Plot: What’s it about?
Alex (Lance Guest), a teen trapped in his trailer park environment, dreams of escaping to a better place. A video game console appears, and Alex is a natural to demolish the high score. With the rest of the town watching, he does just that. Afterwards, a mysterious car appears, driven by Centauri (Robert Preston), who offers Alex the chance to help save the universe, and the opportunity to leave the trailer park behind, in favor of bright star-scapes and the unknown. Aligned with “people” from all planets and backgrounds, Alex races into space to make a difference, but does a young man from the Starlight, Starbright mobile home community have what it takes?
While it may seem too campy or corny at first glance, this movie really delivers on high flying scenes and even humorous moments. Alex’s co-pilot, Grig, is a sight to behold, as he looks like he just stepped off the set of Star Wars. Speaking of Star Wars, this movie draws alot of heat for being similar, but don’t let the talk turn you off, they are really far from similar. The comparisons end with space travel scenes.
A back story brews between Alex and his girlfriend (Catherine Mary Stewart), which reaches highly amusing status when Alex is replaced during his space trip by an andriod replicant, who is not as smooth as Alex himself, to say the least. If you want brain-busting sci/fi, look elsewhere. But if you’re after a exciting night with a feel-good, kinda romantic movie, this is one you should check out for sure!
Video: How does it look?
This is by far the finest print of The Last Starfighter. Even the newer video releases have been lack-luster. Universal gave T.L.S. the full 9 yards, with a 2.35:1 original ratio widescreen, anamorphic enhancement as well.
Audio: How does it sound?
Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround is used, and pushes all those laser-blasts and explosions into your living room like never before. The air will be filled with whirrs and buzzes, making you feel like you are really inside the video game.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This is packed, with a very revealing documentary “Crossing The Frontier: The Making of The Last Starfighter”. This featurette shows a lot of behind the scenes goings-on, and tells the scoop on casting, why they got cast, who else was considered, good stuff. Also included is a fantastic full length running commentary by director Nick Castle and production designer Ron Cobb. This audio track also tells alot about the making of the film, unlike many commentaries, and gives an insight into production. Also included are two trailers and production photos/information.
This is the royal treatment for an underseen movie. If you like sci/fi, this is a must. One of the first films to utilize totally computer generated graphics. If you’ve never seen it, rent it, because this is the only way to see The Last Starfighter and do it justice. If you’re a fan of the movie, it’s a given. Way to go, Universal!!!
