54 [Director's Cut] [DVD] [1998]

This brought back memories for me since I was on the Studio 54 guest list and was there. This was a dance club like no other in the late 1970s. The patrons were either celebrities or those chosen at the front door because they had the "look" of the beautiful people. Inside was a fantasy of dancing and drugs, all lit by strobe lighting. And, as it had formerly been a theater, there was a even balcony for those almost private moments of brief romantic encounters. The waiters and bartenders were all gorgeous young men and wore nothing but shorts and a bow tie. This is a story of one of these guys. Ryan Phillips is cast in the role of Shane O'Shea, a 19 year old from New Jersey who yearns for a star-studded life. He's chosen at the door and is big eyed with wonder and desire. Eventually, he becomes a waiter and later is promoted to bartender. There are a lot of women. And there is a lot of money. He even gets his picture in a magazine. Everything comes easy for him but he really is interested in a New Jersey girl who's a rising soap opera star. The best role in the film goes to Mike Myers, who plays the legendary Steve Rubell who made it all happen. He's a strange bird with an eccentric personality and he does a lot of drugs. The money rolls in and he is in trouble with the IRS. But he's so puffed up with his own importance that he even brags about it on TV. Eventually, he's arrested and the party ends. But before it does, the filmgoers are treated to a small view of what it was back then. I loved the nostalgia. Here was the music and the lights and the feeling of decadence that characterized a time that no longer exists. I lived through that time period. I remember. And so for those who are curious and those who want to step into the past for an hour and a half, I recommended this 1998 film.

"54: directors cut" is still very good, out of 100% is 94% very good. It IS different from the original 1998 version. I DID like that version also. I do like both versions. As both versions are NOW completely DIFFERENT versions of the same movie, per se. I heard and read that this movie: 45 minutes are different, that 45 minutes- completely all new scenes, 45 minutes changed/different. Took out that much and replaced that much time with new footage from the cutting room floor. Of course on bluray, it is better, sharper, colorful, better sound. BEST BUY always has the best. Was good price. IF you grew up and enjoyed the 1970s (and 1980s) like I did, when I did, and you miss it, like me, and are nostalgic, like I am, then THIS is for you. I know a guy once, who used to visit studio 54, and told me stories, crazy stories. He said the place WAS CRAZY, crazy FUN. And that which occurred, he said, DID happen, just like that. The sound in this movie is fantastic. 5.1 great but too bad it was not 7.1 sound. This is a BEST 'BUY'!

This is a story about the legendary STUDIO 54. Very good story and the film serves it justice. This is how all the dance clubs seem to begin with 54 being a role model for their success. Terrific soundtrack loaded with great songs and memories. The cast could not have done better. You should check this film out and watch it dozens of times, it's worth it!

I love the movie version but this really is so much much better. It catches the spirit of 54 beautifully. The relationships make much more sense with their intermingling and vulnerabilities.

Love this movie and have been waiting to catch it at a sale price.

Although the plot is weak in this movie, it was a great re-enactment of the 80’s most iconic club and the debauchery of the times.

I really haven't seen this movie in a long time, so I bought it.

I’ve always liked the film 54, but I’m so glad they finally released this unrated cut. It’s the version the director wanted to release. I’m glad to own both versions!