I love this movie I first watched this on Betamax rental back in 83. I bought the Anchor Bay DVD of this one back in 2003. Has an excellent audio commentary on it. Im a big fan of MIchael Moorcock and the Final Programme is based on his Jerry Cornelius books, yes the movie is strange and odd if you have not read the Jerry Cornelius books but basically its set in the backdrop of world war 3, , world is falling apart. in war and environmental catastrophe and Jerry Cornelius, and the lead characters are working on a way to save humanity, help it evolve to face the new age, a new messiah. the ending I think is a parody saying the world is going to devolve not evolve.
Good review, thanks! Strangest. Flick. Ever. From what sounds like what would become the THX crescendo at the end, to a bouncy castle that seems a weird foreshadowing to the lady villain, to a number of bits that either influenced a bunch of Doctor Who stories (or vice versa), with dry humor that either works when otherwise better left to Red Dwarf where they make anything work... Definitely a curate's egg.
It was among the first Region 1 DVDs I bought in 97 along with The Wicker Man Anchor Bay wooden box and Streets Of Fire. Im a huge Michael Moorcock fan and as this is the only film based on his works I still have a love of it. Not perfect in any means but has a great vibe and it’s not bog standard for sure. Time to replace that dvd I reckon! Oh and the Multiverse that’s so popular now? Moorcock was the first to tie all his works together in that way and call it that.
The original book, of the same name, is equally confusing. The best way to discribe it is a collection of unrelated chapters that feature a recurring cast of characters.
The final book in the Cornelius quartet is unlike anything I’ve ever read. God bless Moorcock he’s an absolute Pulp SF master crossed with William Burroughs in the Cornelius books.
@@manvfilm I have a pretty big collection of Moorcock’s work. I’d recommend the Cornelius books obviously but one of his masterpieces for me is Behold The Man. Some months Moorcock would write 6 books a month in the 60’s, prolific isn’t the word! Just this week I’ve finally managed to get a signed book by him, which has been an ambition for the last 25 years at least.
Are there no extras? Nothing to throw some light on all of this? You often don’t mention any on disc extras. I thought I’d seen this, but none of the scenes you showed ring a bell at all. Well weird is in my ball park, so maybe I’ll get this if it doesn’t turn up on TPTV fairly soon. They often seem to show films that have recently had a release, but it can take an eagle eye.
I hadn’t watched the movie crews on it as yet. There are some interesting sounding ones though. Extras: NEW Interview with Jenny Runacre NEW Kim Newman on Fuest & The Final Programme Italian title sequence Trailers
Michael Moorcock , the author of the Jerry Cornelius books this movie is based on hates the movie btw. haha
I love this movie I first watched this on Betamax rental back in 83. I bought the Anchor Bay DVD of this one back in 2003. Has an excellent audio commentary on it. Im a big fan of MIchael Moorcock and the Final Programme is based on his Jerry Cornelius books, yes the movie is strange and odd if you have not read the Jerry Cornelius books but basically its set in the backdrop of world war 3, , world is falling apart. in war and environmental catastrophe and Jerry Cornelius, and the lead characters are working on a way to save humanity, help it evolve to face the new age, a new messiah. the ending I think is a parody saying the world is going to devolve not evolve.
You've picked my curiosity.
Have the Network release of this film, and I must says it is a bit of a WTF?! film. Will have to revisit sometime, nice review Graham 👍
Definitely weird, which I think makes it more memorable
Good review, thanks!
Strangest. Flick. Ever.
From what sounds like what would become the THX crescendo at the end, to a bouncy castle that seems a weird foreshadowing to the lady villain, to a number of bits that either influenced a bunch of Doctor Who stories (or vice versa), with dry humor that either works when otherwise better left to Red Dwarf where they make anything work... Definitely a curate's egg.
It was among the first Region 1 DVDs I bought in 97 along with The Wicker Man Anchor Bay wooden box and Streets Of Fire. Im a huge Michael Moorcock fan and as this is the only film based on his works I still have a love of it. Not perfect in any means but has a great vibe and it’s not bog standard for sure. Time to replace that dvd I reckon! Oh and the Multiverse that’s so popular now? Moorcock was the first to tie all his works together in that way and call it that.
My local cex has the dvd of this and I've almost bought it twice over the last fortnight
The original book, of the same name, is equally confusing. The best way to discribe it is a collection of unrelated chapters that feature a recurring cast of characters.
The final book in the Cornelius quartet is unlike anything I’ve ever read. God bless Moorcock he’s an absolute Pulp SF master crossed with William Burroughs in the Cornelius books.
Honestly I’m considering getting those books now.
@@manvfilm I have a pretty big collection of Moorcock’s work. I’d recommend the Cornelius books obviously but one of his masterpieces for me is Behold The Man. Some months Moorcock would write 6 books a month in the 60’s, prolific isn’t the word! Just this week I’ve finally managed to get a signed book by him, which has been an ambition for the last 25 years at least.
Watched it last night. I think I agree with you - it was weird in an interesting way but the story just wasn't really "there".
ive seen the movie about ten times since 1983
Are there no extras? Nothing to throw some light on all of this? You often don’t mention any on disc extras.
I thought I’d seen this, but none of the scenes you showed ring a bell at all. Well weird is in my ball park, so maybe I’ll get this if it doesn’t turn up on TPTV fairly soon. They often seem to show films that have recently had a release, but it can take an eagle eye.
I hadn’t watched the movie crews on it as yet.
There are some interesting sounding ones though.
Extras:
NEW Interview with Jenny Runacre
NEW Kim Newman on Fuest & The Final Programme
Italian title sequence
Trailers