Flash Gordon Conquers the Universe

Rating:
Summary: This is the best of the Flash Gordon serials
Review: "Flash Gordon Conquers the Universe" was the third and best of the serials starring Buster Grabbe. This 12-part serial finds Alex Raymond's science-fiction hero battling Ming the Merciless (Charles Middleton). Flash has to save the earth from a mysterious plague known as the Purple Death. When Dr. Zarkov (Frank Shannon) finds one a spaceship from planet Mongo seeding the atmosphere it is clear that Ming the Merciless is back to his old tricks. Flash is aided by old friend Prince Barin of Arboria (Roland Drew) as they head to Frigia, where our heroes will find polarite, the antidote to the plague, and some really interesting locking rock people. Of course, Ming is going to go out of his way to stop Flash and his friends. My only real complaints are that the costumes look like leftovers from "Robin Hood" and that Carol Hughes replaced Jean Rogers as Dale Arden. Oh, well, life is full of disappointments. This DVD not only includes an interview with Crabbe, but footage of him winning the 1932 Olympic Gold Medal in the 400 meter swim event and three of his later TV commercials. Ideally you want to watch the three Flash Gordon serials in order, but if you start with this one you will certainly be able to follow the fun without any problems.

Rating:
Summary: Ming Is The King !
Review: At the time of writing there are two versions of 'Flash Gordon Conquers The Universe' available on DVD. This review concerns Image Entertainment's version - a single sided, no frills DVD. I purchased Image Entertainment's version because I'd been very impressed by their previous two Flash Gordon serials and didn't want the hassle of this serial spread over two discs. Having bought the other two Image Entertainment DVDs, this one also nicely completes the set. Like 'Space Soldiers' and 'Flash Gordon's Trip To Mars' the sound and picture quality are superb. Whilst the storyline had taken a dip for 'Trip to Mars', Universal Pictures bounced right back to form with this serial and it certainly gives 'Space Soldiers' a run for its money for being the best of the trio. The story is full of good old-fashioned excitement and you can easily sit down to watch 4 or 5 episodes at a time. I was sorry to see Jean Rogers relinquish the part of Dale Arden, but her role is expertly filled by Carol Hughes and the rest of the cast are also on good form. Like I said, you have the choice of two DVDs for this serial. I am very happy with this version, but like they say, you pays your money and you takes your choice.

Rating:
Summary: Go get 'em Flash
Review: Flash Gordon is certainly the true precursor to "Star Wars." Image Entertainment is distributing four feature length titles edited down to about 90 minutes from the original four hour serial length. Zippy plots, lots of action, clever sets and surprisingly strong scripts do justice to "THE PERIL FROM OUTER SPACE," "THE PURPLE DEATH FROM OUTER SPACE," "SPACE SHIP TO THE UNKNOWN" and "THE DEADLY RAY FROM MARS."

Good stuff that looks even better when cut down to the central plot. The action does not let up. See the whole series in order.

Larry "Buster" Crabbe is charismatic and strangely beautiful as the lead in this beguiling comic book space opera from the late 30s.

For die hard fans of this series, the full length, uncut serial "FLASH GORDON CONQUERS THE UNIVERSE" is also available.

Rating:
Summary: Flash Gordon (1940) Classic Hollywood Serial comes to DVD!
Review: The 1930's & 40's Hollywood produced many action packed, cliff hanger Serials for the Movie crowds. Universal Studios was one of the top Chapter serial movie producers. These multi-chapter adventures provided weekly enterainment with 18 min startling installments!! The Flash Gordon series (3 Serials starring "The King of Serials", Buster Crabbe the 1932 Olympic gold medalist Swimmer)was the most popular series with; "Flash Gordon" (1936), "Flash Gordon Trip to Mars" (1938) & "Flash Gordon Conquers the Universe" (1940) - considered to be the best of the series.

VCI Home video has provided us an OUTSTANDING remastered 2 DVD set with the 12 chapter "Falsh Gordon Conquers the Universe" Serial. Plus an abundance of extra features to include; 1932 Olympic gold medal film of Buster Crabbe, background interviews & TV commercials with Buster Crabbe, Flash Gordon photo gallery, & old movie trailers. Over 240 minutes of entertainment!!!

Summary: The entire earth is threatened with the "Purple Death". The evil-nemisis of Flash Gordon (Buster Crabbe), "Ming-the-Merciless" (brilliantly played villian, Charles Middleton-an encore performance) from the planet of Mongo! Flash & his trusted friend, scientist genius Dr. Zarkov (Frank Shannon) & fellow space traveler Dale Arden (Carol Hughes - who replaced Jean Rogers does a good job!). Their job is to go to Mongo, rid the earth & Universe from the "Purple Death" & "Ming the Merciless"! 12 Chapters of spine tingling adventure, with titles Chapter 4 "The Destroying Ray" & Chapter 10 The Death Mist" fills our curiousities. Will Flash, Zarkov & Arden defeat the Merciless Ming? The audiences of the 30's & 40's couldn't wait.

Experience this wonderful 2 DVD package & escape to the magic of Hollywood before TV & space travel. These were the visions of the writers & the imagination of Hollywood special effects!! Enjoy.

Rating:
Summary: Nice for the Price
Review: This DVD is nice for the price. The description says Region 1, but its region 0. The video and audio are about the same as others on the market, but the menus are well designed (very retro!) All 12 chapters are on one dual layered disc and the layer change doesn't interfere with the movie. There are no extras, but hey for the price, what do you expect?