Does it need to be re-made? No. It would be pretty much impossible to top the original cast, especially Tim Curry’s role, but if they’re going to dare try, I’m pretty sure Ryan is the one to do lead the way. Early previews of the Glee tribute look great, and he’s handled faithful remakes and tributes to a number of musical artists (Madonna, Britney, etc.) really well.

One criticism I’ve read about the Glee covers of the music (officially released today, but leaked several days ago) is that they sound too “pretty,” and some are worried that they are taking away the gritty, recorded-in-a-tin-can appeal of the original songs. That’s probably a valid argument, and something that will probably also be said about the eventual movie, which will surely have a much bigger budget.

But so what? There’s no point in trying to make the songs sound bad again, might as well take the opposite approach and really polish them up. Maybe a shiny new version will introduce new fans to both versions? Glee did it for me, and the episode hasn’t even aired yet.