Fantastic special effects by Ray Harryhausen and exciting mythological adventure make this a film that is fun for everyone. It’s the story of Jason (Todd Armstrong), a fearless sailor and explorer, who returns to the kingdom of Thessaly after a 20-year voyage to make his rightful claim to the throne. But to do so, Jason must first find the magical Golden Fleece. He selects a crew and with the help of Hera, Queen of the Gods, sets sail in search of the Fleece. Jason and his crew must overcome incredible obstacles including a 100-foot bronze giant, the venomous Hydraa huge creature with the heads of seven snakes, and a spectacular battle with an army of skeletons.Arguably the most intelligently written film to feature the masterful stop-motion animation of Ray Harryhausen, Jason and the Argonauts is a colorful adventure that takes full advantage of Harryhausen’s “Dynarama” process. Inspired by the Greek myth, the story begins when the fearless explorer Jason (Todd Armstrong) returns to the kingdom of Thessaly to make his rightful claim to the throne, but the gods proclaim that he must first find the magical Golden Fleece. Consulting Hera, the queen of gods, Jason recruits the brave Argonauts to crew his ship, and they embark on their eventful journey. Along the way they encounter a variety of mythic creatures, including the 100-foot bronze god Talos, the batlike Harpies, the seven-headed reptilian Hydra, and an army of skeletons wielding sword and shield. This last sequence remains one of the finest that Harryhausen ever created, and it’s still as thrilling as anything from the age of digital special effects. Harryhausen was the true auteur of his fantasy films, and his brilliant animation evokes a timeless sense of wonder. Jason and the Argonauts is a prime showcase for Harryhausen’s talent–a wondrous product of pure imagination and filmmaking ingenuity. The DVD contains an informative interview with Harryhausen by filmmaker John Landis. –Jeff Shannon
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April 17, 2008
#1
WWWWWeeeww! Man that acting smells! I thought there was a dead animal somewhere in my house but the acting! Wretched acting! Seriously though, nobody should see this movie unless they are only doing it to re-live some nostalgic memories or for the amazing stop-motion work of hollywood bum turned genius Ray Harryhausen. Good show gentle sir!
April 17, 2008
#2
the shipment was fast.. item in great condition.. very well pleased… thanks again!
April 17, 2008
#3
This movie is not as good as my childhood recollections. Visually, it suffers from a very unmagical TV blandness (except for Harryhausen’s stop-action, which is still an f/x high bar). A lot of the acting is really appalling. Todd Armstrong plays Jason as a boring prig with tiny eyes and a voice that seems dubbed from a spaghetti western. Makes you wish they had cast someone like William Shatner (but the movie’s look is already too “Star Trek”). Herrman’s score is great. But I prefer the memories…
April 17, 2008
#4
yes they did that in 1963 and even before. Ray harryhausen’s stop motion is a wonder in itself, but the story is strictly for kids.
April 17, 2008
#5
I have fond memories of this movie from childhood but upon watching it as an adult I was disappointed. Sure, Ray Harryhausen was a genius and a pioneer in the special effects department but in today’s world this movie just falls flat. If you haven’t seen this movie in years and would like to revisit it you probably shouldn’t. It may disappoint you. You are better off getting the Harry Hamlin Clash of the Titans. It has withstood the test of time better.