StarCrash (Roger Corman's Cult Classics) [Blu-ray] (1978)

Yes, it was marketed as a Star Wars knock-off, but it has much more in common with Harryhausen/fifties sci-fi/ Barbarella and the 1980s Flash Gordon. I'd also bet that David Jones' (Moon, with Sam Rockwell) debut, CQ was influenced by this movie.Colorful and campy, yet undeniably sincere and affectionate, Starcrash (Scontri stellari oltre la terza dimensione, or "Starcrash Beyond the Third Dimension," 1979) was green-lighted to cash in on the worldwide Star Wars craze, and while this comparatively modest effort definitely incorporates elements from that film, writer-director Luigi Cozzi (billed as "Lewis Coates" in the credits) unquestionably makes it his own. He pays homage to myriad '50s and '60s sci-fi and fantasy films (Invaders from Mars, Jason and the Argonauts, Barbarella, etc.), but visually Starcrash looks almost nothing like Star Wars or anything else for that matter - except other Luigi Cozzi films. Indeed, visually Starcrash is a lot closer to, say, Cozzi's subsequent genre tribute, Hercules (1983) than George Lucas's movie.Except for a long out-of-print VHS version released in 1984, Starcrash has long been a Ho!y Grail of sorts. This Shout! Factory is most welcome.Cozzi pitched a science fiction script to France-based producer Nat Wachsberger (who produced the infamous Jerry Lewis concentration camp vehicle, The Day the Clown Cried), who turned him down cold - until Star Wars opened to huge box office a few weeks later. Wachsberger immediately commissioned a Star Wars type script, to be ready in 10 days - no easy task, as Star Wars hadn't yet opened in Italy and Cozzi hadn't seen it. Originally the project was made in conjunction with AIP (Roger Corman wasn't involved with the production, he just purchased distro rights), and because of their recent success with The Land That Time Forgot, they demanded the addition of cavemen and dinosaurs, logic be damned. The finished film lacks prehistoric monsters, but does include cavemen.The movie has almost no plot to speak of: Space smugglers Stella Star (Caroline Munro) and mystical Akton (Marjoe Gortner) are captured by Galactic Police Chief Thor (bald tough guy Robert Tessier, from The Deep, Hard Times, The Longest Yard - his skin dyed blue) and robot officer L (or "Elle," played by Munro's husband at the time, Judd Hamilton (a noted Surf musician: The T Bones, The Ventures. He would later produce the Spinell/Munro films Maniac and The Last Horror Film). Though sentenced to hard labor, Stella and Akton are promised a pardon by the Emperor of the Galaxy (Christopher Plummer) in exchange for finding his missing son, Simon (David Hasselhoff, his debut), aboard a spaceship that was on a mission to stop Count Zarth Arn (Joe Spinell) from launching a Death Star-type super-weapon. Also features Nadia Cassini, a veteran of many Euro exploitation films, as well as the Mike Hodges (Get Carter, Flash Gordon) classic, Pulp, starring Michael Caine.Mostly though, Starcrash is eye candy - lots and lots of eye candy, like Willy Wonka's chocolate factory only in outer space. As with other Cozzi films, everything is shot in bright primary colors; even outer space twinkles red, green, yellow, and blue, like a celestial Christmas display. The sets and costume design show much imagination, more than the budget can really accommodate, but admirable nonetheless. These resemble Barbarella (1968) much more than Star Wars, particularly Munro's sexy, revealing costumes, which are on par with Jane Fonda's Barbarella and Ornella Muti's wardrobe in Flash Gordon. Indeed the cinematography is credited to Roberto D'Ettorre and Paul Beeson - a veteran of hundreds of films (from low budget exploitation to Hollywood blockbusters.)This film also benefits from a score by John Barry - best known for his music for the 007 films - including the iconic theme.Munro, though dubbed (see next paragraph), is quite beautiful and sexy - though Munro herself was and is demure, almost shy. After the inventive look of the film, she's the best thing about Starcrash. Indeed her outfits are quite fetching: a Vampirella-type outfit (Oddly, Munro was to play Vampirella in an aborted project), a leather bikini, thigh high boots...you catch my drift. She's barely dressed for 99.9% of this film. The cover art is not a tease.Gortner, who came to the project via AIP, was supposed to play a fish-like alien creature, but refused to wear any elaborate makeup. This was a mistake, because without it the former Child Pentecostal preacher (see the Oscar winner documentary, Marjoe (1972) cannot hide his inadequacies as an actor and "eh" screen presence. Spinell, outrageously hammy as the evil Count, was one of the few actors who wasn't dubbed, in fact, he was an ad hoc dialogue coach for must of the cast. Caroline Munro was dubbed by Marjoe's wife, actress Candy Clark (American Graffiti, The Man Who Fell to Earth).Christopher Plummer plays his role with the resignation (albiet professionally) of a man whose previous film was John Huston's masterpiece, The Man Who Would be King, and was (then) best known for The Sound of Music. Of course, Plummer would, In a few short years, become one of the world's most renowned actors.The cast is rounded out by a cast of fetching "primitive" bikini-clad (think: Raquel Welch in One Million Years BC) uncredited extras. I took a peek at imdb and learned that collectively, these (6? 7?) women (all together) appeared in hundreds of genre/B/exploitation and Hollywood fare - many titles are quite famous.In fairness, Starcrash is deliberately campy in the manner of Barbarella or Flash Gordon, though the English dubbing seems to be overemphasizing this, particularly in giving the robot companion a Texas accent, a bad choice repeated in another sci-fi release that same year, Disney's The Black Hole. If only a screenwriter on par with Lorenzo Sample jr. scripted this! While he penned prestige films such as Papillion, he was no stranger to camp: he wrote Batman(TV), The Raquel Welch 007 spoof, Fathom and...Flash Gordon.After working with Argento on a number of gialli as both a writer and assistant director, Cozzi made his feature directorial debut with The Killer Must Kill Again (1975), a pretty good thriller in the classical giallo mold. Soon after Cozzi's own unique style was unleashed when he created a strange new version of the original Godzilla, madly colorizing the black and white film into something resembling a bad LSD trip, replacing the original score, and adding much newsreel clips, including graphic images from Hiroshima and Nagasaki.After Starcrash and the vaguely-Alien (but earthbound) knock-off Contamination, Cozzi returned to familiar territory with Hercules and its sequel.  As you can tell, they're very much in the same vein.Cozzi's enthusiasm and noble efforts to make every scene count is obvious; indeed, nearly every shot in Starcrash shows effort and imagination. He saw the film more as a tribute to another idol, stop-motion master Ray Harryhausen, and while Starcrash's stop-motion scenes are pretty poor, that they're stop-motion at all is an achievement. That the final outcome is incredibly garish and/or clunky is forgivable. It's hard not to like Starcrash, ludicrous though it is.Video & AudioThe 1.78:1 1080p transfer of Starcrash is exceptional, especially considering how much of the film was done with in-camera multiple exposures and, occasionally, standard-def video effects (though not as much as in later Cozzi films). Overall, the image looks great and the colors pop off the screen. Starcrash was a very early Dolby Stereo release; it may very well have been New World's first (and last for a long while). Both the 2.0 DTS-HD Stereo and remixed 5.1 DTS-HD Surround are impressive for such a low budget movie, and bring out composer John Barry's score and the film's sound effects. The film is in English only; there's no Italian track, and the disc is region "A" encoded. No subtitles.Extra Features:Starcrash is loaded with extras, equal to an Arrow, et al release. The best of the extras is a visually static but highly entertaining 41-minute interview with director Cozzi, who speaks English throughout. His love of the genre is quite charming - from the movie collectibles shop he runs for fellow director Dario Argento, Cozzi proudly shows off the first issue of Forrest J. Ackerman's Famous Monsters from Filmland magazine that mentioned his name - and while entirely aware of Starcrash's shortcomings, he remains fond of the picture and its attributes. As he should.Über-fan Stephen Romano - who claims to have seen Starcrash "more than 500 times" - co-produced this release, and that proves a mixed blessing. Hardcore enthusiasm such as his can, in the right light, be contagious, and like Cozzi there's no doubting his affection for the genre and this film in particular. Many of the behind-the-scenes photos, posters, and the like reportedly come from his personal collection, and he obviously knows a lot about the making of the film. Overall, Shout!'s edition of Starcrash benefits from his participation. Romano's two audio commentary tracks, one that essentially tries to put Starcrash into pop cultural context while the other, intended to be more anecdotal and screen-specific, are another matter entirely. To each his own, but I found them a little amateurish. Instead of carefully organizing and distilling his research into a densely-packed commentary of useful and interesting information, Romano seems to be "winging it," rambling almost incoherently at times, often sidetracked by arcane little details from his own life or pontificating about films and other matters unrelated to Starcrash. He spends so much time introducing himself, promoting his other projects and minor celebrity status that by the time he says, "Let's get right to [the film]!" we're already 11 minutes in! Though anyone willing to sit through back-to-back tracks of the same Italian sci-fi movie probably has at least some familiarity with the science fiction genre, Romano talks as if no one in his audience will have heard of movies like Forbidden Planet or Jason and the Argonauts. And for that matter, Jaws and Star Wars - both as stand -alone films and their cultural impact. Though I don't doubt his Starcrash credentials, many of his comments are suspect, especially his reference to the "millions of [Starcrash] fans all over the world" or his declaration in the accompanying booklet that he hopes Starcrash will at long last be recognized as "an important work of art." The quintessential fanboy. (I'll concede that I watched about an hour worth, in total.)Included are several trailers, including a French (with more emphasis on skin) one, and U.S. TV and radio spots. The most interesting of these features a commentary by director Joe Dante; Starcrash was the last trailer he cut at New World, and his approach to it is quite good - it's indeed a great trailer. Eli Roth offers another trailer commentary.The second disc, a DVD, includes 17 deleted/alternate scenes (including an end title song) from the slightly longer international version, and sources French and Italian video masters. This material is accompanied by text helpfully putting the footage into context. Most scenes deleted for time/redundancy. One exception is an extended scene with the aforementioned Amazons - to much for PG. Also included is a 72-minute (!) interview with Caroline Munro, who talks extensively about the making of the film and her career arc - she modeled for David Bailey (the inspiration for the David Hemmings character in Blow Up), her two 007 films, her Hammer films and her longtime friendship with her future co-star, Joe "a pussycat" Spinell (Maniac) and much more. A life lived, indeed. Disc 2 also includes the screenplay in PDF format, complete with storyboards and early conceptual art; "The Making of the Special Effects of Starcrash," a film by FX director, Armando Valcauda (his other well-known credit is The Humanoid (1979), a film that benefits from Eurosleaze babe, Corrine Clery, which includes some surprisingly good Harryhausen-esque effects footage that didn't make the final cut. Finally, there's 19 minutes of silent black and white home movie footage, with commentary by Romano. As with other Shout!/Corman titles, this comes with a nice, full-color booklet.

Wow. What can you say about a man that loved Science Fiction so much, he made a Star Wars type movie with bits of "Sinbad", "Jason and The Argonauts", "Invasion From Mars", and a few others? Pure Italian rip off Sci-Fi glory! I saw this when I was a mere 13 back in 1980 on cable TV. I liked it, but I never considered it to be an equal to the phenomenal "Star Wars" from 1977 even back then. I find it entertaining and campy. You have to admit, if you like campy science fiction movies as I do, this is definitely one of them. You can't take it seriously. I mean did you take all the '50s Sci-Fi that way? lol I am a big fan of Caroline Munro so I remember this one with great fondness. (She is a genuine Bond Girl from The Spy Who Loved Me). So, that in itself is why I like it just to see her in her glory. She runs around in this sleek black outfit worthy for a space adventure. Remember, there is no underwear in space! lolIf you like cheaply made science fiction movies that will get you laughs, this is one for you, but DON'T expect it to match up to anything in the SW universe. This movie is the result of an Italian movie lover of Science Fiction and adventure movies. I often look at it as an Italian homage to our American counterpart of Star Wars.Here's what you get: A Two disc set (one Blu-ray, one DVD) with reversible cover, a very nice color booklet with Caroline Munro on cover, lots of Special Features.Disc 1: (Blu-ray)Movie in WidescreenFeaturettes: Interview with Luigi Cozzi, The Music of John Barry, Photo Galleries(Designs, Storyboards, Behind The Scenes, Fan Artwork, Promotional Artwork),Theatrical TrailerTheatrical Trailer with Commentary by Joe DanteTheatrical Trailer with Commentary by Eli RothTV Spot2 Radio SpotsAudio Setup: 5.1 DTS-HD Surround Sound, 2.0 DTS-HD Stereo, Audio Commentaries with writer and Starcrash expert Stephen RomeroHistory of Starcrash making of the film and it's importance in 1970s fantastic cinemaScene By Scene Production Trivia, Anecdotes, and Critical AnalysisDisc 2: (DVD) More Special FeaturesInterview with Actress Caroline Munro who discusses her career from modeling and beyond (looking very well, I might add),(If you are a fan of hers, this is a must see.)17 deleted and Alternate ScenesMaking of the Special Effects (With exclusive never before seen footage)Behind the Scenes Footage with CommentaryOriginal Screenplay (Illustrated with storyboard and concept art)If you are a fan of this movie and late 1970s science fiction "rip off" movies of SW, this one is for you.

If you are the Emperor of the First Circle of the Universe, you know the peace and prosperity of the Empire is in jeopardy; the League of the Dark Worlds plots against you; their leader, an evil, grasping Count from the lesser circle of the Haunted Stars has a new planet-destroying weapon hidden on one of their worlds; to find this planet, you dispatched your finest ship, but it was lost. Time is running out; you desperately need someone who can outfox the Count before it is too late; but who? And then, a name reaches your ears from your trusty Robot Ell. . . .If you are Police Robot Ell, you were thrilled when you finally caught up with two elusive small-time smugglers, but before you could read them their rights, they blasted into hyperspace. Drat! You grip your circuits - traveling through hyperspace gives you the heebie-jeebies, but that won't stop you! When you find them again, your are surprised: they had rescued a man from the Emperor's missing ship! Perhaps the Emperor should hear about pilot Stella Star. . . .If you are Stella, you and your long-time fellow smuggler Akton, knew, that if the long arm of the Imperial Police ever collared you, you were in for some hard prison time. What you didn't know, was that the Emperor himself was about to offer you a reprieve if you and Akton would accept a most dangerous mission; as it turns out, you are the Emperor's only hope. . . .Overall: there is no pretense that this is hard science fiction; it is pure fantasy, which is fine. In spite of the numerous visual, dialog, and script inconsistencies, it is a fun romp.Picture (Blu-ray): varies 3 to 4. Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1 ( not 2.35:1). Subtitles: none.

Good cheesy fun B movie.Commentaries:Audio Commentary with historian Stephen RomanoScreen-Specific Audio Commentary with historian Stephen RomanoExtras:DISC ONE (Blu-ray):Interview with director Luigi Cozzi (41:24, HD)Theatrical Trailer (with optional commentary by filmmaker Joe Dante)Trailersfromhell.com version of the theatrical trailer with commentary by Eli RothFrench Theatrical TrailerTV SpotRadio Spot"Starcrash: The Music Of John Barry" featurette (12:53, HD)Photo Galleries:- Designs- Storyboards- Behind-The-Scenes- Promotional Artwork- Fan ArtworkDISC TWO (DVD):17 Deleted/Alternate/Extended Scenes (36:34)Interview With actress Caroline Munro (72:56)Look at the Special Effects of Starcrash with Armando Valcauda (22 mins)Behind the Scenes Footage (22 mins)Liner Notes Booklet(info copied from rewind dvdcompare.net)

I saw this on release and had the VHS for many years. Whilst this is the shorter US version it looks and sounds the best its done on home video ever. Its a cash in on Star Wars but it features the wonderful Caroline Munro in HD and in a colourful silly adventure thats a good way to spend a wet Sunday afternoon on the sofa. Some good extrasHappy to report this is region free.

Shameless cash in on Star Wars popularity is so cringy it's actually an unintentional comedy. 70's pin up star Caroline Munroe displays a variety of sexy space costumes which will probably delight and offend with equal measure...

Ho dato 4 stelle perchè non vorrei ingannare col mio giudizio affettivo, gli avrei messo 5 solo per motivi passionali.4 stelle perchè la lingua italiana è in dts 2.0, mentre l'inglese è in dts 5.1Ma molto migliore del dual mono in dvd con audio mono e 5.1 francese.Bello il menù, molto nitido con colonna sonora del film.Il dts italiano, anche se preferisco metterlo in dolby surround perchè l'audio migliora parecchio, è un mix con la traccia originale, è qui non capisco la scelta del dts 2.0????Mettendo i sottotitoli in italiano si notano moltissime sequenze fuori campo non doppiate a quei tempi, quindi si attivano i sottotitoli ma voi non sentirete nessuno parlare nella lingua italiana, mentre in inglese si sentono, si vede che a qui tempi avevano risparmiato nel doppiaggio.Forse perchè considerato un filmetto di poco conto, anche se devo ritenermi fortunato che nel 79 lo vidi al cinema in una sala al completo.extra notevoli, ma la cosa più bella è il poster originale in omaggio, identico a quello che venivano distribuiti a quei tempi, carina la cartolina, avrei preferito fosse come il poster.Pessima la scelta del contenitore in cartone, quindi col tempo si rovinerà, anzi quasi subito, strano non farlo di metallo.Consigliato a chi ama questo film, nel bene e nel male.

Great fun movie