I know Devo is a huge fan of this movie, but with it being out-of-print, I was wondering how many people have actually had the pleasure of enjoying "RAD".
In true 80's style, RAD is based on the story of a small town BMXer who competes against big time BMXers who have sponsors behind them (Mongoose, GT, etc.) and... see the movie and find out!.
RAD! has many good points to it, including incredible stunts by BMX legends Eddie Fiola and RL Osborn, great music and love story. As for the stunts, both the intro and credits to the movie are just about 4-5 minutes of freestyle riders showing off.
RAD has bike stunts/races throughout, starting with the intro, then Cru and his friends delivering papers to local businesses/residents, then the Cru/Christian show at the Helltrack Dance, and the main race/credits with various other stunts thrown in here and there.
All in all, RAD is one of the best Bike/BMX/Freestyle movies ever made in my opinion.
It's a shame that both the movie and the soundtrack are out of print because RAD has suddenly made a comeback due to one thing: BMX is back! Anyone watch the Olympics? Here's some irony....Olympic gold medalist Bart Conner is in this movie.
RAD also features a classic 80s soundtrack. Tracks include:
1. "Break The Ice" by John Farnham 2. "Love Theme From Rad" by John Farnham 3. "Thunder In Your Heart" by John Farnham 4. "Baby Come Back" by Jimmy Haddox 5. "Send Me An Angel" by Real Life 6. "Riverside" by The Beat Farmers 7. "Music That You Can Dance To" by Sparks 8. "Wind Me Up" by 3-Speed 9. "Get Strange" by Hubert Kah 10. "Caught Up In The Crossfire" by The Charm Kings
Anyone....
[ 26. August 2008, 10:56: Message edited by: Valley ]
Posted by Valley (Member # 1322) on :
[ 16. May 2010, 13:24: Message edited by: Valley ]
Posted by journey (Member # 7316) on :
Yeah, they really need to get this out on (legitimate) DVD. They released my other favorite '80s sports movie - Thrashin' - already, so this would seem like a total no-brainer. And when they finish with the Rad DVD how about getting on Airborne next? That would be the trifecta: skating, bmx bikes and rollerblading. I could die happy after that.
[ 23. August 2008, 00:43: Message edited by: journey ]
Posted by Devolution (Member # 1731) on :
Devolution here,
Come on now, RAD is the thing that makes 10 year olds want to be good at biking, makes bikers think they can get girls that look like Lori Loughlin, and more importantly makes bikers think that girls who are good at bike tricks look like her.
The Soundtrack is great, very hard to come by all the songs.
Oh, I put Airborne on a DVD-R. Thank god of DVD Recorders.
We are DEVO
Posted by 80'sRocked (Member # 6979) on :
I barely remember seeing RAD as a kid, but I'm sure that I liked it. I have to buy a copy and watch it again.
Thrashin' is awesome as well. Love the soundtrack. I still can't track down a bunch of the songs, especially "Don't Think Twice" by France Joli. I love that tune. If anyone knows where I can get it, please let me know.
Posted by journey (Member # 7316) on :
Though not as good, BMX Bandits is out on DVD and worth a look if you've never seen it before. It's kind of like an Australian version of Gleaming the Cube with BMX bikes instead of skateboards. It features a 16-year-old Nicole Kidman too.
Posted by Valley (Member # 1322) on :
journey, I remember it well. It was on HBO all the time in the late 80's.
Posted by jdocster (Member # 5752) on :
I don't think I've ever seen this movie... Hmmm....
Posted by journey (Member # 7316) on :
RareDVDClassics.com has it for sale, though I suspect it's probably just a DVD-R copy.
Posted by Megaforce (Member # 7183) on :
I love everything with this movie and Lori Loughlin really steal my heart.
Posted by jdocster (Member # 5752) on :
Thanks journey... Posted by 80'sRocked (Member # 6979) on :
I justed watched this again tonight after not seeing it in many years. Better than I remembered. Great soundtrack as well. Makes me miss those days on the BMX. I also forgot that Mr. Hand was in this one. I definitely recommend this to those who never saw it.
Posted by Devolution (Member # 1731) on :
Devolution here,
yeah, Mr. Hand is pretty good at one handed bike riding.
We are DEVO
Posted by Riptide (Member # 457) on :
Mr. Hand definetly had the monopoly on stern headmaster/principal roles in the 80's, (Fast Times, Private School, Rad). This is one movie I regret not getting to see in the 80's, it might have encouraged me more to race in BMX races, etc. I love that Real Life song in the soundtrack.
Posted by 80'sRocked (Member # 6979) on :
quote:Originally posted by Riptide: I love that Real Life song in the soundtrack.
That song is so good I can't get enough of it. Also one of the best scenes in the movie.
Posted by JCWBobC (Member # 2525) on :
I still have the Rad soundtrack LP in my mom's attic no record player to play it on so I can copy it to cd.
Also was their anyone hotter than Lori Loughlin back then?
Bob
Posted by Valley (Member # 1322) on :
I took a break from my horror marathon because I got my paws on an awesomely transferred dvd copy of "RAD". The picture and sound are extremely high quality and it made the experience even better than I anticipated.
"RAD" is quickly becoming one of my fav hidden gems from the 80's. The "Send Me An Angel" sequence is BMX magic and I can't get enough of it. Also, I was totally inspired by the tune "Thunder In Your Heart" as I worked out tonight. Let's put it this way, I'm so into this flick that I'm even starting to enjoy the cheesy dance routine to the killer Sparks song. ha
Posted by Riptide (Member # 457) on :
Rad is a gem, I've only watched it once so I'm saving it so I don't get tired of it. Congrats Valley on passing the 4K mark.
Posted by 80'sRocked (Member # 6979) on :
quote:Originally posted by Valley: I got my paws on an awesomely transferred dvd copy of "RAD". The picture and sound are extremely high quality and it made the experience even better than I anticipated.
Valley, I also got a great transfer of this flick. I bet you got it from the same place I did. Came with the artwork as well.
Posted by Fightertown (Member # 7418) on :
Great interview...
Posted by aTomiK (Member # 6575) on :
I got it!!!! I finally bought Rad!
It was called BMX Hellriders here back in the day. I´ll be back when the VHS tape arrives.
Posted by Valley (Member # 1322) on :
ATomiK, I hope you enjoy "RAD"! It has become one of my fav 'Lost in the 80's' flicks. 80'sRocked and I will totally recommend a guy that got us a RAD DVD from an HD source.
The movie has incredible stunts and great tunes, but it isn't only for BMX fans....Lori Loughlin rocks in this movie!
I love this thread!
Posted by Bods (Member # 8396) on :
Great movie that I never has seen back in the day, watched it with the girlfriend a few months back and we both thought it was great, along with BMX Bandits
I have heard a remake of the Send Me An Angel track in a mix from a few years back, great song.
That must have lost out on a fortune in sales on this dvd already, though I an many others would buy an offical release of it i'm sure.
I remember BMX Bandits selling for £20-30 on vhs in the UK for a long time, then DVD was out and that soon put a stop to it ;0)
Posted by aTomiK (Member # 6575) on :
Yeah, i watched Rad with my 7 year old son and it is a cool flick. My son was like "wow" when he saw some of the stunts.
Lori Loughlin is lovely once again. The John Farnham songs on the soundtrack are awesome!
Here´s the finnish vhs cover art:
Posted by johnny76 (Member # 8174) on :
I dug out my old DYNO BMX bike out of my parents basement in the name of this movie. Gonna get it back into riding condition so I can once again "airwalk". Good times !!!
Posted by Pyromantic (Member # 7658) on :
kick *** movie
Posted by LoverswithCassie (Member # 7794) on :
quote:Originally posted by Pyromantic: kick *** movie
I second your opinion there, Pyromantic. I relished this when I first viewed it and I would buy it if I could. Posted by Valley (Member # 1322) on :
I just wanted to say that if you're hesitating about checking out "RAD" .. you're missing out on 80's hidden gold in my opinion.
Yes the BMX riding is wicked awesome, but fans of Lori Loughlin should not miss this opportunity to see her in a lost 80's flick.
Okay..a little trivia: Laura Jacoby who played Wesley also played Suzi's little sister Peggy in "Valley Girl". Want more? Laura Jacoby's brother is Billy Jayne who we all know as the hilarious Buddy from "Just One of the Guys".
Posted by Pyromantic (Member # 7658) on :
yeah..I would love to buy this again if there was ever a legit official DVD re-realease...I refuse to buy an unofficial DVD of it online because a couple of my friends did that before, and they were always ripoffs. For now though it's cool though cuz there's a few sites i can go to and watch it for free whenever I want.
Posted by LoverswithCassie (Member # 7794) on :
I watched "RAD" last night.
I concur with you entirely, Valley. It IS hidden 80s gold!
There is simply so much to take delight in. Among the many memorable scenes to name a few.
* Cru and Christian's incipient romance.
* Their performing freestyle BMX feats at the high school dance.
* Cru and his friends mucking about with Sergeant Smith, the motorcycle policeman, in the woodyard.
* Their delivering the newspapers in town.
* Mongoose's president together with his colleague changing the rules so that Cru can't participate in Helltrack.
* Cru's family as well as the townspeople rallying behind him to put up a sponsorship so that he can take part in the BMX race.
* The climactic BMX race in which Cru emerges as the winner.
I like this film very much, too!
[ 02. December 2010, 00:53: Message edited by: Lovers with Cassie ]
Posted by Valley (Member # 1322) on :
LoverswithCassie.. "RAD" is one of those movies that the more you watch it, the more you appreciate the little details that make it so awesome.
I enjoy all the scenes you mentioned most especially the school dance scenes, but let me add a couple of my other favs. I totally crack up when Cru catches up with Katie after school and shows off some of his wicked skills. But probably my favorite part of the entire movie is the Helltrack qualifying races as the tune "Thunder In Your Heart" is thumping!
Posted by Valley (Member # 1322) on :
Another excuse for giving me an excuse to bump the "RAD" thread. There are so many people that have still never seen this movie or barely remember it.
Where's Devo when you need him to give "RAD" his **** Butkus "Hamburger: The Motion Picture" stamp of approval? ha
[ 01. August 2011, 17:58: Message edited by: Valley ]
Posted by Devolution (Member # 1731) on :
Devolution here,
You know I love my RAD and my Hamburger. Man these need to be on DVD. I will then be eternally happy.
WE are DEVO
Posted by Devolution (Member # 1731) on :
Devolution again,
Did anyone see the Tosh.0 with Cru Jones? Totally hilarious, look it up.
We are DEVO again.
Posted by Secret Admirer (Member # 3574) on :
About this image: I can relate to how Cru feels and Christian is a fox.
[ 18. February 2010, 20:53: Message edited by: Secret Admirer ]
Posted by Faust1979 (Member # 8548) on :
does anyone here watch Tosh.0? Daniel Tosh has made a couple reference to this movie on his show. He even had one of the stars from Rad show up in skits. He had showed up in a Rad parody and then he helped Tosh get to some dance thing and he hitched a ride on his BMX bike
Posted by Valley (Member # 1322) on :
I think that was what Devo was referring to above. I saw the skit with Bill Allen where Tosh is making the jump out of the back of the truck and tells Luke to move the mattresses. Great stuff!
Posted by Faust1979 (Member # 8548) on :
doh! I didn't even see his post lol but there is one other sketch to that he did this year
Posted by Valley (Member # 1322) on :
I know some people are staying away from "RAD" because they see it strictly as a BMX movie. Well, for the doubters.. there is a dance scene in RAD that holds it own with the African Anteater Ritual in "Can't Buy Me Love". It is so totally 80's and if you are a fan of the group Sparks .. it is a must!
Posted by LoverswithCassie (Member # 7794) on :
Valley,
Bill Allen is trying to get a sequel to "RAD" made.
If the original cast is involved it would be fun to see a RAD sequel. Oh and ..I signed the petition and ordered a RAD Racing t-shirt to show my support.
Is Shia LaBeouf attached yet? ha.. it seems like he is involved in every 80's sequel these days. Can you say "Indiana Jones", "Wall Street", and though "Transformers" wasn't a sequel it had 80's origins.
Are they really making a "Transformers 3"? And is Patrick Dempsey really attached to it as the bad guy?
Posted by Devolution (Member # 1731) on :
Devolution here,
Please say that is a lie.
We are DEVO
Posted by Fightertown (Member # 7418) on :
Ronald Miller will be in the third installment of Transformers. They begin shooting this coming Tuesday. The film will be shot in Los Angeles, China, and Russia.
Posted by The Wizard (Member # 533) on :
I managed to get an avi of the US HDTV broadcast, turns out they cropped the image down to 16:9, my laserdisc of RAD is 4:3 and shows more picture than the HDTV broadcast did.
Same goes for a number of other 80s classics like Rock & Rule (VHS 4:3, DVD cropped 16:9), Strange Brew (VHS 4:3, DVD cropped 16:9).
It does annoy me they do that.
Posted by Valley (Member # 1322) on :
Hey Wizard.. welcome back after a long break!
My copy of "RAD" is from an HD source and is definitely cropped, but it is by far the best picture and sound for this movie that I've ever seen. Of course, I would love to see the laserdisc version. I was a huge fan of laserdisc in the 80's and still have my old Pioneer player hooked up to watch a few gems on occasion. Laserdisc was incredible during its time, but the cost and probably the album size discs were its downfall.
Posted by oneyedwilly (Member # 8730) on :
'I think you over rotated'.
'NO SH%*'!
Posted by oneyedwilly (Member # 8730) on :
i rented this movie with my friends at least every weekend for a $1 for about 4 months. The same with Thrashin.
If you want to see unbelievable bmx skill that will drop your jaw, go see the youtube link in the thread - Did you ride a BMX, if so watch this!!! - in culture.
Posted by The Wizard (Member # 533) on :
The actual source was quite grainy but after some filtering the results look pretty good. That clip was made 5 years ago.
Posted by Valley (Member # 1322) on :
Wizard.. this is a picture taken with my iphone of my tv set to use as a comparison. The crooked edges is my fault..
Obviously, the actual tv picture is a little better than this pic, but it is definitely reveals that a zoomed/cropped approach was used to get to a 16:9 view since the building is missing at the bottom of the screen. Do you think the red background on the side building was added in later?
I'd love to see RAD get a Blu-ray release, but I realize that is wishful thinking since it is out of print.
Posted by Ronnie (Member # 465) on :
you would think that after all these years and in this age of blu-ray, plus the high demand for this movie to have a dvd relase, it would have come out by now!! i don't understand it. i mean, WHY NOT??
Posted by Valley (Member # 1322) on :
quote:Originally posted by Ronnie: you would think that after all these years and in this age of blu-ray, plus the high demand for this movie to have a dvd relase, it would have come out by now!! i don't understand it. i mean, WHY NOT??
Ronnie.. there is Thunder In Your Heart and I love it!
I broke out my bike today for the first time in a few years.. and while I almost killed myself.. listening to tunes from the movie on my ipod while riding was such an adrenaline blast.
So to finish the day right.. I'll be watching "RAD" tonight!
Posted by Secret Admirer (Member # 3574) on :
We need pix or it didn't happen, Valley! Posted by Valley (Member # 1322) on :
quote:Originally posted by Secret Admirer: We need pix or it didn't happen, Valley!
Seems rather odd that you want a picture of me watching "RAD" on my tv, but if that's what it takes to prove it.. I'll work on it.
btw, to keep from being the total 80's geek and talk of my neighborhood.. I did reframe from wearing my newly acquired "Rad T-shirt" will riding yesterday.
maybe next time.. Posted by Muffy Tepperman (Member # 1551) on :
I've never ever seen Rad! I know I know.....I'll get on that this week Posted by oneyedwilly (Member # 8730) on :
I want that tshirt!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by Lovers with Cassie (Member # 7794) on :
Valley, I'm pleased to see that you got your "Rad" T-shirt.
I hope that you like it.
I'm off to watch "Rad" now! Posted by oneyedwilly (Member # 8730) on :
quote:Originally posted by Muffy Tepperman: I've never ever seen Rad! I know I know.....I'll get on that this week
almost as bad as me not seeing weird science...almost. Tutt Tutt
Posted by Muffy Tepperman (Member # 1551) on :
tutt tutt I know I know! I do think you not seeing Weird Science is a worse sin though.
Ok I watched Rad yesterday and I LOVED it!!!
you guys talking about the dance/bike sequence to "Send Me an Angel" and how cheesy awesome it was......didn't even set me up for how CHEESY AWESOME IT WAS! Christian was rocking some boots on that bike too......Bart and the twins dance had me smiling also.
I also want to point out how many cuss words there were in this family film haha the lil sis alone said 5 of them I think........A date with *** sliding would be awesome don't ya think?
My cool video store requires a deposit to rent Rad but they waived it for me cause i'm that cool Posted by Muffy Tepperman (Member # 1551) on :
I was looking for a cool pic of the dance but found this and might listen to it soon and get back to you guys
Someone mentioned Airbourne. I think a double feature release of RAD/Airbourne would be cool. It'd sorta make for a good 80's/90's family film combo.
Posted by Lovers with Cassie (Member # 7794) on :
LWC that was great! especially the bit with the questions at the end...........at least Cru knew his first lines in the movie...haha what a way to "geek out" on a actor
I still want a Rad Racing t-shirt!
Posted by Valley (Member # 1322) on :
Muffy has joined the RAD team!
I'm stoked that so many people have checked it out and most have enjoyed it.
Great interview links..
I actually just stopped by the thread to click on the "Thunder In Your Heart" link above to listen to while I'm on The Rewind!
Posted by Muffy Tepperman (Member # 1551) on :
I've so joined the Rad team....I want ankle boots and a bmx bike for Chirstmas this year so I can pull off what Christian did!
Posted by Lovers with Cassie (Member # 7794) on :
Looking in on this thread and I thought that I might stop and have a listen to John Farnham, "Thunder In Your Heart," as well.
I'm delighted that you like the interview. Posted by the young warrior (Member # 9554) on :
just watched this for the first time,must say i really liked it,i never knew hal needham directed it,so when i saw his name come up on the credits i knew there would be some great bmx stunt work on show which there was.
i've always liked lori loughlin and when you think during the 80s she starred in the likes of amityville 3(stinker!) and the new kids then followed them up with the likes of secret admirer and here in rad ,it showed what a versatile young actress she was.
also really liked the soundtrack especially john farnham's opening track break the ice,very cool! did think talia shire's part amounted to next to nothing , but then again do you really want to see much of her in a movie about bmx riding -no, not really!
[ 13. August 2011, 13:18: Message edited by: the young warrior ]
Posted by Ronnie (Member # 465) on :
I swear, I don't know what happened the day I finally watched this movie. I remember thinking to myself.. "uhhh.....".. I just couldn't get into it, and when the bike dance scene came on, I almost had to leave..I felt embarrassed for some reason? That bummed me out.
BUT
I am going to give it another try sometime soon. *crosses fingers*
Posted by Pyro (Member # 7658) on :
You needed to see this movie as a kid to have the proper appreciation for it Ronnie. I know I may have had the same negative reaction if I hadn't enjoyed it so much as a youngster. But then again, being the BMX bandit that I was..I probably still would have liked it. True, the movie obviously doesn't hold the same level of captivity it did when I was a rabid BMX'er...but it still has it's special place with me regardless.
Posted by gotta go back (Member # 9818) on :
A VHS copy sold on Ebay for $76 yesterday.
Posted by John Kreese (Member # 9369) on :
quote:Originally posted by gotta go back: A VHS copy sold on Ebay for $76 yesterday.
no way. why would anyone pay that much for vhs? I bought an excellent widescreen/anamorphic Rad dvd for a few bucks not too long ago.
Posted by gotta go back (Member # 9818) on :
Probably a collector John Kreese. It said it was MINT condition. Quite a few VHS sold between $18-40 recently. 2 different DVD sold at $25 and $32(soundtrack included). I have been selling hard to find VHS (including a few copies of RAD for $25-30) for several years and it baffles people and myself sometimes when they hear how much people will give for a VHS video.
Just goes to show how sought after a copy of RAD is ay.
Posted by John Kreese (Member # 9369) on :
quote:Originally posted by gotta go back: Probably a collector John Kreese. It said it was MINT condition. Quite a few VHS sold between $18-40 recently. 2 different DVD sold at $25 and $32(soundtrack included). I have been selling hard to find VHS (including a few copies of RAD for $25-30) for several years and it baffles people and myself sometimes when they hear how much people will give for a VHS video.
Just goes to show how sought after a copy of RAD is ay.
yeah I just don't understand paying that much for a bad quality tape that's just going to degrade over time.
There are a couple high quality dvd versions of Rad out there if you know where to look.
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