T. Rex (August 19, 2005) – “Born to Boogie Gets Glammed Up” Feature – The Winnipeg Sun (Winnipeg, Canada)
This Winnipeg Sun article from August 19 2005 reviews the reissue of Born to Boogie, the 1972 film directed by Ringo Starr and starring Marc Bolan and T. Rex. Written by Darryl Sterdan, the piece praises the restored edition for transforming the once‑dismissed glam‑rock film into a “classic rock movie that never was.”
Publication: The Winnipeg Sun Date: 19 August 2005
Country: Canada
Sterdan’s review opens by noting that while many classic rock films deserve preservation, Born to Boogie was long overlooked. The 2005 reissue from Sanctuary / EMI includes remastered sound, restored visuals, and bonus footage such as live performances of Jeepster, Baby Strange, and Bang a Gong (Get It On).
He describes the original film as a “self‑indulgently silly affair” mixing concert footage with surreal interludes
— Bolan sipping tea with nuns, riding in a convertible with Ringo Starr, and other eccentric scenes typical of early‑1970s glam.
Despite its quirks, Sterdan concludes that the reissue’s quality and energy make it worth rediscovery, turning Born to Boogie into a vibrant document of Bolan’s charisma and the era’s flamboyant spirit.
CONTEXT AND NOTES
Originally released in 1972, Born to Boogie captured T. Rex at their commercial peak, with Bolan’s star power rivaling that of Bowie and Elton John.
The film’s reissue coincided with renewed interest in glam rock and archival restorations of classic music films. Sterdan’s review reflects this revival, acknowledging Bolan’s enduring appeal and the film’s transformation from cult curiosity to historical artifact.
The accompanying image of the DVD cover features Bolan in a dynamic pose beneath bold lettering — a visual echo of his theatrical stage presence and the glam aesthetic that defined T. Rex.
FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS
Event: Reissue review of Born to Boogie (DVD) Era: 2005 – Glam Rock Revival / Archival Reissue Era Tone: Retrospective, witty, and appreciative Photography: DVD cover image of Marc Bolan in stylized black‑and‑white design
WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS
Review of Born to Boogie’s restored DVD release
Commentary on Ringo Starr’s direction and Bolan’s eccentric performance
Recognition of the film’s transformation into a glam‑rock classic
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