Newton-John.

In addition to the two stars, the soundtrack features the talent of artists such as Sha-Na-Na and Frankie Avalon.

Grease made more than $340 million when it was released in 1978, boosting the careers of both Travolta and Newton-John.

It still holds the record as the highest-grossing movie-musical ever.

No one is certain how long it will run this time around.

"It will play as long as it's making money," Donavon said. "It's kind of cool that it will be back in the theater."

Since there are no Friday matinees, the first showing will be at 7 p.m. today, he said.

Some students already have made plans to see the movie.

Cindy Condliff (senior-wildlife and fisheries science) is going to see the movie with her roommate, who is also a Grease fan, she said.

"I remember going to the drive-in with my parents the first time I saw it," she said. "I grew up watching it; my mom loves it and even my dad likes it. It's fun to watch and sing along with the songs."

Lynne Nehrebecki (senior-telecommunications) remembers the first time she saw the movie and said she is planning on seeing it in the theater.

The first time she saw Grease, it was on TV.

"My friends and I were all singing the songs the next day," Nehrebecki said. "Our parents let us stay up late to watch it.

- Lynne Nehrebecki, senior-telecommunications

There is more to the Grease phenomenon than the film. There has also been a record-breaking musical and soundtrack.

The musical premiered in 1972 in New York's Eden Theatre and has since had almost 2,200 Broadway performances, making it the eighth longest-running show in Broadway history.

The soundtrack was one of 1978's Billboard top 10 albums and the video was one of 1997's top 10 sellers.

Mark Comly of Video Center, 304 W. College Ave., said although Grease hasn't been one of their top rentals, it has done well.

"It has held up over the years," he said.

In addition to its video appeal, the film also scores high ratings when it airs regularly on broadcast cable.

Although the movie has had some form of a cult following, Cornly doesn't think it will have a very successful run in the theaters from what customers have said.

"There hasn't been a lot of fuss so far," Comly said.

Lisa Thomas (freshman-division of undergraduate studies) said although she has been a fan of the movie since she was about 7, she's not venturing to the theater to see it.

"I don't see what the big change would be. I've seen it on video like a hundred times," Thomas said. "It's supposed to be digitally remastered but I don't see how it's worth it."