REISSUE

THE WHO 

Quadrophenia: The Criterion Edition   

[Criterion]

Forget Tommy, that convoluted pinball fantasia that for some reason stands as the better known, better loved of the Who’s two rock operas. The real masterpiece is Quadrophenia, a brilliant 1973 album whose equally excellent 1979 film adaptation has finally been given the Criterion treatment. Set in 1964 or ’65 at the height of Britain’s mod craze, the story centers on Jimmy, a young office drone who lives for wearing sharp suits, popping pills and speeding around London on his Lambretta scooter. Like many teenagers, he derives his self-worth from being a part of the gang, and as he tells his boyhood chum Kevin—who might be his only real confidant, were he not part of the rival “rocker” faction—“I don’t wanna be the same as everybody else. That’s why I’m a Mod.”

“The adolescent dilemma is timeless,” says producer and longtime Who manager Bill Curbishley in a bonus interview—one of the many special features that makes this package essential. Thanks to digital restoration and a new 5.1 surround mix, the film looks and sounds great, but there’s plenty here for non-audiophiles. In an insightful commentary, director Franc Roddam shares stories about nearly casting Johnny Rotten, teaching a then-unknown Sting to dance, and shooting the unforgettable cliff scene that ends the movie. Best of all is the film itself—a classic teenage tale of sex, drugs, violence and the quest for identity. Set against the Who’s stunning song cycle—recorded at the peak of their powers—Quadrophenia will strike a thundering Pete Townshend windmill chord with anyone who remembers the pain of growing up. –Kenneth Patridge

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