Battle Beyond the Stars (1980)

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 Amazon.com

Not great, but entertaining

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.

June 14, 2007

Movie is Great! DVD transfer sucks!

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. May 17, 2007

Concerning the shape of that space ship...

Many reviewers have mentioned the breasts on the hero's space ship, some say it's shaped like a female figure, but they're missing the point. Any biology student will realise that the space ship is a pair of breasts attached to a uterus and there are a pair of fallopian tubes with ovaries on them. In short, you have a space ship that is wholly based on the female reproductive system. When I first saw it, I burst out laughing, and the whole movie is a MST3K-style giggle-fest. This is a classic bad-is-good movie best viewed with a bunch of friends while under the influence of copious amounts of alcohol. November 4, 2006

corman strikes gold in this magnificent seven in space tale

producer roger corman struck gold with his "magnificent seven in space" entry into the star wars sci-fi movies of the late 70's!
this great little movie tells the story of a planet threated by evil warlord(john saxon,chewing the scenes like beef jerky)and their mission to find warriors to help fight him. richard thomas(the waltons) is the hero from the planet that sets out to find help! george peppard is a smokeing cowboy truck driver,robert vaughn plays his "seven" gunfighter so famous that he can't enjoy his wealth,darlanne fleugel as the romance,morgan woodward as a redneck lizzard,and sybil danning as an amazon warrior about to come out of her top and you really do spell silly fun! it's all as light as it sounds and everyone looks to having a great time as this b-flix marches on! really as much fun as it sounds(love the lizzard version of a "rebel yell") and that is just what it sets out to do! the f/x were done by james cameron(titanic) and were uesd in many other corman movies of the 80's,and if that makes them old,just remember this was there first use,and that all makes this little tale one to watch over and over again!
the extras are ok not great but better than most movies like this (lowbuget indie production) and that makes this one a great buy!!!! June 21, 2006

seven samurai in space

John Sayles was asked by Roger Corman to adapt The Seven Samurai into a sci fi picture and the result is this delightfully inventive tongue-in-cheek romp.

What's most enjoyable about the film is the fact that every mercenary hired by the peaceful "villagers" has a distinct personality and style and their intentions clearly defined. George Peppard( as the only human among them) is laid back and charming. Morgan Woodward seems to be having a grand old time playing the vengeful lizard-man (dig his gonzo war-cry during the climactic battle!) Robert Vaughn does seem a bit bored but he effectively communicates his character's unpleasant coldness. Sybill Danning simply has one of the most stunning bodies to ever be stuffed into a styrofoam viking costume, even if she can't act. Add to these characters 2 elfin aliens who communicate thru heat( the Kelvin, wink, wink) and a troupe of what looks like Mimes( called "Nestor") who operate sort of like to the collectivist Borg from Star Trek and in disposition seem to anticipate the infectious optimism and curiosity of Mr Data as well; when first introduced they explain, " We believe you are seeking mercenaries for an adventure. We would like to participate."
The costumes, sets and spfx are obviously done on a very low budget but that hardly detracts from the fun. Special mention must be made of John Saxon who, as the evil scourge of the galaxy Lord Sador, grabs his opportunity to chew the scenery with amusing gusto; Check the sequence where he gets to enact what must be every actors dream since DR STRANGELOVE: to have a battle with his own rebellious arm! He plays it all straight, with just the right notes of hysteria and menace. Its sometimes just enjoyable to watch veteran actors cut loose and have a good time; the spirit is infectious, as it certainly is with this film. Fun for the whole family as well as bonged-out college students and other usually disparaging types( i once watched this in a Penitentiary day-room and every single convict, regardless of race, color or creed, had a blast.) October 26, 2005

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