DVD Review: “Risky Business (25th Anniversary)”

Get out your Wayfarers and dance to that old time rock ‘n’ roll. Cruise was only 19 and filming the ensemble drama The Outsiders for Francis Ford Coppola in Oklahoma when he got the call to audition for Risky Business. No studio wanted the movie; the story was too sophisticated for a Porky’s-era teen sex comedy. First-time director Brickman, working from his own screenplay, convinced David Geffen to make the film, with classic results. Cruise and De Mornay became stars. The film still holds up 25 years later with a near-perfect blend of humor and sensuality. Atmospheric music by Tangerine Dream is a big factor. Extras include original screen tests; commentary by Cruise, Brickman, and producer Jon Avnet; and a new making-of featurette. Also included is Brickman’s alternate ending (the studio wanted a happier ending than he envisioned). Worth a revisit, especially to see Tom before he started jumping on couches.