Search - Flash Gordon [Widescreen] on DVD

MPAA Rating: PG Content Advisory: Mild Violence, Violence, Excellent For Children, Adult Language Movie Release: 1980 DVD Release: 05/06/1998 Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV Audio Tracks: English SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 1 hrs 51 mins Studio: Universal Studios Members Wishing: 47 Genres: Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Superhero Film, Sci-Fi Action, Space Adventure See Also: Flash Gordon [Saviour of the Universe Edition]

Heroic earthling Flash Gordon saves the world from the nefarious Ming the Merciless in this lavish, intentionally campy adaptation of the famous sci-fi comic strip. The story is as basic as space operas get: Ming (Max von Sydow) has developed a plan to destroy the Earth, and Flash (Sam J. Jones) and his attractive companion, Dale Arden (Melody Anderson), are called upon to stop him. Along the way, Flash must battle Ming's goons and the temptations of a luscious space princess. Previously the basis for a more straight-faced 1930s adventure serial, Flash's story is mined here for exaggerated, cartoon humor by screenwriter Lorenzo Semple Jr., a central figure in the similarly campy '60s Batman television series. The simplistic plot mainly serves as an excuse for spectacular sets and cartoonish action sequences, all set to an appropriately over-the-top rock score by Queen. Certainly not a film to turn to for serious excitement, fine performances, or character development, Flash Gordon has nevertheless developed an appreciative cult of fans who admire the film's humorous approach and the detailed, colorful production design. ~ Judd Blaise, All Movie Guide

Sam Jones - Flash Gordon
Melody Anderson - Dale Arden
Topol - Dr. Hans Zarkov
Max von Sydow - Emperor Ming
Ornella Muti - Princess Aura

Flash Gordon, on DVD, is a colorful, bombastic, and hilarious ride. A mainstay on cable television in the 1980s, Flash Gordon has never looked as good on a home theater system as it does here. The transfer is awash with gorgeous colors via a crystal clear print. The 2.35:1 aspect ratio finally presents Mike Hodges' bold sci-fi vision as it was intended. There are no visible digital flaws. The Dolby Digital Sound presentation is also of a very high quality. All dialogue and sound effects are appropriately mixed. The guilty pleasure soundtrack by Queen (in a strange Pink Floyd style at times) comes across as bold and goofy as ever. Never has a big-budget B-movie created such a believable atmosphere, and the DVD presents it magnificently. As for special features -- well, there are none. The main menu exists only as the first screen of a series of "Scene Access" pages, allowing instant access to all 16 chapters. Flash Gordon is a joyous throwback to the breezy serials of the early 1900s. With its bold, though dated visuals, it's ultimately light and somewhat flirty fare for kids of all ages (and adults with a good sense of humor). Tacky? Infinitely. But just try to find a more enjoyable way to spend two hours with a DVD player. ~ Tim DiGravina, All Movie Guide