Hairspray (1988)

Anyone who is a fan of the more recent version probably isn't going to like this original incarnation of Hairspray. It's not a musical, despite including a few dance routines, but a satirical look at 1960s America. Unfortunately, the satire isn't entirely well done, and will most likely go over most viewers' heads. The glaring obviousness of the film's low budget doesn't really help either. There are some nice performances and a few genuinely funny moments, but there is a reason why the later version of Hairspray was far more successful than this one - such an over-the-top, campy storyline is much better suited to a musical format. Special features: Commentary with director John Waters & Rikki Lake; and trailers.

Really awful attempt at a musical. It was filmed in the 80's and it shows-painfully! Half of the extras have 80's hair and make-up. All of the characters look too old to be teens. Rikki Lake is very good though. I couldn't watch it all the way through. After about an hour I was still waiting for them to break into song, but apart from the TV show, it takes too long to happen! I was really hoping it would be good, but if you loved the recent version, then DON'T get this one. You will be very disappointed.

I think this is probably a good movie but it is very different to the recent version and the songs aren't as catchy, however we still enjoyed watching it.

I watched this after watching the 2007 version and I couldn't stand it. I switched it off after 20 minutes.

I really loved this movie with Rikki Lake shes excellent and she can dance! Also loved Devine in the role as Edna! Fantastic! Great songs! Great dancing!!! Worth watching again and again!