Showgirls Red Band Trailer (1995)

Red band trailer for Showgirls that was distributed in anticipation of the film's 4K Restoration re-release.

Nomi, a young drifter, arrives in Las Vegas to become a dancer and soon sets about clawing and pushing her way to become the top of the Vegas showgirls.

The history of Showgirls is awesome. There is no shortage of cool facts. While the film was the highest grossing NC-17 movie of all time with a domestic take of $20.3 million. That was thanks most in part to the fact that the feature is the only NC-17 film to see a wide distribution in the United States. Even with a surprisingly strong box office draw, the film went on to sweep the 16th Annual RAZZIE Awards. To top it off, director Paul Verhoeven actually showed up to personally accept the award for Worst Director and Worst Picture. He was the first ever director to personally collect an award at the event.

While plenty were shocked to see Saved by the Bell's Elizabeth Berkley get naked, you know what other celebs were in contention for the role? Jenny McCarthy  almost landed the role until it was revealed that she had no dance training. She's not exactly a surprise considering she has a history of getting naked. But then you have Angelina Jolie, Denise Richards and Charlize Theron all trying out for the part of Nomi. If that sounds crazy, guess who Verhoeven had in mind for the lead part.

Drew Barrymore! The production reached out in hopes of convincing the actress to come on as Nomi. Barrymore, who has some familiarity with nudity, declined, explaining that she was uncomfortable with how much nudity the feature required. Fair enough.

Considering that the film is rated NC-17, it seems nearly a tragedy that we had yet to host a red band trailer. Thanks to the international re-release in 4K  -- if you are going to enjoy a lot of skin, might as well be in high definition -- we have now been given the opportunity.

As expected, there are lots of breasts all over this preview. But it's not (entirely) focused on the nudity, as the trailer also serves as a strong reminder that Kyle MacLachlan, Gina Gershon, Glenn Plummer and Robert Davi also starred in this NC-17 feature.

Now I can only wonder if Amazon or Netflix will be willing to add the 4k version to their video library. Let's hope.