Xanadu | Olivia Newton-John & Gene Kelly's '80s/'40s Hybrid E.L.O. Roller Disco

"A place where nobody dared to go... The love that we came to know... They call it Xanadu!" Watch Olivia Newton-John perform E.L.O.'s "Xanadu" along with Gene Kelly in the eponymous 1980 cult classic. We know the title of this video is confusing but we couldn't fit in the fact that while Gene Kelly's character owns and operates the '80s/'40s hybrid roller disco, Olivia Newton-John's character is the daughter of Zeus and a *literal* Greek muse. And we just really needed you to know that.

Buy/Rent Xanadu!

Xanadu is a look at the future and a loving remembrance of the way things were in the heyday of Hollywood. The musical score includes the hit songs "Magic," "I'm Alive," "All Over the World," "Suddenly," and the title song "Xanadu." Olivia Newton-John will dazzle your senses with her luminous beauty and fabulous voice. She and Gene Kelly star in this mesmerizing musical fantasy. The '40s meets the '80s in Xanadu, a very special love story and the first lavish, old-fashioned musical to utilize today's music.

© 1980 Universal City Studios, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Cast: Olivia Newton-John, Gene Kelly, Michael Beck
Produced by: Lawrence Gordon
Directed by: Robert Greenwald

[seanfh]

It's depressing to know that this world does not have Olivia Newton John anymore. R.I.P.

[Spectahman.]

Gene Kelly was almost 70 years old, in his final film performance, and he could still roller skate! What a legend.

[neillflate]

I am an adult male 77 years old. This song makes me cry. I went to see it with my wife and 2 daughters. My youngest especially just loved ONJ. We saw her perform at Forest Hills on Long Island. My baby girl just turned 50 on 2/4/24. My oldest was taken from us in a car crash on 11/13.87. Yes, it was a Friday. I will always have a place in my heart for Olivia Newton-John.

[rhiydwo]

When I went to see this movie, I didn't even think about Gene Kelly skating...The man was phenomenal always. God bless him and Olivia. may they truly rest in peace.

[joopsmit]

Hearing that Olivia Newton-John has passed makes me want to sob. This Movie and this song...not forgetting the magic of Magic brings a smile and memories of being happy as a kid. Legendary movies and songs. Your music and legacy in fighting cancer dearest Olivia will be remembered. We miss you already.

[Mr.Peepers]

I worked at a movie theater in 1980. One night I was asked to work late because they were going to screen a rough cut of a new movie from Universal Studios called Xanadu for the theater chain president to watch and bid on the next morning.

We had to load it to the theater platter projection system. This theater was one of the first in the chain to have a Dolby surround sound system installed. My job was to make sure the splices for the various reels are clean and the movie ran without any problems. 

I had the privilege of watching Xanadu probably before any other public person ever saw it. It was months before it's official release. There were jump cuts and splices with "scene missing" title cards for a few frames at certain points. The Don Bluth animation was not completed and was all wire frame during that scene. 

The best part was I got to sit in the middle of a 400 seat theater by myself with the soundtrack cranked and listen to brand new Olivia Newton John and ELO songs that no one else in the world had heard yet. The movie was kind of corny but you have to admit that it is a kick-ass soundtrack that endures to this day.

[JohnB-nkze]

Has there ever been a greater combination of beauty, sweetness and vocals? Olivia was a legit angel.

[andywalkling]

The choreography that went into this is insane. Legend

[ComfortRoadSessions]

For me, this will always be the sound of summer in 1980.

[disturbinglypragmatic]

RIP Olivia Newton-John! Xanadu was one of my favourite movies when I was a kid...can't believe it's been 42 years since I saw it in the theatre.

[clxmasisland]

This is the REAL effort within this movie. Imagine the coordination, and costume design. Impressive.

[PADARM]

I love absolutely everything about this movie. The 80s art-deco revival, the uplifting songs, the wonderful choreographies, and of course the very talented and beautiful Olivia N.J and the fantastic Gene Kelly. This movie is not Shakespeare and it was not intended to be. It is just a movie that brings so much joy.

[benzgirlz]

RIP Olivia! She had an amazing career despite all the hardships she faced throughout her life. She’ll be dearly missed by billions of her fans!

[MichaelHeilman]

It's crazy that this movie came out 42 years ago today and Olivia-Newton John passes away. I hope she got this entrance on her way to heaven.

[duffman]

I’m 54 and I still have this song on my playlist. Always makes me smile to listen to ONJ and her angel voice ❤️

[anboojz]

I'm heartbroken by Olivia 's passing. She was such an incredible singer and actress who brought so much joy to so many. RIP Olivia Newton John.

[leilanilamour]

I’m literally crying as I type this…just learned of her passing less than 5 minutes ago. An amazingly talented singer and iconic actress. I have no words only sincerest appreciation and love for this wonderful entertainer. Rest in the most beautiful peace, Diva 😭😭😭💖💖💖💖💖

[matts.]

This scene is indelibly etched in my brain. The generational overlap with Gene Kelly has only aged well. Thank you so much for all the tween memories, Ms. Newton-John.

[tomawen]

Xanadu the movie mesmerized me, as a gawky teenager still in high school in 1980. While the movie did not do well, it was a spectacular showcase and in its magical 1980's way, reminded me of what it was like to be 16 years old again. God I miss it. And I miss both Gene Kelly and Olivia.

[TheStarkss]

I'm crying 😢. I still can't believe Olivia is not here anymorw. I love her so much. Rest in eternal peace, Olivia. ❤❤❤❤❤