Product Details

• Released on: 2007-07-01
• Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
• Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
• Formats: Dolby, Widescreen, NTSC, Import
• Original language: English, French
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 77 minutes

From Amazon.com
Although it featured songs by Debbie Harry, Lou Reed, Iggy Pop, Cheap Trick, and Earth, Wind & Fire, Rock and Rule (Canada, 1983) never received a general US release. Set in a post-apocalyptic world inhabited by mutants, the underdeveloped story centers on the rock star Mok and his efforts to summon a demon from another dimension. Only the voice of aspiring singer Angel can cross the dimensional barrier and free the monster. A series of chases and concerts leads to Mok's destruction by Angel and her true love/singing partner Omar. Clive Smith's direction is simply inept: the story plods along listlessly; the characters change motivation on a dime; the crude CG special effects are squandered in minor scenes, rather than used to punch up the climax.

Rock and Rule reflects the confusion of the animation industry in the early '80s. Yellow Submarine and Fritz the Cat had proved there was an audience for hip, edgy animated features. But nobody could make a good one, and a series of bombs caused animation to be labeled box-office poison. More than 20 years later, Rock and Rule holds a curiosity value for fans of old rock, but it's not a memorable film. (Rated PG: violence, grotesque imagery, brief nudity, alcohol, drug, and tobacco use) --Charles Solomon

Review
The benefit of hindsight makes it easy to see why Rock & Rule got buried during its original release: too cute and restrained for the adult-animation set but too dark and edgy in its ideas for the kiddie set, the film manages to be only partially acceptable to either of the traditional audiences for animation in the early '80s. The same sense of hindsight also reveals why it became something of an underground favorite with the cult-movie set: Rock & Rule boasts a fantastic soundtrack, an often-stunning sense of futuristic design, and a novel combination of cel animation and computer graphics that is pleasing to the eye. The script is a bit disjointed at times (particularly the rather choppy first act), but the unique, eccentric nature of the film is likely to keep the viewer intrigued; it's constantly throwing an amusing gag, a catchy tune, or an eye-popping bit of design at the audience. When these elements click, Rock & Rule is also capable of producing some stunning set pieces that offer laughs and chills all at once; one of the most impressive is a mad dash through a downtown dance club as the heroes search for Angel amongst a crowd of bizarre revelers. Ultimately, Rock & Rule might be a little too odd in concept and storytelling style for a mass audience, but animation fans and cult-movie fanatics with a yen for music-themed features will definitely want to give it a look. ~ Donald Guarisco, All Movie Guide

On the DVD
"The Making of Rock & Rule"
Audio commentary with director Clive Smith
Extensive character sketch gallery
Liner notes

Customer Reviews

A decade in wait...
I first saw this movie on Bravo (or was it Showcase) about ten years ago.
Ever since then, I have been looking and looking for it.

Finally, I got it today, and I was not disappointed. This movie is vivid, with amazing musical talent, a great and simple story, and most importantly, it all works together.

It's a great movie, and the special features on this 2-disc set make it worthwhile for any fan of the movie, early 1980's punk rock, or animation in general.

This is an unique movie, geared for a more mature crowd, but still not 'adult' in the general sense of the phrase (at least how it's used today).

I recommend this DVD, because it's got everything anyone could want on a DVD for this movie. The behind the scenes featurette is kinda cool too, seeing how early on computers were used in animation was a surprise to me.

Bottom line: worth it.

Rock And Rule Rules!
Get the two-disc version, you won't be disappointed! Unearthed films have done an EXCELLENT job on this set - the look, sound, packaging & DVD extras are all top notch (Thank You, Unearthed, you've done it justice). I remember seeing it on CBC when it first got released (1983) & I've waited till it got it's proper release on DVD till I bought it. This was draw by the great Canadian Nelvana animation studios, therefore the labeling of the Canadian version on the second disc as the alternate version is misleading, anyway, it's Nelvana's best animation ever. Highly Recommended.

Classic
Finally this incredible movie will be available to a wider audience. I've been limited to watching an old vhf copy of the movie for years. I don't know if I should really write a review on Rock & Rule as I have a total bias because it is one of the best cartoon movies of all time. It is slow at some points (be patient) but has a great soundtrack and is an excellent example of North American annimation. Suitable to be placed up with all your Bakshi movies. I still hear a certain song in my head when I see a bleached blonde bubble head walk by :
"yer so pretty, yer so pretty, yer so fair, love your hair.
yer so pretty, yer so pretty, love yer makeup love yer clothes love yer eyes love yer nose... YOU'RE PRETTY USELESS..."
Classic