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Flash Gordon [1980] (REGION 1) (NTSC)


Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review

When the totalitarian planet of Mongo decides on a whim to obliterate Earth, it's up to the quarterback Flash Gordon and his oddball companions to make the universe safe for democracy. Based on the classic (and infinitely more reputable) comic strip and its 1930s screen serialisation, this candy-coloured trash classic deserves immortality for Queen's unforgettably pulsating soundtrack alone. The legendary Max von Sydow appears to be having a blast as the evil Ming the Merciless, while Ornella Muti, as his daughter, is the living embodiment of what attracts adolescent boys to comics in the first place. (She makes Barbarella look mundane.) One of the most shamelessly entertaining movies ever made, this is a knowingly absurd sensory freak-out that'll have the viewer blissfully checking the sky afterward for signs of Hawkmen. --Andrew Wright

Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review

When the totalitarian planet of Mongo decides on a whim to obliterate Earth, it's up to the lunk-headed quarterback Flash Gordon and his oddball companions to make the universe safe for democracy. Flash Gordon is based on the classic (and infinitely more reputable) comic strip and its 30s screen serialisation, this cotton-candy-coloured trash classic deserves immortality for Queen's unforgettably pulsating soundtrack alone.

The legendary Max von Sydow appears to be having a blast as the evil Ming the Merciless, while Ornella Muti, as his daughter, is the living embodiment of what attracts adolescent boys to comics in the first place. (She makes Barbarella look mundane.) One of the most shamelessly entertaining movies ever made, this is a knowingly absurd sensory freak-out that'll have the viewer blissfully checking the sky afterward for signs of Hawkmen. --Andrew Wright, Amazon.com


Brian Blessed's commentary is great!
Review date: 2008-05-08 Rating: 10 out of 10

It's worth buying this just for the Brian Blessed commentary - he hilariously praises everyone and everything, even Sam J Jones' wooden acting (calling it 'still' and 'pure'). Genius.

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Reviews


I like to play with things awhile - before annihilation ..........
Review date: 2008-05-07 Rating: 10 out of 10

Fantastic, totally over the top, hilarious - I could go on! Highlight is Brian Blessed as King of the Vulcans ("Diiiiiiiiiiive!" and "Gordon's alive?!!!!!"). I love this film!

Gordon's ALIIVVE?!
Review date: 2008-03-28 Rating: 10 out of 10

There really are few films that can compete with this wonderfully entertaining sci-fi camp romp, about an American football player who gets caught up in a galactic struggle against an evil dictator. With energy and pace injected by the bucketful, eminently quotable lines, some fabulously hammy performances (Brian Blessed and Peter Wyngarde in particular are hilarious) and a top notch Queen soundtrack, this is sheer fun and they just don't make them like this anymore!

Of course it should be awful: the script is cheese-on-toast, Sam J Jones was so appallingly bad as the eponymous hero that his lines had to be re-dubbed by another actor, the aliens are able to speak perfect English and the sets and costumes give new meaning to the word garish. But it all works and it works so darn well!!! Director Mike Hodges knows exactly what he's doing and there is never a point where the film begins to take itself seriously. This is one of those pure slices of entertainment that is there to do just simply that- entertain!

I can't think of anyone who hasn't seen this film and not thoroughly enjoyed themselves. If you have seen it and don't own it then I suggest you rectify that now! And be quick about it, there's only 14 hours to save the Earth...

Go Flash!

FLASH I LOVE BUT WE ONLY HAVE 14 HRS 2 SAVE THE EARTH!!!
Review date: 2008-03-09 Rating: 8 out of 10

Melody Anderson is brillant for saying this line and not laughing. Yeah this film goes wounderfly over the top its simpley part of its charm and the soundtrack by Queen is a feast for the ears ( which they got nominated 4 a BAFTA). Sam J Jones is not the best actor . And Lorenzo Semple Jr who wrote the screenplay also wrote a lot for the 1960s Batman series.

What i love about this film is that to me its look and feel are that of a film from the 30s or the 40s which has just been put into colour . you know who are the good are and who the bad guys .its a fun film which can be watched again and agian and still enjoyed .and leaves you safe in knowlegde that Flash will save the day . And don't forget to look out for Ricard o Brien and Robbie Coltrane

FLASH! Hes just a man, with a man's courage.
Review date: 2008-02-16 Rating: 10 out of 10

As many people have written this film is great because it is crap. It had pretty terrible acting, a plot so messed up you might think the writers were taking LSD, and costumes which were oudated even at the time the film was created (1980). I could see how this could all combine to make a sickening hideous movie, but if you add a touch of Queen (perhaps my favriote band) then it turns into the most memorable movie of my life, which I cant rely pay attention to for long, but will remeber for the rest of my life., simply because the cheese factor is so huge that you become to overwhelmed to care, and you appreciate the magic in the campness of this movie.

Product Details/Specifications


Actor(s):
Sam J. Jones
Topol
Max von Sydow
Melody Anderson
Ornella Muti

Creators:
Sam J. Jones (Primary Contributor)
Melody Anderson (Primary Contributor)

Director(s):

Recording label: Universal Studios
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
EAN: 9786305079811
Binding: DVD
ISBN: 6305079811
Number of items: 1
Format: Colour, Dolby, DVD-Video, Letterboxed, NTSC, Widescreen,
Release date: 1998-05-06
Universal product code (UPC): 014381463026
Aspect ratio: 2.35:1
DVD layers: 1
DVD sides: 1
Picture format: Letterbox
Region code: 1
Running time: 111 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1980-12-05
Language: English (Original Language)

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