Forbidden Zone

Starring:Herman Bernstein (II), James Bordus, Bobbi Botton, Matthew Bright, Ken Corrone, Gene Cunningham, Hyman Diamond, Marie-Pascale Elfman, David Erikson (II), Phil Gordon (II), Sydney Haupert, Dawn McErrick, Jan Munroe, Dennis Olivieri, Virginia Rose, Joe Spinell, Nathan Stelzer, Susan Tyrrell, HervÃ© Villechaize
Studio: Fantoma
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Amazon.com
Words like "delirious" and "bizarre" simply don't suffice to describe Forbidden Zone, director Richard Elfman's 1980 musical fantasy that makes its DVD debut after two decades as a cult favorite. Conceived as an extension of the avant-garde theater troupe/music group the Mystic Knights of the Oingo Boingo (later just Oingo Boingo, which counted Elfman, his brother Danny, and co-scripter Matthew Bright--later the director of Freeway--among its members), Forbidden Zone tells the story of Frenchy (production designer Marie-Pascal Elfman, Richard's then-wife), who accidentally enters the phantasmagorical Sixth Dimension through a door in her basement. There, her waifish good looks catch the eye of King Fausto (Herve Villechaize), much to the consternation of Queen Doris (the indomitable Susan Tyrell). A frantic, funny, and occasionally profane blend of Fleischer Brothers cartoons, German Expressionism, Depression-era musicals, and '60s underground movies, Forbidden Zone is definitely not for all viewers, but cult aficionados will be delighted by the sheer energy and imagination of this long-unavailable classic. Supplemental features include commentary by Elfman and Bright, interviews with Danny Elfman, Pascal, and Tyrell; deleted scenes and outtakes; clips from an aborted early attempt, The Hercules Family. (with Danny tearing up "Minnie the Moocher"), and Richard's video for Oingo Boingo's "Private Life." --Paul Gaita
Description
Prepare to enter the Sixth Dimension, a deliriously insane world of frog butlers, topless princesses, machine-gun toting school teachers, chicken boys and the devil himself (Danny Elfman), all ruled by the lascivious midget King Fausto (Herve Villechaize - Tattoo on FANTASY ISLAND) and his deranged Queen (Susan Tyrrell). A feast of visual and aural delights, reaching new found heights of insanity, invention and questionable taste. Propelled by the incredible songs of the one and only Danny Elfman, FORBIDDEN ZONE is an experience like no other. The all time cult classic returns with an eye popping new high definition widescreen transfer and restored and remastered in 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround.

Spacehunter: Adventures in the Forbidden Zone
Average customer rating:

Popcorn Sci-Fi Fun

Great adventure

not for all taste,but i really liked it

It is pretty bad, even for a B movie

Great Sci-fi classic

Spacehunter: Adventures in the Forbidden Zone
Starring: Peter Strauss , Molly Ringwald , Ernie Hudson , Andrea Marcovicci , and Michael Ironside
Director: Lamont Johnson
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Ringwald, Molly | ( R ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Strauss, Peter | ( S ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B00005QVZ3
Release Date: 2001-12-04

Customer Reviews:

Popcorn Sci-Fi Fun.......2007-06-27

Ah... the joys of pulp-science fiction. To experience the kind of stories more often found in old comic books come on the big screen can be confusing to some, but not this comic book fan. Spacehunter, along with movies like Star Wars and Flash Gordon, uses a tried and true model reminiscent of the classic Saturday morning serials. In spite of it's B-rated budget and content Spacehunter still comes out a winner.

You can see the main influences come from the post apocalyptic genre of movies like The Road Warrior, but the space opera genre is still strong with dastardly villians, brave heroes, damsels in distress, and all that. Add a sprinkle of adventure and you pretty much get the recipe of Spacehunter.

In a single word, Spacehunter is fun. The content is light and not thought provoking, but at the same time not overly simplified. You will catch some lame terminologies like 'mega space credits' and some of the spaceships look like they were made from styrofoam, but at least those shortcomings are few. Special effects work well enough and compliment the story instead of detracting from it. The props and technology range from "what?" to "cool". Gun props aren't overdone with odd accessories and the attachments they do use work well with the pace of the movie. I particularly enjoyed that mini missile launcher. Vehicles are kinda neat, and most of them are smart designs. Gotta love Wolfe's Scrambler.

The acting from the main characters is what sets this B-movie apart from most. Every one of them gave subtle and believable performances that were a very pleasant difference from most B-list science fictions. Molly Ringwald does a great job in her big screen debut as the lovable yet bratty Nikki. Peter Strauss does the standard Saturday matinee hero with style, and the hero/sidekick chemistry between Strauss and Ringwald was a treat to behold. Like I said, pretty much the entire main cast of characters made the movie as good as it is.

The DVD itself pretty much gives you the movie and that's about it. No special features or dynamic dolby audio. Just the movie and some scene selections. So keep that in mind when deciding to drop some coin on owning a copy.

I recommend Spacehunter for anybody who wants a good popcorn sci-fi flick that's not too violent or vulgar, but still wrought with low budget entertainment. Keep in mind it was made as a 3-D movie so some takes were made to fly off the screen, but of course won't. This movie is not meant to be taken seriously. If you're the type of person who can love a movie that's light on serious sci-fi content but chunky on the fun give Spacehunter a shot.

Great adventure.......2007-05-30

This is a good old fashioned adventure, with some comedy and good natured suspense. We remember it from when it was released, but my 8 year old grandaughter loved it - she watched it twice! We are a little disappointed in the quality of the DVD; it does seem quite grainy and not much better picture that the VHS.

not for all taste,but i really liked it.......2006-06-27

ok,so this isn't the best sci-fi movie ever but it really is fun,if you can get into it. this adventure looks like a cross between "road warrior" and "alien" as it tells the story of a bounty hunter wolfe(peter strauss,tring hard but just not han solo) landing on a planet ravaged by plage to rescue three ladies who crashed there and are being held hostage by the strangest villian ever overdog(michael ironside(looking like a borg and being a grade a ham)! young molly ringwald is on hand as is ernie hudson to help strauss get the girls back.slow in places and some really strange encounters with the planets other citizens make it a mixed bag,but as i said if you can get into the spirit of fun you may find that you like this one also! give it a try!

It is pretty bad, even for a B movie.......2006-04-16

This movie is so bad that it is almost fun, not quite but almost. The movie is about a down on his luck adventurer/bounty hunter named Wolff (Peter Strauss) who must find three beauties who have been stranded on a planet and captured by some weirdo named Overdog (Michael Ironside). Along the way Wolff meets up with Nikki (Molly Ringwald) who is a local urchin who agrees to help him for food. I won't bore you with anymore about the plot, because there isn't any more.

This movie should of been a career killer to everyone involved so I'm guessing that Ringwald already had signed the contract for Sixteen Candles and well, Peter Strauss' career is what it is. In the end I would pass on this film unless you have a desire to see what Molly Ringwald did before she was a famous or unless you are a lover of really bad B movies. Why this never showed up on MST 3000 I will never know.

Great Sci-fi classic.......2005-10-23

This is agreat sci-fi movie, anyone who likes the movies more into the "Mad Max" scenerio will love this. Given the year it was made the special effects are not bad, the plot is simple, lots of action, heroics and almost cheesy hero music.

You can't expect a sci-fi flick to be a masterpiece of cinema world, its for entertaiment. You have 3 maidents with huge 80's hair do's who need rescuing. We have a lone star hero is in debt and will rescue the maidents for the reward. Some interfernace from the maniacal evil scientist turned life sucking cyborg. AND the cuttest chick Molly Ringwald! Her character actually develops through the movie from an screaming brat to something more serious ( could show more skin though).

This movie has the perfect post apocaliptic feel, with kinda William Gibson theme. You have trains with viking sails, lasers, steam powered plows, spaceships that burry underground, mutants, zombie like creatures, cyborgs, amazons and lots of action.

The movie kept me plastered to the screen for the whole movie and I will watch it again and again. A definate must see/have for anyone who likes science fiction movies.

Average customer rating:

Kinda nice, but mixed

Red Shoe Diaries - Forbidden Zone
Starring: Beverly Johnson (III) , Kira Reed , Raven Snow , Brad Fisher (II) , and Brigitte Bako
Director: Rafael Eisenman
Manufacturer: Showtime Ent.
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

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ASIN: B000063K1D
Release Date: 2002-05-21

Customer Reviews:

Kinda nice, but mixed.......2004-07-15

This consists of three shorts, "Forbidden Zone," "The Art of Loneliness," and "Picnic". The first, FZ, was a story within a story, where the video switched back and forth between the couple and the scene from her imagination. I liked it - the female leads were gorgeous, and the imagined scene had an iconic quality. The second story, TAL, featured a woman narrating her fantasies. There was conversation, of a sort, where the other would step into the narration for a little while. The scene, the characters, and the story-telling all had a dusky elegance. In the end, though, the narrator was alone with her story. The third short, Picnic, reminded me why I like compilations - the other stories suited me, even if that one didn't.

This isn't the steamiest collection around, but the first two stories each set an agreeable mood. I could imagine moving either story forward on my own, given a willing partner. These stories weren't especially memorable. They were well done, in a low-key way, and I'll come back when my mood matches their understated sensuality.

Average customer rating:

Shameless Rip Off

Forbidden Zone
Starring: Darcy de Moss , Dumitri Bogmaz , Alina Chivulescu , Meredyth Holmes , and Carmen Lacatus
Director: Lucien S. Diamonde
Manufacturer: FULL MOON
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00013T8B8
Release Date: 2004-03-09

Customer Reviews:

Shameless Rip Off.......2004-08-03

This cheap film shamelessly rips off the title "Forbidden Zone" in order to confuse it with Richard Elfman's cult masterpiece of the same title.

Average customer rating:

Worth Watching
Uh, what just filled my TV screen???
Camp Fun
Raw 80's with Great Soundtrack
Shock and Awe... as well as Surprise and De-Lite!

Forbidden Zone
Starring: Herman Bernstein (II) , James Bordus , Bobbi Botton , Matthew Bright , and Ken Corrone
Manufacturer: Fantoma
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B0002LE9QS
Release Date: 2004-08-31

Amazon.com

Words like "delirious" and "bizarre" simply don't suffice to describe Forbidden Zone, director Richard Elfman's 1980 musical fantasy that makes its DVD debut after two decades as a cult favorite. Conceived as an extension of the avant-garde theater troupe/music group the Mystic Knights of the Oingo Boingo (later just Oingo Boingo, which counted Elfman, his brother Danny, and co-scripter Matthew Bright--later the director of Freeway--among its members), Forbidden Zone tells the story of Frenchy (production designer Marie-Pascal Elfman, Richard's then-wife), who accidentally enters the phantasmagorical Sixth Dimension through a door in her basement. There, her waifish good looks catch the eye of King Fausto (Herve Villechaize), much to the consternation of Queen Doris (the indomitable Susan Tyrell). A frantic, funny, and occasionally profane blend of Fleischer Brothers cartoons, German Expressionism, Depression-era musicals, and '60s underground movies, Forbidden Zone is definitely not for all viewers, but cult aficionados will be delighted by the sheer energy and imagination of this long-unavailable classic. Supplemental features include commentary by Elfman and Bright, interviews with Danny Elfman, Pascal, and Tyrell; deleted scenes and outtakes; clips from an aborted early attempt, The Hercules Family. (with Danny tearing up "Minnie the Moocher"), and Richard's video for Oingo Boingo's "Private Life." --Paul Gaita

Description

Prepare to enter the Sixth Dimension, a deliriously insane world of frog butlers, topless princesses, machine-gun toting school teachers, chicken boys and the devil himself (Danny Elfman), all ruled by the lascivious midget King Fausto (Herve Villechaize - Tattoo on FANTASY ISLAND) and his deranged Queen (Susan Tyrrell). A feast of visual and aural delights, reaching new found heights of insanity, invention and questionable taste. Propelled by the incredible songs of the one and only Danny Elfman, FORBIDDEN ZONE is an experience like no other. The all time cult classic returns with an eye popping new high definition widescreen transfer and restored and remastered in 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround.

Customer Reviews:

Worth Watching.......2007-05-08

I would recommend this to anyone who likes movies that are a little out of the ordinary. It is pretty much hit or miss.

Uh, what just filled my TV screen???.......2007-04-19

This film was passed around by friends for years. I found this movie perfect for parties with weird guests and for pulling all-nighters for work. Now that Richard Elfman and friends made it available, I had to get it.

For those of you who have seen the movie before, it is certainly worth buying a digital quality copy of a black and white movie. The picture is a little enhanced, but the music is GREATLY enhanced and sounds awesome. The documentary explains a lot about the movie's roots in The Mystic Knights of the Oingo Boingo and shows lots of footage from tMKotOB shows. The commentary by Richard Elfman and Matthew "Squeezit" Bright was fitting in that it is nothing like typical movie commentary. It includes such comments like "How embarassed were you?" and "I SO wanted to #@$% her!"

For those of you who never watched this, let me sum it up. I never took illicit drugs in my life. Having watched The Forbidden Zone, I won't have to. This chaotic and bizarre trip to the Sixth Dimension is beyond belief. To give away the plot or suggest there WAS one would cheapen the experience. Like true art, everyone experiences something a little different. In the conventional sense, this movie was a cinematic abomination: incredibly cheap sets, terrible wardrobe, cheesy acting. But the net impact of the collective imaginations involved and the GREAT music is something you have to experience at least once. This is also the first movie Danny Elfman did music for. You will hear why he went on to do music for so many films.

It is certainly for late teens or adults only with nudity, simulated sexual acts and violence. There are some scenes that could be considered racist, but one of the filmmakers is Jewish and grew up in urban Los Angeles. The racial jokes are about people he knew most and grew up with first-hand experience.

So if you want to see a good movie, go get Shawshank Redemption. If you want a unique multimedia experience that'll stimulate your imagination and leave you dancing and rolling on the couch with laughter, you need a trip to the Forbidden Zone.

Camp Fun.......2007-03-08

In the manner of Rocky Horror, if you enjoy the bizarre this is for you. A strange offering of sight gags and irreverant humor, sure to please the off the wall crowd.

Raw 80's with Great Soundtrack.......2007-01-19

Early work from the Elfman family make this movie as bizarre as the 80's were to most of us in high school at that time. The music is great if you were an Oingo Boingo fan and the film is of a nature which will probably never be seen again. Creative, Funny, and Bizarre are the words for the day. Enjoy!

Shock and Awe... as well as Surprise and De-Lite!.......2006-12-16

Yes, it IS a strange little movie. I love the underproduced nature of the sets and costumes. It's like a long middle-school production that allowed the precocious, hormone-ravaged, and vulgar early teen humor/aesthetic get away with whatever they wanted to. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and even the didn't-quite-work parts are nicely done and part of the show.

The music's great, the girls are sexy, and the story is preposterous... uh, kind of like Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings acted in underpants with cardboard sets.

How can you not like a movie with a character named 'Chicken-boy,' a French girl named "Frenchie," and a human candelabra. Could this have been the inspiration for PeeWee's Playhouse? Only that mentally retarded Swedish husband of yours wouldn't love it!

DVD:

DVD

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