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The Eighth Wonder Of The World returns as Warner Brothers releases KING KONG the original 1933 masterpiece on Blu-ray. Coming at us in their unique Digibook format the release features the best looking version of the film that this fan has ever seen and a slate of special features that will blow your mind.
If you've, like me, have only ever seen the film on cable or VHS you absolutely must get you hands on this disc and see the film again. It will be like you watching it for the first time. I was completely blown away by the detail and the things that after all these years I am just now realizing that I had missed. It was actually quite exciting watching the film in this fashion. I gives me an idea of what movie goers back in the 30's must have thought when they first laid eyes on KONG.
But the fun is just starting with the amazing transfer of the film, the special features are engrossing and top notch. The 7 part documentary RKO Production 602: The making Of Kong: The Eighth Wonder Of The World is beyond awesome. Insightful, interesting and an absolutely must see feature for not just any monster film fan but any fan of films in general.
It took me an entire evening to watch everything on this release and trust me, once you start watching you too will have to watch every second of everything that Warner. Bros. stuck on this disc, One of this years best releases by far.
Here's all the info you need on the disc. It came out on Sept. 28th so this must have release is already at the store waiting for you.
On September 28, 2010, the original 1933 RKO classic King Kong makes its long awaited debut on Blu-ray Disc. Presented by Warner Home Video, the newly remastered King Kong
features extensive bonus content, including a collectible Blu-ray Book
written by renowned film historian Rudy Behlmer; a feature length
documentary on Kong creator Merian C. Cooper, directed by
acclaimed filmmakers Kevin Brownlow and Christopher Bird; commentary by
Ray Harryhausen and Ken Ralston with Merian C. Cooper and Fay Wray; and a
seven-part documentary that delves deeply into just about every aspect
of the making of the film.
With 32 pages of rare photography and trivia, the
captivating Blu-ray Book, written by Rudy Behlmer, centers around the
vision of director, Merian C. Cooper and his larger than life persona
that brought the story of King Kong to the screen. A
prolific film researcher and historian, Behlmer personally interviewed
Cooper and has written numerous books and contributed to a wide variety
of documentaries, videos, DVDs and laser discs about Hollywood's Golden
Age.
In this very special Blu-ray release, the newly
remastered film is presented in its 1933 entirety and includes scenes
that were originally considered too shocking for the 1938-1956
re-releases. With equal parts adventure, horror and old-fashioned
romance, King Kong is a milestone of movie-making that has
endured for more than seven decades. Named as one of the 100 Best
Films of All Time by Time Magazine, King Kong
premiered in New York City in 1933. The film was an instant success,
breaking box-office records to become one of the top moneymakers of the
1930s.
King Kong's state-of-the-art visual
effects, entertaining story and touching conclusion captivated audiences
and started a worldwide love affair with the giant ape. The film has
also been included in seven of the American Film Instituteβs Top 100
lists, including the 100 Years...100 Movies list.
A film ahead of its time, King Kong
defied the technological limitations of the 1930s. Special effects
pioneer Willis OβBrien's revolutionary stop-motion animation was not
only technically brilliant but also highly imaginative and continues to impress even in today's era of computer-generated wizardry.Directed and produced by Merian C. Cooper and Ernest B. Schoedsack, with a rousing score by Max Steiner (who also scored Gone with the Wind),King Kong
stars Robert Armstrong, Bruce Cabot and Fay Wray, whose memorable
performance as damsel in distress Ann Darrow cemented her place in pop
culture and earned her the nickname The Queen of Scream.
In addition to its Blu-ray debut, King Kong
is available On Demand from cable and satellite providers, and for
permanent download and digital rental through iTunes, Amazon Video On
Demand, PlayStationStore and Xbox LIVE Zune Video Marketplace.
King Kong (1933)
Robert Armstrong stars as movie producer Carl
Denham who travels to a mysterious, uncharted island in search of
material for his next film. Also aboard are unemployed actress Ann
Darrow (Fay Wray) and adventurer Jack Driscoll (Bruce Cabot). Once the
crew reaches Skull Island they discover it is home to prehistoric beasts
including Kong, a giant ape who becomes obsessed with the crew's blonde
starlet. King Kong teems with memorable moments, from the
audience's first glance at the giant ape to his last stand atop the
Empire State Building.
Special Features:
- Commentary by Ray Harryhausen and Ken Ralston, with Merian C. Cooper and Fay Wray
- Merian C. Cooper Movies Trailer Gallery
- Iβm King Kong! The Exploits of Merian C. Cooper (2005 documentary)
- RKO Production 601: The Making of Kong, Eighth Wonder of the World
- Willis O'Brien and Creation
- Cameras Roll on Kong, The Eighth Wonder
- A Milestone in Visual Effects
- Passion, Sound and Fury
- The Mystery of the Lost Spider Pit Sequence
- King Kong's Legacy
- Creation Test Footage with Commentary by Ray Harryhausen
