Battle Beyond The Stars (1980). Budget Behind The Camera.
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- čas přidán 3. 01. 2024
- #rogercorman
Stam Fine Reviews looks at the 1980 film Battle Beyond the Stars, a pretty low budget space adventure film, which of course sounds so much nice than Star Wars knock-off. Unlike many similar films of the era, this one looks like at least some of the folks behind it were trying.
Stars Richard Thomas, George Peppard, Robert Vaughn, Darlanne Fluegel, John Saxon, Julia Duffy, Jeff Corey, Earl Boen, Sybil Danning. Produced by Roger Corman, and directed by Jimmy T Murakami.
Battle Beyond The Stars is a sci-fi remake of The Magnificent Seven which is a remake of The Seven Samurai. It's said Rebel Moon is a remake of Battle Beyond the Stars, so maybe someone should send a few Criterion collections movies to Zack Snyder. - Zábava
Corman hit the jackpot when he got George Peppard and Robert Vaughn cheaply, when both were in the career slump. Both veteran actors gave damn good performances and it's always a thrill to see Vaughn reprise his Magnificent Seven character in space.Great movie, which is funny and touching at the same time...live fast, fight well and have a beautiful ending.
John Saxon as the villain as well...
@@wongjefx980 an all time classic & doesn't get the love it deserves IMHO.
I guess Peppard got the role of Hannibal Smith out of it, just because he was on the radar again.
I remember catching the second half of it on TV when I was a kid and thinking it was strange, boring and generally awful. The "big" space "battle" toward the end is a joke. Still, there were some interesting ideas that stuck with me. Like the girl almost cutting on the main character because she thought he was a droid. And one of the "heroes" casually sharing that he is a sociopath ("I don't feel") and appropriately showing no emotion on the verge of imminent death. That got a grin out of me.
You need to see it from the beginning, otherwise it's just a glorified video shoot 'em up.
Each character has their own reason for fighting, some have to be persuaded, some like the Valkyrie -like warrior just want to fight, reasons are irrelevant.
It was genuinely moving to see many fall in the battle. This is what separated it from Star Wars, Star Trek, etc, and Sator was a really nasty villain to boot
Rebel Moon wishes it was this good.
Rebel Moon was rushed.
You can tell it's the same story.
Ya betcha
Rebel moon wished it was good, period.
One of my first jobs in LA was as an unpaid "production assistant" building sets for this film under James Cameron and Bill Paxton (They kept me around for the best "Alien" rip off ever "Galaxy of Terror" and Sybill Danning hosted our Halloween event in 1981 honoring Roger Corman.) The effects crew followed James to win an Oscar for "Aliens" as well as the film's composer James Horner (whose Oscar would come with "Titanic"). The Corman magic rules in Hollywood.
Recorded this off the TV as a kid and watched it 53 times over one summer school holiday. Bless Roger Corman.
If I recall correctly, Horner's score for "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan" bears some notable similarities to the one he did here. He quoted himself a lot.
As does the rocketeer, krull, aliens, avatar etc
@@ACMCUKThe original composer for Aliens fell through some Cameron asked Horner to throw something together, hence Aliens and Khan sounding very similar.
I saw this at the cinema when it was on release in the UK. I was very young and spent the whole day in the cinema watching the movie four times. I've watched it many times since and it always takes me right back to happier and simpler times.
I saw this three times in the theater. Only saw Attack of the Clones and The Rise of Skywalker once. Tells you a bit about this gem.
You're absolutley right. There seem to be very few modern movies I want to watch multiple times, but I can watch BBtS over and over again, and enjoy it every time.
"A walking Frazetta painting." High praise.
Roger Corman is the Mr. Fantastic of producers, dude knows how to stretch a budget to make something cool and entertaining
Likened to John Carpenter
Arguably the greatest Sci-Fi B-movie schlockfest in history, you really nailed it when you mention James Horner's score, and how it "punches above its weight." because this whole film does exactly that. It's a serendipitous gathering of talented people both in front of and behind the camera that clearly gave a damn, decided to deliver their A-game despite the paltry budget, and cranked out a flick that's way better than it has any right to be at first blush.
Great review of a film I've always been very fond of. Way to recharge my capacitators!
...
You know, in a totally non-sexy way of course.
Two words - John Sayles. I'm convinced Sayles' script elevated BBtS far, far beyond the usual Corman schlock.
Actually, many elements came together wonderfully for the movie, including a great cast, Sayles' aforementioned script, and the fantastic effects, many of which supplied by James Cameron. And the score by James Horner just puts an energetic and beautiful bow onto the entire production.
BBtS showed that Corman COULD'VE produced legitimate films had he allocated the necessary funds and production schedule, which in turn would've attracted the requisite talent.
BBtS is a damn-near perfect film for what it is and masterfully leveraged its budget, talent, and assets. It's too bad Corman would later make Frankenstein space operas by recycling too much footage from BBtS, like Space Raiders.
For those who think Corman's stuff is low-effort gunk, please at least give BBtS a watch to see that Corman wasn't always the king of schlock and could produce an actual classic of the genre.
Hey, stop being insightful and profound...these are CZcams comments you hear!
Now give me 20 pushups of your double chin and post a comment hating on the movie industry.
Battle Beyond the Stars, Alligator, The Challenge and Men of War are good examples how great John Sayles is as a screenwriter, even when he is "slumming".
Sayles is very underrated nowadays. He never really had a breakout hit that crossed into the mainstream, Oscars and the like. Stuff like Matewan and Brother From Another Planet show what a talented director and screenwriter he is.
Corman has several milestone movies to his credit, despite his B-movie reputation. A lot of Vincent Price classics, including the masterpiece The Raven, The House of Usher, The Masque of the Red Death and The Pit and the Pendulum. These are movies that have shaped several cinema genres, not to mention the major stars that he gave first chances to. He has been an incredible contributor to the art of Cinema.
@@carlpott2961Lone Star is about as close as he got to a breakout hit and a modicum of fame during the indy film boom of the 90s.
I liked how each fighter had a distinct-looking ship(aside from Shad's mammary machine). Caiman had a steam punk-style frigate, Nestor had an old school 50's flying saucer and Gelt had a pretty cool attack ship as well.
Whilst it is not Star Wars, I enjoyed this as a kid. Never knew the Bill Paxton connection...
My dad used to take me to any sci-fi film I could get into as a 7 year old in 1980. I remember it stood out from a lot the rest for being totally entertaining for 7 year old me.
BBTS - is a fun piece of light entertainment. I've always liked it.
And yet 40+ years later , i still remember this movie, and scenes from it... does that make it a classic
Sybil Danning 😁
When they cast her, that probably inspired the ship's look. They felt they had to compete. And they still lost.😁
Of all the films Corman choose not to have nudity in, it's this one.
Sybil Danning Valkyrie > Tessa Thompson Valkyrie.
Saw this at the cinema with Mum and Dad I must have been about 8 years old and I loved it!
"We love it when a plan comes together!"
When I was about 6, I went on an all-day trip with my parents to see London and the sights including the Tower and watched this at a cinema in the afternoon so will always be fondly remembered.
My favorite Star Wars copy cat and my favorite Roger Corman film. When I first saw it, I went in with no expectations, and I was pleasantly surprised. Lots of fun.
One of my first memories of cinema is my dad taking me to see this when I was a wee lad. It will always be magical to me.
We aren't capable of making a fun, action Sci-Fi movie anymore, that's both low on taste and high on entertainment. I saw this, aged 8 at the cinema, without internet-based expectations, just a huge love for Star Wars. It was a different time, and this movie delivered.
After Battlestar Galactica reboot changed the scifi landscape, any fun and adventure seems to be strictly verboten. Being miserable, brooding and "realistic" is getting very fricking old.
@@mikavirtanen7029 Yes, that reboot was a glum watch. I think you're right, everything has to be brooding and edgy, now. If there was something that tried to be all-out fun, it would be "ironic", and "old school" with winking at the camera and no sincerity, which is a "Thor" point, if you ask me.
The only Marvel movies I have watched is the Guardien of the Galaxies. I thought they were a fun scifi.
@@PsyopAgentProvocateur I agree. They're the exception that proves the poe-faced rule.
@@FatNorthernBigot I’m with you there.
All I know is that I lapped up any sci-fi content in those post Star Wars years. When I saw this as an 8 year old, I loved it and I definitely wouldn't have recognised it as being low budget
Always liked this movie, especially the music.
I love this film & it's soundtrack.
IT WAS, WHAT IT WAS - A fun Sci-Fi movie.
I met Marta Kristin once (in the 90s). A real beauty with a lot of class.
I saw this at the Drive-In when it came out and have been a fan ever since i have bought the film on VHS, DVD and Blu-Ray.
A "walking Frazetta painting." Well said....
Excellent use of the "Bullshit restocking fee!"
Live fast fight well and have a beautiful ending…words to live by 🙏🏾
I saw this as a network T.V. movie of the week. It was the first sci fi movie I saw when I got my first set. I was so enthralled with this picture. Good memories and I still appreciate this film.
I loved this film as a 13 year old at the cinema and still look back on it very fondly.
Loved this as a kid!!!!
I saw this movie on tv on a Saturday afternoon in 1984, being 10 at the time I fully enjoyed it and didn’t understand why I had not heard of it before. Still enjoy it today along with a ton of other great B movies
Good to see you doing a positive review for Rebel Moon. Probably the first positive.. oh, wait?
Thanks for a halfway positive review. I love this film and I am tired of every review on CZcams just taking a crap on it.
Critical Drinker likes it, but millenials mostly seem to shun old school cheapo space adventures. Guess there is too much cleavage plus fun and less super duper special effects with existential brooding.
@@mikavirtanen7029 I'm a millennial and can't even disagree with you. I think that's why films like Blade Runner get such a good rap now. It's only recently I'm starting to come-around to enjoying fun films without any existential brooding in. (Though I must say I've never had an issue with cleavage in films, even existential brooding ones.)
YES! BBTS was a fun film. Things to Come was a dreary effort to sit through.
This was run on cable in the 80s nonstop on every pay channel. And I watched it every time.
Thanx for making me laugh....😂...on a long ....Friday
LOL This is one of my guilty pleasures - along with Ice Pirates. So bad, it's good.
I have always loved this film since I first saw it in the cinema. Tom this day it makes me smile, and the score from James Horner is absolutely fantastic.
Give it some love
This was a part of my childhood, we all wanted more scifi after star wars, but it was difficult to make and was scarce at the time so got what we could get, also the music is awesome
The music definitely helps to elevate this movie. Roger Corman always knew where to spent the budget for maximum effect. 👍
This film is TONS of fun.
Good Night John Boy :)
Cowboy going down in flames playing the harmonica.
Always a slightly better day when a new Stam Fine hits my queue.
I enjoyed watching this film back in the early 80s.
Watching the plethora of quickly produced sci-fi films back then was great. We were certainly spoiled after STAR WARS came out. I recall watching this film several times on VHS.
Some really great miniature designs in this: 'not as good as you remember, but not as bad as it should be' classic whose mission statement was: "let''s ride on the coattails of Star Wars" movie.
I think Stam hit the nail on the head. Everyone knew what they were making, but still put in an effort. Young guy's like Cameron figured they'd make the most of the opportunity and used the budget as effectively and efficiently as they could.
I love this movie.
I saw it in theaters. It was hilarious. Right up there with Starship Invasions. Robert Vaughan is Robert Vaughan as much as he was in M7.
John Boy in space. Cool.
Superb film! I saw it at the cinema in the wake of Star Wars, and yeah it was sort of naff, but also sort of brilliant, and it just worked. The tone was perfect and the score amazing.
I've repeat watched this film many times over the years, enjoyed it the first time, still enjoy it now. Robert Vaughn was da bomb.
Ohh....and Sybil Danning's scenes almost broke my VHS.
Absolutely my fave low budget scifi movie of all time!
Watched this as my birthday party video
Holy cow! What a blast from the past! I almost totally forgot about this movie. I remember seeing it, I think on TV actually, back in the day. All the memories are flooding back. I remember when I first saw it I thought, "Hey! Another space adventure show! Cool! And that's the guy from the Waltons!" And then they proceeded to kill off all the main characters at the end. I was mortified. Mind you, I was like nine years old. I remember thinking it was... okay.
Robert Vaughn actually was one of the Magnificent Seven, so it's both nice and sad to see him in this movie.
I was going to say that too, basically reprising the role of the same doomed character.
this brought back childhood memories wtf!!
had NOT realised I had seen this!
When I watched Rebel Moon, this movie is the first thing I thought of.
I have always loved this film. It’s also one of my favorite soundtracks.
Hoss's horse's handler is an under appreciated line
I love Robert Vaughn. I think the first film I saw him was Pootie Tang. It was nice seeing his back catalog. “Biggy Shorty, Trucky, Froggy and Robert Vaughn.”
Good to see Battle Beyond the Stars getting some love. Compare this with Rebel Moon and it looks even better, story and character wise.
I remember reading about the production of this film in Starlog magazine back in early 1980, a few months before it came out, and being amazed - based on the stills - at what they seemed to be accomplishing on around 1/4th of the budget of Star Wars, 4 years later. (Thanks to inflation, that was more like 1/5th the budget.) I wanted to see it in the theaters, but it came and went before I had a chance, so I didn't catch it until I saw it on cable several years later.
Yeah, it's a cheezy Magnificent Seven remake, but the script is waaaay snappier than virtually any other B-movie from this era (John Sayles, of Return of the Secaucus 7 and The Howling fame - he also did rewrites on numerous films, including Apollo 13). And the cast is amazing for a B-movie - Saxon is perfect as Sador, Peppard is great as the film's jaded Han Solo character, and Richard Thomas gives an amusingly prissy but also sly performance that trades perfectly on his John Boy television persona. I find him far less whiny and annoying than Luke Skywalker, and he doesn't rely on space magic to score his victory - he outwits the opposition. Also, Lynn Carlin deserves a special shout-out as the voice of the computer Nell, a far less-annoying AI than contemporaries C3PO and Mr. Data. She's sort of the film's wisecracking Obi-Wan in a disco globe, and her lessons to Shad far less-pretentious.
Even the minor roles are inhabited by great character actors - Earl Bowen (the psychiatrist from the Terminator films) is deliciously droll as Nestor, while the iconic Sybil Danning is surprisingly effective as St. Exmin, going from a joke to an emotionally impactful death. It was enough to earn her a Saturn Award. All of these characters have more depth to them than most of the somewhat generic and interchangeable minor characters in the Star Wars films.
The effects meanwhile are often stunning for a $2 million dollar film, and they're always creative. The model work in particular is really good, and really different. Sure, Shad's ship looks like a uterus with tits, or maybe a flying nutsack with ovaries, but we certainly hadn't seen anything like that before. In most science fiction film and television projects all of the ships look as though they were churned out by the same designer - in cheap little Battle Beyond The Stars, the different ships all represent very different design philosophies. That kind of care and attention elevates the project way, way above its sad B-movie peers.
I had that Starlog! All I really recall from it is the picture of St Exmin being... unforgettable
Agreed this film was great
I watched this on VHS as a kid and remembered this very well. Fondly... may be a bit of a stretch but stuff like Shad telling the one pilot to be buried with a "meal, full course" stuck in my memory.
When rebel moon was so bad, this film is proof the fun sci fi times are truly over! We don’t see such incredible fun stuff anymore! 🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯
Pure cult movie. 10/10. Love it!!
It is worth appreciating that Star Wars was also somewhat derivative. In fact, it's always worth remembering that it is a fantasy film with a sci-fi setting. In reality, what raises Star Wars above most other films of the era is it's production values. I see Star Wars as more of a catalyst and do not see films like BBtS as a rip off. After all, if these are all fantasies, then tropes like the innocent hero and various rogues and bad guys is already well established.
I saw when it came out and I loved it
Had it on VHS and played it to death. George Peppard was a hero. The SILVERHAWKS cartoon seemed to me to be a direct extension of Cowboy from this film. I preferred the edge to this movie more than Star Trek Movie back in the day, though Star Wars was surely king.
Brilliant review. I'm still laughing! Thanks!
I loved this movie when I was a kid and it played on cable tv all the time but now seeing the clips I'm like "Yikes!"
I should rewatch this. I haven’t seen it since I saw it on HBO in the early eighties.
There are two Star Trek veterans in this movie. Jeff Corey and Morgan Woodward.
Another video about Rebel Moon !
That guy with the big mole
Goodnight John boy 😊
I thought this film was HILARIOUS when I saw it. I caught the Mag 7 and 7 Samaria right away. What made it even more FUN was that it was CHEEZEY. (Like Mac and Cheese, yum.)
Goodnight, Shad boy.
Actual went to see this movie in the cinema when it came out as I could not get enough of anything space due to Star Wars. It took a lot less to impress me back then. A simplier time.
I've seen this movie many times when it came out on cable back in the 80s; back when HBO and Showtime were the only options. And I actually enjoyed this cheesey little film a lot. To this day; I still quote the line from this movie, "Live Fast, Die Young, and have a Beautiful Ending."
I still go back to this movie for some fun B movie space action..i love the ship designs!
great movie, great review
Corman was awesome. He made a ton of money with a cheap dinosaur movie right before and during Jurassic Park happened. And the legendary moneyhole "Waterworld" was his child before he decided to get rid of the script because he calculated the 1 Mio. dollar budget was too expensive and too risky 😅🤣😂
I love BBTS from my childhood. Good review.
A cult classic!
The was a great movie from my childhood
I first saw it aged ten. I loved it, and still do.
Shame there is no merch or die cast models of the space ships.
Considering just how low the budget was this is pretty good. Corman has wrangled a decent cast and surprisingly good effects, and compared to most other Star Wars knock-offs he's found a writer who has some understanding of what made the original film work and has been able to replicate it to a degree.
So many names associated with this film that would go down in legend - George Peppard, Robert Vaughn, John Saxon, Jim... sorry, James Cameron, Bill Paxton, James Horner, Roger Corman...
But all would be overshadowed by the true star of this movie - Garth the Frog Fighter.
Robert Vaughan basically plays the same character as he does in the Magnificent seven. I loved this film.
great movie.....!!!!
sad that there was never any kind of sequel....
BBTS could be best summed up as cheesy as hell but with a lot of character. I remember seeing this as a kid with my Dad and being pleasantly entertained. A fun watch that brings back some pleasant memories.
Honestly thought this was going to get trashed. Pleasantly surprised it got a fair shake. Space Jackers - that one had me rolling.
Dude i loved this when it came out.
Battle Beyond The Sliders
6:03 "a philopian-class vessel if i'm not mistaken" 😂😂😂💀💀
14:23 inspired Zack Snyder's Aquaman impaling two parademons at the same time.
Definitely a Rebel Moon inspiration (also in terms of budget, compared budgets of two DUNCs, Gotg3, The Flash, the Marvels, and 80-160 ml on Both parts of Rebel Moon ) also , although more like general premise because Rebel Moon mostly is anti-Star Wars just like original Superman comics strip was anti-Gladiator book in a way.
Yes, it definitely has some redeeming qualities for a low-budget film. Decent actors, surprisingly effective sets and effects, and a great pedigree behind it with The Magnificent Seven (or Seven Samurai).
Robert Vaughn played the "same" character as he did in Magnificent Seven.