 |
 |
|
|
|
> Battle Beyond the Stars |
|
|
|
| |
see larger picture
|
|
Staring:
George Peppard,
Robert Vaughn,
Richard Thomas,
John Saxon,
Darlanne Fluegel
Director:
Jimmy T. Murakami, Roger Corman
Average Customer Rating:  
List Price: $19.98
Our Price: $66.74
|
|
|
|
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
Audience Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Binding: DVD
EAN: 0736991220997
Format: Color, Dolby, DVD, Letterboxed, Widescreen, NTSC
Label: New Concorde
Manufacturer: New Concorde
Number Of Items: 1
Publisher: New Concorde
Region Code: 1
Release Date: 2001-02-06
Running Time: 104
Studio: New Concorde
Theatrical Release Date: 1980 |
|
|
|
Description
Seven mercenaries are recruited from throughout the galaxy to save a peaceful planet from the threat of an evil tyrant bent on dominating and enslaving the entire universe.
Amazon.com
Twenty-first-century science fiction fans accustomed to special-effects orgies like The Matrix may snigger at the quaint, Flash Gordon-like spaceships in Battle Beyond the Stars. But executive producer Roger Corman's belated entry into the '70s sci-fi craze surpasses expectations with sharp performances and a witty script by John Sayles (his third for Corman, including 1978's Piranha). The story, lifted wholesale from Akira Kurosawa's Seven Samurai (1954), finds the dictator Sador (John Saxon) threatening the planet of Akira. Its pacifist inhabitants are no match for Sador's devastating weapon, the Stellar Converter, but young Shad (Richard Thomas) decides to fight back. Borrowing the ship of notorious mercenary Zed the Corsair, he recruits a band of mercenaries, each of whom has a personal reason to join the fight. Among them are a lizard-like humanoid (Morgan Woodward), an improbable space cowboy (George Peppard), a zaftig female warrior (Sybil Danning), and brooding killer-for-hire Gelt (Robert Vaughn, reprising his Magnificent Seven role). Battle's final showdown is somewhat anticlimatic, but the surprisingly stellar cast (which includes Sam Jaffe and Darlanne Fluegel) and the indie spunk of Sayles' script, with its light meditations on death and honor, will charm newcomers and repeat audiences alike. New Concorde's digitally remastered DVD features commentary by Sayles and Terminator 2 producer Gale Anne Hurd, Battle's assistant production manager. Oh, and those spaceships? Designed by Titanic director James Cameron. Still laughing? --Paul Gaita
|
|
Not great, but entertaining, 2007-06-14
BBTS was one of the many films that tried to capitalize on the Star Wars craze of the late '70s and early '80s. Unlike most of those films, this one actually succeeds pretty well.
The legendary Roger Corman was responsible for this film. That fact, in and of itself, is probably why this "poor man's Star Wars" deserves a look.
The special effects (for their time) were actually quite good. They were not of Star Wars caliber, but they were much better than other sci-fi films of the time.
The story is one we're all familiar with (a la The Magnifient Seven). Poor old planet Akir is being picked on by intergalactic baddie, Sador (sound almost like Vader, doesn't it?). The young and naive boy (a la Luke Skywalker) has to leave his home for the first time on an intergalactic trip to find some people who will help him defend Akir from mutant invaders.
The rest, you can pretty much figure out.
Even though the story is one we've heard and the plot is pretty predictable, this movie has so much charm and appeal that you can't help but watch.
The casting was well done (with Robert Vaughn, George Peppard, and the ever-dramatic John Saxon) and everyone gives decent performances. The costumes and sets are above average and the music is just fantastic (composed by Hollywood legend James Horner). Some of the ships, though (like the main character's ship which kind of resembles the female reproductive system) are pretty strage, but many of them are quite good.
Star Wars it ain't, but Battle Beyond the Stars is a fun sci-fi movie not to be taken too seriously.
I do want to own this title, but I'm just not willing to pay $30.00 to $40.00 (the current asking price) for it. I know the DVD is out of print, but maybe someone will come along that's willing to ask a reasonable price for it, or perhaps a re-issue of this film looms in the near future.
Movie is Great! DVD transfer sucks!, 2007-05-17
This movie is fun all around. Fun script, Color, Art direction, Music great for its time.
I recomend renting before you buy though if your a collector.
The film print they chose for dvd transfer is horrible.
I am not being picky either. Its worst i have ever scene on dvd especially at beginning and spots in middle.
Lots of scratches to point sometimes that they stand out over the film.
This movie deserves more care and respect I think from all involved in making the dvd.
oh well,, 2009-02-03
I finally got a copy of this . Not much of a story , TV quality special effects (cheap), but still fun to watch ! Great to see John Boy Walton, the Man from Uncle, the guy from the A -Team and (especially) Marta Kristen from Lost in Space (Judy Robinson) in a movie......grab some popcorn, push PLAY on the old VHS machine and enjoy !
battle beyond the stars, 2009-01-18
In all the purchase of this film was a self gratifying one in that it was a good period in my life. Perhaps just wanted to touch base with the younger version of myself, but enough about me.
"John boy Waltons" performance was in as much as in the series "The Walton's. His supporting actors are pretty much what made the show despite the dialog. George Peppard portrayed the lone cowboy who took what the fates decreed him and made no bones about it.
Robert Vaughn, another loner but due to his gun for hire attitude soon reached a peek to where the galaxy had no further use for him but he played it to his chargin.
John Saxon, the crazy bad guy who wated to live forever by harvesting parts of other beings he come to dominate by use of his "steller converter" whatever that was or is...just blow up the planent why don't you. Of course he has a bevy of hench men that were not as ept as you'd think they should be: but they too look like they're held together by various parts, recycled parts at that.
The good guys are also teemed up with want-to-be heros for something to do it seems a "faciet" called Nestor {cloned beings} who wanted to share the experience. A lizard-being (the Malamoi?)who wanted revenge against Saxon for destroying his home planent. A lone Valkyre princess who sought war for pleasure. And a whole planent of Peace loving individuals who find they must learn the use of arms if they wanted to see another sun rise. Then there is, Nell: John boy's Uncles (or was it grand father) Space ship that look like a pair of flying bosums and has a female persona and has to trouble taking organic life to stay functioning.
You could find something better to watch I'm sure but if you want to kick back drink a soda pop some corn..it's alright
Classic grade B SF, 2009-01-11
and Maggale Roddenberry as the voice of the ship!
it's a campy little romp thru space with an all star cast!
|
|
|
|
| |
![2012 (Two-Disc Special Edition) [Blu-ray]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51TluPMQkZL._SL75_.jpg "2012 (Two-Disc Special Edition) [Blu-ray]"){kind=small}
![The Twilight Saga: New Moon [Blu-ray]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/516h%2BrDEcxL._SL75_.jpg "The Twilight Saga: New Moon [Blu-ray]")
