Ray Harryhausen: Special Effects Titan (Special Edition) – Blu-Ray Review
Despite being a big fan the late Ray Harryhausen’s work in stop-motion animation. I never got around to seeing the 2011 documentary, “Ray Harryhausen: Special Effects Titan”. Thankfully Arrow Video has released a Special Edition Blu-ray of the doc. and I finally got to sit down and check it out.
It is common knowledge for film buffs like myself, that Harryhausen inspired multiple generations of filmmakers. His work in films “Mighty Joe Young”, “The 7th Voyage of Sinbad”, and “Jason and the Argonauts”, heavily influenced modern filmmakers, Steven Spielberg, Peter Jackson, and James Cameron. All, who are featured in this documentary. Phil Tippett is also interviewed here, which is definitely a must. He is clearly the successor to Harryhausen. If you are familiar with “Empire Strikes Back” and “Robocop”, then you know why.
“Ray Harryhausen: Special Effects Titan” does a great job showcasing Harryhausen’s body of work and allowing filmmakers like Peter Jackson, Terry Gilliam, and John Landis express what that work meant to them growing up. If you are a fan of stop-motion or simply a fan of film. This is definitely one to watch if you haven’t already.
Bonus Materials
- Interviews with Edgar Wright, Simon Pegg, Peter Lord, Rick Baker
- 12 Interview outtakes with Joe Dante, John Lasseter, Nick Park and more!
- A message to Ray
- Deleted Scenes
- On the set of Sinbad
- Paris Cinematheque Q&A
- London Gate Theater Q&A
- Audio commentary with the filmmakers
- Original Trailer
- Ray Harryhausen Trailer Reel
By: Marc Ferman
Order: Ray Harryhausen: Special Effects Titan (Special Edition) – Blu-Ray