Watch The Power of Grayskull: The Definitive History of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe

The Power of Grayskull: The Definitive History of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe is a documentary film that explores the cultural impact and legacy of the beloved 1980s toy and cartoon franchise, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe. Directed by Randall Lobb and Robert McCallum, the film features interviews with the creators of He-Man, toy designers, animators, voice actors, and fans, as well as rare archival footage and exclusive behind-the-scenes content. The documentary aims to provide a comprehensive and definitive history of the world of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, from its inception as a toy line to its various multimedia adaptations and merchandise spin-offs.

The film begins with a brief introduction to the history of action figures and the emergence of He-Man as a marketing phenomenon. It then delves into the creative origins of the franchise, featuring interviews with the original toy designers and illustrators who developed the iconic characters and designs. These interviews shed light on the artistic process behind the toys and their packaging, as well as the conscious decision to create a fantasy world that could appeal to both boys and girls.

The documentary also explores the making of the animated series He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, which debuted in 1983 and quickly became a beloved cultural touchstone. The filmmakers take a deep dive into the production process of the show, from the writing and storyboarding to the voice acting and animation. They interview several members of the cast and crew, including Alan Oppenheimer (who voiced Skeletor), Lou Scheimer (one of the producers), and Erika Scheimer (who did voice work for the show).

One of the main themes of the documentary is the enduring impact of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe on popular culture. The filmmakers speak to a number of fans and collectors who share their personal stories of how the franchise has influenced and inspired them. These interviews demonstrate the almost mythic status that He-Man has achieved in the thirty-five years since its creation.

Of course, no exploration of He-Man would be complete without a discussion of the 1987 live-action film, Masters of the Universe. The documentary devotes a significant amount of time to examining the making of the movie, which starred Dolph Lundgren as He-Man and Frank Langella as Skeletor. The filmmakers provide insights into the challenges faced by the production, including budget constraints and creative disagreements with the studio. They also interview several members of the cast and crew, including Lundgren, Langella, and Anthony De Longis (who played Blade).

The documentary concludes with a look at the enduring legacy of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe. The filmmakers examine the various merchandise spin-offs that have been produced over the years, as well as the franchise's continued popularity in the world of cosplay and fan fiction. They also speak to several contemporary artists and filmmakers who have been influenced by He-Man, demonstrating the ongoing relevance and appeal of this beloved fantasy world.

Overall, The Power of Grayskull: The Definitive History of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe is a must-watch for anyone who grew up with the franchise or has a fascination with pop culture history. The film provides valuable insights into the creative process behind He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, as well as the lasting impact that this cultural phenomenon has had on generations of fans. Whether you're a die-hard collector or simply appreciate good storytelling, this documentary is well worth your time.

The Power of Grayskull: The Definitive History of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.