Francis Ford Coppola’s already great film adaptation of S.E. Hinton’s popular teen novel takes on a more epic nature with the inclusion of 22 minutes of previously cut footage that lovingly fleshes out the story’s main characters. Set in Tulsa, Oklahoma circa 1967 the story follows the social split between impoverished "Greasers" and rich kid "Socs" that fuels a trenchant rivalry. The murder of a Soc (played by Leif Garrett) sends Johnny Cade (Ralph Macchio) into hiding with his best friend Ponyboy Curtis (C. Thomas Howell) and sets up a rumble between the rival gangs. Matt Dillon, Patrick Swayze, Rob Lowe, Tom Cruise and Diane Lane also make lasting impressions in this career-launching movie that Coppola has transformed into a modern classic. Coppola’s decision to exchange his father’s original soundtrack with ’50s rock ‘n roll songs contributes a gutsier atmosphere. Copious special features include English, French and Spanish subtitles, a director’s commentary track, a cast commentary track, three incredible making-of featurettes, additional scenes, cast members reading from the book, a NBC News Today segment and more. (Movie – Four Stars, DVD features – Five Stars)
