{"id":23882,"date":"2020-09-23T12:21:40","date_gmt":"2020-09-23T19:21:40","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/moviemansguide.com\/main\/?p=23882"},"modified":"2020-12-17T17:51:10","modified_gmt":"2020-12-18T01:51:10","slug":"review-flash-gordon-4k","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/moviemansguide.com\/main\/2020\/09\/review-flash-gordon-4k\/","title":{"rendered":"Flash Gordon: Limited Edition 4K Ultra HD Review"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>Flash Gordon<\/em><\/strong> might\u2019ve been a box office disappointment back in 1980, and reviews weren\u2019t very kind, however over the 30+ years, it has seen a resurgence with a passionate fan base.<\/p>\n

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Flash Gordon
\n<\/span>\u2014 Limited Edition \u2014<\/span>
\n(1980)<\/span>
\n<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Genre(s): <\/strong>Science Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure<\/span>
\nArrow Video | PG \u2013 111 min. \u2013 $59.95 | August 18, 2020<\/span><\/p>\n

Date Published:<\/strong> 09\/23\/2020 | Author:<\/strong> The Movieman<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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MOVIE INFO:
\n<\/u><\/strong>Directed by: <\/strong>Mike Hodges
\nWriter(s): <\/strong>Michael Allin & Lorenzo Semple Jr. (written by)
\nCast: <\/strong>Sam J. Jones, Melody Anderson, Topol, Max Von Sydow, Peter Wyngarde, Brian Blessed, Ornella Muti, Timothy Dalton, Mariangela Melato<\/span><\/p>\n

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DISC INFO:
\n<\/u><\/strong>Features: <\/strong>Audio Commentaries, Featurettes, Interviews, Deleted Scenes, Gallery, Trailer, Easter Eggs
\nSlip Cover: <\/strong>Yes
\nDigital Copy: <\/strong>No
\nFormats Included: <\/strong>4K (movie\/features), Blu-ray (features)
\nNumber of Discs: <\/strong>2<\/span><\/p>\n
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Audio: <\/strong>English (DTS-HD MA 2.0), English (DTS-HD MA 5.1)
\nVideo: <\/strong>2160p\/Widescreen 2.35
\nDynamic Range: <\/strong>HDR10, Dolby Vision
\nSubtitles: <\/strong>English SDH
\nCodecs: <\/strong>HEVC \/ H.265
\nRegion(s): <\/strong>A, B, C<\/span><\/p>\n
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Arrow Video provided me with a free copy of the Blu-ray I reviewed in this Blog Post.<\/strong><\/span>
\nThe opinions I share are my own.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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THE MOVIE \u2014 4\/5<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
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Plot Synopsis: <\/strong>Merciless Emperor Ming (MAX VON SYDOW) decides to wreak havoc on Earth in a moment of cruel boredom. Boarding a rocket as a means of escape, star quarterback Flash Gordon (SAM J. JONES), Dale Arden (MELODY ANDERSON) and Dr. Hans Zarkov (TOPOL) find themselves on Mongo. Taken prisoner Flash must save Dale from becoming Ming\u2019s concubine, avoid the amorous intentions of Ming\u2019s wicked daughter Aura (ORNELLA MUTI) and unite the warring Kingdoms of Mongo.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Quick Hit Review: <\/strong>Another cult classic that I hadn\u2019t seen before, Flash Gordon<\/em><\/strong> is a fun, campy and all around entertaining sci-fi fantasy adventure that, as I found out, the basis for George Lucas\u2019s Star Wars<\/em> as he, back then, could not afford the rights to make his version.<\/p>\n

The film has its cheesy moments for sure and Sam J. Jones might not have a whole lot to do in terms of acting and even fighting (plus I guess his lines were later dubbed after a dispute with producer Dino De Laurentiis), but he looks the part. Also had a lot of fun watching a noble actor like Max von Sydow as the villain. Melody Anderson had an almost Lois Lane in her strength, although the romantic aspect with Flash Gordon felt a bit rushed and unearned in the end, however it would\u2019ve been nice to see their relationship blossom with sequels that never happened.<\/p>\n

One of the highlights is the spectacle. The set designs was wonderful not to mention the colorful costumes that harks back to the wardrobes of the late 70s\/early 80s, yet still works so well all these years later. That\u2019s not to mention the wild costumes of the Hawk people which were absurd yet also magnificent.<\/p>\n

In the end, Flash Gordon<\/em><\/strong> and its embrace of cheese is why it succeeded where the likes of Superman III <\/em>and Superman IV<\/em> failed. I had a lot of fun with this and can see why it has a cult following as this has plenty of replay value.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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SPECIAL FEATURES \u2013 5\/5<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
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This 2-disc Limited Edition set comes housed in a black HD keep case which side slides into a hard slip case<\/strong>. Also included are post cards, a fold-out poster and nice booklet<\/strong> with essays.<\/p>\n

DISC 1 (4K UHD):
\n<\/strong>Audio Commentaries:<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
  • Writer\/Director Mike Hodges<\/li>\n
  • Actor Brian Blessed<\/li>\n
  • \u201cBig Kev\u2019s Geek Stuff\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    A good array of commentary tracks here, Hodges gives a perspective from behind the camera and production side, Brian Blessed, who is as much of a character as the one he protrays, is a lot of fun while the “Big Kev” one is a recording with Sam J. Jones and Melody Anderson, a more conversation style.<\/p>\n

    Featurettes:<\/strong><\/p>\n

      \n
    • Behind the Scenes of Flash Gordon<\/em> (14:27)<\/u><\/strong> \u2013 Old featurette from the 1980s as a promotional piece, but includes footage of the sets, costumes and training.<\/li>\n
    • Lost in Space: Nic Roeg\u2019s Flash Gordon<\/em> (27:50)<\/u><\/strong> explores the Flash Gordon<\/em> film Roeg had originally planned to make with producer Dino De Laurentiis.<\/li>\n
    • Flash Gordon<\/u><\/em><\/strong> Animated Episode (24:31)<\/u><\/strong> from November 1982. Not great but the animation itself doesn\u2019t look that bad, well at least takes me back to the 80s so maybe I\u2019m biased.<\/li>\n
    • Flash Gordon<\/u><\/em><\/strong> Merchandise (4:20)<\/u><\/strong> is a featurette with Jason Labowitz (\u201cEntertainment Earth\u201d) and Jason Lenzi (\u201cBif Bang Pow!\u201d) talking about the few toy tie-ins for the movie and shows them off, including making new ones.<\/li>\n
    • 35th Anniversary Greenroom (8:26)<\/u><\/strong> \u2013 From November 2015, there was a Flash Gordon<\/em> reunion with Mike Hodges and the cast together for the first time since filming.<\/li>\n
    • 35th Anniversary Reunion (6:29)<\/u><\/strong> is some behind-the-scenes footage from the event.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Interviews:<\/strong><\/p>\n

        \n
      • Mike Hodges (31:47)<\/u><\/strong> \u2013 The writer-director talks about various topics including growing up. Made for the StudioCanal release; perhaps circa 2002.<\/li>\n
      • Lorenzo Semple Jr. (9:15)<\/u><\/strong> \u2013 The screenwriter discusses his work on the script.<\/li>\n
      • Alex Ross (13:27)<\/u><\/strong> \u2013 Comic book artist talks on his fandom of the character and movie.<\/li>\n
      • Sam J. Jones (4:04)<\/u><\/strong> on his move into acting and a nice story about his grandfather.<\/li>\n
      • Bob Lindenmayer (2:12)<\/u><\/strong>, who is a movie prop collector, chats about the deleted scenes.<\/li>\n
      • Melody Anderson<\/u><\/strong> talks about different topics in three separate clips, one on her wedding dress (1:25)<\/strong>, second on improvisation (1:50)<\/strong> and last on her hardest scene (1:32)<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
      • Brian Blessed<\/u><\/strong> \u2013 Five segments here: \u201cProves His Point\u201d (1:45)<\/strong>, \u201cLoves Dwarfs\u201d (1:57)<\/strong>, \u201cOwn Special Effects\u201d (3:44)<\/strong>, \u201cSam as Flash\u201d (2:07)<\/strong> and \u201cRaffle\u201d (1:00)<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
      • Brian May<\/u><\/strong> with two segments: \u201cDino\u201d (3:42)<\/strong> and \u201cRecording the Soundtrack\u201d (1:11)<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
      • Howard Blake (2:37)<\/u><\/strong> talks about… Mickey Mouse.<\/li>\n
      • Renato Casaro (5:38)<\/u><\/strong> \u2013 The poster artist discusses his work.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Galleries:<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

          \n
        • Storyboards<\/li>\n
        • Stills<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          Original Trailer (1:59)<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

          \n

          DISC 2 (BLU-RAY):
          \n<\/strong>Life After Flash (1:33:33)<\/u><\/strong> \u2013 Feature-length documentary from 2017 featuring Sam J. Jones and his rollercoaster life beyond his time in the role of Flash Gordon, which had its highs and lows. Participants also include the late Stan Lee, Robert Rodriguez, Mark Millar and Sean Gunn, plus other cast members like Melody Anderson, Topol and Peter Wyngarde and more.<\/p>\n

          Extended Comic-Con Sequence (13:07)<\/u><\/strong> is some additional interviews with attendees and talent including Sam J. Jones, Michael Rooker, etc.<\/p>\n

          Deep Roy Ambition Rap (1:24)<\/u><\/strong> \u2013 The actor who played \u201cPrincess Aura\u2019s Pet\u201d does a rap.<\/p>\n

          Tell Me More About the This Man Houdini (1:30)<\/u><\/strong> \u2013 Actor Rich Fuller and Jason Lenzi, the founder of toy brand \u201cBiff Bang Pow!\u201d discuss a scene from Flash Gordon<\/em>. Basically another interview segment.<\/p>\n

          Sam J. Jones \u201cPrayer Walk\u201d in full (2:12)<\/u><\/strong> follows the actor does a walk in the parking lot at Comic Con. Some of this was seen in the documentary.<\/p>\n

          Chattanooga Film Festival script read (5:27)<\/u><\/strong> is an excerpt from 2018 of the festival\u2019s \u201cScript Gone Wild\u201d featuring Jones performing Flash Gordon with his own voice.<\/p>\n

          Lisa Downs Interview (12:29)<\/u><\/strong> \u2013 Director Lisa Downs on her motivation to make the documentary and her experiences during the production.<\/p>\n

          Topol\u2019s Stamps (2:14)<\/u><\/strong>, Topol\u2019s Awards (2:03)<\/u><\/strong>, Topol\u2019s Jordan River Village (5:59)<\/u><\/strong>, Topol\u2019s Portraits (2:17)<\/u><\/strong> \u2013 The actor shows off various items in his home as well as his charitable institute.<\/p>\n

          Boston Sci-Fi Fest (4:49)<\/u><\/strong> \u2013 Footage of the \u201cLife After Flash\u201d premiere.<\/p>\n

          Alex Ross Talks Early Art (9:09)<\/u><\/strong> \u2013 Interview with the popular comic book writer\/artist.<\/p>\n

          Melody\u2019s Paintings Extended (3:20)<\/u><\/strong> \u2013 Some extended footage with the actress and her work as a painter.<\/p>\n

          Private West End Screening (1:37)<\/u><\/strong> \u2013 Some behind-the-scenes footage from the first UK screening of Life After Flash<\/em> at London\u2019s iconic Prince Charles Cinema.<\/p>\n

          Kickstarter Video (2:38)<\/u><\/strong> is a promotional video to gather funds for the documentary.<\/p>\n

          Mexico Sequence (10:24)<\/u><\/strong> \u2013 More interviews with Jones discussing his new-found career in high profile security in Mexico.<\/p>\n

          Flash Gordon Starts a Fire (0:50)<\/u><\/strong> \u2013 Outtake with Sam J. Jones starting a fire in the midst of his wife giving an interview.<\/p>\n

          Brian, Tim, Magda Love Triangle (2:31)<\/u><\/strong> \u2013 Brian Blessed recounts a humorous tale involving Timothy Dalton about Magda, who played one of the Cytherian Girls.<\/p>\n

          Sam and His Wolf (4:17)<\/u><\/strong> \u2013 Sam J Jones talking about his arctic wolf pet.<\/p>\n

          Brian Gooses Melody (2:31)<\/u><\/strong> \u2013 Brian Blessed talks about filming the scene in which Flash and Dale are reunited in Vultan\u2019s sky city.<\/p>\n

          Deep Roy\u2019s Eastbound & Down (2:08)<\/u><\/strong> \u2013 The actor discusses his audition for the TV series.<\/p>\n

          Rochdale Extended (7:11)<\/u><\/strong> \u2013 Footage from Dale-Con in Rochdale, England, where many of the cast were in attendance.<\/p>\n

          The Late, Great Peter Wyngarde Uncut Excerpt (9:18)<\/u><\/strong> \u2013 Footage with the actor who passed away in 2018.<\/p>\n

          Trailer (2:19)<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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          \u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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          VIDEO \u2013 4\u00be\/5<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
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          Flash Gordon<\/em><\/strong> arrives on 4K Ultra HD through Arrow Video presented with a 2.35 widescreen aspect ratio and 2160p high-definition. According to the booklet, the film\u2019s original 35mm camera negative was scanned in 4K 16-bit resolution and there was extensive restoration work done, reduction in density fluctuation and flicker on numerous optical and processed shots. In addition, due to this being such high resolution, some wire work was digitally removed, with the approval of Mike Hodges. So, in short, this is an amazing looking picture and another homerun by Arrow showing off some incredible detail throughout, colors are vibrant (and there\u2019s plenty to show off given the bright palette) and the original film grain and noise is on display.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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          AUDIO \u2013 4\u00bd\/5<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
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          The disc comes with two tracks, the first and default is DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track and the second containing 5.1 channels. As with the picture, these tracks underwent some sort of restoration, utilizing the original stereo track while the other one, some sort of issue was fixed with the LFE channel. In any case, either one of these sound well done, dialogue comes through with nice clarity and there is some modest depth coming through the front and rear speakers on the 5.1 track.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

           <\/p>\n

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          OVERALL \u2013 4\u00bd\/5<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
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          Flash Gordon<\/em><\/strong> might\u2019ve been a box office disappointment back in 1980, and reviews weren\u2019t very kind, however over the 30+ years, it has seen a resurgence with a passionate fan base and while some story elements are a bit weak, I still found this to be an entertaining romp through and through. This \u201cLimited Edition\u201d 4K Ultra HD from Arrow is well put together, including a documentary and associated bonus features.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

          \n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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