Flash Gordon Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Flash Gordon" enhances the film with a 1080p/VC-1 transfer in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio, offering an unprecedented level of detail for its age. The attention to detail is immediately apparent in elements such as the intricate designs of the costumes and the small text on the newspaper Flash reads at the beginning. However, this increased clarity also brings out the limitations inherent to the film's budget, such as visible strings and matte backgrounds. These imperfections can be endearing, adding to the nostalgic charm but may be distracting for some viewers.

Despite its aesthetic challenges, "Flash Gordon" cannot be faulted for its vivid color rendering. The gaudy mix of reds and greens is faithfully reproduced, staying true to the director's intention while minimizing color blooming. There is some occasional bleedthrough in the source elements, particularly noticeable in the opening scenes. Contrast and black levels are maintained adequately, providing overall good shadow detail. However, Universal’s application of extensive Digital Noise Reduction (DNR) is a double-edged sword. While this reduces film grain, enhancing clarity in close-up shots, it also leads to a processed appearance in wider shots and some loss of fine detail.

In comparison with previous DVD releases, this Blu-ray edition stands out for its color vibrancy and improved detail. Though some artifacts like garbage mattes are still visible, they blend better than in earlier versions. Unfortunately, some scenes appear overly dark due to contrast adjustments aimed at mitigating previous transfer issues. The transfer notably improves upon the Silver Anniversary Edition DVD's excessive brightness and PAL speedup artifacts, making this Blu-ray the best home video version available to date. Nevertheless, the DNR application and oversaturated colors may leave purists yearning for a more natural film-like presentation.

The Blu-ray release of "Flash Gordon" features a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix that significantly enhances its audio presentation, yet remains a mixed bag. Although this is the best the film has ever sounded, numerous aspects leave audiophiles wanting more. Specifically, the famed Queen score that was initially released in stereo tends to sound muddier than expected, lacking clear definition and often feeling too bass-heavy. This is especially noticeable during the title track where the vocals get somewhat lost amidst the overpowering background music. The general sound design heavily relies on the front channels, occasionally offering surround effects that are mostly reflective rather than immersive, with exceptions during moments like the plane flying overhead or hot hail falling, which highlight the potential this mix could have achieved.

Dialogue clarity is generally maintained, despite the heavy use of ADR dubbing for Sam J. Jones’ character, and foreground separation in the front speakers is perceptible but minimal. The mix often feels like an upscaled 2-channel stereo, failing to fully exploit the 5.1 format’s capabilities. Low-frequency effects (LFE) provide a floor-vibrating bass during action sequences and Queen's synthesizers, yet music remains hollower than its CD counterpart. Despite its limitations, the soundtrack ensures dialogue remains easy to understand, though accents sometimes pose a challenge.

Overall, while the remix does breathe new life into "Flash Gordon," it falls short of audiophile standards. The soundtrack strives to balance nostalgia with modern audio expectations but lands in an unsatisfying middle ground, a respectable but not stellar effort that experiences moments of greatness interspersed with disappointing shortcomings.

The extras on the "Flash Gordon" Blu-ray disc provide a treasure trove of content for fans, making this release a must-have, particularly for those nostalgic for the classic film. Despite the lack of deeply revealing insights or new interviews, the included features thoroughly explore the inspirations behind the film, offering significant value for both dedicated fans and casual viewers. The interview with renowned comic artist Alex Ross is a standout, as he passionately discusses the film's impact on his work and its mythic qualities. Screenwriter Lorenzo Semple Jr.'s interview is equally engaging, shedding light on the humorous and chaotic production process. Additionally, the first episode of the 1936 Flash Gordon serial presents an enjoyable blast from the past. Completing the extras is the theatrical trailer.

Extras included in this disc:

• Alex Ross: Renowned Comic Artist on Flash Gordon: Insightful interview about the film's impact.
• Writing a Classic: Screenwriter Lorenzo Semple Jr.: Entertaining insights into the screenwriting and production.
• First Episode of the Flash Gordon 1936 Serial: Original episode showcasing classic sci-fi adventure.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original trailer, standard definition.

The 1980 film "Flash Gordon" is a polarizing piece of cinematic history, distinguished and defined by its flamboyant camp aesthetic. Derived from the original Alex Raymond comic strips, the movie is saturated with intentional artifice and exaggeration, exemplified by its clunky dialogue, hammy acting, and outlandish special effects. This deliberate lack of realism has endowed the film with a unique charm, propelling it into cult classic status over the last several decades. Queen's iconic and hyperbolic soundtrack, featuring their hit title track, imbues the film with a sense of Messianic urgency that aligns perfectly with its over-the-top narrative and production design.

The star-studded cast includes Max von Sydow as the villainous Ming the Merciless, Topol as the eccentric Dr. Zarkov, and future James Bond Timothy Dalton as Prince Barin. Their performances swing from exaggeratedly somber to gloriously overacted, adding a rich layer of melodrama. Sam J. Jones and Melody Anderson, however, deliver their lines with a lack of self-awareness, resulting in unintentionally humorous moments that further contribute to the film’s camp charm. Moreover, the presence of the oft-criticized Danilo Donati's production design infuses the film with a bizarre combination of garishness and surrealism. While his design choices reflect a certain sado-masochistic and occult aesthetic, they also heighten the film’s lewd visual appeal.

From its kaleidoscopic sets to its eccentric character portrayals, "Flash Gordon" managed to alienate initial audiences searching for genuine sci-fi thrills but found its niche amongst lovers of camp and parody. The film encapsulates the essence of corny 1930s serials yet amplifies their quirks to ludicrous proportions. In doing so, it serves as a piece of good-natured escapism that doesn't take itself too seriously but remains endearing for those who appreciate its peculiar artistry.

The Blu-ray release of "Flash Gordon" provides a visually compelling upgrade from previous formats, but it is a mixed bag due to the heavy-handed digital noise reduction (DNR) applied to the picture. While undeniably the best visual presentation of the film to date, purists will find the overly processed image detracts from the overall experience. The high-definition format, though enhancing clarity, also accentuates the film’s inherent flaws, making them more obvious to the discerning eye.

On the audio front, the absence of the original stereo soundtrack is a significant drawback for audio purists. Although the soundtrack is an improvement over older versions, it fails to capture the original essence of the film’s soundscape. The bonus features, however, are a strong point, offering a plethora of high-quality extras that surpass previous releases. Despite the cumbersome navigation of Universal's menu system, fans will appreciate the depth and breadth of additional material provided.

In conclusion, this disc can only be classed as a disappointment. The picture and sound are certainly the best the film has ever seen, but those critical of DNR will not be pleased with the visual treatment. Soundtrack purists will miss the original stereo option. However, the supplemental content is top-notch, putting other releases to shame despite some notable omissions. If you are a fan of "Flash Gordon" and can embrace its campy charm, this Blu-ray is worth considering. For those less inclined toward its unique blend of humor and spectacle, proceed with caution.