Carol Burnett and Dolly Parton Restore Critical Hit "Tokyo Pop" for a Second Life

"Tokyo Pop," a 1988 film starring Carrie Hamilton, daughter of the legendary comedian Carol Burnett, is set to make a comeback thanks to the efforts of preservation organization IndieCollect and support from iconic entertainers Carol Burnett and Dolly Parton.

The film, directed by Fran Rubel Kuzui, tells the story of Wendy, an aspiring American pop star in Japan, played by Carrie Hamilton, who tragically passed away from cancer at the age of 38 in 2002. Upon its release in 1988, "Tokyo Pop" received praise from critics for Hamilton's performance and its vibrant portrayal of American culture in Japan.

However, over the years, the film fell into obscurity, and the original distributor, Spectrafilm in Canada, became defunct. Only VHS copies were available, and it never made its way to digital platforms or streaming services. Fran Rubel Kuzui, the film's director, had not seen her debut feature in three decades.

The film's revival started with a screening at the Japan Society in Manhattan in 2019. Sandra Schulberg, president of IndieCollect, expressed her desire to restore and re-release the film during the post-screening Q&A session. After an arduous search for original elements and financial support from backers, including Carol Burnett and Dolly Parton, the restoration of "Tokyo Pop" has finally become a reality.

The restored version of "Tokyo Pop" is set to open at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, followed by engagements across the country. Fran Rubel Kuzui expressed her excitement and nostalgia, stating, "You don't think about that when you make something: How will I feel about this in 35 years? Especially your first film."

The film's plot, a fish-out-of-water scenario, was deeply personal to Kuzui, who was married to a Japanese film producer and spent much of her time in Japan. It highlighted the struggles and cultural differences faced by foreigners in Japan, making it a relevant and engaging piece for contemporary audiences.

Kazu Watanabe, who programmed the film at the Japan Society, praised "Tokyo Pop" for its modern sensibilities and its realistic portrayal of intimate scenes. With the current trend of revisiting and reevaluating work from the 1980s and '90s, "Tokyo Pop" is expected to find new appreciation.

Carol Burnett shared fond memories of her daughter's experiences during the film's production and expressed her joy at the prospect of a new generation discovering Carrie Hamilton's talent.

Thanks to the digital era and streaming platforms, classic works like "Tokyo Pop" can be restored and enjoyed by audiences worldwide, giving a new life to films that would have otherwise faded into obscurity. The film's re-release not only honors Carrie Hamilton's legacy but also celebrates the talent and vision of Fran Rubel Kuzui, a pioneering woman director who deserves greater recognition in the film industry.