In 1980, disco had been pronounced dead. However, unfortunately missing the memo, the disco-fantasy movie Xanadu starring Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly premiered that same year. The film, despite starring two movie-musical legends Olivia Newton-John (Grease) and Gene Kelly (Singin’ in the Rain), was a box office flop and critically derided. 

Xanadu was received so poorly that it, along with similar disco-musical Can’t Stop the Music, was responsible for inspiring the Razzie Awards (a parody of the Oscars for bad movies). While I agree that Xanadu may not be the greatest movie of all time, I do not think the massive amount of hate it received was warranted. 

Xanadu’s misfortune and biggest flaw was that it was released almost exactly one year after Disco Demolition Night, the destruction of a crate of records at a Chicago baseball game that signified the end of disco. The pre-internet monoculture of the 1970s meant that from about 1975 to 1980, the music scene was so oversaturated with disco that people naturally got sick of it. 

Now that the era of extreme disco aversion has ended and disco is having a revival, Xanadu needs the same re-examination and re-evaluation that the genre has received. For starters, the Electric Light Orchestra soundtrack is impeccable. Jeff Lynne, co-founder and leader of ELO, has worked with musical greats like The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, and Roy Orbison. With hits like the titular “Xanadu”, “Magic”, and my personal favorite, “All Over the World”, the Xanadu soundtrack stuns with fantastic production and vocals. 

Although some may argue that the film is style over substance, the style is unbelievable. It is impossible not to be charmed by the leg-warmers, roller skates, and overall neon aesthetic. The film has over 260 different costumes, animations by Don Bluth of Disney, and cinematography by Victor J. Kemper (Pee-wee’s Big Adventure). Kenny Ortega, who choreographed Dirty Dancing and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, was co-choreographer of the film. Both Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly (in his final film role) give the acting, singing, and dancing a genuine effort. 

Although it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, Xanadu is a highly enjoyable visual and musical feat that I think showcases an incredible amount of creativity and talent. If you are a fan of La La Land, the 80s, disco, musicals, or just enjoy a fun movie, this one might pleasantly surprise you. After decades of being told to Xana-don’t, I think it’s time for you to give it a chance and Xanadu.