Written by Vinny Hutcherson
Modified & Updated: 04 Mar 2024
Reviewed by Jessica Corbett
Flight of the Navigator is a beloved science fiction film that captured the imaginations of viewers when it was released in 1986. Directed by Randal Kleiser, this thrilling adventure follows a young boy named David who is mysteriously transported eight years into the future after encountering a strange spacecraft. The movie takes audiences on a captivating journey as David navigates through a world that has drastically changed since he disappeared. With its groundbreaking special effects, heartwarming storyline, and unforgettable characters, Flight of the Navigator has become a cult classic for movie enthusiasts of all ages. In this article, we will explore 45 fascinating facts about the making of this iconic film, shedding light on the behind-the-scenes details that contributed to its enduring popularity.
Key Takeaways:
- “Flight of the Navigator” is a 1986 movie about a boy’s adventure with an alien spaceship. It was a box-office success and features groundbreaking special effects, earning it a cult following.
- The movie’s spaceship, Max, travels through time and space, and the film explores themes of time travel, identity, and the relationship between humans and aliens. It has become a beloved classic of 1980s science fiction cinema.
Fact #1
The movie Flight of the Navigator was released in 1986.
Fact #2
Flight of the Navigator was directed by Randal Kleiser.
Fact #3
The film tells the story of a 12-year-old boy named David who is taken on a journey through time and space by an alien spacecraft.
Fact #4
Flight of the Navigator was a box-office success, grossing over $18 million worldwide.
Fact #5
The movie was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects.
Fact #6
The robotic voice of the alien spacecraft was provided by actor Paul Reubens, also known as Pee-wee Herman.
Fact #7
The film features a young Sarah Jessica Parker in one of her early roles.
Fact #8
The spaceship in the movie, called Max, has the ability to travel faster than the speed of light.
Fact #9
The special effects in Flight of the Navigator were groundbreaking for its time.
Fact #10
The movie takes place in multiple time periods, including the year 1978 and the future.
Fact #11
Flight of the Navigator was inspired by the real-life phenomenon of missing people who return with no memory of their disappearance.
Fact #12
David’s adventure takes him to different locations around the world, including the Florida Everglades.
Fact #13
The movie’s soundtrack features the popular song “E.T. (For Julie)” by Karen Allen and John Carpenter.
Fact #14
Flight of the Navigator was praised for its innovative use of computer-generated imagery.
Fact #15
The movie was originally titled “Coma” but was changed to Flight of the Navigator to better reflect the storyline.
Fact #16
The film explores themes of time travel, identity, and the relationship between humans and aliens.
Fact #17
Flight of the Navigator has gained a cult following over the years and continues to be loved by fans.
Fact #18
The movie’s script was written by Mark H. Baker.
Fact #19
Flight of the Navigator was filmed in various locations, including Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Norway.
Fact #20
The spaceship Max was made to resemble a Trimaxion Drone Ship.
Fact #21
Flight of the Navigator was released by Walt Disney Pictures.
Fact #22
The movie was originally intended to be a more serious science fiction film but was reworked to have a more family-friendly tone.
Fact #23
Flight of the Navigator received positive reviews from critics, who praised its visuals and performances.
Fact #24
The film was released on VHS and LaserDisc, becoming a popular rental among movie enthusiasts.
Fact #25
Flight of the Navigator is often compared to other popular sci-fi movies of the 1980s, such as E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial and The Goonies.
Fact #26
The spaceship is referred to as “Trimaxion Drone Ship,” which is an anagram for “no time like the present,” referencing the time travel element of the film.
Fact #27
The film’s budget was estimated to be around $9 million.
Fact #28
Flight of the Navigator was released during the summer movie season, a time when blockbuster films dominate the box office.
Fact #29
The movie features some early examples of CGI technology, which was still relatively new at the time.
Fact #30
The character of Max was created using a combination of puppetry, costume design, and animatronics.
Fact #31
The film’s screenplay went through several revisions before the final version was approved.
Fact #32
Flight of the Navigator was re-released on DVD and Blu-ray in 2012 to celebrate its 25th anniversary.
Fact #33
The movie’s tagline is “Come along on the greatest adventure of the age!”
Fact #34
Flight of the Navigator has been referenced in various other films and TV shows, showcasing its enduring popularity.
Fact #35
The film’s time travel concept was inspired by the theories of renowned physicist Dr. Albert Einstein.
Fact #36
The spaceship Max communicates with David through a series of beeps and tones, creating a unique form of alien language.
Fact #37
The movie’s production design team worked closely with NASA to create a realistic and believable spacecraft.
Fact #38
Flight of the Navigator was nominated for three Saturn Awards, including Best Science Fiction Film.
Fact #39
The film’s soundtrack was composed by Alan Silvestri, known for his work on other popular films such as Back to the Future and Forrest Gump.
Fact #40
Flight of the Navigator is considered a classic example of 1980s science fiction cinema.
Fact #41
The movie’s ending leaves open the possibility of a sequel, although one has not been made as of yet.
Fact #42
Flight of the Navigator was praised for its imaginative story and engaging characters.
Fact #43
The film’s visual effects team won a BAFTA Award for their work on creating the spaceship and its encounters with Earth.
Fact #44
Flight of the Navigator has become a beloved film among both children and adults, thanks to its timeless themes and engaging storytelling.
Fact #45
The movie’s success led to the creation of a ride based on the film at Disney theme parks, further solidifying its place in pop culture history.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “Flight of the Navigator” is a timeless movie that continues to captivate audiences with its thrilling storyline and groundbreaking visual effects. The film’s unique blend of science fiction, adventure, and heartfelt moments makes it an unforgettable cinematic experience. From the captivating performance of Joey Cramer as David Freeman to the stunning special effects that brought the alien spacecraft to life, “Flight of the Navigator” remains a beloved classic in the world of sci-fi movies. Whether you are a fan of 80s nostalgia or simply enjoy a well-crafted and entertaining film, “Flight of the Navigator” is definitely worth checking out.
FAQs
1. When was “Flight of the Navigator” released?
“Flight of the Navigator” was released on July 30, 1986.
2. Who directed “Flight of the Navigator”?
The movie was directed by Randal Kleiser.
3. What is the plot of “Flight of the Navigator”?
The film follows the story of a young boy named David who mysteriously disappears for eight years and returns to his family only to find out that he hasn’t aged a day. He embarks on a journey with a sentient alien spaceship called Max to uncover the truth about his disappearance.
4. Who stars in “Flight of the Navigator”?
The movie features Joey Cramer as David Freeman, along with Sarah Jessica Parker, Veronica Cartwright, and Paul Reubens as the voice of Max.
5. What makes “Flight of the Navigator” unique?
“Flight of the Navigator” is known for its innovative use of CGI and visual effects, especially in bringing the alien spacecraft, Max, to life. The film also explores themes of time travel and identity in a captivating and thought-provoking way.
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