The History of Masters of the Universe (1987) & How It Helped Bankrupt a Studio

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Way back in 1987 Canon Films bet big on a film based on He Man and The Masters of the Universe.
The resulting film, just called Masters of the Universe, satisfied no one and helped to put Cannon Films out of business.
Here is the story of Masters of the Universe and it's almost sequel and what went wrong along the way.
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[@trtledave3079]

I live in NJ and trust me it's as close to Eternia as you could possibly imagine, monsters running amuck, everything covered in slime, muscle men walking around with their shirts off, you name it!

[@spymagicianzero5070]

Dammit, @trtle dave! I really wanted to go on a rant about how Jersey isn't a terrible place but I appreciate and respect your satirical reply. Jersey is a terrible place, except when it isn't! West Side Ave, South of Communipaw Ave was where I was born and raised! Are you also a Hudson County Kid too?

[@shoresean1237]

@@spymagicianzero5070 My mother lived on 1021 West Side Avenue, when she was a kid!

[@trtledave3079]

@@spymagicianzero5070 Ruffway representin' (Union County), borned and raised!

[@Smacgregor88]

So do I, and nowhere near a farm (maybe Edison) but a record store.

[@trtledave3079]

@@Smacgregor88 Vintage Vinyl!

[@jokerz7936]

As a fan of Cannon Films this was actually really good for a Cannon Production. Also Bless Frank Langella for wanting to be Skeletor because his son was a He-Man Fan.

[@robdcollector2808]

Jokerz 79 ...for a 1988 low budget movie..it was good! I saw this as a kid on vhs...it never bothered me it took place on earth or that he never changed into prince adam

[@TheEvilpossum]

I think the studio also did the Lou Ferigno Hercules movies, possibly the weirdest thing of the decade.

[@bjpalm1994]

@@TheEvilpossum Oh hell yes, lol. The Ferigno Hercules movies have to be seen to be believed, lol.

[@bjpalm1994]

That also reminds me how Raul Julia played M. Bison in Street Fighter for his kids. Amazing the level of performance they give for properties they have no interest in but do it for their kids. Probably 2 of favorite villain performances.

[@dodgyb2001]

I agree, for the budget and time, they did a great job. I liked all the actors, Langella was amazing, and the sets and costumes were fantastic. Evil-lyn was awesome too, with Meg Foster's eyes being their own special effect. She was brilliant in the role, only second to Langella.

[@truman237]

Saw the movie just before my birthday with my friends at a two screen theater in Easton PA. That theater is now a Retro Fitness that plays 80s movies while you exercise. Cosmic alignment right there.

[@gorrbaczow]

What an awesome concept for a fitness place!

[@tahuaroa]

“...Langella’s Skeletor would ham it up like ham was going out of style & the only way to save it was to make more ham” THIS IS GOLD!!!

[@megagene]

Seeing all the film titles listed on that 1987 box office chart filled me so much nostalgia that my heart almost exploded. Man, the 80s really were a magical time.

[@russkate88]

They definitely were. But this movie was a massive let down, to put it nicely, for what was a really magical time.

[@hollywood21639]

Frank L. Is amazing as skeletor. His lines are fantastic and the best parts of the movie. Meg Foster is great too. He may be too old now but if there was an ideal casting for Dr. Doom it would be Frank L.

[@institutokleos]

I remember I was 7 or 8 when I saw this film on video and I was all like "this isn't he-man!" to my family, and accused them of lying about the movie lol

[@pbailed8007]

And the best part about this is that this happened several times as a kid going to the movie theaters (super Mario brothers) even ninja turtles I wasn’t a fan of until the second one came out. Yeah these lighthearted cartoons they make them into these darker scary movies the parents were like what the hell, lol

[@theBSisreal]

LOL

[@fizzyfuzz5878]

Damn if only the right person heard you at a test screening lmao

[@happybuttersblast8334]

I said the same thing ......... it wasnt the he-man we knew but I still liked the movie lol. for some reason I considered it like the space balls of the he-man universe

[@Harkness78]

You must have been a dumb kid. I was 5 or 6, clearly knew it was He-Man because his name was He-Man, there was Man-at-Arms and Teela and Skeletor and Beast Man. And then yeah they left Eternia and were in New Jersey which was super lame, and I didn't understand they did that for budget reasons, but I still understood it was a He-Man movie, just a shitty one.

[@SeanChandlerTalksAbout]

I've always had a ton of fun with this movie. And the score is great

[@tgmartin]

It's silly, funny and doesn't take itself too seriously. Skeletor was awesome as was the woman who played Teela

[@SeanChandlerTalksAbout]

@@tgmartin Yep

[@happybuttersblast8334]

These 80's cheese movies........ He-man , Beastmaster , Howard the Duck..... etc. all those movies arent oscar movies but they are still fun and goofiness is part of the charm.

[@lanceturley7745]

Say what you will about the final product, but I love the production design of this movie. The sets, costumes, and props all look fantastic. And as others have noted, it helps that Frank Langella knew exactly what kind of schlock he was in, and chewed the scenery like it was made of bubblegum. How can you not love a movie where the villain yells "Let this be our final battle!" right before his climactic fight with the hero?

[@russkate88]

This is the perfect example of a shit movie, with really crap story writing and obviously produced by an incompetant studio that firstly doesn't care, and secondly, knows fuck all about the franchise and what would appeal to the viewers. Then to top it off, they were planning on making a sequal that would be even more shit, if that's even possible. So glad they went bankrupt. They deserve all the negative backlash and much more for the shit that they subjected us too.

[@MarkEdwardRom]

@@russkate88 u watched garbage pail kids, the super Mario bros movie and my pet monster, the live action movie when u were young didnt you?

[@doublep1980]

The whole thing reminds me of the 90's Streetfighter live-action movie,with JCVD and the late Raul Julia,as General Bison. Raul Julia was diagnosed with cancer and took the role only,because his kids were big fans of the videogame.He quickly realised what a total schlockfest it was and just went completely bananas with his performance,which elevates the movie. ''The day,Gen.Biso graced you insignificant village with his presence was the most important day in your life.For me,it was just Tuesday.'' xD Sadly he passed away before the premiere,from cancer RIP.

[@russkate88]

No. I missed out on all that @@MarkEdwardRom

[@TerryTurner]

Doing filming, the high school they were filming in got burnt down when the fire got out of control doing the battle between He-Man and Skeletor's minions. Moments after that scene, you can see the fire trucks driving towards the burning school. You probably can find that video on KZbin, check it out. By the way, the special effects in this movie are real great. It's a shame it didn't have a bigger budget for it to take place in Eternia.👍

[@radleybuttons7830]

I will never understand the hate this movie garnered. I saw it in the theater as a child and loved it. Adult me still loves it, as I watch it at least once a year. The movie's great.

[@LUCKO2022]

Because the movie SUCKS. That is why it gets the hate.

[@Tigerblade11238]

As a child of the 80s whose Christmas mornings were filled with He-Man toys I can explain why it is not beloved... Don't take an IP full of interesting and memorable characters and then not include said characters. Skeletor and Evilyn were fine interpretations, but too many characters were missing and the new ones mostly sucked. Karg was awful, Blade was ok, and Saurod lasted about 30 seconds. Setting the movie on Earth was also a huge mistake. Combine that with bad dialogue and annoying protagonists and you've just been served a turd sandwich.

[@rickyclover9393]

It was cheap ads hell

[@willlastnameguy8329]

I also saw it in the theater as a child and was incredibly disappointed. It had almost no resemblance to the cartoon I loved. Movies like this made it okay to make movies like super Mario bros. Just cash grab bullshit.

[@batboy9997]

The intro to that movie was one of my favorite intros of all time.

[@GrnArrow092]

One fun fact that I learned about this movie is that one of the cast members is Robert Duncan McNeill. For those of us who are Star Trek Fans, he was best known for playing Lieutenant Tom Paris in Star Trek: Voyager. He also appeared in Star Trek TNG as Cadet Nicolas Locarno.

[@Alan1978M]

I was this many years old(43)when i found out that Masters Of The Universe wasn’t based on the He-Man cartoon.It all makes sense why it turned out the way it did now.Mind blown🤯 Youve taught me something yet again.Bravo Toy Galaxy.....bravo

[@bejammin2000]

Masters of the Universe is the best Jack Kirby's Fourth World movie we will ever get.

[@lorcannagle]

Gary Goddard apparently openly admitted that the Fourth World was a huge influence on the movie, as he figured this was the closest shot he'd get to making a movie actually based on the comic

[@russkate88]

If that's the best he could do, I'd hate to see what his worst would be.

[@JR-dd4ec]

That is hilarious!!!!😂😂😂

[@thefamilybean420]

Nah.

[@russkate88]

Lol. Probably. @@thefamilybean420

[@svendmadsen3789]

I still remember winning tickets to the movie from a colouring in competition in the local paper. I remember being so excited to see it, then really confused after I did with all the random changes....

[@SymbioticallyGeeky]

Masters of the Universe was actually the first movie I ever saw in theaters. I was 5 and it was amazing (to me) It still holds a special place in my dark heart

[@inhaledfarts4221]

After watching this I get the feeling like you are trying insinuate that New Jersey is somehow responsible for the failure of the He-man movie? As someone who is from New Jersey not only am I completely insulted by this accusation but I also realize you are absolutely correct. New Jersey has been the downfall for many great things in this world...

[@cyberdemon7694]

Including New Jersey itself

[@inhaledfarts4221]

Cyber Demon 😂 so true.

[@MarkEdwardRom]

then why is it called "New" Jersey?

[@kevincastillo6861]

You had me in the first half, not going to lie hahaha

[@jtaylor9562]

I still have a real soft spot for this film. Yes, at the time i was a little disappointed that the He Man and Skeletor on screen, didnt look exactly like my figures. But, what the Hell. I grew to love the Film versions, and the film. On day the film was due into my local video rental shop, i ran up to the shop 3 times, to see if it had arrived yet. Great times. Great memories. Miss you so much Mum❤.

[@arceyes]

I'm pleased to say that I saw it in a small local theater here in Cape Town South Africa in 87. I was 6 and just happy to see the live action version. I do remember wondering why Orko and Battlecat were missing and why it was set on earth with lame humans 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@joebishman6163]

I saw this film with my father when I was 6. The local mall had a theater with a sticky floor. It was great. I still like this movie and watch it every five years or so.

[@johnhrock1009]

I saw Masters of the Universe on T.v when I was in High School and I loved, Frank Langella made a captivating Skeletor, way better than the cartoon version. I think It wouldve made more money if they had stuck more closely to the He- man mythology, I think the studio stretched their resources too thin and ended up losing out.

[@jasoncaldwell8199]

No References to it's stellar human cast? Courtney Cox and Robert Duncan McNeill? Okay, they were not big names back then, but Cox would go on to earn... I'm guessing trillions, on Friends and McNeill will forever be Tom Paris from Voyager. Seriously- that's already pre-written on his tombstone.

[@badbirdkc]

Courtney Cox is the goddamn MVP of this movie. You can see what a great actress she's going to become by watching this movie. She fucking sells that shit and makes you believe it.

[@thefamilybean420]

Also no mention that the director is an alleged pedophile - this exists mostly to advertise Super 7's new figures by the looks of it.

[@jimmyju76]

Haha i forgot that was him

[@eyesofthefox]

7:50 Robocop, The Lost Boys, Beverly Hills Cop II, Full Metal Jacket, The Untouchables, Adventures in Babysitting... What a great time to be a cinema goer~

[@floworcrash]

As a kid I was disappointed with the movie. But looking back it's a fun 80's action film. If you take HeMan as you know him out, and just watch the flick, it's a lot of fun.

[@russkate88]

Well what's the point of calling it He Man then, if it has basically nothing to do with He Man? They may aswell have just called it something else and said guest starring He Man, Skeletor, Man At Arms, Teela and Gwildor.

[@MarkEdwardRom]

@@russkate88 thats why they called it masters of the universe. if the movie was called heman & the video would have to center on heman and not something else. during the whole film the whole heman arc felt tacked on as an addition to a sappy teenage romance drama

[@russkate88]

I agree, which is one of the contributing factors for this movie being so bad @@MarkEdwardRom

[@ismaelhernandez4945]

I didn't see it at the movies but I remember my mom renting it for my brother and I after it came out. As a kid I actually liked it and didn't see what was so bad that everyone hated it. It was fun and goofy and I had a good time. Plus I really liked Langella's Skeletor.

[@randomnerdery6511]

I remember seeing this in the theatre when I was 7 and obsessed with all things He-Man. To say I was... CONFLICTED would be the understatement of a lifetime.

[@collectingmythoughts991]

'In Eternia we don't say good video we say good journey.' ;)

[@falleneldor]

hey, I still say "Good Jorney" sometimes, to loved ones at the airport. :-)

[@jpd632]

This, Turtles and Big Trouble in Little China are 3 of my favorite movies. Saw all 3 in theaters between the ages of 9-12 when they came out. Movies didn't have the super effects of today but the imagination and uniqueness of those movies is untouchable for me.

[@adrianshelton8260]

Frank Langella played that Skeletor role very well. Everyone else I didn't like in that movie.

[@rodster6campingprepper]

Evil Lynn was really good too I thought.

[@Terminalsanity]

@@rodster6campingprepper Well she looked the part, man Meg Forester's eyes they're piercingly inhuman they're practically a special-effect

[@MarkEdwardRom]

Lung was ok. Gildour was funny but a weak orko substitute, man at arms was droll and tela was meh. my fav silly moment was when gildour tried to communicate with the cow. the 80s were special. oh and James Tolkan as detective Lubic stole the show. His one liners were gold!

[@n8milliken]

Okay.

[@masresik]

I remember seeing this in the theatre. I loved it, but just couldn't wrap my head around why it had nothing to do with the cartoon show. Now I know.

[@wowbaggerTIP]

I did my part! I saw that movie twice in theaters, and rented it at least 2 dozen time (to the chagrin of my entire family) from Phar-mor. Even though I loved the cartoon, I remember not at all caring that the movie took place on Earth. I was just so happy to see a He-Man movie, they could have done anything and I would have loved it. Frank Langella's Skeletor was so good, and that performance alone is worth watching this movie.

[@alexnejako777]

It's got engaging performances from everyone in the cast.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Loved this movie. Growing up, I saw it on cable numerous times. When my daughter turned 5 I introduced her to this movie. Was fun reliving it with her.

[@Hawkeye26]

I always have and always will, absolutely and unwaveringly, love and support Masters of the Universe 1987! I even held a watch party in my new apartment on the 30th anniversary of its theatrical release! Also, let's not forget, the actors who played the teenagers found themselves some mega prime-time success within 7 years of the film's release..it was not a total failure!

[@torockchick]

Yep, Courtney Cox would go on to play Monica in Friends, and Robert Duncan McNeill would go on to play Lt. Tom Paris is Star Trek Voyager. I was a kid at the time and didn't remember they were in it until I saw the film on TV many years later.

[@Hawkeye26]

@@torockchick Same! I did not draw the connection whatsoever. Hell, I think it took me a bit to realize Lccarno from TNG's "The First Duty" = Tom Paris in Voyager (quite literally, they just weren't allowed to use the name) lol

[@PaulJuser]

I was still playing with He-Man toys when this movie was released, but still I never saw this movie until I was 40. Even 10-year-olds were saying this movie sucked when it came out, and Transformers were delivering the goods.

[@wallbiewtf9422]

I didn't own the VHS of this until I found it this year at a local comic con. I grew up watching a tape one of my dad's co-workers recorded when it aired on Showtime. They stopped it before the MOTU credits ended and went to Pee Wee's Big Adventure. When I saw it in the theater, we didn't stay for the end of the credits. Imagine how surprised I was when this movie was released on DVD, and I watched it with the commentary track right out of the package. Mind = blown over the He-Man movie post credits scene I discovered in my early 20s.

[@MoteofLobross]

I like how He Man in this movie looks like an 80's hair metal barbarian like Ator or the Beastmaster.

[@Belgand]

Or a guy in a band named Eternia?

[@acereview7968]

When I was 7 yrs old, I remember seeing the trailer on TV and then the toys at store and I was offended by it all. I pretty much wasn't interested in He-Man as much. I expected this is how it would be from then on. I just watched the film for the first time last month (free on KZbin) and I have to say it's a gem. It's like you said, Dan a slice of a time capsule. It's a nice piece of 80's film goodness. And, that's it.

[@tonywilliams6428]

The Jersey setting explains He-Man's mullet.

[@florianschaefer78]

I watched the movie as a child with my sister in a small cinema in Bebra, Germany. That was the first time ever, that we were alone in a cinema screening. No other audience showed up. I totally liked the movie at that time and still have an earworm from the soundtrack. What a pity the movie was not successful.

[@KiloCharlieOne]

I basically spent the 80s watching Cannon films. So damn bad they were all classics. That weekend my dad too me to see Masters and Robocop. Ahhhh good times.

[@mlang28]

Yes! It was !!

[@TJ52359]

with the Digital TV expansion (and all the sub-channels, This, Charge, Movies, etc) I'm seeing more 80s stuff put into rotation and I was shocked at how many movies had Cannon/Golan Globus involved at some level

[@Cyberrat629]

I remember being in the theater and when it jumped to the Earth scenes, even my 7 yr old self wondered if I was watching the right movie or if somebody “switched the films” upstairs. Bonus points for multiple New Jersey jokes in the same video that isn’t about a Kevin Smith film.

[@comicbookbuff4400]

He Man was my childhood . I would hold my imaginary sword up and scream by the power of Greyskull

[@MrPaulalara]

This movie is ALL kinds of Nostalgia for me. The bulk of the Earth scenes were filmed in my hometown of Whittier, CA. I remember as a kid the excitement that filming MOTU in OUR town brought (although we DID find it odd that a fantasy movie about castles, monsters, and magic was being filmed in a small sleepy suburb in LA, it kind of gave us a heads up of where the script was headed). We went to go see the filming and props when it was filmed. Shortly after the movie was filmed and released, we experienced the Whittier earthquake of 1987, which devastated A LOT of the buildings in the area that it was filmed. So now, every time I see it being played on tv, the nostalgia doubles for me for both just being the MOTU, AND that i can see portions of the town I grew up in BEFORE the earthquake! on a side Note, James Tolkan, who was in MOTU, was also in ALL of the Back to the Future movies, which parts 1 & 2 were partially shot in Whittier as well, so im sure he is well aware of the town.

[@fizzyfuzz5878]

Your content gets my attention just by the titles. And after watching I'm never disappointed.

[@TheCFKane1982]

I loved it when it came out and I still love it now. Langella's performance as Skeletor is the stuff of legends!

[@kingez8658]

I was born in 81' and gotta say I like this movie. I watched it as a kid and still watch it today.

[@shatman1982]

I love this movie when i discovered it as a child in 1990 or so. I loved it when i bought it on dvd and i loved it when i bought it on bluray. Frank langella skeletor is awesome

[@marcelo06]

Frank Langella! To this day blows me away how amazing he was!

[@orinanime]

I grew up watching the movie on VHS. Then subsequently bought it on DVD and then Blu-ray. Acts 1 and 3, aka the stuff on Eternia, are pretty great. Act 2 the middle of the movie in Jersey sucks until Skeletor arrives on Earth. Learning about the backstory of the movie, I'm coming to understand Canon Studio Shady dealings, and learning that a lot of the movie was inspired by Jack Kirby's New Gods and fourth world comics make the movie infinitely more enjoyable. Also learning good Frank langella took the role because of the children and his family and their enthusiasm for He-Man, and learning that Skeletor happens to be his favorite performance of his career, also make the movie that much more enjoyable to experience. Also, saurod and beastman looked awesome. And Meg Foster as evil Lyn was rather attractive in a disturbing and intimidating kind of way.

[@KreedsToyCollection]

I'm glad you talked about the mini comics. I loved those as a kid and felt betrayed when the cartoon came out. I was very disappointed that the cartoon didn't follow the original story and my interest in the toy line really diminished after that. I didn't start collecting them again till well into adulthood. Great vid as usual!

[@ChkthDeats]

I remember my parents renting the Masters of the Universe vhs tape for me as a kid. I'm only twenty-one, so I didn't grow up at the peak of the franchise, but I watched the 2000's show, and that told me enough that it wasn't that good of a film. I still like it as a smorgasbord of 80's action and aesthetic, but I couldn't ever love it.

[@TheMattwolf]

I saw this film in the theater. I was old enough that He-Man wasn't in my toy box much anymore, but the story and costumes seemed alright to me. I didn't hate it, perhaps even had some fun with it!

[@retrorabbitstudios]

I've got 'Masters of the Universe' new, watched only once by myself on laserdisc. And it feels a little dirty to say that.

[@falleneldor]

the movie was filmed in Southern California. Eternia was Vasquez Rocks. I use to play there often as it was only a half hour away from Santa Clarita where I lived. I think "New Jersey" was Whittier? They scouted some places in Iceland early on before the money dried up...

[@jetman80pops]

12 year old me was excited to see this in 87. 12 year old me walked out of the theater pissed off. I grew up in NJ and I couldn't figure out why it was set in NJ.

[@russkate88]

Understandable.

[@erniethreefarts6681]

I saw it in theaters as a child, I loved he-man so it was okay, I just kept thinking, who the hell is that weird dwarf.

[@JonJonJonJonJonJonJonJon]

Yeah I was 5 or 6 and I still remember walking away going wtf was that shit!! Was nothing like the cartoon we loved ( altho looking back it is absolute trash )

[@samoangimli2640]

I remember reading somewhere that they created Gwildor (the dwarf) due to not having the computer technology to make Orko

[@carterevanroust]

I watched it on VHS. It was one of the first VHS tapes completely in English (no subtitles) we had at home.

[@TrejoDuneSea]

Same here, came across it in the video rental area of a local convenience store. I had literally no idea there even was a MotU live action movie until I saw that cover.

[@pjgathergood6987]

(Basically echoing comments I've made about the 1987 movie a dozen times before), I'm a lifelong hardcore MOTU fan. By the time the movie came out (a couple of years too late, it would have been a bigger hit if released earlier) the line itself was very much on it's last legs, with an over-gimmicky "anything goes" feel that was taking it's toll. However... even as a boy I LOVED the 1987 movie. I think I was very forgiving as I was very familiar with the early mini-comics and various other versions of the lore (of which there were many); furthermore I was and am a "pre-Filmation" fan, with no Prince Adam and rougher more barbarian feel. So I was immediately forgiving that there wasn't more Filmation-inspired content in there. (Also, as well as budget, it is actually possible that copyright issues were encountered with a lot of Filmation-created elements; similar issues were encountered in the first couple of years of the MOTU Classics toyline). Dolph Lundgren's voice was... well, it wasn't good, but he certainly looked the part (I think in my young mind I just put the accent down to 'broken barbarian'). But the true star of the movie is undoubtedly Frank Langella, making an awesome Skeletor with near-Shakespearean lines at times; and Langella's enthusiasm for the project really shines through in his performance. In certainly was disappointing that SO MUCH of the movie took place on Earth for budgetary reasons; but it was also a shame a few of of the familiar existing characters weren't used - instead, mostly new Evil Warriors were created, as well as cost-saving Orko-replacement Gwildor, mostly as a way to try and flog some new characters to kids; but I do think using more of the iconic existing characters instead of the newbies would have certainly helped audiences warm to the movie. But in spite of that... even all these years later, I still love this movie. Sure, I love of that is novelty and nostalgia - hey, it's live action He-Man! But even beyond that... look past the differences in lore, this is actually a very enjoyable B-movie-like adventure, and with some very decent action set pieces, you do get a lot of bang for your buck considering it's very low budget nature and the era. Although it's one of those movies '80s nostalgia fans love to pick apart, I think it's become on of those that has a certain reputation attached to it but one that actually has more genuine fans that is often recognised. ...That's my mini-essay. I can write reams on this movie!

[@toaster9777]

I was fan of the animated series growing up and loved the movie, still do. I even have an original movie poster from the theater.

[@nerdbot37]

The next time I see it on DVD in some dirt cheap discount bin I'll pick it up.

[@CM-wv8ns]

Found my copy for $2 at a thrift store

[@iwasanangryyoungman]

The Cosmic Key...I can imagine Megatron turning green with envy at all that potential power at Bonehead's grasp

[@bjpalm1994]

Great vid Dan! I saw Masters of the Universe in theaters and no lie 10 year old me thought it was the greatest thing ever, lol. It wasn't until my later years that the whole "being on earth instead of Eternia" thing irked me. To this day I still enjoy watching it and thought that the movie designs of He-man & Skeletor were great.

[@falleneldor]

i was five. I thought it was so amazing, I watched it as many times as i could since my older siblings worked at the theater!

[@999apeman]

I take it setting the sequel on Earth was an attempt to keep from building another VERY expensive Castle Greyskull set?

[@Randomark3087]

I was born in '87, so I missed the original He-Man series and toyline. However growing up in the 90s, I used to watch the movie all the time.

[@ERICK4431]

I remember watching that movie as a 9 year old kid and hated it, never watch it again and now that is on a remastered blu-ray I still have no intention on watching it, it'll only ruin my day if I watch again and re-live those childhood awful memories 😂

[@TopsideCrisis346]

My folks never took the bros and I to see any of the movies based on the cartoons/toy lines/popular culture of our generation. I had to wait until this was out on VHS - and then I had to wait even longer for my folks to actually get a VCR. One rental later, and suddenly, we were hearing about this cool new series about ninja turtles.

[@sunshinecoolwater3960]

I was so eager to see this when it came out. I grew up to the animated series. Very let down when I did see it. Oh well, at least I had the Beastmaster at that age.

[@GELTONZ]

...and then Beastmaster 2 had the same plot as Masters of the Universe if I recall correctly. I'm...so sorry.

[@falleneldor]

I loved both films as a kid, but I can't watch Beastmaster if you paid me. Then again, that could be due to TBS killing my love for that movie after rerunning it so dammed much in the 90's. On the other hand, childhood expectations aside, the MOTU film actually holds up as a decent film when looked upon as it's own thing.

[@jamesmorgan3212]

I use to love Beastmaster! I hadn’t thought about that movie in forever 😂

[@russkate88]

This movie was shit beyond comparison. I can't comment on Beastmaster as I've never seen it.

[@MarkEdwardRom]

@@russkate88 a scentless turd maybe but not the worst shit from that era. this was just lame and corny.

[@ItsLikeaPodcastorWhatever]

Definitely saw this with my 4 best friends at the drive-in WHILE we were holding our action figures and making them fight. The oldest among us was 6 years old. NONE of that helped to make this a better movie experience. And we TRIED! We really tried.

[@NetoMonteyro]

I still love this film. Designs, soundtrack, even casting looks great to me. Its greatest problem was bringing the story to Earth, and all characters about it. Had it got decent budget, keeping the story fully set on Eternia, and with more characters from the original franchise, it would have become memorable.

[@Ryan-xn3mt]

This movie still haunts my childhood memories.

[@sXeblues]

I remember being stoked as a kid to see this movie, having been obsessed with the MOTU cartoon... But, it turned out to be my first experience leaving a theater saying, ‘Wow, that was awesome!’ But feeling, at the same time, like something was really off with it. In my later life, having revisited it once or twice, it mostly felt like a grand missed opportunity. And yet, I still have a small fondness in my heart for it.

[@rljensen3]

I saw it in theaters when it came out. I was 13. I left thinking"that wasn't so bad" but I remember in the days following I kept thinking why wouldn't they match the cartoon.

[@WeHaveExplosive]

I was big into MOTU as a kid but was almost completely unaware of movies/etc; some time after I or my brother had the VHS as a gift one birthday and we thought it was 'ehhhh'. I feel that by that point MOTU was all but done anyway, we had started to favour Transformers and Thundercats by then.

[@Mechafresh82]

I had the pleasure of watching this film with my Grandma in Summer '87 at the Plaza Bonita Mall's, Mann 6 Plaza Theater back in San Diego. I enjoyed the film as well as the trip to Kay-Bee Toy store afterwards.

[@JdawgMMAblog]

I HAVE THE POWER!!! still gives me goose bumps every time!

[@dbeane43]

Canon Films gave us so much in the 80's and early 90's that it's hard not to give them a pass for this and Superman IV. Delta Force, Death Wish, Over the Top, scores of ninja movies. The list goes on and on. But maybe Dolph should have played Nuclear Man in Superman IV instead.

[@edwarddillon5886]

Don't forget Lifeforce.

[@dbeane43]

@@edwarddillon5886 who could forget Lifeforce? ... Well, I guess a lot of people could...

[@edwarddillon5886]

@@dbeane43 Hahahaha! Good one, still one of my favorites.

[@hang10wannabe]

I saw Masters of the Universe the movie on the Sci Fi channel in the early 90s. Loved it at the time, can appreciate it for how bad it is, but still love it. Great video and so glad Super7 is making dreams a reality with the MOTUC line!

[@jasonblalock4429]

You know - and I mean this in a totally positive way - I think my favorite thing about this channel is Dan's ability to deliver even the most ridiculous sentences you could ever imagine coming out of a person's mouth, and doing so with complete sincerity.

[@mauricecobbs7112]

I loved this movie when it came out. Saw it three times when it was in theaters. I still stand by it. Meg Foster absolutely killed it and Frank Langella is still my favorite Skeletor.

[@OptimusWrex]

Saw this at my local drive-in. One of, if not the earliest of my movie-going memories.

[@darthvestius7771]

Sadly, HeMan the Movie did not have the power...and in the end, New Jersey lost as well! Still I liked it. Going to pick up a couple of the movie inspired toys too... As always a great, through review

[@zuazuafilm]

Saw it in the theater (my older Sister took me), and watched it a lot on VHS. Then I became a snarky, angsty teen and I distanced myself from it until my late 30's when I watched it again and ended up loving it more than ever. I even showed it to my Daughter and she had a blast. I'm excited for those Super7 figures. #GoodJourney

[@TheMicahsalinas]

I’m sure I’m not alone when I say I love your channel and wish we had more content from Toy Galaxy. I know y’all spend a lot of time on production, but I wouldn’t mine lesser production quality if it meant we could get more content. Keep up the great job and thank you!

[@jonriede6846]

Bad advice. Never sacrifice quality for quantity.

[@TheMicahsalinas]

Always a contrarian.... the point is I’d love more content ....

[@Lurker1979]

Still like the movie despite its warts. Visually its still a great looking movie. I loved Frank Langella and Billy Barty and a very young Robert Duncan McNeill before his got his part in Star Trek Voyager.

[@joshua2814]

Definitely saw it in theaters and was very confused as a seven-year-old. Somehow, it was still exciting, though, to have anything on the big screen using the names He-Man and Skeletor.

[@chrisroberts1543]

Love this movie so much ever since I was a kid, it’s one of my favorite movies of all time. Thank you so much for reviewing this film , I really enjoy when I see people give a little love to this film. 😊

[@Shaitanshammer]

I saw it in theater, and would continually rent it on videotape from the video store. Sure the differences between it and the cartoon first bugged me, I must have found something endearing about it since I kept renting it. Oh FYI. Should anyone be inclined, this movie is available to watch legally and for FREE on KZbin, or Tubi TV on Roku.

[@wesleymcneese8554]

I love this film. The casting was perfect and He-man even said “I have the power!”. Maybe it’s just my nostalgia.

[@billpagan3070]

Another outstanding review guys! My absolute favorite channel to watch.😁😁😁

[@ranwolf7650]

Cyborg was an ok movie. Imagine my surprise when I found out it was originally meant to be a MotU sequel

[@MarkEdwardRom]

Jcluade would have been corny in a masters squeal, but we got live action wonky street fighter instead so im ok. no need to overdo it.

[@todesziege]

The sequel is better.

[@andrewflashchannelgibbs5384]

I remember seeing it in the cinema and still watch it now. Recently saw it again on the big screen, at a screening for “bad movies” - I had to put up with people laughing at it, while I sat and enjoyed it.

[@WaitingtoHit]

I was way into the cartoon, but I still loved this movie. I saw it about two years after it was released and was later surprised to discover that a considerable number of film critics did not share my enthusiasm.

[@WraithTDK]

I'm seriously hooked on this freaking series. I was born in 1979 and grew up in the 1980's, so all this stuff...the He-Man movie, Captain Power, Mighty Orbots, Bionic 6...I remember every bit of it fondly. SO, you've done the Masters of The Universe movie...now do The New Adventures of He-Man. Because WTF was that?

I remember liking the movie the first time I watched it as a kid, but I was confused as to why they replaced Orko with Gwildor. The only disappointment I remember having was that they had changed Skeletor's voice actor for the movie's dub, since he sounded so different (I'm Brazilian, so I was watching the local dub, obviously). Many years later, as an adult, due to the magic of the internet and old movie clips shared on youtube, I realized that they didn't change the voice actor, he was just doing a different voice, more suited to the movie version of the character. And, frankly, the guy is AWESOME in both incarnations of the character (and as Wolverine as well). Having watched the movie in english as an adult, I have nothing but praise for the amazing performance Frank Langella delivered. Now I need that movie Skeletor toy!

[@dy120481]

"To ham it up like ham was going out of style and the only way to save it is to make more ham."

[@fantasticmatic956]

I still love this movie, every time it's on I have to watch it, still need the blu-ray version, but can't wait for the super 7 toys to come out.

[@Forcemaster2000]

I still like Dolph Lundgren's Masters of the Universe. A fun movie!

[@desdichado3308]

Ahhh the good ol’ days. I’ve experienced this movie as a child in the Soviet block without any clue for what is the MOTU franchise. Loved every minute of it. Hopefully the nostalgia wave for all the 30+ YO’s with credit cards will bring more respect for this piece...