The 30th Anniversary of “Rad”: The Best BMX Racing Movie Ever

At Rare DVDs, we know all too well the meaning of a cult classic. We live and breathe cult classics so much so that we’re dedicated to producing them on high-quality DVDs so you can enjoy them no matter what year they were released. In fact, one of our favorite movies of all time turned 30 years old this year!

Known best as “Rad the BMX movie,” “Rad” was released in 1986. Directed by Hal Needham, once known as the highest-paid stuntman in the world, “Rad” has one of the most dedicated cult followings for a sports movie. So much so that it even has its own Facebook Fan Club. Why? Quite frankly, there has not been a movie quite like it before or even after its release.

The film centers on Cru Jones, a teenager who opts to compete in the ultimate BMX race for money, fame and fortune instead of taking his SATs. Even with a clearly modest budget, “Rad” has become a classic ‘80s film due to the intensity of the racing and bike stunts. A critically acclaimed film it definitely is not. But who cares? What do they know anyway? Cru manages to fall in love and topple multiple obstacles along the way. We won’t ruin the ending for you, just know this is very much a story reminiscent of David vs. Goliath!

The movie stars Bill Allen, Lori Loughlin, Talia Shire and Ray Walston. You’ll have a roarin’ good time with this ‘80s throwback film. Whether you’re a fan of the purity of mountain bike riding and early BMX stunts or simply remember riding around on your bike as a kid dreaming of cool tricks to land, you’ll enjoy this movie! With a whopping audience score of 91 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s time you order this movie. Seriously! Even without an official release, now’s your chance to buy “Rad” on DVD. 

4 Famous Original Films vs. the Remakes

There are usually three camps of movie lovers. There are the Modernist Big Budget Fanatics who covet all things new, sleek, CGI-laden as well as fast camera cuts and maybe an explosion or two. There are the classic film aficionados, vintage connoisseurs, old movie devotees who love the crackly sound of a movie that is at least 20 years old. Lastly, there are the lovers of all film. If it’s got a reel, a story arch and it’s entertaining, they’re into it. We all have our preferences, and at Rare DVDs, we have rounded up some of our favorite original classic flicks available in our store and compared them to the more modern version. Pick your favorite!

What separates an original versus a classic film? We’ll see!

Round 1: The Jungle Book

  

   

There are actually three variations of this film that are officially Disney. However, our fact comparisons today are between the two live-action versions!

The Original: The Jungle Book released in 1994 and starred Jason Scott Lee, Lena Headey and Sam Neill. It had a budget of $30 million and had a running time of 111 minutes.

The Rookie: Disney has recently released a 2016 version of The Jungle Book which promises to be an all-new, live-action epic adventure. It has received positive reviews and high ratings. Starring Neel Sethi, Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley and Idris Elba. It has a budget of an estimated $175 million and runs for 105 minutes.

Most Notable Differences: All the locations and talking animals are computer-generated VFX in the new one, and Kaa the Snake is portrayed as a female.

Round 2: The Three Musketeers

          

The Original: The dynamite 1973 The Three Musketeers features powerful actors Oliver Reed, Raquel Welch and Rochard Chamberlain. The stunts were so real that Oliver Reed was seriously injured and could have died from a stab in the throat during a duel scene.

The Not-So-New Rookie: The 1993 version had a budget of $30 million and had some of the most famous actors of the early 90s like Charlie Sheen, Kiefer Sutherland, Chris O’Donnell and Oliver Platt play the swashbuckling swordsmen.

Most Notable Differences: The Original 1973 version was filmed utilizing real muskets and is said to keep more true to the Dumas novel. At RareDVDs, we offer a two-for-one disc of the original and its sequel. Both films were actually shot at the same time and were split into two without prior notice to its actors.

Round Three: The Heartbreak Kid

              

The Original: Charles Grodin and Cybill Shepherd starred in The Heartbreak Kid of 1972. With enough laughs to last a lifetime, this original flick centers around the notion that personalities can quickly change after “I do.”

The Rookie: The 2007 version of The Heartbreak Kid cast included Ben Stiller, Malin Akerman and Michelle Monaghan.

Most Notable Differences: While the 2007 version was moderately successful, Rolling Stone named it the “Worst Remake” of 2007. “Ben Stiller and the Farrelly brothers drown the wit and wisdom of Elaine May’s 1972 original in an ocean of crude stupidity.” Ouch.

Well call us biased, but we’re going to stick with our Original films. No amount of money or CGI effects can replace classic and stellar acting! Check out our entire collection of hard-to-find old movies from decades past on our store!

Remembering Deceased Actors’ More Obscure Films

Death is a sad part of life. However, when a film star leaves us too soon we have the wonderful opportunity to relive their movies. Great actors have the truly special and unique opportunity of being immortalized on screen. The stars below left us too soon, however, we have their great works of arts to enjoy for years to come!

Alan Rickman

Alan Rickman, the English actor, is best known for playing the complex Professor Severus Snape in the Harry Potter films. However, his body of work was diverse. He played everything from a villain in Die Hard to a wandering husband in Love, Actually. One of our favorite Alan Rickman movies is Truly, Madly, Deeply. This film was a British fantasy music drama where Rickman plays a ghost! We won’t spoil too much of it but it is most definitely a must-watch!

Patrick Swayze

           

                

Patrick Swayze could do no wrong. Every man wanted to be him and every girl wanted to woo him! We definitely remember his top-grossing films as a leading man in Ghost, Dirty Dancing, and Road House. However, Patrick Swayze’s films is Steel Dawn is filled with must-see action. This 80s post-apocalyptic film is a unique sci-fi movie filled with revenge, honor and love!

A more rare Swayze film is Skatetown USA with Scott Baio. This movie is hard to find on DVD because it was never released! You can find this disco light-hearted flick on our site. You’ll definitely get a kick out of this one.

Omar Sharif

Omar Sharif is widely recognized as one of the greatest actors for his iconic classic films such as Lawrence of Arabia, Doctor Zhivago and Funny Girl. He electrified the big screen with his performance in the 1971 film, The Horsemen. Joined by the great Jack Palance, these two actors star in this period adventure film as father and son. If you’re a fan of 70’s classic films or Omar Sharif’s movies, pick this one up for a great adventure.

Annette Funicello

If you want to experience a throwback within a throwback then you cannot miss Annette Funicello’s movie, Back to the Beach. This 1987 film combines 80s humor with a parody 60s look and feel. Annette was a gifted singer and actress and worked on a number of “beach party” films in the 60s along with Frankie Avalon. Annette and Frankie worked on Back to the Beach as a parody of their earlier movies. Completely hilarious and quirky, this is a fun film and it’s available on DVD on our site.

Moonie aka Bruiser

While there are many actors that have sadly gone, the acting community lost a special dog in the March of 2016. Moonie, best known as Bruiser, passed away. Being the dog in Legally Blonde is his only claim to fame, however, this pooch will be fondly remembered as a blonde lawyer’s best accessory. Check out the musical version for a new twist on the film!

We’re constantly adding new films on our site! Be sure to check back often for new rare titles you won’t find on DVD anywhere else.