The The Rocky Horror Picture Show DVD contains one of the earliest DVD Easter eggs ever found — and it’s a good one.
This isn’t just a hidden clip. It actually changes how the film looks.
How to Access the Easter Egg
- Go to “Extra Features”
- Press Left on your remote
- A pair of lips will be highlighted
- Press Enter
What You Get
You’ll unlock an alternate way to watch the film.
The opening scenes are shown in black and white.
Then, when Janet and Brad arrive in Transylvania, the film switches to full colour.
It’s a clear nod to The Wizard of Oz, where the same transition is used. This was the writer Richard O’briens desire for the theatrical release but the studios overuled hm.
It’s simple, but it works. Once you notice it, it completely changes the tone of the opening.
Why This One Stands Out
Most DVD Easter eggs are short clips or hidden extras.
This one actually alters the presentation of the film. That’s rare. Memento is another example.
It also fits the style of Rocky Horror — theatrical, self-aware, and full of references.
The “Easter Egg” Myth (Debunked)
You’ll often see claims that the term “Easter egg” comes from The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
The story usually goes like this:
The cast held an Easter egg hunt on set, didn’t find them all, and eggs ended up appearing in the film.
Sounds good — but it isn’t true.
There was no Easter egg hunt during production. The eggs seen on set were simply placed there as part of the design. This is because the set designer Brian Thompson thought that Magenta may keep chickens.
The idea that this event created the term “Easter egg” is also incorrect.
The term became popular later, particularly in video games — most famously with Adventure on the Atari 2600 in 1980.
So while Rocky Horror does feature literal eggs on screen, it didn’t invent the concept.
Final Thoughts
This is a great example of an early DVD Easter egg done properly.
It’s easy to access, it actually changes the film, and it ties into a well-known cinematic reference.
If you’ve got this DVD, it’s worth checking out.
References
- The Devil’s Reins – Rocky Horror Archive: https://www.ozrockyhorror.com/The%20Devil’s%20Reins.html