Clytus I'm Bored. What plaything can you offer me today

If you recognize that line, chances are you've already slavishly addicted to this vibrant and campy classic. Loosely based on the classic 1930's serial by Alex Raymond, this decadent over-the-top feature-length film extravaganza still delivers the goods as well today as it did back in 1980.

A great All-American storyline? Of course! Where else can the brawny blonde star quarterback for the New York Jets rocket off into space with, and gutsy travel agent, and The Fiddler on the Roof? Only in America! They land to battle the evil Emperor Ming (played flawlessly by Max Von Sydow with a well-held balance between seductive tyranny and bumbling humor).

And Flash gets a crack at two women in the film? Yeah, I think you guys out there would enjoy that, particularly the fact that Ornella Muti, who plays Princess Aura (who also gets a crack at a more than one guy in the film) seems to wear skimpier and skimpier clothing as the story progresses...it almost seems like she's wearing less fabric and more jewels...but I think Brian Blessed steals the day as the hulky and charming Prince Vultan who delivers some of the film's better one liners.

Costumes and sets are absolutely breathtakingly intricate, shiny, and coated with sequins, metalwork, jewelwork, and beading. Dino de Laurentiis clearly spared no expense in the decadent sets that make this rich and sexy space-pageant an ocular treat for those weary of the earthy and dirty, "real-world" space flicks.

Oh, and last but definitely not least is that classic signature Queen sound that tops the visual intensity with a electronic guitar symphony of pure BRIE CHEEZINESS. It no wonder this cult classic never leaves me bored. It's one of the best playthings out there to add to your collection.

Super Cheese on Planet Mongo! Guilty Pleasure....

I have a soft spot for this movie but I am not blind, which is why I cannot give it a higher rating.

Earth football star becomes Flash Gordon (Defender of the Universe! sorry, it comes in my head any time I say Flash (ahhh, ahhh Defender of the Universe! darn! there I go again!) once you see the movie you will understand) after he is taken to planet Mongo and has to save his girl and the world from the evil Ming the Merciless. Cannot believe they got Max Von Sydow to play Ming!

The sets are way over the top as are the costumes. The acting is actually good. You have Von Sydow, Ornella Muti (as sexy Princess Aura), Timothy Dalton, Brian Blessed (Black Adder), Richard O'Brien (Rocky Horror) and even Topol (from Fiddler on the Roof - come on people!). But the best, bestest part? Queen does the music!!!!

This is a cheesy movie, fun cheese that should be viewed at least once. Should not be taken seriously (I don't think you COULD take it seriously even if you tried). If you are looking for quality go watch Citizen Kane. But, on the other hand, if you like 80's movies that take you back then I highly recommend it!

Flash Gordon on Blu-Ray!

Flash Gordon on Blu-Ray is a great watch for children of the 80's. A campy, but entertaining version of the Flash Gordon story with a color a scheme that rivals 'Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory' and 'The Wizard of Oz'. Also has a great mix of B-movie stars such as Sam Jones as Flash Gordon and a very HOT Melody Anderson as Flash's love interest, Dale Arden and classical actors such as, Max von Sydow as Ming the Merciless, Topol as Dr. Hans Zarkov and Timothy Dalton as Prince Barin. It also features one of the most under-rated soundtracks by Queen. In addition to working wonderfully with the movie, it also makes a great workout cd. The song, 'Hero', from the soundtrack, was also recently used in the Seth Rogan movie 'Observe and Report'. How cool is it that the guy who starred in 'Super Bad' and 'Pineapple Express' is a 'Flash Gordon' fan?! This is one to own! ;-)

In the Camp of Flash Gordon.

I like this movie a lot and some may even think I truely love it by how often I watch it. Still it does have its flaws which prevent me from giving it the highest rating allowed. Physically Sam Jones fit the part of Flash Gordon, but his inexperience sometimes strains the envelope of enjoyability. The writers and producers openly admit to there aim of camp satire, yet a little more sutlity could have had more impact. Over all it is a fun romp of a space opera that wasn't intended to be taken seriously. Timothy Dalton, Max Von Sydow, and the other veteran actors give stronge enough performances to even out the rough parts of the production. Throw in bold costume choices and over the top set designs and you elevate this above the B level many of these productions acheive. Queen's music pushes your emotions up and keeps them pitched through out. Action sequences were well planned and fit in with the script's total flow. These pluses balance out any minuses in the whole package. So enough good can over come the bad in the world. Which just happens to be the theme behind the film.

Packaging

The Alex Ross artwork and over all design of The Savior of the Universe Edition is wonderful. Doing the insert card as a pencil sketch ties in with the interveiws about the creation of the production. You see an idea of what it started out as and get to compare it to the completed product. Having the box open like a necklace case, gives you an unconsious sense of value. A lot of thought was given to this project.

Extras

Interveiws of Alex Ross and Lorenzo Semple Jr. were great, but seemed minor compared to the over all prominence of this movie. More history of the characters or the production would have lifted the extras to the level of the packaging and product level. Ross's nostalgic walk down fandaom lane gave the fans a feeling of comradery. Semple's behind the scenes insights were both amusing and slightly disappointing. Fans are looking for the best in what is associated with there idols. Occassionally the truth isn't always uplifting.

Having the original Buster Crabbe serial to compare this with is an excellent bonus. You see the characters in their primative beginnings.

Lastly the trailer for the Sci Fi production of Flash Gordon was more of a warning of what could go wrong, when people have no respect for the work of others.

"Sci-Fi Classic!"

Sam Jones, Max Von Sydow and Timothy Dalton star in this 1980
sci-fi film based on the comic book. A Quarterback is sent to
a planet and must save it from an evil ruler. This is a great
film I've always enjoyed growing up with. I'm glad to have it
on this special edition that has nice picture and sound plus
some neat extras. I highly recommend this sci-fi classic.