Monstrous
MonsterVision => Classic Horror => Topic started by: Regarr on December 02, 2007, 10:51:52 AM
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With the advent of CGI effects, the art of stop-motion animation has been relegated to independent films & the internet. But many years before computer effects, one man brought to life "monsters" better than anyone else.... Ray Harryhausen.
I remember the first time I saw his wonderful creations on the big screen. My mother had dropped me off at the local theater & I sat down with my large popcorn, Goobers & Coke, eager with anticipation. For the next 90 minutes, all those treats went uneaten. I was lost in the world that Ray had brought to the screen. Monsters came alive, exotic locations transported me to another world and I had my first real crush on a movie hottie. The film was The Golden Voyage of Sinbad. The monsters (Homonculus, Kali, One-Eyed Centaur, Griffin & more) were Ray's brilliant creations. The hottie was the gorgeous Caroline Munro.
Several of my favorite Ray Harryhausen films:
20 MILLION MILES TO EARTH (1957)
The 7TH VOYAGE OF SINBAD (1958)
JASON & THE ARGONAUTS (1963)
ONE MILLION YEARS B.C. (1966)
The VALLEY OF GWANGI (1969)
The GOLDEN VOYAGE OF SINBAD (1974)
SINBAD & THE EYE OF THE TIGER (1978)
For those too young to remember or know of him, I recommend visiting his website... http://www.rayharryhausen.com/ (http://www.rayharryhausen.com/) & become acquainted & educated about the man who made so many dreams come true. No "monster" fan's knowledge would be complete without learning of his creations & contributions to the genre.
Until then, here are 2 of the great Monsters he created:
The Cyclops from The 7th Voyage of Sinbad
(http://www.dvdtalk.com/dvdsavant/images/82cyclops.jpg)
Ymir from 20 Million Miles To Earth
(http://internetservices.readingeagle.com/blog/moviehouse/ymir.jpg)
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I always did love Gwangi. Cowboys and dinosaurs make an awesome combination.
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He had a really good career and made lots of films. They do look dated now but back in the day they were state of the art.