For my money, of all the Star Wars cash-in clones that attempted to follow Lucas’ opus, Masters of the Universe came pretty damn close to achieving something special. The movie is… not great, and a lot of it’s bogged down when He-Man and his band of freedom fighters make the jump from Eternia to modern-day 1987 Earth. But the production design, costumes, score and make-up fx were all top notch for their time. It’s a film I still like to revisit now and again (new Blu here) as it’s pretty damn fun in spite of its missteps. Some tight sword battles and Frank Langella as Skeletor are sights every film fan should be made to endure in their developmental stage.
This really informative piece about the tumultuous project comes to us from a doc about the greater franchise (the precursor toy line and toon) called Toy Masters (official site). Some great stuff here, this 11 minute clip is a blast to watch:
4 comments
That looks like it’ll be a fun doc. I’ve always wondered about how Cannon was run (to the ground). I was aware of this movie (along with Captain America) going into production with less than the signed-off budget. I believe Cyborg started off as a script to Masters of the Universe 2, am I remembering that right?
Sorry to be that negative Nelson (or pedantic Peter) again, but the He-Man cartoon was Filmation, not HB.
Great writing otherwise/regardless though!
Wait a minute… I think the doc about Cannon Film that I want to see exists already – Electric Boogaloo directed by Mark Hatley. Sounds amazing.
http://m.imdb.com/title/tt2125501/
Frank Langella should be the villain in everything. Everything. Maybe that’s why I love this and Cutthroat Island so much. He’s one of the best. Kneel before your master!!!!!!!!!!!!! Kneeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeelll!!!!!!
That was amazing. Can’t wait for the whole doc.
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