Xanadu is a 1980 romantic musical fantasy film written by Marc Reid Rubel and directed by Robert Greenwald. The title is a reference to the poem "Kubla Khan, or, A Vision in a Dream: A Fragment" by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, which is quoted in the film. Xanadu is the name of the Chinese province where Khan establishes his pleasure garden in the poem. The film's plot was inspired by 1947's Down to Earth. A musical spinoff—also named Xanadu—was opened in 2007 on Broadway.
Xanadu stars Olivia Newton-John, Michael Beck, and Gene Kelly, and features music by Newton-John, Electric Light Orchestra, Cliff Richard, and The Tubes. The film also features animation by Don Bluth.
The album grouped Olivia Newton-John (ONJ) and ELO's songs into the opposite sides of the album, and some tunes were excluded from the album. The following is the actual order in the film: Instrumental medley of "Whenever You're Away From Me" and "Xanadu", over first part of opening credits; segué into... "Whenever You're Away From Me" excerpt - Danny playing on the clarinet, at the beach; segué into... soft instrumental underscoring of "Xanadu" with Sonny drawing and painting; segué into... extended intro to "I'm Alive" (only a portion of which is in the soundtrack album). "I'm Alive" (ELO) - on the film's music track, as Muse wall paintings come to life. "Whenever You're Away From Me" excerpt - Danny again playing the clarinet, at the beach. "Magic" (ONJ) - on the film's music track, while Kira is roller skating in the dark auditorium while Sonny watches and talks to her. "You Made Me Love You" (ONJ) (non-soundtrack LP track released as B-side of the "Suddenly" single) - on Glenn Miller record played by Danny in the ballroom of his home; segué into... "Whenever You're Away From Me" (Gene Kelly and ONJ) - Danny and Kira singing and dancing in the ballroom. This song was heavily influenced by Frank Sinatra. According to the DVD special, this was the last sequence filmed. "Suddenly" (ONJ duet with Cliff Richard) – on the track as Kira and Sonny rollerskate through the recording studio. "Dancin'" (ONJ duet with The Tubes) – Big Band female trio lip-synchs to ONJ's self-harmony; in fantasy / concept discussed by Danny and Sonny, in the auditorium, leading to choice of "Xanadu" as the name of the club. "Don't Walk Away" (ELO) - on the film's music track during an animated sequence (produced by Don Bluth Productions featuring Sonny and Kira as several animals. "All Over the World" (ELO) - on the film's music track in the "franchised glitz dealer" store, with Danny running through various dance steps, and some rollerskating, as he tries on different outfits. "The Fall" (ELO) - on the film's music track, as Sonny rollerskates toward (and through) the Muse wall painting. "Suspended in Time" (ONJ) – Kira sings. "Drum Dreams" (ELO) (non-soundtrack LP track released as B-side of the "I'm Alive" and "All Over The World" singles) - beginning of Xanadu opening night roller disco sequence, with Danny leading the group on skates; segué into... "Xanadu" (ONJ and ELO) - Kira sings. "Fool Country" (ONJ) (non-soundtrack LP track released as B-side of the "Magic" single) - Kira in various costumes, singing; segué into... "Xanadu" reprise, Kira singing; dancing with the other 8 Muses; they disappear, then Kira disappears. "Magic" (ONJ) reprise, on the film's music track, fades out as Kira reappears. Instrumental riff from "Xanadu", Kira and Sonny become silhouetted; "The End" "Xanadu" (ONJ and ELO) short version, over closing credits.
