Overview: For the first time on home video, a new extended version of MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE!

Planet Eternia and the castle of Grayskull are under threat from the evil Skeletor (Frank Langella, Dracula) who wants to take over the planet. A group of freedom fighters led by the heroic He-Man (Dolph Lundgren, Rocky IV) are accidently transported to Earth by the mysterious Cosmic Key, which holds the power to turn Skeletor all-powerful. Once on Earth, He-Man joins alliances with two teenagers as they attempt to find the key.

Toy Robot Video is proud to present a newly unearthed Preview Cut of the film featuring never-before-seen footage, including new and extended scenes plus alternate takes.

4K UHD Blu-ray Verdict: The 1987 Masters of the Universe is much better and more entertaining than I remembered. It has obvious limitations, and it is far from the complete adaptation this universe deserves, but there is genuine imagination, atmosphere and commitment behind it. Watching it again made me appreciate what the filmmakers achieved with the resources available.

Dolph Lundgren certainly looks convincing as He Man. His physical presence suits the character, and he approaches the role with complete seriousness. His limited dialogue and restrained performance sometimes make He Man feel less developed than he should be, but Lundgren gives him dignity and a traditional heroic quality.

Frank Langella is easily the strongest part of the film as Skeletor. He does not treat the role as a joke. His voice, posture and theatrical delivery give Skeletor genuine authority. The character feels intelligent, cruel and obsessed with power. Langella understands that a fantasy villain can be exaggerated while still feeling dangerous.

Meg Foster is also memorable as Evil Lyn. Her striking appearance and cold performance fit the visual atmosphere perfectly. She brings control and intelligence to a character who could easily have become a minor servant standing behind Skeletor.

The costumes, sets and practical effects give the film a physical quality that I appreciate more today. Castle Grayskull feels dark and ancient, while Skeletor’s soldiers have a strange combination of fantasy and science fiction design. Some effects clearly reveal the age and limited budget of the production, but they also give the film personality.

Bill Conti’s music adds scale that the images cannot always provide. The score treats the story like a genuine fantasy adventure and helps create a sense of heroism, danger and wonder. It is one of the elements that makes the film feel larger than its budget.

The greatest weakness is the decision to move so much of the story to Earth. I understand that this was probably necessary for practical and financial reasons, but it removes the characters from the world that makes Masters of the Universe unique. Eternia should be filled with different kingdoms, creatures, warriors, technology and ancient magic. Instead, much of the film becomes a chase through familiar Earth locations.

The young human characters are not terrible, and it is interesting to see Courteney Cox near the beginning of her career. However, their story takes time away from He Man, Teela, Man at Arms and the struggle for Eternia. I would rather have spent the entire film exploring that world.

Gwildor provides humor and has a certain charm, but his presence also reminds me of the familiar characters who are missing. The film often feels like a creative variation created from whatever could realistically be produced rather than a complete translation of the original universe.

Even with those compromises, the film is enjoyable. The action moves quickly, the performances are committed and the darker visual style gives it a stronger atmosphere than its reputation suggests. It never feels embarrassed by swords, magic, strange technology or dramatic villains.

This version also points toward the darker adaptation I still want to see. Frank Langella’s Skeletor, the design of Castle Grayskull and the more serious fantasy atmosphere demonstrate how powerful that interpretation could be. I want a film that explores the horror behind Skeletor, the ancient secrets of Grayskull and the burden carried by someone with He Man’s power.

The 1987 film never has enough money, time or world building to realize that vision completely. It remains campy and occasionally awkward, but it contains glimpses of something darker and more mythological beneath the surface.

In closing, Masters of the Universe is not a forgotten masterpiece, but it is far better than its reputation and better than I remembered. Dolph Lundgren is a convincing physical hero, Frank Langella is an excellent Skeletor and the film has genuine fantasy atmosphere.

It may not be the definitive adaptation I still hope to see, but it is an entertaining adventure with enough imagination and personality to remain worth revisiting. [K.Z.]

Bonus Materials:
Preview Cut of Masters of the Universe
New interview with actor Robert Duncan McNeill
New interview with actor Anthony De Longis
New interview with production designer William Stout
Audio Commentary with the director
Behind The Legend, archival featurette
Teaser Trailer
Theatrical Trailer
Stills Gallery
Production Design Gallery
New Audio Commentary with production designer William Stout

Masters of the Universe | Official 1987 Trailer

Official Purchase Link

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