BFI To Release The Coi Collection Volume 8 - Your Children And You This April

The latest volume in the BFI’s ongoing series of film collections from the archives of the Central Office of Information, Your Children and You, released on 15 April, takes a look at social attitudes towards parenting and children in the post-war era. Hand-knitted woollies, a short back and sides, strict family roles, kids being encouraged to play outside, cut-glass English accents and endlessly charming boys and girls are all in evidence. And, somewhat surprisingly perhaps, there are no slaps, slippers or canes are to be found anywhere.

From post-war films to promote healthy eating, good schooling and getting your little ones off to sleep – three crucial issues for today’s parents – to a 1980s documentary on Mary Warnock’s work around ethical issues in the early days of IVF, this unique collection charts our ever-evolving attitudes to child-rearing.

On 15 April 2013 the BFI releases Your Children and You, a fascinating DVD collection of Government-sponsored films from 1946-1985 advising parents, teachers, students and carers on pregnancy, birth, parenting, childhood, child development, child psychology and school days.

From 1940s films promoting healthy eating, good schooling and getting your little ones off to sleep - three crucial issues for today's parents - to a 1980s documentary on Mary Warnock's work around ethical issues in the early days of IVF, this unique collection charts our ever-evolving attitudes to child-rearing.

The majority of films here were made during the 1940s, when a spike in the birth rate immediately after World War II meant there was a pressing need to give clear and effective instructions to first-time parents on the dos and don'ts of bringing up baby.

Highlights of the collection include: Your Children and You (1946), an unexpectedly contemporary guide to the practicalities of caring for babies and youngsters; Children Growing Up with Other People (1947), an observational film about childhood and adolescence; The Three A's: A County Modern School (1947), a portrait of the pioneering and idyllic-looking Allertonshire County Modern School in North Yorkshire; Charley Junior's Schooldays (1949), in which Halas and Batchelor colour animation illustrates the workings of the new Education Act; and Children's Thought and Language (1971), which looks at the development of language and reasoning amongst young children.

Also included are four complementary bonus films about childbirth and motherhood from the collection held in the Wellcome Library, giving an insight into the pre-NHS health and welfare landscape before 1948. Three of the films feature newly recorded soundtracks. Bathing and Dressing (1935) is a meticulous demonstration of how to bathe and change a very young baby, Toxaemia of Pregnancy (1958) is an educational film about this serious condition, Maternity: A Film of Queen Charlotte's Hospital (1935) is about antenatal and postnatal care in the 1930s, and Childbirth as an Athletic Feat (1939) demonstrates antenatal exercises suitable for mothers-to-be.

Disc One
• Your Children and You (1946)
• Children Growing Up with Other People (1947)
• Your Children's Meals (1947)
• The Three A's: A County Modern School (1947)
• Charley Junior's Schooldays (1949)
…plus bonus Wellcome Library films:
• Bathing and Dressing, Parts 1 & 2 (1935) (new soundtrack)
• Toxaemia of Pregnancy (1958) (original audio)

Disc Two
• Your Children's Sleep (1948)
• A Family Affair (1950)
• Child Welfare (1962)
• Children's Society: Aunts and Uncles (1960)
• Children's Thought and Language (1971)
• A Woman's Place (Test Tube Babies) (1985)
…plus bonus Wellcome Library films:
• Maternity: A film of Queen Charlotte's Hospital (1932) (new musical accompaniment)
• Childbirth as an Athletic Feat (1939) (new musical accompaniment)

In addition to the four Wellcome Library films, there is an illustrated booklet with essays and film notes by BFI National Archive curators and Wellcome Library experts.

Pre-order/buy:COI Collection: Volume 8 - Your Children and You [DVD]

Watch New Clip & Featurette For Terrence Fisher Dracula Re- Release

Your not a true horror fan if you don't Terence Fisher's 1958 classic DRACULA, fully restored in High Definition and available on Blu-ray and DVD for the first time. This Monday 18th March 2013 British & Irish horror fans will get their hands on the release which  will contain two versions of the feature (seamlessly branched on the Blu-ray).

Thanks to the  2007 BFI restoration plus the 2012 Hammer restoration, fans will get a chance to see for the first time additional new footage that has been unavailable for decades.The additional footage comprises two of the scenes that were originally censored by the BBFC in 1958 that have now been restored to the film from the “Japanese reels”:

• Dracula’s seduction of Mina

• Dracula’s sunlight disintegration

These will be the most complete versions ever released and taken together fully deserving of the description DEFINITIVE.

DRACULA has been unavailable on any UK home entertainment format for many years. This release will be at the correct aspect ratio of 1.66:1 which has never been available for home viewing.

Available 18th March in the UK on 3-disc Double Play, the pack comprises 1 x Blu-ray and 2 x DVD, the release also includes brand new featurettes, a new commentary track, multiple bonus extras and a stills show (see below for full list of extras).

DRACULA is the first in the series of Hammer films inspired by the Bram Stoker novel Dracula. It was directed by Terence Fisher, and stars Peter Cushing, Michael Gough, Carol Marsh, Melissa Stribling and Christopher Lee.
Dr. Van Helsing, investigating the death of his friend Jonathan Harker, concludes that Harker was the victim of a vampire. When Harker's fiancée, Lucy, becomes affected by the terrifying force and hypnotic power of Count Dracula, Van Helsing releases her tortured soul by driving a stake through her heart. But Dracula seeks revenge, targeting Lucy's beautiful sister-in-law, Mina. Van Helsing, now aided by Mina’s husband Arthur, swears to exorcise this evil forever by confronting the vile and depraved Count himself.

Lionsgate are releasing this horror treasure on 18th March and they have sent us a short clip which shows Dracula's hand (Christopher Lee) dissolving in the sun. As a extra bonus we have a look at a 9 minute featurette called 'Censoring Dracula' which looks at the censorship one of horror's most iconic monsters had to go through especially Terrence Fisher's version which 55 years later is still rated 15!

Below the videos you can find details of the extras and the links you need in order to pre-order or buy Dracula!

Clip


Featurette

Four Brand-New Featurettes

"Dracula Reborn". New 30 min. featurette about the film’s creation and history, featuring, among others: Jimmy Sangster, Kim Newman, Mark Gatiss, Jonathan Rigby and Janina Faye (Tania in the film).

"Resurrecting Dracula". New 20 min. featurette about the film’s restoration, from the BFI’s 2007 restoration through to the integration of “lost” footage, featuring interviews with key staff at the BFI, Molinare and Deluxe142. Also covers the February 2012 world premiere of Hammer’s interim restored version including “vox pop” interviews with fans after the event.

"The Demon Lover: Christopher Frayling on Dracula". New 30 min. featurette.

"Censoring Dracula". New 10 min. featurette on the original cuts to the film ordered by the British Board of Film Censors.

Commentary: New commentary by Hammer historian Marcus Hearn and author & critic Jonathan Rigby

Plus

• All 4 surviving "Japanese reels" (6 - 9) unrestored (40 mins
• The World Of Hammer episode: Dracula And The Undead
• Janina Faye reading a chapter of Stoker’s novel at the VAULT festival
• Stills Gallery of over 100 fully-restored and rare images
• Booklet by Hammer archivist Robert J. E. Simpson (PDF)
• Original shooting script (PDF)

Pre-order or Buy:Dracula (Blu-ray + DVD) [1958]

Watch The UK Trailer For A Late Quartet Starring Christopher Walken, Philip Seymour Hoffman

Our friends at Artificial Eye Films have sent us over the UK trailer and Poster for A Late Quartet starring Christopher Walken, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Catherine Keener.

Directed by Yaron Zilberman, A Late Quartet tells the tale of an renowned New York based Quartet on the eve of their 25th Anniversary cellist Peter Mitchell (Christopher Walken) announces he wants the upcoming season to be their last. Peter is diagnosed in early stages of Parkinson's disease leaving the the remain members egos to conflict and derail their friendship.

The film has been on the festival circuit since last years Toronto Film Festival  debut and to me the toughest challenge to any actor is playing in a film that's simple in structure but powerful in dramatics. A Late Quartet certainly has the drama and we look like we're in for a masterclass on how to act with the classic music brings a sense of tranquillity to the film too. Most of all after years of seeing him play a villain, tough guy, Christopher Walken does possess acting chops to be more dramatic, its ecstasy to the eyes!

A Late Quartet is due to be released in UK&Ireland on 5th April and co-stars Mark Ivanir and  Imogen Poots .

Synopsis

On the eve of a world renowned string quartet’s 25th anniversary season, their beloved cellist, Peter Mitchell (Christopher Walken), is diagnosed with the early symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease. When Peter announces he wishes to make the upcoming season his last, his three colleagues find themselves at a crossroad. Competing egos and uncontrollable passions threaten to derail years of friendship and collaboration.

Win 247°F On Blu-Ray

The hottest high concept thriller of 2013 that's guaranteed to make you sweat like never before - “247°F” - arrives on DVD and Blu-ray through Anchor Bay UK on 18th March 2013.

Based on true events, this sweltering suspenser follows a trio of trim, toned twenty-somethings that become trapped in a sauna. With the temperature rising and no sign of escape, a wild, hot and steamy weekend of “bare babes and brews” soon turns into a primal fight for survival! At 190°F, their skin will sear. At 200°F, their lungs will burn. At 212°F, their blood will boil. March 18th, the temperature is headed for 247°F!

To celebrate the release of 247°F, we’re giving away a copy on Blu-ray!

Based on true events – a sexy and slick suspense story guaranteed to make you sweat.

Three years after witnessing the tragic death of her boyfriend in a car accident, Jenna is still struggling to come to terms with her loss. Hoping a carefree weekend away will help, Jenna’s best friend since childhood, good-time party girl Renee, invites her to stay at a remote lakeside cabin along with her jock boyfriend, Michael, and his best buddy, Ian. But the promised weekend of partying, boozing and chilling soon turns into a nightmare when three of the group find themselves inexplicably locked in the cabin’s sauna with no apparent way out.

To Win 247oF on Blu-Ray please answer the following question:

Q. Scout Taylor Compton starred In what Rob Zombie directed Classic Horror remakes?

Send Your Answer, Name, Address, Postcode only to winatcinehouseuk@gmail.com (titled 247oF)
You must 15 years or older to enter
Deadline to enter is Sunday 31st March 2013(23:59pm)

Double your chances follow us at Facebook! (you will get double entry every contest)

Terms & Conditions:1.This prize is non transferable.No cash alternatives apply.UK & Irish entries only.2.The Peoples Movies, Cinehouse and Anchor Bay have the right to alter, delay or cancel this competition without any notice 3.The competition is not opened to employees, family, friends of The Peoples Movies, Cinehouse, Anchor Bay employees 4.This competition is promoted on behalf of  Anchor Bay 5. If this prize becomes unavailable we have the right to offer an alternative prize instead 6.To enter this competition you must send in your answer, name, address only, Deadline 31st March2013 (2359hrs)7.Will only accept entries sent to the correct email (winatcinehouseuk@gmail.com), any other entry via any other email will be void.8.If the above form fails please send the information required from the form email it to win [at] thepeoplesmovies [dot] com (label the tall man) If any info required from the form is not sent in the email your entry will be void 9.automated entries are not allowed and will be disqualified, which could result you been banned.10.If you are friend or like us at facebook for every competition you enter you get double entry, but you must stay stay friend/like us all the time,or future entries maybe considered one entry.11.The Peoples Movies, Cinehouse takes no responsibility for delayed, lost, stolen prizes 12.Prizes may take from days to a few months for delivery which is out of our control13.The competition is opened to Aged 15 and over.14. Majority of the prizes on offer will come from representatives of the distributor, no The People’s Movies &Cinehouse, when we do have the prizes we will inform you.15. Unless Stated Please Do Not Include Telephone Numbers, we don’t need them and if you include your telephone number Cinehouse and The People’s Movies are not responsible for the security of the number 16.The winning entries will be picked at random and contacted by email or announced via facebook, sometimes we are unable to confirm winners.17.This competition is bound by the rules of Scotland,England & Wales, Northern Ireland, Ireland.18.By sending your entry for this competition you are confirming you have read and agreed to these Terms & Conditions.

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Vinyl Review

Washed-up punk-rocker Johnny Jones (Phil Daniels) begs a record company head-honcho to re-sign his band Weapons of Happiness after decades on the scrap-heap, only to be refused on the grounds that listening to anyone over the age of 30 sing is like “watching your parents having sex”. Faced with rejection, and staring at an anonymous middle-age spent in various caravan parks, Johnny hatches a plan to re-launch his music career. Assemble a group of TV-friendly kids as a front for his band; the kids can mime and wave, while Johnny and his pals roll back the years and kick out the jams backstage.

Johnny and his bandmates’ auditions for likely teenyboppers unearth the talents of troubled youngster Drainpipe (Jamie Blackley), a kid with a reckless streak, a passion at odds with the plastic, wipe-clean façade of the pop group he should be a poster boy for, and showmanship similar to that of Johnny himself. The band is launched, and their first single becomes an unlikely success.

Sara Sugarman’s warm-hearted tale of men behaving badly, and musically maladroit youths is based on the real-life story of Welsh band The Alarm who pulled of a similar hoax of their own in 2004. Vinyl extolls the virtues of six strings, pub gigs and cramped tour buses, over the auto-tuned, pre-packaged pop of X-Factor and the like. But while it invokes the spirit of the Sex Pistols, Buzzcocks and The Great Rock n’ Roll Swindle, Vinyl lacks the element of unpredictability so integral to the punk music it worships. It feels safer, less anarchic even than School Of Rock, a film with which it shares a certain DNA.

That’s not to say it lacks heart or humour. Daniels makes a decent fist of injecting sympathy into the selfish, pig-headed, oldest swinger in town, Johnny Jones. As the bad-boy of the Welsh seaside, Blackley radiates the impulsiveness and sex-appeal so obvious in the best and most dangerous of rock stars. Weapons of Happiness guitarist turned nursing home impresario, Perry Benson reminds us just what a fine comic actor he is also.

It probably won’t have you dusting off the leathers, but it will make you chuckle as it gives Simon Cowell a gentle kick up the backside.

Chris Banks (@Chris_in_2D)

★★★☆☆

Rating: 15
Release Date:1st March 2013 (UK)
Directed by: Sara Sugarman
Cast: Keith Allen, Phil Daniels , Jamie Blackley 

The Lords Are Coming , Rob Zombie's The Lords Of Salem Coming To UK April

It left Frightfesters baffled  at this years Film 4 Glasgow Frightfest and next month you will get your chance to see Rob Zombie's most ambitious film to date The Lords Of Salem is coming to UK&Ireland.

Rob Zombie’s most highly anticipated shocker to date – a brilliantly envisioned and haunting tale of witchcraft and Satanism.Staring Sherri Moon Zombie (director's wife) as a former drug user, Heidi is now clean and works as a rock DJ at the local radio station along with fellow DJs, Herman Whitey Salvador and Herman Jackson. Following one of their regular evening shows, Heidi receives a square wooden box containing a vinyl record, the only indication as to its origin is a note proclaiming “A gift from the Lords”. Assuming it is merely a PR stunt by an ambitious band, Heidi gives the record a spin and immediately begins to experience bizarre flashbacks to a past, long-forgotten trauma triggered by the haunting sounds contained on the record.

A huge departure from his previous movies, The Lords Of Salem is without a doubt Rob Zombie’s most ambitious and accomplished work to date and firmly establishes him as a unique and truly gifted filmmaker who has finally come into his own. A chilling, atmospheric piece that slowly works its way under the viewer’s skin, the film has an almost European feel to it and owes more to Roman Polanski, Dario Argento and Ken Russell than to the American “grindhouse” cinema one would most associate with Zombie. Of course, this being Rob Zombie, classic horror movie references abound and fans will be delighted to notice nods to the likes of  Rosemary’s Baby, The Shining, The Sentinel, The Devil Rides Out, John Carpenter’s Prince Of Darkness and Macbeth (the Polanski adaptation), amongst others. A killer cast comprised of many genre legends, stunning cinematography by Brandon Trost, an awesome score by guitarist John 5 and songs by The Velvet Underground, Rush, Rob Zombie, Rick James and Manfred Mann’s Earth Band all combine to make this one of the most visually and aurally impressive horror movies in recent years.

Rob Zombie certainly wears his influences on his sleeve  for this one which alot of horrorphiles will appreciate what he has created but like anything ambitious or experimental it will always get it's doubters. We don't have a official UK trailer just yet, for now check out the current trailer, above is the film's latest poster and a chance to pre=order your copy of the film on DVD.

The Lords of Salem thanks to Momentum Pictures we will get a limited release here in  UK&Ireland on 26th April before been released on DVD 29th April. The film also stars Bruce Davison, Ken Foree, Dee Wallace, Patricia Quinn, Maria Conchita Alonso, Meg Foster, Michael Berryman, Sid Haig, Udo Kier, and Lisa Marie.

Buy / Pre-order :The Lords of Salem On DVD

 

Enjoy Ealing Studios Rarities In New DVD Collection

Network Distributing is delighted to announce the first volume of THE EALING STUDIOS RARITIES COLLECTION (U). Featuring 4 films from the vaults of Ealing Studios and Associated Talking Pictures, this double-disc set is available to own on 8 April 2013. This volume consists of films by Basil Dearden, Harry Watt, Carol Reed and Leo Mittler. Unseen since their original cinema releases and presented as new transfers in their original aspect ratios, THE EALING STUDIOS RARITIES COLLECTION VOLUME 1 is an essential addition to anyone interested in classic British films as well as long-forgotten gems from one of the UK’s most iconic production houses.

Disc One

ESCAPE (1930). Director: Basil Dearden
Based on John Galsworthy’s 1921 play, ESCAPE charts the experiences of Captain Matt Denant, sentenced to a term in Dartmoor after accidentally killing a plain-clothes policeman during a quarrel. Unable to bear the harsh conditions of prison life, Matt escapes across the moor – finding his freedom at the mercy of the various characters he encounters.
Starring Gerald du Maurier, Madeleine Carroll, Ian Hunter, Gordon Harker, Edna Best, Austin Trevor and Horace Hodges| Written John Galsworthy| Original Music by Ernest Irving

WEST OF ZANZIBAR (1954) Director: Harry Watt
Bob Payton learns that the Galanas, an African tribe he has befriended, are being forced by soil erosion to move from their homelands. He urges their Chief, Ushingo, to lead them into the hills where they will find fresh, fertile soil and peaceful living; but the young men of the tribe favour the attractions of Mombasa, which represent a new, exciting way of life. Payton knows that such a move would be fatal, placing the Galanas in the way of many temptations – not least the activities of ivory smugglers.
Starring Anthony Steel, Sheila Sim, Edric Connor, Martin Benson, Orlando Martins and William Simons| Written by Harry Watt, Max Catto and Jack Whittingham| Original Music by Alan Rawsthorne performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra| Produced by Leslie Norman

Disc Two

PENNY PARADISE (1938). Director: Carol Reed
Joe Higgins is the captain of a Liverpool tug, with a pretty daughter, Betty, a forgetful Irish first mate, Pat, and a predilection for spending a weekly sixpence on the football pools. When Pat forgets to post Joe’s coupon on the week a winning line is drawn, chaos and frantic comedy are the result…
Starring Edmund Gwenn, Betty Driver, Jimmy O’ Dea, Ethel Coleridge, Maire O’Neill, Jack Livesey, Syd Crossley and James Harcourt| Written by Thomas Browne, Basil Dean, W.L. Meade and Thomas Thompson| Original Music by Ernest Irving| Produced by Basil Dean

CHEER UP! (1936). Director: Leo Mittler
A struggling playwright hopes to market a musical comedy that he has written in collaboration with another equally penurious composer. Anxious to secure the backing of a millionaire, the two composers only succeed in making him angry – until, following a chain of misunderstandings, they finally emerge triumphant. Comic situations and melody play important roles in the film, which includes several spectacular dance routines.
Starring Stanley Lupino, Sally Gray, Roddy Hughes, Gerald Barry, Kenneth Kove and Wynne Weaver| Written by Michael Barringer and Stanley Lupino| Music Arranged and Performed by Percy Mackey and his Orchestra| Produced by Stanley Lupino

Buy The Ealing Rarities Collection - Volume 1 On DVD

GFF2013 - Everybody Has a Plan (Todos tenemos un plan) Review

Ana Piterbarg's Argentinean drama, Everybody Has a Plan, may be lying as I struggled to detect a clear plan in it whatsoever.

Everybody Has a Plan follows Agustin, a middle-class man who seeks an escape from the confines of his life and family. The arrival of his criminal and terminally ill twin brother, Pedro, provides that escape. Agustin murders Pedro, yet soon becomes embroiled in his deceased brother's criminal past.

The main issue with Everybody Has a Plan, is the sheer lack of narrative drive and focus with the feature lethargically dragging from one scene to another. A narrative involving the relationship between twins should be thrilling (Just look at Dead Ringers, or even Van Damme's Douple Impact), but this only receives around ten minutes of screen time here. Instead we see Agustin venture to rural Argentina and lay low in a shack, for what feels like an eternity.

Quiet, low-energy narratives can work if building a sense of foreboding or with the aim of escalating to something more substantial, however this never seems to arrive in Everybody Has a Plan. Pitebarg's feature lacks any sense of atmosphere or passion, and I struggle to interpret exactly what sort of audience this is aimed at. Surely it is not Viggo Mortensen fans? Mortensen is the least-engaging that I've ever seen him , in a performance void of depth or sense of natural charisma. Whilst in this mode, Mortensen struggles to carry the film independently, instead simply merging into the scenery.

Pitebarg does successfully capture the picturesque quality of the rural Argentina, showcasing the rural shacks set amidst the gloomy canals. However, this is unlikely to maintain your interest for the somewhat bloated 118 minute runtime.

Despite high hopes, Everybody Has a Plan lacks any narrative drive, simply trundling along at a snail's pace. A flat performance from Mortensen and lack of atmosphere, further the tedious nature of Piterbarg's feature.

Andrew McArthur

★1/2☆☆☆

Stars: Viggo Mortensen, Soledad Villamil, Daniel Fanego
Director: Ana Piterbarg
Certificate: 15 (UK)
Release: 10th May 2013 (UK)21st February 2013 (Glasgow Film Festival)

Third Window Films Releasing Pang Ho Chueng's Vulgaria This April

There's nothing better than announcing a new Third Window Films release and next month the latest release will arrive on British &Irish shores, from the 'bad boy' of Hong Kong Cinema Pang-Ho Chueng, Vulgaria.the highest grossing Hong Kong film of 2012, Pang Ho-Cheung’s Vulgaria is coming to DVD, BluRay a movie been regarded by Twitch as “Lewd, crude and flat-out hilarious…One of the year’s funniest films!” a description that's sold us this movie.

To (Chapman To Man-chak), a long-time film producer, has yet to produce anything resembling a hit. Beset by financial troubles, he has become desperate for money - so much so that he is unable to pay the alimony to his ex-wife (Kristal Tin). Despite his former spouse's bitterness, their daughter still clings onto her faith in him - and wishes to see him on TV once his new movie premieres. To is soon introduced to a potential Mainland Chinese investor, Tyrannosaurus (Ronald Cheng), by his buddy Lui Wing-shing (Simon Loui Yu-yeung), but Tyrannosaurus is not only the head of a Guangxi triad gang, he turns out to have very particular tastes in food and sex. Regardless, To is determined to woo this investor, even if it means giving into his every demands. Tyrannosaurus eventually tells them to cast his childhood idol Yum Yum Shaw (Susan Shaw) in a remake of a classic pornographic film. He even gives the film the title Confessions of Two Concubines...

DVD and Blu-ray Special Features

• Anamorphic Widescreen transfer with 5.1 Surround Sound
• Making Of, Theatrical Trailer

Vulgaria stars Chapman To(Internal Affairs), Ronald Cheng, Dada Chan, Suet Lam, Kristal Tin and the film will be available on DVD and Blu-Ray from 15th April 2013.

Pre-Order / Buy Vulgaria:DVD / Blu-ray

Ray Harryhausen: Special Effects Titan DVD Review

‘Gushing fan boys’ is the phrase that jumps to mind throughout Gilles Penso’s Ray Harryhausen: Special Effects Titan, a documentary that looks at the life , work, and legacy of one of Hollywood’s most innovative creators. It’s not just Penso’s obvious enthusiasm towards an idol, but of everyone else involved; directors like Tim Burton, James Cameron, Steven Spielberg, Terry Gilliam, John Landis, and Peter Jackson all get on the other side of the camera to explain just how far Harryhausen’s influence reaches into modern cinema.

                Penso covers everything you’d possibly want to know about the trials and tribulations of an up and coming effects maestro, working his way through Harryhausen’s CV and the various methods he deployed to articulate a truly mind boggling understanding of fantasy. With each film, Harryhausen’s methods are peeled back, talked over, and presented in a great collection of sequences sure to inspire interest in any newbies, whilst giving new appreciation to seasoned fans.

Key scenes from all Harryhausen’s works, archival footage and contemporary clips, behind the scenes footage, and original artwork all bolster Penso’s view that we shouldn’t discard the old ways so quickly.  There’s genuine passion and love for the man’s work in every frame of the documentary, a want to educate the viewer beyond CGI hence expanding that part of the viewership that see Harryhausen as a prolific auteur as opposed to just an effects man. At a time when CGI is the accepted mode of “special effects” it’s good to look back and see how things used to be, and the very different type of life they granted a picture. Harryhausen and Spielberg muse at one point as to just how long can CGI grow and grow as a tool before the effects stop being special, and you can’t help but think we’re at that point. Maybe, that’s why films like Clash of the Titans and Jason and the Argonauts are, now more than ever, a genuinely wonderful watch.

An informative and discursive look at the career of a legend delivered smoothly and energetically by a group of loving fans devoted to the preservation of a legacy. Ray Harryhausen: Special Effects Titan can be appreciated by everyone from the biggest fanatic to people just getting into his films.

★★★★☆

Scott Clark

Rating: 15
BD/DVD Release Date: 7th March 2013 (uk)
Director: Gilles Penso
Cast: Ray Harryhausen, Peter Jackson, James Cameron
Buy  Ray Harryhausen - Special Effects Titan:Blu-ray / DVD