Pod Stallions 53: The Black Hole

[Hedji]

I found my DUNE Glossary they gave out from the original theatrical run, just so I can understand what Jason is talking about when the Dune episode eventually (or maybe never) drops.

[Allie Fox]

You must find a way to have David Weiner on more often.

Done! I eagerly await the DUNE episode.

...and to make a suggestion, How about a show about all of the copycat movies that came out post-Star Wars and maybe even Post-Raiders of the Lost Ark?

OOOPS!!! after scrolling through the old episodes I discovered at least the Star Wars copycats were discussed in Episode 7 - Battle Beyond the Star Wars (not The Force Awakens).

But nothing at all on Indiana Jones or the knock-offs. I think I know the next episode...

[tmthor]

lol before you guys do the Dune episode do one for all the Filmation animated series we had in the 70's and their live action ones as well.

[Hedji]

Please tell me he'll be on for the Dune episode.

[palitoy]

I listened tho this episode again this morning and I'll stand by my earlier comment. This was the best PodStallions ever.

You must find a way to have David Weiner on more often.

...and to make a suggestion, How about a show about all of the copycat movies that came out post-Star Wars and maybe even Post-Raiders of the Lost Ark?

This feedback is the reason David is in our next show. It was perfect timing for him being involved.

[acrovader]

'The Black Hole' plays out like a classic haunted house movie. I didn't see it in the theater but saw it once it made its way to HBO. I have the figures (not the 2nd series, though). I also have it on the dvd- the one with the screwed up sound. I can't remember how I thought of it when I was a kid. I generally liked anything remotely 'Star Wars'. The movie has not held up well. It's too dry and bland. Even the action scenes aren't all that exciting. The human actors are too dull. The robots are the only thing I like about the movie (and the Cygnus).

[Allie Fox]

I listened tho this episode again this morning and I'll stand by my earlier comment. This was the best PodStallions ever.

You must find a way to have David Weiner on more often.

...and to make a suggestion, How about a show about all of the copycat movies that came out post-Star Wars and maybe even Post-Raiders of the Lost Ark?

[Hedji]

This was a superb conversation. I chuckled when Brian described Robert Forster as "So Rochester", because he's right. He sounds like one of my Dad's 70's co-workers from Eastman Kodak when we were growing up.

As for the merits of the film itself, it was pointed out how it (like Star Trek TMP) was marketed to Star Wars kids, but ultimately failed at being like Star Wars. I like to embrace the film and love it for what it is, not for what it isn't. The fact that it is darker, weirder, and tonally and narratively inconsistent is part of the appeal and charm of this film. It's beautiful to look at, has some of the best robots ever put on film, is a real head trip, and deserves more love I think.

In.. through.. and beyond!!!

[acrovader]

Maybe Disney will release the movie on Blu-Ray for its 40th anniversary.. or maybe not. Until then I'm stuck with the crummy Anchor Bay DVD.

[Allie Fox]

That might have been the best PodStallions yet. Such a great discussion especially given Jason's counter-opinion. I too, like him saw the Black Hole in that post Star Wars era when we were just starving for anything that remotely resembled it (Battelstar Galactica, Buck Rogers, Starcrash, et.al.) The Black Hole fit the mold and was a must see. I had seen it several times over the years and enjoyed it for the nostalgia. I even picked up a Black Hole sleeping bag/comforter that is spread out on the futon in my collection room.

I had not watched it in several years so before listening to this episode, I popped in the DVD and sat through it. . . twice. The first time I fell asleep. The second time I made it all the way through. I watched it from a purely entertainment perspective without any consideration for how much fun I had watching it as an 11 year old. It was tough. The story is all over the place, the action is sparsely integrated and the ending is just plain weird. I can only imagine my young self in early 1980 was more fascinated by the spectacle of the robots, lasers and spaceships than the whole picture.

The Black Hole is great if you enjoy the trees but it is a long walk through that forest.


By the way. . . WHAT is wrong with Salvage-1?

[Bravestarr]

Love this film

[Jason73]

Did I hear this correctly? There was a Dragos from "Jason Of Star Command" Halloween costume from Collegeville.

Would sure love to see this. One of my all time favorites.

[4NDR01D]

Surprisingly, I've still never seen it. Hopefully they add it to netflix at some point.

[Jason73]

Great episode. Funny thing, my elementary school also showed The Black Hole in the gymnasium. It was on a Friday after school. I think it cost 50 cents to watch.

[Hedji]

I always loved the sound of the lasers in Black Hole. They had more b-b-b-brrtt! than the Star Wars blaster sounds.

Yeah, I had both the 12" LP story record, and the small 7" story record, as well as the viewmasters too. Also the coloring book, the comics, and a handful of the small Mego figures. The film doesn't get the respect it really deserves. It really has some dark thematic material and adult concepts for a Disney film, and the score and atmosphere of the film make it seem more than it is. For modern, post 9/11 audiences who like their entertainment "dark", you would think this would be held aloft a little higher for being, in some ways, ahead of its time. (despite some moments of being a cutesy Star Wars follower).