FLASH GORDON (2005 SILVER ANNIVERSARY EDITION DVD) Sam J Jones Max Von Sydow

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 humour 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, colourful production design.

Credits
Leading Role 1 Sam Jones III
Leading Role 2 Ornella Muti
Leading Role 3 Melody Anderson
Additional Roles by Peter Wyngarde, Kenny Baker, Richard O'Brien, John Hallam, Timothy Dalton, Max Von Sydow, John Osborne, Philip Stone, Topol, Brian Blessed, Jim Carter, Mariangela Melato
Director 1 Mike Hodges
Producer Dino De Laurentiis
Screenwriter Lorenzo Semple Jr., Michael Allin
Score Composer Howard Blake
Editor Malcolm Cooke

Features
Region 2
Release Format DVD
Rating PG
Release Year 2005
Genre Family
Language English
Running Time 106 minutes
EAN 5060049147291