As we reported earlier Flash Gordon: Saviour Of The Universe is making its way to DVD as a Special Edition this summer from Universal Home Entertainment. We now have final specs and details form the studio, ready to share with you.

In this wild and wacky update of the 1930’s comic strip, maverick scientist Dr. Hans Zarkov (Topol) believes that energy waves emanating from a far-away galaxy are pulling the moon out of its orbit and threatening to destroy the Earth. Along with Flash Gordon (Sam J. Jones), quarterback for the New York Jets, and beautiful Dale Arden (Melody Anderson), Zarkov sets off on a rocket trip to the stars. They follow the energy waves to the distant planet Mongo, where they discover that evil despot Ming the Merciless (Max von Sydow in a deliciously sinister performance) is planning to obliterate life on Earth. Ming decides to add lovely Dale to his harem of concubines and attempts to imprison Flash, who escapes and takes refuge with the planet’s rebel forces. He convinces rival Mongo princes Barin (Timothy Dalton) and Vultan (Brian Blessed) to unite their armies, and leads them in an all-out campaign to overthrow Ming and save humanity.

Featuring a brand new digitally remastered transfer of the movie with a remastered 5.1 channel Dolby Digital audio track this DVD will undoubtedly rock – and not only because of the “Queen” soundtrack.

The DVD will also include a few bonus materials, such as the Featurette “Alex Ross, Renowned Comic Artist, On Flash Gordon” in which Alex Ross talks about his favorite movie of all time, Flash Gordon, and about how the film has inspired him in his life and work. Also included is the Featurette “Writing A Classic: Screenwirter Lorenzo Semple Jr, in which screenwriter Lorenzo Semple, Jr. speaks about the deliberately campy script for Flash Gordon.

To round out the release you will also find the Episode “Planet Of Peril: Chapter One” on the disc, taken form the 1936 serial.

As another extras the DVD comes with a premium slipcover featuring Alex Ross’ new art and an artcard reproducing the cover.

“Flash Gordon: Saviour Of The Universe” will be in stores on August 7 with a suggested retail price of $26.98. Of course, we all hope that in time, Universal will also announce a HD-DVD version of this cult classic.