T.Rex: “Born to Boogie – The Motion Picture” Album (2016)

Born to Boogie – The Motion Picture by T. Rex was reissued June 13, 2016 in multiple formats, including Blu-ray (for the first time), a deluxe 2DVD + 2CD edition, and digital download, as part of a series of releases by Demon Music Group. A limited theatrical run at Picture house Cinemas in the UK occurred on June 14, 2016, the day after the home media release, showcasing the restored film. Additionally, the British Film Institute (BFI) screened the movie on May 20, 2016, as part of its Sonic Cinema series. These events followed a restoration process that utilized 16mm film negatives and 16-track audio tapes, remixed to 5.1 surround sound by producer Tony Visconti, enhancing the film’s visual and audio quality.

The 2016 reissue included extensive bonus content: the original theatrical cut, a director’s “Premier” cut, both Wembley concerts in full (5:30 pm and 8:30 pm shows), documentaries on the restoration process, interviews with Visconti and Bolan’s son Rolan, unreleased footage, and trailers. The reissue was preceded by a Record Store Day exclusive double-vinyl of the concerts on April 16, 2016, and a limited-edition 7” single of “Children of the Revolution/Tutti Frutti” on May 13, 2016. Retrospective reviews praised the reissue for capturing T. Rex’s glam rock peak, with critics like Chris Roberts of Classic Rock giving it four-and-a-half stars, calling it a “cult classic” that showcases Bolan’s infectious bravado and musical flair.

The film’s enduring appeal lies in its raw energy, historical significance as the only full T. Rex concert recording, and its star-studded cameos, though some critics note the surreal sequences feel dated or self-indulgent. For fans, it remains a vibrant document of Marc Bolan’s legacy as a glam rock pioneer.

The film Born to Boogie a 1972 concert movie featuring Marc Bolan and T. Rex, was directed and produced by Ringo Starr through The Beatles’ Apple Films. It captures T. Rex at the height of "T. Rextasy," a fan frenzy likened to Beatlemania, during two sold-out performances on March 18, 1972, at the Empire Pool (now Wembley Arena) in London, each attended by 10,000 fans. The film blends concert footage with surreal sequences, including a Mad Hatter’s tea party shot at John Lennon’s Tittenhurst Park estate and a studio jam session with Elton John on piano and Ringo Starr on drums, notably performing “Children of the Revolution” and “Tutti Frutti.” It also features acoustic performances and quirky backstage moments, evoking the whimsical style of Magical Mystery Tour.