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{{Short description|1981 Canadian/American film}}
{{about|the film|other uses|Heavy metal (disambiguation)}}
{{About|the 1981 film|the 2000 sequel|Heavy Metal 2000|films about heavy metal music|:Category:Heavy metal films}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2014}} {{Use mdy dates|date=May 2014}}
{{Infobox film {{Infobox film
| name = Heavy Metal | name = Heavy Metal
| image = Heavy Metal (1981).jpg | image = Heavy Metal (1981).jpg
| image_size = 220px | alt =
| border = yes | caption = Theatrical release poster
| alt = | director = ]
| producer = ]<br>Leonard Mogel
| caption = Theatrical release poster
| screenplay = {{unbulleted list|]|]}}
| director = ]
| based_on = {{basedon|Original art and stories|]|]|]|Thomas Warkentin|]}}
| producer = Leonard Mogel<br />]
| starring = {{plainlist|<!--Per opening credits-->
| screenplay = ]<br />]
* ]
| story = ]<br />]<br />]<br />]<br />Thomas Warkentin<br />]
* ]
| starring = ]<br />]<br />]<br />]<br />]<br />]<br />]<br />]
* ]
| music = ]<br />Various artists
* ]
| editing = Ian Llande ("''Den''")<br />Mick Manning ("''Soft Landing''")<br />Gerald Tripp ("''Harry Canyon''" and "''B-17''")
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
}}
| narrator =
| music = ]
| editing = {{unbulleted list|Ian Llande|Mick Manning|Gerald Tripp}}
| color_process = ]
| studio = Guardian Trust Company<br>]<br>]<br>Potterton Productions
| distributor = ] | distributor = ]
| released = {{Film date|1981|08|07}} | released = {{Film date|1981|08|07}}
| runtime = 90 minutes<!--Theatrical runtime: 90:15--><ref>{{cite web|title=''HEAVY METAL'' (AA)|url=http://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/heavy-metal-1970-5|work=]|publisher=]|date=August 19, 1981|accessdate=May 18, 2014}}</ref> | runtime = 90 minutes<!--Theatrical runtime: 90:15--><ref>{{cite web|title=''HEAVY METAL'' (AA)|url=https://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/heavy-metal-1970-5|work=]|publisher=]|date=August 19, 1981|access-date=May 18, 2014}}</ref>
| country = Canada<ref name="Heavy Metal">{{cite web|title=Heavy Metal|url=https://catalog.afi.com/Film/60315-HEAVY-METAL?sid=063e110b-4c75-49bc-ab33-8e45b0f0e189&sr=13.384979&cp=1&pos=0|website=American Film Institute|access-date=May 4, 2022}}</ref>
| country = Canada
| language = English | language = English
| budget = {{USD}}9.3 million | budget = $9.3 million
| gross = {{USD}}20,117,636<ref name="thenumbers" /><ref name="boxofficemojo" /> | gross = $20.1 million<ref name="thenumbers"/><ref name="boxofficemojo"/>
}} }}
'''''Heavy Metal''''' is a 1981 Canadian ] ] ] ] ] directed by ] and produced by ] and Leonard Mogel, who also was the publisher of '']'' magazine, the basis for the film. The screenplay was written by Daniel Goldberg and ]. The film was the sixth animated feature film to be presented in ] surround sound. '''''Heavy Metal''''' is a 1981 Canadian ] ] ] directed by ] (in his director debut) and produced by ] and Leonard Mogel, who also was the publisher of '']'' magazine, which was the basis for the film. It starred the voices of ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], and ]. The screenplay was written by ] and ].


The film is an ] of various science fiction and fantasy stories adapted from ''Heavy Metal'' magazine and original stories in the same spirit. Like the magazine, the film features a great deal of graphic violence, sexuality, and nudity. Its production was expedited by having several ]s working simultaneously on different segments, including ] and ]. The film is an ] of various science-fiction and fantasy stories tied together by a single theme of an evil force that is "the sum of all evils". It was adapted from ''Heavy Metal'' magazine and original stories in the same spirit. Like the magazine, the film features a great deal of ], sexuality, and nudity. Its production was expedited by having several ] working simultaneously on different segments.


Upon release, the film received mixed reviews from critics but was a moderate commercial success and has since achieved a ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Canadian Film Encyclopedia - Heavy Metal |url=https://cfe.tiff.net/canadianfilmencyclopedia/content/films/heavy-metal |access-date=2024-07-28 |website=cfe.tiff.net}}</ref> Its soundtrack was packaged by music manager ] and included several popular rock bands and artists, including ], ], ], ], ], ], ], and ], among others.<ref name="Heavy Metal"/>
A sequel titled '']'' was released in 2000.


A sequel, '']'', was released in 2000.
==Plot synopsis==


===Soft Landing=== ==Plot==
==="Soft Landing"===
The title sequence was based on the comic of the same name by ] and Thomas Warkentin.<ref>{{cite comic|story=Soft Landing|writer=]|artist=Thomas Warkentin |title=Heavy Metal|volume=3|issue=5|date=Sep 1979}}</ref>
The film's title sequence story opens with a space shuttle flying in orbit over Earth. The bay doors open, releasing a ]. An astronaut seated in the Corvette then begins descending through Earth's atmosphere, landing in a desert canyon.

The title sequence story opens with a ] orbiting the Earth. The bay doors open, releasing a 1960 ]. An ] seated in the car then begins descending through Earth's atmosphere, landing in a desert canyon.


'''Crew''' '''Crew'''
* ] and John Bruno - Directors * ] and ] – directors
* ] - Producer * ] – producer
* ] - Writer * ] – writer
* Thomas Warkentin - Art direction * Thomas Warkentin – art direction


'''Music''' '''Music'''
* ''Radar Rider'' by ] * "Radar Rider" by ]


'''Studio'''
===Grimaldi===
* MGM Titles
Leading directly from the title sequence, the film's framing story has the astronaut, Grimaldi, arriving at home where he is greeted by his daughter. He shows her something he brought back: a crystalline green sphere. When he opens the case, the orb rises out and melts the astronaut. It introduces itself to the terrified girl as "the sum of all evils". Looking into the orb, known as the Loc-Nar, the girl sees how it has influenced societies through time and space
* T.V. Cartoons Ltd

==="Grimaldi"===
In the framing story, the astronaut Grimaldi arrives at home where he is greeted by his daughter. He says he has something to show her. When he opens his case, a green, crystalline sphere rises out and melts him. It introduces itself to the terrified girl as "the sum of all evils". Looking into the orb known as the Loc-Nar, the girl sees how it has influenced societies throughout time and space.


'''Cast''' '''Cast'''
* ] ('''uncredited''') as voice of the Loc-Nar * ] (uncredited) as Loc-Nar
* ] as Grimaldi * ] as Grimaldi
* Caroline Semple as Girl * Caroline Semple as Girl


'''Crew''' '''Crew'''
* ] – Director * ] – director
* ] – Producer * ] – producer

'''Studio'''
* ]

==="Harry Canyon"===
Original story by ] and ]; based on '']'' by ].


In a dystopian and crime-ridden ] in 2031, cynical taxicab driver Harry Canyon narrates his day in ] style, grumbling about his fares and frequent robbery attempts he thwarts with a ] installed in the back of his seat. He stumbles into an incident where he rescues a red-haired young woman from Rudnick, a gangster who murdered her father. She explains that her father discovered the Loc-Nar, and they have been pursued relentlessly by people attempting to obtain it. Harry takes her to his apartment, where they have sex. She decides to sell the Loc-Nar to Rudnick and split the money with Harry. Rudnick is disintegrated by the Loc-Nar at the exchange, and she attempts to double-cross Harry to keep the money for herself. When she pulls out a gun, Harry uses the disintegrator on her. He keeps the money, and summarizes the incident as a "two-day ride with one hell of a tip".
===Harry Canyon===
In a ]n ] in the year 2031, cynical taxicab driver Harry Canyon narrates his day in ] style, grumbling about his fares and occasional robbery attempts, which he thwarts with a disintegrator installed behind his seat. He stumbles into an incident where he rescues a girl from a gangster named Rudnick, who had murdered the girl's father. She tells him about her father's discovery: the Loc-Nar, an ] over which people are killing each other. Harry takes the girl back to his apartment, where she climbs into his bed and has sex with him. The next day, one of his fares is Rudnick, who threatens Harry if he does not cooperate. The girl decides to sell the Loc-Nar to Rudnick and split the proceeds with Harry. He agrees to take her to the exchange, where Rudnick takes the Loc-Nar out of its isolation case and disintegrates. Meanwhile, the girl informs Harry that she's keeping the money for herself and pulls a gun on him. Harry is forced to use his disintegrator on her. He keeps the money and writes it up as a "two-day ride with one hell of a tip."


'''Cast''' '''Cast'''
{{div col}}
* Percy Rodriguez ('''uncredited''') as voice of the Loc-Nar
* ] as Alien, Henchman
* ] as Desk Sergeant * ] as Desk Sergeant
* ] as Whore * ] as Whore
* ] as Girl / Satellite * ] as Girl, Satellite
* ] as Harry Canyon * ] as Harry Canyon
* ] as Rudnick * ] as Rudnick
{{div col end}}
* ] as Alien / Henchman


'''Crew''' '''Crew'''
{{div col}}
* Pino Van Lamsweerde – Director
* W.H. Stevens Jr. – Producer * ] – director
* Vic Atkinson – Producer * W. H. Stevens Jr. – producer
* ] – Writer * Vic Atkinson – producer
* ] – writer
* ] – Writer * ] – writer
{{div col end}}


'''Music''' '''Music'''
* "]" by ] * "]" by ]
* "True Companion" by ] * "True Companion" by ]
* "Heartbeat" by ]
* "Blue Lamp" by ] * "Blue Lamp" by ]
* "]" by ] * "]" by ]
* "Heartbeat" by Riggs


'''Studio'''
===Den===
* ]
A ]y teenager finds a "green meteorite" and puts it in his rock collection. During a lightning experiment, the orb hurls the boy into the world of ''Neverwhere'', where he transforms into a naked, bald muscle man called ] an acronym for his earth name, David Ellis Norman. He witnesses a strange ritual, rescuing a nubile young woman who was about to be sacrificed to ]. Reaching safety, she introduces herself as Katherine Wells from the British colony of ]. While she demonstrates her gratitude with sexual favors, they are interrupted by the minions of Ard, an immortal man who wants to obtain the Loc-Nar for himself. He orders Den to get the Loc-Nar from the Queen, who performed the ritual. Den agrees, and infiltrates the palace, but is promptly caught by the Queen, who offers leniency if he has sex with her. He complies, distracting the Queen while the raiding party steals the Loc-Nar. Den escapes and races back to rescue Katherine from Ard. Recreating the lightning incident that drew him to Neverwhere, he is able to banish Ard and the Queen. Refusing the opportunity to take the Loc-Nar for himself, Den rides with Katherine into the sunset, content to remain in Neverwhere.

==="Den"===
Based on the ] created by ].

A nerdy teenager finds a "green meteorite" near his house and adds it to his rock collection. During a lightning experiment, the orb hurls the young man into the world of Neverwhere, where he transforms into a naked, muscular man called ], an acronym for his earth name, David Ellis Norman. There, Den witnesses a strange ritual, rescuing a beautiful young woman who is about to be sacrificed to ]. Reaching safety, she introduces herself as Katherine Wells from the British colony of ]. The two start having sex, but are interrupted by the minions of Ard, an immortal man who wants to obtain the Loc-Nar for himself. After being taken to see Ard, Den demands to see Katherine. His request is ignored and Ard orders his men to castrate Den. Den fights off the soldiers and shoots Ard, who is immortal and heals immediately. The girl turns out to be sleeping, encased in glass under a spell where only Ard can awaken her. Ard offers Den a deal: if he gets the Loc-Nar from the Queen and brings it to him, the girl will be released. Den agrees and infiltrates the palace along with Ard's best soldier, Norl. They are promptly caught by the Queen's guards, but she offers leniency if Den has sex with her. He complies, thereby distracting the Queen while the raiding party steals the Loc-Nar. Den escapes and races back to rescue Katherine from Ard. Recreating the lightning incident that drew him to Neverwhere, he is able to banish Ard and the Queen. Den suspects that they were teleported to Earth. Refusing the opportunity to take the Loc-Nar for himself, Den rides with Katherine into the sunset, content to remain in Neverwhere. As for the Loc-Nar, it rises into the sky and lands on a space station where it is picked up by someone else.


'''Cast''' '''Cast'''
* John Candy as ]
* Percy Rodriguez ('''uncredited''') as voice of the Loc-Nar
* ] as Den * ] as Katherine Wells
* ] as Katherine
* ] as Ard * ] as Ard
* Marilyn Lightstone as Queen * ] as Queen
* ] as Norl * ] as Norl


'''Crew''' '''Crew'''
* ] – Director * ] – director
* Jerry Hibbert – Producer * Jerry Hibbert – producer
* ] – Writer * ] – writer


'''Studio'''
===Captain Sternn===
* Votetone
On a space station, space captain ] is on trial for numerous serious charges (and one ]) presented by the prosecutor. Pleading "not guilty" against the advice of his lawyer, Sternn explains that he expects to be acquitted because he bribed a witness, Hanover Fiste. Fiste takes the stand, but his perjury is subverted when the Loc-Nar, now the size of a marble, causes him to blurt out the truth about Sternn's evil deeds. Fiste rants with such fury that he changes into a muscled giant and chases Sternn throughout the station, breaking through bulkheads and wreaking havoc. Eventually, he corners Sternn, receives his promised payoff, and promptly shrinks back to his gangly original form. Sternn opens a trapdoor under Fiste, ejecting him into space. The Loc-Nar enters Earth's atmosphere with Fiste's flaming hand still clinging to it.

==="Captain Sternn"===
Based on the ] created by ].

On a space station, crooked space captain ] is on trial for numerous serious charges presented by the prosecutor consisting of 12 counts of murder in the first degree, 14 counts of armed theft of Federation property, 22 counts of piracy in high space, 18 counts of fraud, 37 counts of rape&nbsp;— and one moving violation. Pleading "not guilty" against the advice of his ] Charlie, Sternn explains that he expects to be acquitted because he bribed a witness named Hanover Fiste. Fiste takes the stand upon being called to by the prosecutor, but his perjury is subverted when the Loc-Nar, now the size of a marble, causes him to blurt out highly incriminating statements about Sternn (though whether or not any of them are true is unknown) before changing him into a hulking muscular brute that chases Sternn throughout the station, breaking through bulkheads and wreaking havoc. Eventually, he corners Sternn, who gives him his promised payoff, and he promptly shrinks back to his scrawny original form. Sternn opens a trap door under Fiste, ejecting him into space. The Loc-Nar enters Earth's atmosphere with Fiste's flaming severed hand still clinging to it.


'''Cast''' '''Cast'''
* Percy Rodriguez ('''uncredited''') as voice of the Loc-Nar
* ] as Hanover Fiste * ] as Hanover Fiste
* ] as Lawyer * ] as Charlie, the lawyer
* ] as Captain Lincoln F. Sternn
* ] as Prosecutor
* ] as Regolian * ] as Regolian
* ] as ]
* ] as Prosecutor


'''Crew''' '''Crew'''
* Julian Harris – Director * Julian Szuchopa – director
* Paul Sebella – Director * Paul Sebella – director
* ] – Writer * ] – writer


'''Music''' '''Music'''
* "Reach Out" by ] * "]" by ]

'''Studio'''
* Boxcar Animation Studios Inc


===Neverwhere Land=== ==="Neverwhere Land"===
Because of time constraints, a segment called "Neverwhere Land" was cut; in the film, it would have connected '']'' to '']''. Because of time constraints, a segment called "Neverwhere Land", which would have connected "Captain Sternn" to "B-17", was cut.


The story follows the influence of the Loc-Nar upon the evolution of a planet, from the Loc-Nar landing in a body of water, influencing the rise of the industrial age, and a world war. This original story was created by Cornelius Cole III. The story follows the influence of the Loc-Nar upon the evolution of a planet, from the Loc-Nar landing in a body of water, influencing the rise of the industrial age, and a world war. This original story was created by Cornelius Cole III.


The original rough animatics are set to a loop of the beginning of ]'s "Time". The 1996 VHS release included this segment at the beginning of the tape. On the DVD release, this segment is included within the bonus features. In both released versions, the sequence is set to the music of "Passacaglia" (from ''Magnificat''), composed and conducted by ]. The original rough animatics are set to a loop of the beginning of ]'s "]". The 1996 VHS release included this segment at the end of the tape. On the DVD release, this segment is included as a bonus feature. In both released versions, the sequence is set to the music of "Passacaglia" (from ''Magnificat''), composed and conducted by ] and with animation studio being produced by ].


===B-17=== ==="B-17"===
A ] ] nicknamed the "Pacific Pearl" makes a difficult bombing run with heavy damage and casualties. As the bomber limps home, the co-pilot goes back to check on the crew. Finding nothing but dead bodies, he notices the Loc-Nar trailing the plane. Informing the pilot, he heads back to the cockpit, when the Loc-Nar rams itself into the plane and reanimates the dead crew members as ]s. The co-pilot is killed, while the pilot parachutes away in time. He lands on an island where he finds a graveyard of airplanes from various times, along with the wrecked airplanes' zombified airmen. A ] ] nicknamed the ''Pacific Pearl'' makes a difficult bombing run and suffers heavy damage with all of the crew except the pilot and co-pilot killed by gunfire. As the bomber limps home, the co-pilot goes back to check on the crew. Finding nothing but dead bodies, he notices the Loc-Nar trailing the plane. Informing the pilot, he heads back to the cockpit, when the Loc-Nar rams itself into the plane and reanimates the dead crew members as ]s. The co-pilot is killed, while the pilot parachutes away in time. He lands on an island where he finds a graveyard of airplanes from various times, along with the wrecked airplanes' zombified airmen, who surround him, sealing the horrified pilot's fate.


'''Cast''' '''Cast'''
* Percy Rodriguez ('''uncredited''') as voice of the Loc-Nar
* Don Francks as Co-Pilot (Holden) * Don Francks as Co-Pilot (Holden)
* ] as Navigator
* George Touliatos as Pilot (Skip) * George Touliatos as Pilot (Skip)
* ] as Navigator


'''Crew''' '''Crew'''
* Barrie Nelson – Director * ] – director
* W.H. Stevens Jr. – Producer * W. H. Stevens Jr. – producer
* ] – Writer * Dan O'Bannon – writer


'''Music''' '''Music'''
* "Heavy Metal (Takin' a Ride)" by ] * "]" by ]

'''Studio'''
* ]

==="So Beautiful & So Dangerous"===
Based on the comic of the same name by ].<ref>{{cite book|title=So Beautiful and So Dangerous|first=Angus |last=McKie|author-link= Angus McKie|publisher=Simon & Schuster|date= April 1, 1979|isbn= 978-0930368418}}</ref>


Dr. Anrak, a prominent scientist, arrives at ] for a meeting regarding mysterious mutations that are plaguing the United States. At the meeting, the doctor tries to dismiss the occurrences. When he sees the Loc-Nar in the locket of Gloria, a beautiful buxom stenographer, he begins to behave erratically and ] her. A colossal starship drills through the roof and abducts the doctor and, by accident, Gloria. The ship's robot is irritated at Anrak, who is actually a malfunctioning ], but its mood changes when it sees Gloria. With the help of the ship's alien pilot Edsel and co-pilot Zeke, the robot convinces Gloria to stay on board and have ] (albeit off-screen). Meanwhile, Edsel and Zeke snort a huge amount of a powdered drug called Plutonian Nyborg before flying home, zoning out on the cosmos. Too intoxicated to fly straight, they crash-land unharmed in a huge space station.
===So Beautiful and So Dangerous===
Dr. Anrak, a prominent scientist, arrives at ] for a meeting regarding mysterious mutations that are plaguing the ]. At the meeting, the doctor tries to dismiss the occurrences, but when he sees the Loc-Nar in the locket of Gloria, a beautiful buxom ], he behaves erratically and attempts to sexually assault her. A colossal starship bursts through the roof and abducts the doctor and, by accident, Gloria. The ship's robot is irritated at Anrak, who is actually a malfunctioning ], but its mood changes when it sees Gloria. With the help of the ship's alien pilot and co-pilot, the robot convinces Gloria to stay on board and have "robot sex". Meanwhile, the pilots snort a massive amount of ] (a powdered substance resembling cocaine) before flying home, zoning out on the cosmos. Too intoxicated to fly straight, they crash while landing into a huge space station.


'''Cast''' '''Cast'''
* Percy Rodriguez ('''uncredited''') as voice of the Loc-Nar
* Rodger Bumpass as Dr. Anrak * Rodger Bumpass as Dr. Anrak
* John Candy as Robot * John Candy as Robot
Line 151: Line 198:
* ] as Gloria * ] as Gloria
* ] as Zeke * ] as Zeke
* Patty Dworkin as Woman Reporter * Patty Dworkin as Female Reporter
* ] as Senator * ] as Senator


'''Crew''' '''Crew'''
* ] – Director * ] – director
* ] – Writer * ] – writer


'''Music''' '''Music'''
Line 163: Line 210:
* "Crazy? (A Suitable Case for Treatment)" by ] * "Crazy? (A Suitable Case for Treatment)" by ]
* "All of You" by Don Felder * "All of You" by Don Felder
* "Prefabricated" by ]
* "Heavy Metal" by ] * "Heavy Metal" by ]
* "Prefabricated" by ]


'''Studio'''
===Taarna===
* ]
Original story by ] and ]; inspired by ]' '']'' stories.


==="Taarna"===
The Loc-Nar, now the size of a giant meteor, crashes into a volcano, changing a tribe of human outcasts into mutated barbarians who ravage a peaceful city. The elders desperately try to summon the last of a warrior race, the Taarakians. Taarna, a strong, beautiful, Taarakian warrior maiden, arrives too late to stop the massacre and resolves to avenge the city. Her search leads to the barbarians' stronghold, where she is captured, tortured, and left for dead. With the help of her Taarakian mount, she escapes and confronts the barbarian leader. Though wounded, she defeats him. With Taarna readying her final attack on the Loc-Nar, it tells her not to sacrifice herself, as she cannot destroy it. She does not relent, and her self-sacrifice destroys the Loc-Nar.
Original story by ] and ]; based on '']'' by ].

The Loc-Nar, now the size of a giant meteor, crashes into a volcano on another world and draws a large mass of curious people. As they begin to climb the volcano, it erupts and green slime covers the crowd, mutating them into an evil barbarian army. The mutants subsequently attack a nearby city of peaceful scholars. Desperate, the city leaders mentally summon the Taarakians, a once powerful yet now declining warrior race with whom the city had a pact, but the city falls before the call can be answered.

Taarna, a beautiful and mute warrior and the last of the Taarakians, receives the summons. After ritually preparing herself, she and her avian mount fly to the beleaguered city, only to find the citizens dead. Determined to avenge them, she begins following the trail of their murderers and encounters a small band of the mutant barbarians. After killing them and with more information at hand, she travels towards the mutant camp, but she and her mount are captured.

Taarna is tortured and thrown into an open pit, unconscious. Her mount escapes and rescues her. She tries going for the Loc-Nar, but the mutants pursue and shoot her mount down. The mutant leader faces Taarna in a duel to the death, wounding her, but Taarna manages to kill him. With the last of their strength, Taarna and her companion make a death flight to the volcano. As they approach, the Loc-Nar warns her off, claiming that sacrificing herself would be futile. Ignoring the Loc-Nar, Taarna unleashes the power imbued in her sword and dives into the volcano, destroying the Loc-Nar.


'''Cast''' '''Cast'''
* Percy Rodriguez ('''uncredited''') as voice of the Loc-Nar * Percy Rodriguez (uncredited) as Loc-Nar
* Don Francks as Barbarian * ] as Boy
* Ned Conlon as Councilman #1
* August Schellenberg as Taarak
* Zal Yanovsky as Barbarian * Len Doncheff as Barbarian #1
* George Touliatos as Barbarian * Don Francks as Barbarian #2
* Joseph Golland as Councilman #2
* ] as Barbarian leader
* Charles Joliffe as Councilman #3
* ] as Elder * ] as Elder
* ] as Taarak
* Thor Bishopric as Boy
* Len Doncheff as Barbarian
* ] as Bartender * ] as Bartender
* Joseph Golland as Councilman * George Touliatos as Barbarian #3
* ] as Barbarian Leader
* Charles Joliffe as Councilman
* Ned Conlon as Councilman * Zal Yanovsky as Barbarian #4


'''Music''' '''Music'''
* "]" by ] * "]" by ]
* "Through Being Cool" by ] * "The Mob Rules" by Black Sabbath
* "]" by Devo * "]" by ]


==="Epilogue"===
* "E5150" by ] is played at the beginning of the sequence. While it sounds like background, the track and ] are played in the order they appear on the ] LP.
As the final story ends, the Loc-Nar that was terrorizing the girl destabilizes and begins breaking up. The girl flees it and her home. The Loc-Nar then explodes, destroying the mansion in the process. Taarna's reborn mount appears outside and the girl happily flies away on it. It is then revealed that Taarna's soul has been reincarnated in the girl, transforming her into a new Taarakian.
* "Vengeance (The Pact)" by ] is a telling of Taarna, and includes the pact that a Defender makes.

===Epilogue===
As the final story ends, the Loc-Nar terrorizing the girl is similarly destroyed, blowing the mansion to pieces. Taarna's mount, reborn, appears outside and the girl happily flies away on it. It is then revealed that Taarna's soul has been transferred across space and time to her. This is further signified by the change in hair color the girl now exhibits and the revelation of the Taarakian mark on her neck. Thus the girl is revealed to be the next Taarakian herself, destined to defend the universe from evil for another generation.


'''Cast''' '''Cast'''
* Percy Rodriguez ('''uncredited''') as voice of the Loc-Nar * Percy Rodriguez (uncredited) as Loc-Nar

'''Music'''
* "]" by Devo


==Production== ==Production==
] gained a deal with ] to create an animated film and asked ] to oversee it.{{sfn|Mazurkewich|1999|p=101}}


The initial script had ] as the framing device for the film, but the script was thrown out after ] refused to allow the usage of his characters. ] and ] created Taarna and a green orb instead.{{sfn|Mazurkewich|1999|p=102}} ] did the character design for Taarna.{{sfn|Mazurkewich|1999|p=104}}
===Animation===

The film uses the ] technique of animation in several shots.<ref name="PM">{{cite web|url=http://www.popmatters.com/pm/column/160872-american-pop-matters-ron-thompson-the-illustrated-man-unsung/|work=]|date=2012-08-02|title='American Pop'... Matters: Ron Thompson, the Illustrated Man Unsung|author=J.C. Maçek III}}</ref> This process consists of shooting models and actors, then tracing the shot onto film for animation purposes.<ref name="PM"/> The B-17 bomber was shot using a 10-foot replica, which was then animated. Additionally, Taarna the Taarakian was rotoscoped, using Toronto model Carole Desbiens as a model for the animated character. The shot of the exploding house near the end of the movie was originally to be rotoscoped, but as the film's release date had been moved up from October/November to August 7, 1981, a lack of time prevented this. This remains as the only non-animated sequence in the film.<ref name="ihmdoc">{{citation |title=Imagining Heavy Metal |year=1999}}</ref>
] was hired to create the opening and closing segments, but script rewrites had the sequences redrawn multiple times. Reitman, displeased with the high expenses, withheld payment. Mills sued and the case was settled out of court. Reitman hired ] to create a new opening.{{sfn|Mazurkewich|1999|p=102}}

] animated ''Harry Canyon'', directed by ], and the B-17 segment by ]. ''Captain Sternn'' was animated by Boxcar films under the direction of Paul Sebella and Julian Szuchopa. ] and TVC animated the other segments. ''Taarna'' was created in Montreal by 11 designers, 30 animators, and 54 assistants under the direction of ]. ], ], and ] worked on ''Taarna''.{{sfn|Mazurkewich|1999|p=101-104}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bfi.org.uk/film/1530d6cd-5dc6-5a0d-bb1a-f757984ea9a2/heavy-metal |title=Heavy Metal (1981) |author=<!--Not stated--> |date= |website=]|access-date=June 26, 2024}}</ref>

Animator ] directed the animation of the "Den" sequence for the film.<ref name=awn>{{cite news|first=Jennifer|last=Wolfe|title='Yellow Submarine' Animation Director Robert Balser Passes at 88|url=http://www.awn.com/news/yellow-submarine-animation-director-robert-balser-passes-88|work=]|date=January 6, 2016|access-date=February 1, 2016}}</ref> The film uses the ] technique of animation in several shots. This process consists of shooting models and actors, then tracing the shot onto film.<ref name="PM">{{cite web|url=https://www.popmatters.com/160872-american-pop-matters-ron-thompson-the-illustrated-man-unsung-2495833587.html|work=]|date=2012-08-02|title='American Pop'... Matters: Ron Thompson, the Illustrated Man Unsung|author=Maçek III, J.C.}}</ref> There is also a short shot of the Pentagon in "So Beautiful & So Dangerous" that contains ].<ref></ref>


==Release== ==Release==
The film was released on August 7, 1981. It was a financial success, grossing over $20 million on a $9 million budget (equivalent to a gross of ${{Inflation|US|20|1981|fmt=c}} million in {{Inflation/year|US}}).<ref name=thenumbers>{{cite web |url=https://www.the-numbers.com/movies/1981/0HE81.php |title=Heavy Metal |publisher=The-Numbers.com |access-date=2009-10-16 |author=Nash Information Services |author-link=The Numbers (website) }}</ref>


===Box office=== ==Reception==
The film was met with mixed response. Review aggregator ] reports that 66% of critics have given the film a positive review based on 35 reviews, with an average rating of 5.8/10 and the critical consensus: "It's ], juvenile, and dated, but ''Heavy Metal'' makes up for its flaws with eye-popping animation and a classic, smartly-used soundtrack."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1068461-heavy_metal/ |title=Heavy Metal Movie Reviews, Pictures |work=] |date=August 7, 1981 |publisher=] |access-date=July 29, 2022}}</ref>
The film was released on August 7, 1981. The release grossed nearly $20,000,000.<ref name=thenumbers>{{cite web |url=http://www.the-numbers.com/movies/1981/0HE81.php | title=Heavy Metal | publisher=The-Numbers.com | accessdate=2009-10-16}}</ref>


] of '']'' wrote that "for anyone who doesn't think an hour and a half is a long time to spend with a comic book, ''Heavy Metal'' is impressive," and noted that the film "was scored very well, with music much less ear-splitting than the title would suggest."<ref name=NYTimes-Maslin>{{cite web | title = Heavy Metal (1981) 'HEAVY METAL,' ADULT CARTOON | author = Janet Maslin | url = https://movies.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9805EFDF153BF934A3575BC0A967948260 | work = ] | date = August 7, 1981 | access-date = May 1, 2009}}</ref> '']'' declared, "Initial segments have a boisterous blend of dynamic graphics, intriguing plot premises and sly wit that unfortunately slide gradually downhill ... Still, the net effect is an overridingly positive one and will likely find its way into upbeat word-of-mouth."<ref>{{cite journal |date=August 5, 1981 |title=Film Reviews: Heavy Metal |journal=] |page=18 }}</ref> ] of the '']'' gave the film three stars, writing that it "isn't intended for close scrutiny on a literal level. The film clearly is intended as a trip, and on that level it works very nicely." He criticized the film as "blatantly sexist" and for having "wildly romanticized" violence.<ref>Siskel, Gene (August 10, 1981). "'Heavy Metal' a fine but disturbing cartoon". '']''. Section 2, p. 8.</ref> ] of the '']'' wrote, "Somehow a great deal of the charm leaked out on the way to the movie house, but all of the sadism stayed put. And then some. It's the most expensive adolescent fantasy revenge fulfillment wet dream ever to slither onto a screen."<ref>Benson, Sheila (August 7, 1981). "'Heavy Metal' ... And the Zap Goes On." '']''. Part VI, p. 9.</ref> John Pym of '']'' found that it was "to put it mildly, something of a hodge-podge."<ref>{{cite journal |last=Pym |first=John |date=December 1981 |title=Heavy Metal |journal=] |volume=48 |issue=575 |page=246 }}</ref> Film historian and critic ] gave the film 3 stars out of 4 in his ''Movie Guide'', calling the feature "... uneven, but great fun on a mindless, adolescent level."<ref>{{cite book | last = Maltin | first = Leonard | title = Leonard Maltin's 1999 Movie & Video Guide | publisher = Signet | year = 1998 | page = 582 | isbn = 0-451-19582-5 }}</ref>
===Critical reception===
Critical response was generally dismissive with some reviewers making positive comments. Review aggregator ] reports that 56% of critics have given the film a positive review based on 27 reviews, with an average rating of 5.6/10 and the critical consensus: "It's ], juvenile, and dated, but ''Heavy Metal'' makes up for its flaws with eye-popping animation and a classic, smartly-used soundtrack."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1068461-heavy_metal/ |title=Heavy Metal Movie Reviews, Pictures |work=] |publisher=] |accessdate=January 24, 2011}}</ref>


On the whole, in terms of individual segments, critics were typically most favorable towards the "Den" story.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.scifimoviepage.com/heavy.html | title=Heavy Metal (1981) | work=Sci Fi Movie Page}}</ref> Maslin of the ''Times'' gave the segment a positive review, writing, "The other highly memorable story is about a bookworm from earth who winds up on another planet, where his spindly body is transformed into that of an extraterrestrial Hercules." She also complimented John Candy's vocal performance as Den.<ref name=NYTimes-Maslin />
] of '']'' noted that the film "was scored very well, with music much less ear-splitting than the title would suggest."<ref>{{cite web | title = Heavy Metal (1981) 'HEAVY METAL,' ADULT CARTOON | author = Janet Maslin | url = http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9805EFDF153BF934A3575BC0A967948260 | work = ] | date = 1981-08-07 | accessdate = 2009-05-01}}</ref> Film historian and critic ] gave the film 3 stars out of 4 in his ''Movie Guide'', calling the feature "...uneven, but great fun on a mindless, adolescent level."<ref>{{cite book | last = Maltin | first = Leonard | title = Leonard Maltin's 1999 Movie & Video Guide | publisher = Signet | year = 1998 | page = 582 | isbn = 0-451-19582-5 }}</ref>


Christopher John reviewed ''Heavy Metal'' in '']'' #11 and commented that "Sadly, what could have been a true boost for animation in this country{{efn|Referring to the United States, not Canada.}} is a weak, opportunistic failure, put together with very little care and no love at all."<ref name="Ares">{{cite journal | last=John | first=Christopher | title=Film & Television | journal=] | publisher=] | date=November 1981 | issue=11 | page=22}}</ref>
===Audience reaction===
The film enjoyed only limited appeal in its initial run, but became a popular ] for ], much like '']''. Legal problems with the copyrights for some of the music used in the film prevented a commercial home video release for 15 years, although the film was in rotation on some cable channels, including ], ] and ], which allowed fans to record it and circulate ] copies.


==Home media== ==Home media==
''Heavy Metal'' aired frequently on ]/] throughout the 1980s and 90s.<ref name=LATimes1996 />
Prior to official release on ] and ] in 1996, the film was re-released to select theaters on March 8, 1996 taking in $550,000.<ref name=boxofficemojo>{{cite web | url=http://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=meavymetal96.htm | title=Heavy Metal Reissue | publisher=BoxOfficeMojo.com | accessdate=2009-10-16}}</ref> The subsequent home video release moved over one million units.<ref name="ihmdoc" />


Prior to official release on ] and ] in 1996, the film was re-released to 54 theatres on March 8, 1996,<ref name=LATimes1996>{{cite news|title=Cult Favorite 'Heavy Metal' Once Again Making Noise|first=DONALD |last=LIEBENSON|work=Los Angeles Times|date=Mar 9, 1996|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-03-09-ca-44792-story.html}}</ref> remixed in ]'s 8-track ] audio system, taking in US$550,000 ({{Inflation|US|550000|1996|fmt=eq}}).<ref name=boxofficemojo>{{cite web | url=https://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=meavymetal96.htm | title=Heavy Metal Reissue | publisher=BoxOfficeMojo.com | access-date=October 16, 2009}}</ref> The subsequent home video release, the first animated film issued on the VHS format to be ]-certified, moved over one million units.<ref name="ihmdoc">{{cite video |title=Imagining Heavy Metal |year=1999|people=] (director)}}</ref>
The film was released on ] on February 1, 2011 as a ] exclusive and it was later released everywhere on June 14.<ref></ref>


The film was released on ] on February 1, 2011 as a ] exclusive and it was later released everywhere on June 14, 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bluray.ign.com/articles/114/1145099p1.html|title=Heavy Metal Rocks Best Buy|author=David McCutcheon|date=January 20, 2011|work=IGN}}</ref>
==Soundtrack==

{{Infobox album <!-- See Misplaced Pages:WikiProject_Albums -->
A remastered ] version was released on ] on April 19, 2022, bundled with a Blu-ray Disc release of the sequel, '']'' (2000).<ref>{{cite web |title=Heavy Metal 4K Blu-ray SteelBook Edition |url=https://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=30128 |website=Blu-ray.com |access-date=14 February 2022 |date=11 February 2022}}</ref>
| Name = Heavy Metal

| Type = soundtrack
==Music==
| Artist = Various artists
===Soundtrack===
| Cover =
{{Infobox album
| Released = July 1981
| name = Heavy Metal: Music from the Motion Picture
| Recorded =
| type = soundtrack
| Genre =
| artist = various artists
| Length =
| cover =
| Label = ]/]/]
| Producer = | alt =
| released = July 1981
| Chronology = '']'' film soundtracks
| Last album = | recorded =
| venue =
| This album = '''''Heavy Metal OST'''''<br />(1981)
| studio =
| Next album = '']''<br />(2000)
| genre = {{Flatlist|
* ]<ref name=AM/>
* ]<ref name=AM/>
}}
| length =
| label = ]/]/]
| producer =
| chronology = '']'' film soundtracks
| prev_title =
| prev_year =
| next_title = ]
| next_year = 2000
| misc = {{Singles
| name = Heavy Metal: Music from the Motion Picture
| type = Soundtrack
| single1 = ]
| single1date = July 1981
| single2 = ]
| single2date = August 1981
| single3 = ]
| single3date = August 17, 1981
| single4 = Heavy Metal (original version)
| single4date = September 1981
| single5 = True Companion / All of You
| single5date = November 1981
| single6 = ]
| single6date = January 8, 1982
}}
}}
{{music ratings
| rev1 = ]
| rev1score = {{rating|4.5}}<ref name=AM>{{cite web|publisher=]|last=Adams|first=Bret|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/heavy-metal-mw0000691227|title=Heavy Metal - Original Soundtrack|access-date=December 31, 2019}}</ref>
}} }}
The soundtrack was released on ] in 1981, but for legal reasons, was not released on ] until 1995. The album peaked at number 12 on the ] chart. ] wrote and recorded a song called "Vengeance (The Pact)" for the film, but the producers declined to use the song because the lyrics provided a capsulized summary of the "Taarna" vignette. "]" was used instead. Both songs can be found on Blue Öyster Cult's album '']''. Though used in the film, the songs "Through Being Cool" by ] and "E5150" by ] were not included in the released soundtrack album. These songs are on '']'' and '']'', respectively. The soundtrack was released on ] in 1981, but for legal reasons, was not released on ] until 1995.<ref name=LATimes1996 /> The album peaked at number 12 on the ] chart. The film's theme song, "]" was sung by ]. It was released as a single in the U.S. and reached number 43 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100<ref>''Joel Whitburn's Top Pop Singles 1955-1990'' - {{ISBN|0-89820-089-X}}</ref> and number five on the ] chart on September 19, 1981.<ref></ref>


] wrote and recorded a song called "Vengeance (The Pact)" for the film, but the producers declined to use the song because the lyrics provided a capsulized summary of the "Taarna" vignette. "]" was used instead. Both songs can be found on Blue Öyster Cult's album '']''. Although used in the film, the songs "]" by ] and "E5150" by ] were not included in the released soundtrack album. These songs are on '']'' and '']'', respectively.
The legal difficulties surrounding the use of some songs in the movie delayed its release to home video. The production company's use of some songs were limited solely to the theatrical release and soundtrack and did not include home video releases. It was not until 1996 that there was an official home video release on ] when ], who had bought the publishing rights of ''Heavy Metal'' magazine in 1992 and previously contributed to the magazine, reached a settlement with the music copyright holders.

The legal difficulties surrounding the use of some songs in the film delayed its release to home media. The production company's use of some songs was limited solely to the theatrical release and soundtrack and did not include home media releases. It was not until 1996 that there was an official home media release on ] when ], who had bought the publishing rights of ''Heavy Metal'' magazine in 1992 and previously contributed to the magazine, reached a settlement with the music copyright holders.<ref name=LATimes1996 /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/heavy-metal-soundtrack/|title=35 Years Ago: Sammy Hagar, Black Sabbath and More Appear on 'Heavy Metal' Soundtrack|last=Konow|first=David|website=Ultimate Classic Rock|date=August 2, 2016 |language=en|access-date=May 8, 2019}}</ref>

The original LP contained four tracks per side and was programmed in stackable order (A, D, B, C).

Rhino Records reissued the two-LP collection in 2017, programmed in standard order (A, B, C, D), as part of their "Rocktober" collection.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rhino.com/product/heavy-metal-music-from-the-motion-picture|title = Various Artists - Heavy Metal (Music from the Motion Picture) &#124; Rhino}}</ref>


{{Track listing {{Track listing
| headline = | headline =
| extra_column = Artist | extra_column = Artist
| total_length = | total_length =
| writing_credits = | writing_credits =
| title1 = Heavy Metal | title1 = Heavy Metal
| note1 = Original Version | note1 = original version
| writer1 = | writer1 =
| extra1 = ] | extra1 = ]
| length1 = 3:50 | length1 = 3:50
| title2 = Heartbeat | title2 = Heartbeat
| writer2 = | writer2 =
| extra2 = ] | extra2 = ]
| length2 = 4:20 | length2 = 4:20
| title3 = ] | title3 = ]
| writer3 = | writer3 =
| extra3 = ] | extra3 = ]
| length3 = 2:48 | length3 = 2:48
| title4 = ] | title4 = ]
| writer4 = | writer4 =
| extra4 = ] | extra4 = ]
| length4 = 4:48 | length4 = 4:48
| title5 = ] | title5 = ]
| writer5 = | writer5 =
| extra5 = ] | extra5 = ]
| length5 = 3:35 | length5 = 3:35
| title6 = Heavy Metal (Takin' a Ride) | title6 = ]
| writer6 = | writer6 =
| extra6 = ] | extra6 = ]
| length6 = 5:00 | length6 = 5:00
| title7 = True Companion | title7 = True Companion
| writer7 = | writer7 =
| extra7 = ] | extra7 = ]
| length7 = 5:02 | length7 = 5:02
| title8 = Crazy (A Suitable Case for Treatment) | title8 = Crazy (A Suitable Case for Treatment)
| writer8 = | writer8 =
| extra8 = ] | extra8 = ]
| length8 = 3:24 | length8 = 3:24
| title9 = Radar Rider | title9 = Radar Rider
| writer9 = | writer9 =
| extra9 = ] | extra9 = Riggs
| length9 = 2:40 | length9 = 2:40
| title10 = ] | title10 = ]
| writer10 = | writer10 =
| extra10 = ] | extra10 = ]
| length10 = 3:20 | length10 = 3:20
| title11 = Queen Bee | title11 = Queen Bee
| writer11 = | writer11 =
| extra11 = ] | extra11 = ]
| length11 = 3:11 | length11 = 3:11
| title12 = I Must Be Dreamin' | title12 = I Must Be Dreamin{{'-}}
| writer12 = | writer12 =
| extra12 = ] | extra12 = Cheap Trick
| length12 = 5:37 | length12 = 5:37
| title13 = ] | title13 = The Mob Rules
| note13 = alternate version | note13 = alternate version
| writer13 = | writer13 =
| extra13 = ] | extra13 = ]
| length13 = 3:16 | length13 = 3:16
| title14 = All of You | title14 = All of You
| writer14 = | writer14 =
| extra14 = ] | extra14 = Don Felder
| length14 = 4:18 | length14 = 4:18
| title15 = Prefabricated | title15 = Prefabricated
| writer15 = | writer15 =
| extra15 = ] | extra15 = ]
| length15 = 2:59 | length15 = 2:59
| title16 = Blue Lamp | title16 = Blue Lamp
| writer16 = | writer16 =
| extra16 = ] | extra16 = ]
| length16 = 3:48 | length16 = 3:48
}} }}

====Charts====
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!Chart (1981–1982)
!Peak<br>position
|-
{{album chart|Billboard200|12|artist=Soundtrack|access-date=October 20, 2021}}
|}

====Certifications====
{{Certification Table Top}}
{{Certification Table Entry|title=Heavy Metal - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack|artist=Various Artists|type=album|relyear=1981|region=Canada|award=Platinum|certyear=1982}}
{{Certification Table Entry|title=Heavy Metal|artist=Soundtrack|type=album|relyear=1981|region=United States|award=Platinum|certyear=2004}}
{{Certification Table Bottom|nosales=true}}


===Score=== ===Score===
Unusual for the time, an ] of ]'s score was released alongside the soundtrack in 1981, and it featured the composer's first use of the ], an instrument which became a trademark of Bernstein's later career. On March 13, 2008, '']'' released an official, expanded CD release of Bernstein's score, which he conducted.<ref> from ScreenArchives.com</ref> The score was performed by the ] with the ] and ] on the ondes Martenot. Unusual for the time, an ] of ]'s score was released alongside the soundtrack in 1981, and it featured the composer's first use of the ], an instrument which became a trademark of Bernstein's later career. On March 13, 2008, '']'' released an official, expanded CD release of Bernstein's score, which he conducted.<ref> from ScreenArchives.com</ref> The score was performed by the ] with the ] and ] on the ondes Martenot.


'''Original track listing''': '''Original track listing''':
Line 365: Line 477:
# "Barbarians" (album edit) 3:34 # "Barbarians" (album edit) 3:34


==Legacy== ==Sequel==
The sequel, titled '']'', was released in 2000. Upon its release, ''Heavy Metal 2000'' received negative reviews from critics and has fallen into obscurity.
References to the film in popular culture include "]", an episode of '']'' that takes inspiration from this film.


== Legacy and cultural impact ==
===Sequel===
Several years after the film's release, ''Heavy Metal'' managed to achieve a strong ] mainly through ], TV showings, and home video releases.<ref name=LATimes1996 />
The first ], titled '']'', was released in 2000. A second sequel has been in various stages of development since.{{citation needed|date=November 2012}}


The film served as inspiration for many animation and science fiction films and shows following it, such as '']'' (1982),<ref>{{cite magazine|department=FILM|title=RIDLEY SCOTT'S BLADE RUNNER|first=Scott |last=Bukatman|magazine=ArtForum|date=Dec 1992|volume= 31|number= 4|url=https://www.artforum.com/columns/ridley-scotts-blade-runner-203281/|quote=The film’s visual design, primarily by Lawrence Paull and Syd Mead, was partly derived from the art style of ''Heavy Metal'' magazine, as drawn by artists like Moebius (Jean Giraud), Philippe Druillet, and Angus McKie.}}</ref> '']'' (1985),{{citation needed|date=May 2024}} '']'' (1987),{{citation needed|date=May 2024}} '']'' (1988),{{citation needed|date=May 2024}} '']'' (1997),{{citation needed|date=May 2024}} '']'' (2000),{{citation needed|date=May 2024}} '']'' (2016),<ref>{{cite web|title='Sausage Party' Directors Conrad Vernon & Greg Tiernan On Making 2016's Most Outlandish Animated Film
===Remake===
|first=AMID |last=AMIDI | date=Aug 12, 2016|work=]|url=https://www.cartoonbrew.com/feature-film/sausage-party-directors-conrad-vernon-greg-tiernan-making-2016s-outlandish-animated-film-142425.html}}</ref> ] (2018),{{citation needed|date=May 2024}} '']'' (2021),<ref>{{cite web|title=SXSW Interview: 'The Spine of Night' Filmmakers Talk About Their Animated Work |first=Mitchell |last=Beaupre|work=Awards Radar|url=https://awardsradar.com/2021/03/19/sxsw-interview-the-spine-of-night-filmmakers-talk-about-their-animated-work/|date=Mar 19, 2021}}</ref> '']'',{{citation needed|date=May 2024}} and '']''.{{citation needed|date=July 2023}}
In March 2008, '']'' reported that ] was set to make another animated film with ] "spearheading the project". Kevin Eastman, who is the current owner and publisher of '']'', will direct a segment, as will Tim Miller, "whose ] will handle the animation for what is being conceived as an R-rated, adult-themed feature".<ref>{{cite web | title = Par, Fincher put pedal to 'Metal' Eastman, Miller to direct animated segments | author = Michael Fleming | url = http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117982413.html?categoryid=1050&cs=1 | publisher = '']'' | date = 2008-03-13 | accessdate = 2008-09-21}}</ref>


The film was parodied in a season 12 episode of the adult animated comedy series '']'' entitled "]" (2008; S12E03), which also featured songs from the film's soundtrack.<ref name=HuffingtonPost>{{cite web |url=http://www.aoltv.com/2008/03/26/south-park-major-boobage/ |title=South Park: Major Boobage |accessdate=2008-03-29 |last=Trechak |first=Brad |date=March 27, 2008 |work=] |archive-date=2012-03-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120325123227/http://www.aoltv.com/2008/03/26/south-park-major-boobage/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
Entertainment website ] announced, on July 14, 2008, "David Fincher's edgy new project has suffered a serious setback after it was dropped by Paramount, according to '']''."<ref>{{cite web | title = Fincher's Heavy Metal on Hold Paramount drops sci-fi/fantasy project. | author = Orlando Parfitt | url = http://movies.ign.com/articles/888/888803p1.html | publisher = ] | date = 2008-07-14 | accessdate = 2008-09-21}}</ref> However, ''Entertainment Weekly'' quoted Tim Miller as saying "David really believes in the project. It's just a matter of time."<ref name="Nicole Sperling">{{cite web | title = David Fincher's 'Heavy Metal' remake a no-go at Paramount | author = Nicole Sperling | url = http://hollywoodinsider.ew.com/2008/07/david-fincher.html | publisher = '']'' | date = 2008-07-09 | accessdate = 2008-09-21}}{{dead link|date=June 2012}}</ref>


Some news reports have suggested that ''Heavy Metal'' was an influence for ] ] in 2018, which seems to reference the film's title sequence "Soft Landing", in which a space traveler lands on Earth in a ] convertible two-seater.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://edge.ca/news/4011097/a-canadian-american-predicted-what-elon-musks-rocket-roadster-did-yesterday-in-1981/ |title=A Canadian-American predicted what Elon Musk's rocket roadster did yesterday—in 1981! |first=Alan |last=Cross |work=] |date=2018-02-07 |access-date=2018-02-11 |quote=picture is not fake photo is from space resemblance to the opening sequence of a Canadian-American adult animated movie from 1981 called ''Heavy Metal'' |archive-date=2020-06-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200613114306/https://edge.ca/news/4011097/a-canadian-american-predicted-what-elon-musks-rocket-roadster-did-yesterday-in-1981/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/how-tesla-and-spacex-have-already-merged-2018-2 |title=The Falcon Heavy Roadster Launch reveals how Tesla and SpaceX are already beginning to merge |first=Matthew |last=DeBord |website=] UK |date=2018-02-10 |access-date=2018-02-11 |quote=Roadster orbiting Earth like something out of the opening sequence from the 1981 grownup animated movie "Heavy Metal" |archive-date=2018-10-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181023112633/http://uk.businessinsider.com/how-tesla-and-spacex-have-already-merged-2018-2 |url-status=live }}</ref>
In September 2008, Eastman was quoted as saying "Fincher is directing one, ] wants to direct one, ] wants to direct one, ] wants to direct one." It was reported that the film had been moved to ] division ] (which had released the original) and had a budget of $50 million.<ref>{{cite web | title = Zack Snyder, Gore Verbinski, Guillermo del Toro Directing Heavy Metal Segments? | author = Alex Billington | url = http://www.firstshowing.net/2008/09/04/zack-snyder-gore-verbinski-guillermo-del-toro-directing-heavy-metal-segments/ | publisher = firstshowing.net | date = 2008-09-04 | accessdate = 2008-09-21}}</ref>


Both ''Heavy Metal'' and the British animated film '']'' (1978) served as strong influences on the animation and anthology styles of the music video "]" by ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Exploring the 80s animation references in The Strokes' At The Door video |url=https://www.itsnicethat.com/articles/mike-burakoff-benjy-brooke-the-strokes-at-the-door-music-video-animation-170220 |access-date=2023-11-13 |website=www.itsnicethat.com |language=en}}</ref>
In June 2009, Eastman said "I’ve got breaking news that Fincher and ] are going to be co-executive producers on the film, Cameron will direct one.<ref>{{cite web|last=Fleming|first=Mike|title=Fincher Brings Mettle To Passion Project|url=http://www.deadline.com/2010/03/fincher-brings-mettle-to-passion-project/|publisher=Deadline}}</ref> ] and ] from ] were going to do a comedy segment for the film."<ref>{{cite web | title = James Cameron Forging a Piece of Heavy Metal | author = ComingSoon.net | url = http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=56098 | publisher = comingsoon.net | date = 2009-06-06 | accessdate = 2009-06-06}}</ref>


==Remake==
However, production is ], as no film distributor or production company has shown interest in distributing or producing the remake since Paramount Pictures decided to forgo being the film's distributor,<ref>{{cite web | title = David Fincher Can't Get Funding for "Heavy Metal" | author = MTV News | url = http://www.worstpreviews.com/headline.php?id=18775 | publisher = worstpreviews.com | date = 2010-08-25 | accessdate = 2011-05-07}}</ref> who purportedly thought such a film was "too risque for mainstream audiences."<ref name="Nicole Sperling"/>
In March 2008, '']'' reported that ] was set to make another animated film with ] "spearheading the project". ], who was at the time the owner and publisher of '']'', was to direct a segment, as would ], "whose ] will handle the animation for what is being conceived as an R-rated, adult-themed feature".<ref>{{cite web | title=Par, Fincher put pedal to 'Metal' Eastman, Miller to direct animated segments | author=Michael Fleming | url=https://variety.com/2008/digital/markets-festivals/par-fincher-put-pedal-to-metal-1117982413/ | work=] | date=March 13, 2008 | access-date= September 21, 2008}}</ref>


Entertainment website ] announced, on July 14, 2008, "David Fincher's edgy new project has suffered a serious setback after it was dropped by Paramount, according to '']''."<ref>{{cite web | title = Fincher's Heavy Metal on Hold Paramount drops sci-fi/fantasy project. | author = Orlando Parfitt | url = http://movies.ign.com/articles/888/888803p1.html | website = ] | date = July 14, 2008 | access-date = September 21, 2008}}</ref> ''Entertainment Weekly'' quoted Tim Miller as saying "David really believes in the project. It's just a matter of time."<ref name="Nicole Sperling">{{cite magazine|title=David Fincher's 'Heavy Metal' remake a no-go at Paramount |author=Nicole Sperling |url=http://hollywoodinsider.ew.com/2008/07/david-fincher.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081030092943/http://hollywoodinsider.ew.com/2008/07/david-fincher.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 30, 2008 |magazine=] |date= July 9, 2008 |access-date=September 21, 2008}}</ref>
In July 2011, filmmaker ] announced at ] that he had purchased the film rights to ''Heavy Metal'' and planned to develop a new animated film at the new Quick Draw Studios.<ref>{{cite web | title = SDCC: Robert Rodriguez Takes Heavy Metal | author = ComingSoon.net | url = http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=80106 | publisher = comingsoon.net | date = 2011-07-21 | accessdate = 2011-11-26}}</ref> However, on March 11, 2014, with the formation of his very own television network, ], Rodriguez considered switching gears and bringing it to TV.<ref>{{cite web | title = Robert Rodriguez May Bring ‘Heavy Metal’ to TV; Prepared to Make ‘Sin City 3’ | author = ScreenRant.com | url = http://screenrant.com/heavy-metal-tv-show-robert-rodriguez/ | publisher = screenrant.com | date = 2014-03-11 | accessdate = 2014-07-19}}</ref>

In September 2008, Eastman was quoted as saying "Fincher is directing one, ] wants to direct one, ] wants to direct one, ] wants to direct one". It was reported that the film had been moved to ] division ] (which had released the original) and had a budget of $50 million.<ref>{{cite web | title = Zack Snyder, Gore Verbinski, Guillermo del Toro Directing Heavy Metal Segments? | author = Alex Billington | url = http://www.firstshowing.net/2008/09/04/zack-snyder-gore-verbinski-guillermo-del-toro-directing-heavy-metal-segments/ | publisher = firstshowing.net | date = September 4, 2008 | access-date = September 21, 2008}}</ref>

In June 2009, Eastman said "I've got breaking news that Fincher and ] are going to be co-executive producers on the film, Cameron will direct one.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Fleming|first=Mike|title=Fincher Brings Mettle To Passion Project|url=https://deadline.com/2010/03/fincher-brings-mettle-to-passion-project-28177/|magazine=Deadline}}</ref> ] and ] from ] were going to do a comedy segment for the film."<ref>{{cite web | title = James Cameron Forging a Piece of Heavy Metal | author = ComingSoon.net | url = https://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=56098 | publisher = comingsoon.net | date = June 6, 2009 | access-date = June 6, 2009 | archive-date = June 8, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090608165439/https://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=56098 | url-status = dead }}</ref>

Production is ], as no film distributor or production company has shown interest in distributing or producing the remake since Paramount Pictures decided to forgo being the film's distributor,<ref>{{cite web | title = David Fincher Can't Get Funding for "Heavy Metal" | author = MTV News | url = http://www.worstpreviews.com/headline.php?id=18775 | publisher = worstpreviews.com | date = August 25, 2010 | access-date = May 7, 2011 | archive-date = August 26, 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100826060652/http://www.worstpreviews.com/headline.php?id=18775 | url-status = dead }}</ref> who purportedly thought such a film was "too risqué for mainstream audiences".<ref name="Nicole Sperling"/>

In July 2011, filmmaker ] announced at ] that he had purchased the film rights to ''Heavy Metal'' and planned to develop a new animated film at the new Quick Draw Studios.<ref>{{cite web | title = SDCC: Robert Rodriguez Takes Heavy Metal | author = ComingSoon.net | url = https://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=80106 | publisher = comingsoon.net | date = July 21, 2011 | access-date = November 26, 2011 | archive-date = March 14, 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120314085106/http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=80106 | url-status = dead }}</ref> On March 11, 2014, with the formation of his own television network, ], Rodriguez considered switching gears and bringing it to TV.<ref>{{cite web | title = Robert Rodriguez May Bring 'Heavy Metal' to TV; Prepared to Make 'Sin City 3' | author = ScreenRant.com | url = https://screenrant.com/heavy-metal-tv-show-robert-rodriguez/ | publisher = screenrant.com | date = March 11, 2014 | access-date = July 19, 2014}}</ref>

On March 15, 2019, the reboot was released on ] as a reimagining titled '']''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://au.ign.com/articles/2019/03/16/how-david-fincher-and-tim-millers-heavy-metal-reboot-became-netflixs-love-death-and-robots|title=How David Fincher and Tim Miller's Heavy Metal Reboot Became Netflix's Love, Death & Robots|last=Schwartz|first=Terri|date=February 16, 2019|website=IGN|language=en-US|access-date=March 17, 2019}}</ref>

==See also==
*]

== Notes ==
{{notelist}}


==References== ==References==
{{reflist|2}} {{Reflist|1}}

==Works cited==
* {{cite book|last=Mazurkewich |first=Karen |title=Cartoon Capers: The History of Canadian Animators |publisher=] |date=1999 |url=https://archive.org/details/cartooncapershis0000mazu |isbn=1-55278-093-7}}


==External links== ==External links==
{{Portal|Film|United States|Canada|Fantasy|Science fiction|1980s}}
* {{Official website|http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/heavymetal/}} * {{Official website|http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/heavymetal/}}
* {{IMDb title|0082509|Heavy Metal}} * {{IMDb title|0082509|Heavy Metal}}
* {{bcdb title|20567|Heavy Metal}} * {{TCMDb title|20081|Heavy Metal}}
* {{mojo title|heavymetal|Heavy Metal}} * {{mojo title|heavymetal|Heavy Metal}}
* {{rotten-tomatoes|1068461-heavy_metal|Heavy Metal}} * {{rotten-tomatoes|1068461-heavy_metal|Heavy Metal}}
* questions, answers and more @ the SoundtrackINFO project * questions, answers and more @ the SoundtrackINFO project
* *

{{Dan O'Bannon}}
{{Ivan Reitman}}
{{Sony theatrical animated features}}
{{Authority control}}


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Latest revision as of 06:15, 1 January 2025

1981 Canadian/American film This article is about the 1981 film. For the 2000 sequel, see Heavy Metal 2000. For films about heavy metal music, see Category:Heavy metal films.

Heavy Metal
Theatrical release poster
Directed byGerald Potterton
Screenplay by
Based onOriginal art and stories
by
Produced byIvan Reitman
Leonard Mogel
Starring
Edited by
  • Ian Llande
  • Mick Manning
  • Gerald Tripp
Music byElmer Bernstein
Color processMetrocolor
Production
companies		Guardian Trust Company
Canadian Film Development Corporation
Famous Players
Potterton Productions
Distributed byColumbia Pictures
Release date
  • August 7, 1981 (1981-08-07)
Running time90 minutes
CountryCanada
LanguageEnglish
Budget$9.3 million
Box office$20.1 million

Heavy Metal is a 1981 Canadian adult animated science fantasy anthology film directed by Gerald Potterton (in his director debut) and produced by Ivan Reitman and Leonard Mogel, who also was the publisher of Heavy Metal magazine, which was the basis for the film. It starred the voices of Rodger Bumpass, Jackie Burroughs, John Candy, Joe Flaherty, Don Francks, Martin Lavut, Marilyn Lightstone, Eugene Levy, Alice Playten, Harold Ramis, Percy Rodriguez, Susan Roman, Richard Romanus, August Schellenberg, John Vernon, and Zal Yanovsky. The screenplay was written by Daniel Goldberg and Len Blum.

The film is an anthology of various science-fiction and fantasy stories tied together by a single theme of an evil force that is "the sum of all evils". It was adapted from Heavy Metal magazine and original stories in the same spirit. Like the magazine, the film features a great deal of graphic violence, sexuality, and nudity. Its production was expedited by having several animation houses working simultaneously on different segments.

Upon release, the film received mixed reviews from critics but was a moderate commercial success and has since achieved a cult following. Its soundtrack was packaged by music manager Irving Azoff and included several popular rock bands and artists, including Black Sabbath, Blue Öyster Cult, Sammy Hagar, Don Felder, Cheap Trick, DEVO, Journey, and Nazareth, among others.

A sequel, Heavy Metal 2000, was released in 2000.

Plot

"Soft Landing"

The title sequence was based on the comic of the same name by Dan O'Bannon and Thomas Warkentin.

The title sequence story opens with a Space Shuttle orbiting the Earth. The bay doors open, releasing a 1960 Corvette. An astronaut seated in the car then begins descending through Earth's atmosphere, landing in a desert canyon.

Crew

Music

Studio

  • MGM Titles
  • T.V. Cartoons Ltd

"Grimaldi"

In the framing story, the astronaut Grimaldi arrives at home where he is greeted by his daughter. He says he has something to show her. When he opens his case, a green, crystalline sphere rises out and melts him. It introduces itself to the terrified girl as "the sum of all evils". Looking into the orb known as the Loc-Nar, the girl sees how it has influenced societies throughout time and space.

Cast

Crew

Studio

"Harry Canyon"

Original story by Daniel Goldberg and Len Blum; based on The Long Tomorrow by Moebius.

In a dystopian and crime-ridden New York City in 2031, cynical taxicab driver Harry Canyon narrates his day in film noir style, grumbling about his fares and frequent robbery attempts he thwarts with a disintegrator installed in the back of his seat. He stumbles into an incident where he rescues a red-haired young woman from Rudnick, a gangster who murdered her father. She explains that her father discovered the Loc-Nar, and they have been pursued relentlessly by people attempting to obtain it. Harry takes her to his apartment, where they have sex. She decides to sell the Loc-Nar to Rudnick and split the money with Harry. Rudnick is disintegrated by the Loc-Nar at the exchange, and she attempts to double-cross Harry to keep the money for herself. When she pulls out a gun, Harry uses the disintegrator on her. He keeps the money, and summarizes the incident as a "two-day ride with one hell of a tip".

Cast

Crew

Music

Studio

"Den"

Based on the character of the same name created by Richard Corben.

A nerdy teenager finds a "green meteorite" near his house and adds it to his rock collection. During a lightning experiment, the orb hurls the young man into the world of Neverwhere, where he transforms into a naked, muscular man called Den, an acronym for his earth name, David Ellis Norman. There, Den witnesses a strange ritual, rescuing a beautiful young woman who is about to be sacrificed to Uhluhtc. Reaching safety, she introduces herself as Katherine Wells from the British colony of Gibraltar. The two start having sex, but are interrupted by the minions of Ard, an immortal man who wants to obtain the Loc-Nar for himself. After being taken to see Ard, Den demands to see Katherine. His request is ignored and Ard orders his men to castrate Den. Den fights off the soldiers and shoots Ard, who is immortal and heals immediately. The girl turns out to be sleeping, encased in glass under a spell where only Ard can awaken her. Ard offers Den a deal: if he gets the Loc-Nar from the Queen and brings it to him, the girl will be released. Den agrees and infiltrates the palace along with Ard's best soldier, Norl. They are promptly caught by the Queen's guards, but she offers leniency if Den has sex with her. He complies, thereby distracting the Queen while the raiding party steals the Loc-Nar. Den escapes and races back to rescue Katherine from Ard. Recreating the lightning incident that drew him to Neverwhere, he is able to banish Ard and the Queen. Den suspects that they were teleported to Earth. Refusing the opportunity to take the Loc-Nar for himself, Den rides with Katherine into the sunset, content to remain in Neverwhere. As for the Loc-Nar, it rises into the sky and lands on a space station where it is picked up by someone else.

Cast

Crew

Studio

  • Votetone

"Captain Sternn"

Based on the character of the same name created by Bernie Wrightson.

On a space station, crooked space captain Lincoln F. Sternn is on trial for numerous serious charges presented by the prosecutor consisting of 12 counts of murder in the first degree, 14 counts of armed theft of Federation property, 22 counts of piracy in high space, 18 counts of fraud, 37 counts of rape — and one moving violation. Pleading "not guilty" against the advice of his lawyer Charlie, Sternn explains that he expects to be acquitted because he bribed a witness named Hanover Fiste. Fiste takes the stand upon being called to by the prosecutor, but his perjury is subverted when the Loc-Nar, now the size of a marble, causes him to blurt out highly incriminating statements about Sternn (though whether or not any of them are true is unknown) before changing him into a hulking muscular brute that chases Sternn throughout the station, breaking through bulkheads and wreaking havoc. Eventually, he corners Sternn, who gives him his promised payoff, and he promptly shrinks back to his scrawny original form. Sternn opens a trap door under Fiste, ejecting him into space. The Loc-Nar enters Earth's atmosphere with Fiste's flaming severed hand still clinging to it.

Cast

Crew

  • Julian Szuchopa – director
  • Paul Sebella – director
  • Bernie Wrightson – writer

Music

Studio

  • Boxcar Animation Studios Inc

"Neverwhere Land"

Because of time constraints, a segment called "Neverwhere Land", which would have connected "Captain Sternn" to "B-17", was cut.

The story follows the influence of the Loc-Nar upon the evolution of a planet, from the Loc-Nar landing in a body of water, influencing the rise of the industrial age, and a world war. This original story was created by Cornelius Cole III.

The original rough animatics are set to a loop of the beginning of Pink Floyd's "Time". The 1996 VHS release included this segment at the end of the tape. On the DVD release, this segment is included as a bonus feature. In both released versions, the sequence is set to the music of "Passacaglia" (from Magnificat), composed and conducted by Krzysztof Penderecki and with animation studio being produced by Duck Soup Produckions.

"B-17"

A World War II B-17 bomber nicknamed the Pacific Pearl makes a difficult bombing run and suffers heavy damage with all of the crew except the pilot and co-pilot killed by gunfire. As the bomber limps home, the co-pilot goes back to check on the crew. Finding nothing but dead bodies, he notices the Loc-Nar trailing the plane. Informing the pilot, he heads back to the cockpit, when the Loc-Nar rams itself into the plane and reanimates the dead crew members as zombies. The co-pilot is killed, while the pilot parachutes away in time. He lands on an island where he finds a graveyard of airplanes from various times, along with the wrecked airplanes' zombified airmen, who surround him, sealing the horrified pilot's fate.

Cast

  • Don Francks as Co-Pilot (Holden)
  • George Touliatos as Pilot (Skip)
  • Zal Yanovsky as Navigator

Crew

  • Barrie Nelson – director
  • W. H. Stevens Jr. – producer
  • Dan O'Bannon – writer

Music

Studio

"So Beautiful & So Dangerous"

Based on the comic of the same name by Angus McKie.

Dr. Anrak, a prominent scientist, arrives at The Pentagon for a meeting regarding mysterious mutations that are plaguing the United States. At the meeting, the doctor tries to dismiss the occurrences. When he sees the Loc-Nar in the locket of Gloria, a beautiful buxom stenographer, he begins to behave erratically and motorboats her. A colossal starship drills through the roof and abducts the doctor and, by accident, Gloria. The ship's robot is irritated at Anrak, who is actually a malfunctioning android, but its mood changes when it sees Gloria. With the help of the ship's alien pilot Edsel and co-pilot Zeke, the robot convinces Gloria to stay on board and have "robot sex" (albeit off-screen). Meanwhile, Edsel and Zeke snort a huge amount of a powdered drug called Plutonian Nyborg before flying home, zoning out on the cosmos. Too intoxicated to fly straight, they crash-land unharmed in a huge space station.

Cast

  • Rodger Bumpass as Dr. Anrak
  • John Candy as Robot
  • Joe Flaherty as General
  • Eugene Levy as Male Reporter / Edsel
  • Alice Playten as Gloria
  • Harold Ramis as Zeke
  • Patty Dworkin as Female Reporter
  • Warren Munson as Senator

Crew

Music

Studio

"Taarna"

Original story by Daniel Goldberg and Len Blum; based on Arzach by Moebius.

The Loc-Nar, now the size of a giant meteor, crashes into a volcano on another world and draws a large mass of curious people. As they begin to climb the volcano, it erupts and green slime covers the crowd, mutating them into an evil barbarian army. The mutants subsequently attack a nearby city of peaceful scholars. Desperate, the city leaders mentally summon the Taarakians, a once powerful yet now declining warrior race with whom the city had a pact, but the city falls before the call can be answered.

Taarna, a beautiful and mute warrior and the last of the Taarakians, receives the summons. After ritually preparing herself, she and her avian mount fly to the beleaguered city, only to find the citizens dead. Determined to avenge them, she begins following the trail of their murderers and encounters a small band of the mutant barbarians. After killing them and with more information at hand, she travels towards the mutant camp, but she and her mount are captured.

Taarna is tortured and thrown into an open pit, unconscious. Her mount escapes and rescues her. She tries going for the Loc-Nar, but the mutants pursue and shoot her mount down. The mutant leader faces Taarna in a duel to the death, wounding her, but Taarna manages to kill him. With the last of their strength, Taarna and her companion make a death flight to the volcano. As they approach, the Loc-Nar warns her off, claiming that sacrificing herself would be futile. Ignoring the Loc-Nar, Taarna unleashes the power imbued in her sword and dives into the volcano, destroying the Loc-Nar.

Cast

  • Percy Rodriguez (uncredited) as Loc-Nar
  • Thor Bishopric as Boy
  • Ned Conlon as Councilman #1
  • Len Doncheff as Barbarian #1
  • Don Francks as Barbarian #2
  • Joseph Golland as Councilman #2
  • Charles Joliffe as Councilman #3
  • Mavor Moore as Elder
  • August Schellenberg as Taarak
  • Cedric Smith as Bartender
  • George Touliatos as Barbarian #3
  • Vlasta Vrána as Barbarian Leader
  • Zal Yanovsky as Barbarian #4

Music

"Epilogue"

As the final story ends, the Loc-Nar that was terrorizing the girl destabilizes and begins breaking up. The girl flees it and her home. The Loc-Nar then explodes, destroying the mansion in the process. Taarna's reborn mount appears outside and the girl happily flies away on it. It is then revealed that Taarna's soul has been reincarnated in the girl, transforming her into a new Taarakian.

Cast

  • Percy Rodriguez (uncredited) as Loc-Nar

Music

Production

Ivan Reitman gained a deal with Columbia Pictures to create an animated film and asked Gerald Potterton to oversee it.

The initial script had Arzach as the framing device for the film, but the script was thrown out after Jean Giraud refused to allow the usage of his characters. Len Blum and Daniel Goldberg created Taarna and a green orb instead. Chris Achilléos did the character design for Taarna.

Michael Mills was hired to create the opening and closing segments, but script rewrites had the sequences redrawn multiple times. Reitman, displeased with the high expenses, withheld payment. Mills sued and the case was settled out of court. Reitman hired Jimmy T. Murakami to create a new opening.

Atkinson Film-Arts animated Harry Canyon, directed by Pino van Lamsweerde, and the B-17 segment by Barrie Nelson. Captain Sternn was animated by Boxcar films under the direction of Paul Sebella and Julian Szuchopa. Halas and Batchelor and TVC animated the other segments. Taarna was created in Montreal by 11 designers, 30 animators, and 54 assistants under the direction of John Bruno. José Abel, Danny Antonucci, and Zdenko Gašparović worked on Taarna.

Animator Robert Balser directed the animation of the "Den" sequence for the film. The film uses the rotoscoping technique of animation in several shots. This process consists of shooting models and actors, then tracing the shot onto film. There is also a short shot of the Pentagon in "So Beautiful & So Dangerous" that contains CGI.

Release

The film was released on August 7, 1981. It was a financial success, grossing over $20 million on a $9 million budget (equivalent to a gross of $67 million in 2023).

Reception

The film was met with mixed response. Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes reports that 66% of critics have given the film a positive review based on 35 reviews, with an average rating of 5.8/10 and the critical consensus: "It's sexist, juvenile, and dated, but Heavy Metal makes up for its flaws with eye-popping animation and a classic, smartly-used soundtrack."

Janet Maslin of The New York Times wrote that "for anyone who doesn't think an hour and a half is a long time to spend with a comic book, Heavy Metal is impressive," and noted that the film "was scored very well, with music much less ear-splitting than the title would suggest." Variety declared, "Initial segments have a boisterous blend of dynamic graphics, intriguing plot premises and sly wit that unfortunately slide gradually downhill ... Still, the net effect is an overridingly positive one and will likely find its way into upbeat word-of-mouth." Gene Siskel of the Chicago Tribune gave the film three stars, writing that it "isn't intended for close scrutiny on a literal level. The film clearly is intended as a trip, and on that level it works very nicely." He criticized the film as "blatantly sexist" and for having "wildly romanticized" violence. Sheila Benson of the Los Angeles Times wrote, "Somehow a great deal of the charm leaked out on the way to the movie house, but all of the sadism stayed put. And then some. It's the most expensive adolescent fantasy revenge fulfillment wet dream ever to slither onto a screen." John Pym of The Monthly Film Bulletin found that it was "to put it mildly, something of a hodge-podge." Film historian and critic Leonard Maltin gave the film 3 stars out of 4 in his Movie Guide, calling the feature "... uneven, but great fun on a mindless, adolescent level."

On the whole, in terms of individual segments, critics were typically most favorable towards the "Den" story. Maslin of the Times gave the segment a positive review, writing, "The other highly memorable story is about a bookworm from earth who winds up on another planet, where his spindly body is transformed into that of an extraterrestrial Hercules." She also complimented John Candy's vocal performance as Den.

Christopher John reviewed Heavy Metal in Ares Magazine #11 and commented that "Sadly, what could have been a true boost for animation in this country is a weak, opportunistic failure, put together with very little care and no love at all."

Home media

Heavy Metal aired frequently on HBO/Cinemax throughout the 1980s and 90s.

Prior to official release on VHS and LaserDisc in 1996, the film was re-released to 54 theatres on March 8, 1996, remixed in Sony's 8-track SDDS audio system, taking in US$550,000 (equivalent to $1,068,491 in 2023). The subsequent home video release, the first animated film issued on the VHS format to be THX-certified, moved over one million units.

The film was released on Blu-ray Disc on February 1, 2011 as a Best Buy exclusive and it was later released everywhere on June 14, 2011.

A remastered 4K version was released on Ultra HD Blu-ray on April 19, 2022, bundled with a Blu-ray Disc release of the sequel, Heavy Metal 2000 (2000).

Music

Soundtrack

Heavy Metal: Music from the Motion Picture
Soundtrack album by various artists
ReleasedJuly 1981
Genre
LabelFull Moon/Asylum/Epic
Heavy Metal film soundtracks chronology
Heavy Metal: Music from the Motion Picture
(1981) 		Heavy Metal 2000 OST
(2000)
Singles from Heavy Metal: Music from the Motion Picture
  1. "Heavy Metal (Takin' a Ride)"
    Released: July 1981
  2. "Reach Out"
    Released: August 1981
  3. "Working in the Coal Mine"
    Released: August 17, 1981
  4. "Heavy Metal (original version)"
    Released: September 1981
  5. "True Companion / All of You"
    Released: November 1981
  6. "Open Arms"
    Released: January 8, 1982
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic

The soundtrack was released on LP in 1981, but for legal reasons, was not released on CD until 1995. The album peaked at number 12 on the Billboard 200 chart. The film's theme song, "Heavy Metal (Takin' a Ride)" was sung by Don Felder. It was released as a single in the U.S. and reached number 43 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number five on the Mainstream Rock chart on September 19, 1981.

Blue Öyster Cult wrote and recorded a song called "Vengeance (The Pact)" for the film, but the producers declined to use the song because the lyrics provided a capsulized summary of the "Taarna" vignette. "Veteran of the Psychic Wars" was used instead. Both songs can be found on Blue Öyster Cult's album Fire of Unknown Origin. Although used in the film, the songs "Through Being Cool" by Devo and "E5150" by Black Sabbath were not included in the released soundtrack album. These songs are on New Traditionalists and Mob Rules, respectively.

The legal difficulties surrounding the use of some songs in the film delayed its release to home media. The production company's use of some songs was limited solely to the theatrical release and soundtrack and did not include home media releases. It was not until 1996 that there was an official home media release on VHS when Kevin Eastman, who had bought the publishing rights of Heavy Metal magazine in 1992 and previously contributed to the magazine, reached a settlement with the music copyright holders.

The original LP contained four tracks per side and was programmed in stackable order (A, D, B, C).

Rhino Records reissued the two-LP collection in 2017, programmed in standard order (A, B, C, D), as part of their "Rocktober" collection.

No.TitleArtistLength
1."Heavy Metal" (original version)Sammy Hagar3:50
2."Heartbeat"Riggs4:20
3."Working in the Coal Mine"Devo2:48
4."Veteran of the Psychic Wars"Blue Öyster Cult4:48
5."Reach Out"Cheap Trick3:35
6."Heavy Metal (Takin' a Ride)"Don Felder5:00
7."True Companion"Donald Fagen5:02
8."Crazy (A Suitable Case for Treatment)"Nazareth3:24
9."Radar Rider"Riggs2:40
10."Open Arms"Journey3:20
11."Queen Bee"Grand Funk Railroad3:11
12."I Must Be Dreamin'"Cheap Trick5:37
13."The Mob Rules" (alternate version)Black Sabbath3:16
14."All of You"Don Felder4:18
15."Prefabricated"Trust2:59
16."Blue Lamp"Stevie Nicks3:48

Charts

Chart (1981–1982) Peak
position
US Billboard 200 12

Certifications

Region Certification Certified units/sales
Canada (Music Canada) Platinum 100,000
United States (RIAA) Platinum 1,000,000

Shipments figures based on certification alone.

Score

Unusual for the time, an LP recording of Elmer Bernstein's score was released alongside the soundtrack in 1981, and it featured the composer's first use of the ondes Martenot, an instrument which became a trademark of Bernstein's later career. On March 13, 2008, Film Score Monthly released an official, expanded CD release of Bernstein's score, which he conducted. The score was performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with the London Voices and Jeanne Loriod on the ondes Martenot.

Original track listing:

  1. "Den and the Green Ball" (03:17)
  2. "Den Makes It" (02:49)
  3. "Den and the Queen" (02:56)
  4. "Den's Heroics" (02:52)
  5. "Bomber and the Green Ball" (04:41)
  6. "Space Love" (01:32)
  7. "Harry and the Girl" (03:45)
  8. "Tarna Summoned" (sic) (02:50)
  9. "Flight" (02:20)
  10. "Tarna Prepares" (sic) (03:35)
  11. "Barbarians" (03:37)
  12. "Tarna Forever" (sic) (03:37)

Re-release track listing:

  1. "Beginning" 1:16
  2. "Intro to Green Ball" 1:18
  3. "Discovery/Transformation (Den and the Green Ball)" 3:15
  4. "Den Makes Out (Den Makes It)" 2:42
  5. "Castrate Him/Searching for the Loc-Nar" 2:04
  6. "Queen for a Day (Den and the Queen)" 2:54
  7. "Pursuit (Den’s Heroics)" 2:51
  8. "Fiste" 1:27
  9. "Getting Bombed" 3:06
  10. "Green Ball" 2:15
  11. "Dem Bones" 2:44
  12. "No Alarm" 0:58
  13. "Robot Love (Space Love)" 1:32
  14. "Harry" 1:35
  15. "The Next Morning" 1:56
  16. "End of Baby" 2:43
  17. "Council (Taarna Summoned)" 2:49
  18. "The Flight to Temple (Flight)" 2:16
  19. "The Sword (Taarna Prepares)" 3:32
  20. "Flight to Holiday Town" 2:20
  21. "Fighting" 2:43
  22. "My Whips!/Taarna Escapes Pit" 4:57
  23. "Finish (Taarna Forever)" 3:34

Bonus tracks

  1. "Den Makes Out" (film version) 2:49
  2. "Bomber and the Green Ball" (album edit) 4:35
  3. "Harry and the Girl" (album edit) 3:41
  4. "Barbarians" (album edit) 3:34

Sequel

The sequel, titled Heavy Metal 2000, was released in 2000. Upon its release, Heavy Metal 2000 received negative reviews from critics and has fallen into obscurity.

Legacy and cultural impact

Several years after the film's release, Heavy Metal managed to achieve a strong cult following mainly through midnight screenings, TV showings, and home video releases.

The film served as inspiration for many animation and science fiction films and shows following it, such as Blade Runner (1982), Starchaser: The Legend of Orin (1985), Gandahar (1987), Akira (1988), The Fifth Element (1997), Titan A.E. (2000), Sausage Party (2016), Mandy (2018), The Spine of Night (2021), Futurama, and Rick & Morty.

The film was parodied in a season 12 episode of the adult animated comedy series South Park entitled "Major Boobage" (2008; S12E03), which also featured songs from the film's soundtrack.

Some news reports have suggested that Heavy Metal was an influence for Elon Musk when he launched a Tesla Roadster alongside a fake spaceman in the front seat into orbit in 2018, which seems to reference the film's title sequence "Soft Landing", in which a space traveler lands on Earth in a Chevrolet Corvette convertible two-seater.

Both Heavy Metal and the British animated film Watership Down (1978) served as strong influences on the animation and anthology styles of the music video "At the Door" by The Strokes.

Remake

In March 2008, Variety reported that Paramount Pictures was set to make another animated film with David Fincher "spearheading the project". Kevin Eastman, who was at the time the owner and publisher of Heavy Metal, was to direct a segment, as would Tim Miller, "whose Blur Studio will handle the animation for what is being conceived as an R-rated, adult-themed feature".

Entertainment website IGN announced, on July 14, 2008, "David Fincher's edgy new project has suffered a serious setback after it was dropped by Paramount, according to Entertainment Weekly." Entertainment Weekly quoted Tim Miller as saying "David really believes in the project. It's just a matter of time."

In September 2008, Eastman was quoted as saying "Fincher is directing one, Guillermo del Toro wants to direct one, Zack Snyder wants to direct one, Gore Verbinski wants to direct one". It was reported that the film had been moved to Sony division Columbia Pictures (which had released the original) and had a budget of $50 million.

In June 2009, Eastman said "I've got breaking news that Fincher and James Cameron are going to be co-executive producers on the film, Cameron will direct one. Mark Osborne and Jack Black from Tenacious D were going to do a comedy segment for the film."

Production is stalled indefinitely, as no film distributor or production company has shown interest in distributing or producing the remake since Paramount Pictures decided to forgo being the film's distributor, who purportedly thought such a film was "too risqué for mainstream audiences".

In July 2011, filmmaker Robert Rodriguez announced at San Diego Comic-Con that he had purchased the film rights to Heavy Metal and planned to develop a new animated film at the new Quick Draw Studios. On March 11, 2014, with the formation of his own television network, El Rey, Rodriguez considered switching gears and bringing it to TV.

On March 15, 2019, the reboot was released on Netflix as a reimagining titled Love, Death & Robots.

See also

Notes

  1. Referring to the United States, not Canada.

References

  1. "HEAVY METAL (AA)". Columbia Pictures. British Board of Film Classification. August 19, 1981. Retrieved May 18, 2014.
  2. ^ "Heavy Metal". American Film Institute. Retrieved May 4, 2022.
  3. ^ Nash Information Services. "Heavy Metal". The-Numbers.com. Retrieved October 16, 2009.
  4. ^ "Heavy Metal Reissue". BoxOfficeMojo.com. Retrieved October 16, 2009.
  5. "Canadian Film Encyclopedia - Heavy Metal". cfe.tiff.net. Retrieved July 28, 2024.
  6. Dan O'Bannon (w), Thomas Warkentin (a). "Soft Landing" Heavy Metal, vol. 3, no. 5 (Sep 1979).
  7. McKie, Angus (April 1, 1979). So Beautiful and So Dangerous. Simon & Schuster. ISBN 978-0930368418.
  8. Mazurkewich 1999, p. 101.
  9. ^ Mazurkewich 1999, p. 102.
  10. Mazurkewich 1999, p. 104.
  11. Mazurkewich 1999, p. 101-104.
  12. "Heavy Metal (1981)". BFI. Retrieved June 26, 2024.
  13. Wolfe, Jennifer (January 6, 2016). "'Yellow Submarine' Animation Director Robert Balser Passes at 88". Animation World Network. Retrieved February 1, 2016.
  14. Maçek III, J.C. (August 2, 2012). "'American Pop'... Matters: Ron Thompson, the Illustrated Man Unsung". PopMatters.
  15. Here's the Skinny on 'Heavy Metal'
  16. "Heavy Metal Movie Reviews, Pictures". Rotten Tomatoes. Flixster. August 7, 1981. Retrieved July 29, 2022.
  17. ^ Janet Maslin (August 7, 1981). "Heavy Metal (1981) 'HEAVY METAL,' ADULT CARTOON". The New York Times. Retrieved May 1, 2009.
  18. "Film Reviews: Heavy Metal". Variety: 18. August 5, 1981.
  19. Siskel, Gene (August 10, 1981). "'Heavy Metal' a fine but disturbing cartoon". Chicago Tribune. Section 2, p. 8.
  20. Benson, Sheila (August 7, 1981). "'Heavy Metal' ... And the Zap Goes On." Los Angeles Times. Part VI, p. 9.
  21. Pym, John (December 1981). "Heavy Metal". The Monthly Film Bulletin. 48 (575): 246.
  22. Maltin, Leonard (1998). Leonard Maltin's 1999 Movie & Video Guide. Signet. p. 582. ISBN 0-451-19582-5.
  23. "Heavy Metal (1981)". Sci Fi Movie Page.
  24. John, Christopher (November 1981). "Film & Television". Ares Magazine (11). Simulations Publications, Inc.: 22.
  25. ^ LIEBENSON, DONALD (March 9, 1996). "Cult Favorite 'Heavy Metal' Once Again Making Noise". Los Angeles Times.
  26. Jeffrey Schwarz (director) (1999). Imagining Heavy Metal.
  27. David McCutcheon (January 20, 2011). "Heavy Metal Rocks Best Buy". IGN.
  28. "Heavy Metal 4K Blu-ray SteelBook Edition". Blu-ray.com. February 11, 2022. Retrieved February 14, 2022.
  29. ^ Adams, Bret. "Heavy Metal - Original Soundtrack". AllMusic. Retrieved December 31, 2019.
  30. Joel Whitburn's Top Pop Singles 1955-1990 - ISBN 0-89820-089-X
  31. Billboard Mainstream Rock songs, September 19, 1981
  32. Konow, David (August 2, 2016). "35 Years Ago: Sammy Hagar, Black Sabbath and More Appear on 'Heavy Metal' Soundtrack". Ultimate Classic Rock. Retrieved May 8, 2019.
  33. "Various Artists - Heavy Metal (Music from the Motion Picture) | Rhino".
  34. "Soundtrack Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved October 20, 2021.
  35. "Canadian album certifications – Various Artists – Heavy Metal - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack". Music Canada.
  36. "American album certifications – Soundtrack – Heavy Metal". Recording Industry Association of America.
  37. Heavy Metal: The Score from ScreenArchives.com
  38. Bukatman, Scott (December 1992). "RIDLEY SCOTT'S BLADE RUNNER". FILM. ArtForum. Vol. 31, no. 4. The film's visual design, primarily by Lawrence Paull and Syd Mead, was partly derived from the art style of Heavy Metal magazine, as drawn by artists like Moebius (Jean Giraud), Philippe Druillet, and Angus McKie.
  39. AMIDI, AMID (August 12, 2016). "'Sausage Party' Directors Conrad Vernon & Greg Tiernan On Making 2016's Most Outlandish Animated Film". Cartoon Brew.
  40. Beaupre, Mitchell (March 19, 2021). "SXSW Interview: 'The Spine of Night' Filmmakers Talk About Their Animated Work". Awards Radar.
  41. Trechak, Brad (March 27, 2008). "South Park: Major Boobage". HuffPost. Archived from the original on March 25, 2012. Retrieved March 29, 2008.
  42. Cross, Alan (February 7, 2018). "A Canadian-American predicted what Elon Musk's rocket roadster did yesterday—in 1981!". CFNY-FM. Archived from the original on June 13, 2020. Retrieved February 11, 2018. picture is not fake photo is from space resemblance to the opening sequence of a Canadian-American adult animated movie from 1981 called Heavy Metal
  43. DeBord, Matthew (February 10, 2018). "The Falcon Heavy Roadster Launch reveals how Tesla and SpaceX are already beginning to merge". Business Insider UK. Archived from the original on October 23, 2018. Retrieved February 11, 2018. Roadster orbiting Earth like something out of the opening sequence from the 1981 grownup animated movie "Heavy Metal"
  44. "Exploring the 80s animation references in The Strokes' At The Door video". www.itsnicethat.com. Retrieved November 13, 2023.
  45. Michael Fleming (March 13, 2008). "Par, Fincher put pedal to 'Metal' Eastman, Miller to direct animated segments". Variety. Retrieved September 21, 2008.
  46. Orlando Parfitt (July 14, 2008). "Fincher's Heavy Metal on Hold Paramount drops sci-fi/fantasy project". IGN. Retrieved September 21, 2008.
  47. ^ Nicole Sperling (July 9, 2008). "David Fincher's 'Heavy Metal' remake a no-go at Paramount". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on October 30, 2008. Retrieved September 21, 2008.
  48. Alex Billington (September 4, 2008). "Zack Snyder, Gore Verbinski, Guillermo del Toro Directing Heavy Metal Segments?". firstshowing.net. Retrieved September 21, 2008.
  49. Fleming, Mike. "Fincher Brings Mettle To Passion Project". Deadline.
  50. ComingSoon.net (June 6, 2009). "James Cameron Forging a Piece of Heavy Metal". comingsoon.net. Archived from the original on June 8, 2009. Retrieved June 6, 2009.
  51. MTV News (August 25, 2010). "David Fincher Can't Get Funding for "Heavy Metal"". worstpreviews.com. Archived from the original on August 26, 2010. Retrieved May 7, 2011.
  52. ComingSoon.net (July 21, 2011). "SDCC: Robert Rodriguez Takes Heavy Metal". comingsoon.net. Archived from the original on March 14, 2012. Retrieved November 26, 2011.
  53. ScreenRant.com (March 11, 2014). "Robert Rodriguez May Bring 'Heavy Metal' to TV; Prepared to Make 'Sin City 3'". screenrant.com. Retrieved July 19, 2014.
  54. Schwartz, Terri (February 16, 2019). "How David Fincher and Tim Miller's Heavy Metal Reboot Became Netflix's Love, Death & Robots". IGN. Retrieved March 17, 2019.

Works cited

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