Long before anyone knew what a Silicone Graphics Workstation was, 'special effects' was the domain Hollywood's original magicians. And when one looks back at the films that set the standard in special effects, one name will always come up, Ray Harryhausen. The acknowledged master of stop-motion animation, Harryhausen supplied his own brand of magic to 15 feature films. Several of his most memorable effects can be found in what many consider to be his finest film, 'Jason And The Argonauts'. Released in 1963 amid the seemingly endless cheap Italian 'sword and sandal' films, 'Jason And The Argonauts' quickly proved to be in a class by itself. With scenes like the encounter with the bronze giant, Talos, Jason's defeat of the dragon guarding the Golden Fleece, the Hydra and the incredible 'battle with the skeletons', 'Jason And The Argonauts' has become a film whose images are imbedded in the minds of a generation.
The Voyager Co. has put together an impressive laser disc presentation of this landmark fantasy film. Voyager located what has turned out to be the only two surviving archival interpositives and combined portions of both elements to come up with this remarkably good video transfer. Voyager's ace transfer supervisor, Maria Palazzola, consulted with Ray Harryhausen on how each scene should look and it was at Mr. Harryhausen's recommendation the film was transferred in it's original 1.33:1 ratio. The colors on this disc are fresher and more accurate than I have ever seen them, though the film elements have obviously lost some of their original brilliance. Contrast is very good, revealing far more detail than the much darker print transfers. The image is sharp and, generally, clear with only an occasional scratch or other age related flaw showing up. Overall, a top-notch transfer of some rather aged film elements.
The film's soundtrack seems to have been given a digital 'clean-up'. Much of the harshness and hiss that one associates with material of this age has been eliminated and the terrific Bernard Herrmann score retains at least some of it's original texture. The sound is mono with relatively clear dialog and effects. Analog channel two contains commentary by Harryhausen and film historian, Bruce Eder.
Since this disc is from the Criterion Collection, one would expect supplemental materials and, of course, Voyager has provided them. Starting with footage of some early animation tests and running through storyboards, sketches, production records, casting notes, production photos, lobby cards and other promotional material and production memos outlining some deleted scenes. Also included is footage showing how the 'Hydra' and 'skeleton' sequences were created. Closing out the supplemental section are theatrical trailers for 'Jason And The Argonauts' as well as 'It Came From Beneath The Sea', 'Earth vs. The Flying Saucers', '7th Voyage Of Sinbad' and 'Sinbad And The Eye Of The Tiger'.
The film runs 104 minutes and Voyager has formatted this two-disc set with side 1 in CLV and sides 2-4 in CAV. Side 1 runs less than 35 minutes with the first stop-motion sequence opening side 2. One would assume the reason for putting side 1 in CLV was to allow a bit more room for supplements on side 4. Despite spreading the film to 4 sides, the side and platter breaks are poorly chosen and even a bit jarring. The $100 price tag will, unfortunately, put this set out of the reach of many collectors that would and should enjoy this films many pleasures. It is, however, a worthwhile addition to any collection.
This review is copyright, and may not be reproduced without the written consent of the author.
