The nefarious Emperor Ming (Max Von Sydow) has turned his gaze upon our planet, resolving to destroy it and enslave its inhabitants. The somewhat ostracized scientist Dr. Zarkov (Topol) is uniquely positioned to understand the impending threat. He, along with American football player Flash Gordon (Sam J. Jones) and journalist Dale Arden (Melody Anderson), embark on a journey to the planet Mongo to thwart the Emperor’s machinations before it’s too late.
While Flash Gordon embraces a certain level of camp and absurdity, it undeniably possesses a unique cinematic charm. The director, Mike Hodges (Get Carter), previously unfamiliar with the science fiction genre and large-scale special effects, faced considerable challenges. However, he managed to deliver a film that, in its own way, succeeds. Flash Gordon features a reasonably compelling narrative, although the casting of Sam J. Jones as the titular hero is arguably unconventional. Jones’ performance, often described as wooden and bewildered, surprisingly contributes to the film’s distinctive appeal. Reportedly cast after being spotted in a commercial by the producer’s wife, Jones’ portrayal, against all odds, works. In contrast, Topol (Fiddler on the Roof, For Your Eyes Only) delivers a dedicated performance as Dr. Zarkov, and Timothy Dalton (James Bond in The Living Daylights and Licence to Kill) approaches his role with complete seriousness, enhancing the film’s comedic effect.
However, for many, the true star of the film is Emperor Ming, brought to life with relish by Max von Sydow. His performance exudes a palpable enjoyment in portraying the wonderfully malevolent Emperor.
Flash Gordon is rumored to be among the most expensive films ever made with significant on-set improvisation. While a script existed, many scenes were reportedly created spontaneously, including the memorable American football sequence early in the film. This scene was allegedly inspired by Jones spotting a piece of set dressing resembling an American football, leading to its incorporation into the narrative.
The special effects, viewed through a modern lens, are undeniably dated. The miniatures often lack the scale required for realism, and the spaceships exhibit a certain handcrafted quality. Post-production effects appear to have received limited attention.
The rock group Queen contributed the film’s soundtrack, an offer they reportedly embraced enthusiastically. The resulting score is an epic accompaniment that complements the film perfectly, elevating Flash Gordon into a memorable space opera.
As previously noted, Studio S Entertainments’ commitment to releasing older films is commendable, and this edition of Flash Gordon is particularly comprehensive. An entire disc of bonus content is included, totaling nearly three hours. The extras include interviews and behind-the-scenes footage that may be new to many viewers. An animated Flash Gordon episode from the 1970s is also included. One potential drawback is the lack of subtitles for the bonus features. While many interviews are in English, a significant portion are in Italian, which may be a barrier for non-Italian speakers.
The film’s visual presentation is strong. The picture is stable and sharp, considering the film’s age. Colors are vibrant with no noticeable bleeding, even in scenes with prominent red hues. However, the audio is presented only in 2.0, in both DTS and Dolby formats.
In conclusion, while elements such as acting, special effects, and dialogue might suggest a lower rating, Flash Gordon achieves something remarkable: it is a uniquely and wonderfully entertaining film. This edition from Studio S, packed with extras, further enhances its appeal. The Studio S edition of Flash Gordon is highly recommended.
