Quadrophenia (Blu-ray)
The Who’s classic rock opera Quadrophenia was the basis for this invigorating coming-of-age movie and depiction of the defiant, drug-fueled mod subculture of early 1960s London. Our antihero is Jimmy (Phil Daniels), a teenager dissatisfied with family, work, and love. He spends his time knocking around with his clothes-obsessed, pill-popping, scooter-driving fellow mods, a group whose antipathy for the motorcycle-riding rockers leads to a climactic riot in Brighton. Director Franc Roddam’s rough-edged film is a quintessential chronicle of youthful rebellion and turmoil, with Pete Townshend’s brilliant songs (including “I’ve Had Enough,” “5:15,” and “Love Reign O’er Me”) providing emotional support, and featuring Sting and Ray Winstone in early roles.
- New, restored digital transfer of the uncut version, supervised by cinematographer Brian Tufano, with the original 2.0 stereo soundtrack as well as an all-new 5.1 surround mix, supervised by the Who and presented in DTS-HD Master Audio on the Blu-ray
- New audio commentary featuring director Franc Roddam and Tufano
- New interview with Bill Curbishley, the film’s coproducer and the Who’s comanager
- New interview with the Who’s sound engineer, Bob Pridden, featuring a discussion of the new mix as well as a restoration demonstration
- Segment on the film from a 1979 episode of the BBC series Talking Pictures, featuring interviews and on-set footage
- Segment from a 1964 episode of the French news program Sept jours du monde, about mods and rockers
- Seize millions de jeunes: “Mods,” a 1965 episode of the French youth-culture program, featuring early footage of the Who
- Trailers
- English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
- PLUS: A booklet featuring a new essay by critic Howard Hampton, a 1985 personal history by original mod Irish Jack, and Pete Townshend’s liner notes from the 1973 album