Rock & Rule

The re-dubbed American cable edit is absolutely horrible. It rips the heart and soul out of the movie - right from the intro where Mok's code isn't referred to as "satanic", to the removal of almost all of the drug references, and the absolutely horrible replacement voice for Omar (the guy doesn't hold a candle to the original voice actor). Get the 2 disc version from Amazon with the uncensored Canadian version, you won't regret it.. the original movie, as intended.

I think the problem with this movie, ever there ever really was a problem, is that it isn't a kids movie, nor is it particularly well written or clever to be much of an adult's animated feature, but it works well for teenagers (as I was one when I first saw it, many years ago on the CBC late night movie). Given the time the movie was made animation was still thought of as "kid's stuff", or simply dirty (Say Fritz the Cat), and this movie really falls into the grey area between those extremes. Poorly marketed, no doubt, but the American cable edit exists because of this failure to the realize the market.

I first saw this movie back in '85 on HBO and I LOVED it! (I managed to tape it, but someone stole it from me!) The art is great, the music superb, and the storyline is intriguing! I've managed to find some of the songs online (with alternate lyrics) I agree that its a shame that Nelvana doesn't seem to think releasing this on DVD is worthwhile. I managed to find a genuine VHS copy at a flea market (for $3) back in '94 and I've held on to it ever since!! :) the box is very worn and slightly damaged, though. Rock and Rule is on a par with some of the best Anime on the market today! I showed it to a local Anime club, and they loved it and asked where they could acquire a copy as well...See Nelvana? You could still have a moneymaker there.....

In a post-apocalyptic future, (or if you watch the Candian version, "Another time...Another place) Mok, a legendary megolaniacal rock superstar who appears to have fallen somewhat, but not totally out of flavor, kidnaps Angel, a new female rocker, to sing for him to open a portal into a darker dimension. It's up to Angel's band mates to save her from Mok's evil clutches in this Canadian produced animated sci-fi musical. The story and plotting seem a bit on the archaic side, but the music is superb (escpecially from Lou Reed and Debbie Harry) and the animation is pretty good. That's enough to make me recommend this film, but I still believe that the earlier "Heavy Metal" is a better overall experience.

My Grade: B-

DVD Extras: Disc 1) 77 minute version; Commentary with Directory Clive Smith; 24 and a half minute Making of; Character sketch Gallery; Restoration Comparisons Disk 2) 81 minute CBC version; "The Devil and Daniel Mouse" short; a Making of said short; "Drats" work print; Rock and Rule Title Workprint; more sketch galleries; Theatrical Trailer; and Trailer for "Electric Dragon 80000V"

DVD-Rom content: the original screenplay in .PDF format

I have to say, I was very excited when I learned that this movie was going to be released on DVD. I vaguely remember seeing this as a 10 year old in the 1980s and being impressed (granted, as a 10 year old).

So I rented it last night and was overall disappointed, but I must say its probably because I had over-hyped it with my own cloudy memories. I found the animation and the general artwork to be very impressive. The songs were fantastic, especially "My Name is Mok", but I found the characters to be generally annoying and the story lacking much development. Mok was the only character who was interesting and entertaining. Omar was a self-absorbed narcissist who doesn't give the audience a reason to empathize. Omar's companions were overly juvenile as were Mok's assistants.

The story has a great basis--dangerous post-apocalyptic world of mutants. But we don't really get much of a feeling for this world beyond the initial set-up. Also, we know that Mok wants to raise a demon, but why? Did I miss it or is it never really stated? I assume he wants to dominate the world, but it seems to me that he pretty much does already.

Overall, the movie is lacking character development and follow through on the story. The music is fantastic and the animation is great. Its kind of a mixed bag. I only wish it had lived up to my expectations.

A very well made animated film that has garnered a cult following. The animation was groundbreaking for its day. The film features music by Cheap Trick and Blondie but the songs never seemed particularly awe inspiring to me. I enjoyed the storyline, and the post-apocalyptic style of the film worked well and fit with some of the humor in the film. The animation is very psychedelic in the way it is presented, and this unique added a lot to my enjoyment of the film. Overall, I thought it was a very fun film.