A triumph of production design

Agreed, it still looks like the most expensive film ever made in terms of costume and sets. The red and gold colours and pantomime feel make this feel very Christmasy (also because I first saw it on tv on Christmas Eve 1983).

Absolutely agree. I'm watching it right now. So visually rich and full.

I wonder how much of that influence came from Dino De Laurentiis, because I see some of the same production design in 1984's Dune, as well. Especially where you're looking at the environments around Emperor Shaddam IV, all detailed with gold, it could almost be rooms in Ming's palace.

And what can you say about the soundtrack? Genius. Some of Queen's finest work, IMHO. The soundtrack behind the aerial battle toward the end is still one of the most kick-ass action sequences, even with the visible limits of some of the special effects technology.

I remember going by either Toy King or McCrory's after my dad and I saw this movie, so that I could get some kind of spaceship toy.


————
Ray, when someone asks you if you're a god, you say YES!

I recently found this in the $5 bin at Walmart. I remember watching this on ON TV about 1981, being only 10 yrs old at the time it did leave a lasting impression on me and I never forgot this movie.
I am a big fan of Art Deco of the 20's and 30's and the red "palace" of Ming reminds me of Emerald City in The Wizard of Oz and pops just as much...
Yes, the movie is a little bit cheesy, campy, whatever you want to call it, I think that's what I like the most about it...

You are correct. This is one of my all-time favorite movies. I've seen it dozens of times. I just got it on Blu-Ray. If you haven't seen it in high-def, you should definitely get the Blu-Ray. The transfer I got is really well done, it definitely looks re-mastered and I've noticed tons of little things I never noticed before. Stupid things like the word "Cobra" on the van that brings Dale to the airport (not that you couldn't have seen it on DVD, but trivial stuff like that just stands out). It's the first time I've noticed that when Munson wakes up and there's no sun, Zarkov is actually sleeping on a cot next to him. You also notice facial expressions behind the masks of all the wacky citizens in the tribute scene.

I also noticed Dale's grimace when she grabs Zarkov after he makes his bad pass of the tribute egg to Flash... The texture of the laser beams when Dale is shooting the gas-mask people on her way out of the pleasure room. The beauty of the set design and costumes is even more evident on Blu-Ray.

Of course there is no room for improvement in the music. Queen's soundtrack is already perfect.

Jupiter Ascending was not as fun of a movie but it's the only one in recent memory that comes close in set and costume design. The designer had to have watched Flash Gordon before doing their work.

I totally agree! Im watching the movie right now and I cannot believe how great it looks especially Arboria

This film looked GREAT, no argument.. But you can't tell me it had better production design than Empire Strikes Back or ALIEN.

The costumes alone are outstanding. This movie doesn't look as old as it is. It really is a well-executed film.