Customer Reviews

The Flash [VHS]

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"The Flash" only aired on CBS during the 1990-91 season, but it is fondly remembered by those who watched it on Thursday nights, even though it was an hour-long program that started on the half-hour (ah, the joys of counterprogramming). The series is remembered fondly as one of the better television programs adapted from a comic book, and I can make the argument that historically it is an important series because it raised the bar regarding such shows. Before "The Flash" there was the all-time camp classic "Batman," "The Incredible Hulk," and television movies (a.k.a. failed pilots) for "Dr. Strange," "Captain America," and assorted other superheroes. After "The Flash" we got "Lois & Clark" and "Smallville." In retrospect, I have to believe that "The Flash" not only revitalized interest in comic books for TV but made producers think of such projects as being more than funny books for kids. The explanation for this is to be found in this 2-hour television movie, the pilot for the series.

In this television incarnation of the fastest man alive, Barry Allen (John Wesley Shipp) is a police chemist working in Central City's crime lab. One night a lightning bolt hits his lab and Barry is covered with chemicals. This causes a metabolic change in his body that allows him to move at superhuman speed (i.e., so fast that he cannot be seen with the naked eye). However, he can only do this in short bursts (otherwise there is going to be a rather limited potential for conflict in each episode). Terrified by his strange new powers, Barry turns to Tina McGee (Amanda Pays), a research scientist working for Star Labs, for help in find a cure. Meanwhile, Barry continues to get grief from his family, because while older brother Jay Allen (Tim Thomerson) is captain of the city's police motorcycle division trying to track down the Dark Riders, a violent biker gang, our hero is just working in the forensic lab.

If you grew up on comic books and are well versed with Superhero Origins 101, then you can guess what happens next to make these plot lines collide. Yes, the story is predictable, especially if you know virtually anything about the Flash character created for DC comics by Gardner Fox and Harry Lampert. The script here by Danny Bilson and Paul De Meo is certainly competent in setting up the necessary elements for the entire series, with Julio (Alex Desert) the lab assistant who never figures out Barry is the Flash, the demanding father (M. Emmet Walsh), and the cops who can never catch up with the Flash (Biff Manard and Vito D'Ambrosio). Director Robert Iscove makes excellent use of the special effects, which offer some nice comic moments. More importantly Shipp gets across the idea that he wants to do some good with some actual earnestness and Pays still had cache after "Max Headroom."

The bottom line is that by the standards of comic books on television, "The Flash" is the best television adaptation and pilot movie up to that time, and it continues to hold up today. The series was not great but stayed well above average on the basis of some interesting guest villains (most notably Mark Hamill). Final point: Actually, despite having the Barry Allen name of the second flash (Jay Garrick was the first), the Flash of the television series is a bit more hip like Wally West (the third Flash).

The best thing about The Flash TV series is the music. Danny Elfman's stirring yet gothic theme (similar to Batman's with the triplet figures) sets a Wagnerian tone to the show. Inspired incidental music weaves its way throughout each episode, changing styles subtly to enhance the theme of the week. My VHS copies I recorded in the 90's are wearing out! Wouldn't it be nice to have a complete DVD boxed set of The Flash to keep forever? Please!

The DC Comics superhero The Flash had his own one hour, live action TV series on the CBS network during the 1990-'91 television season. Although only lasting the one season, The Flash was a great TV series that should have been on longer than it was. This tape features the pilot episode which was just well made with solid storytelling and just excellent special FX. I saw this show during its run on CBS and I still miss it. CBS should have given this series a chance back then.

Even though he wasn't a well-know hero to the general public, The Flash was given his own show none the less. It wasn't that bad either. Good special effects, a Danny Elfman score, and notable names make this 2 hour pilot interesting. I used to watch the show when I was a kid and loved it. Some episodes were good, and some bad. Still, it was interesting enough to hold my attention. Still, it would have been nice if the show was kept up to date with the comics, being that Wally West was (and still is) the current Flash at the time. Unlike big Hollywood productions, there weren't as many changes to the character. One characteristic I thought was funny was that everytime he was through running, he would have to eat 10,000 TV dinners or pizzas to keep his energy in check. In the show, I would've liked to have seen a relationship develop between Barry and Tina. They always came close, but never did. Let me end off on one little piece of trivia: Years ago when this show was on, I read an insider trade magazine that stated the show was given a renewed fall season, but CBS changed their minds at the last minute. Oh well. It was good while it lasted.

I remember when this show first came out. I didnt think it would be any good, but i was wrong. The pilot kinda starts out a little slow but it builds up really well, and lets u get to know the caracters. The main thing is the costume...its a really good looking costume and not one of them cheap costumes that doesnt even look like the carachter. The theme music is really good as well, Danny Elfman does the theme and is really good. This show should have gone on longer than just one season.
Thanks for listenin....

This is the first episode of one of my favorite TV series. It came out after the highly successful first Batman movie, which you can tell some of the similarities between the 2 (like the flash symbol against the backdrop of the moon). This is one television show I wish they would at least bring back in reruns, I never got to see all the episodes and would like to add them to my video collection. Anyway, if you liked the first Batman movie better than the rest, or are looking for a good adaptation of a comic book hero, you want to get this movie!

The Flash was one of the best TV show adaptations of a comic book hero. John Wesley Shipp fit the part perfectly with the right physique as well as some acting skills as well.

Finally, the Flash , the fastest man ,not alien (Superman) or psycho (batman) gets his chance to streak across the screen. The music is super and captures the essence of the story. The acting is perfectly cast transporting the viewer into the action. John Wesley Ship, who is the Flash, is totally awesome baby. I could feel his energy in the thrilling climatic scenes, so much so, that I was emotionally caught-up in the ending. This film leaves a super legacy to one of the underrated super heroes who has a heart of gold.

The Flash is one of my favorite heroes. The movie is a fantastic adaptation of the comics. John Wesley Shipp plays the Flash perfectly. The movie has a great story. And who can forget the amazing theme song by Danny Elfman? If you are a fan of the Flash, superheroes in general, or even just action, there is no reason why you shouldn't see this great movie.
So what are you waiting for? BUY IT NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey Warner Borthers!! This first episode of The Flash is great!! The two Trickster episodes you released are also great!! How about releasing the rest of this great series on DVD/Video as well? How about the episode where the Flash is hurled forward in time by Pike, his enemy from the pilot? How about the episode where The Flash has an evil twin? This great series is better off being released on DVD/Video, making Warner Brothers TONS of money, than being stuck in their film vaults!!