Jason and the Argonauts

When I was 10 years old I saw this movie in the theater. I had seen the trailers the week before and eagerly awaited the movie in Saturday matinee. I was blown away when I did.Today, MANY years later, I'm still blown away.JATA is a Harryhausen classic along with "7th Voyage of Sinbad", two of the most inspiring and entertaining "legend" movies of the 1960's. And what was not to like? Gorgeous color, fantastic cast, great costumes and scenery, a Bernard Herrmann score, plenty of action, monsters, monsters and more monsters -- all by the animation genius who left a legacy of film brilliance for generations to come.Stop motion animation isn't everyone's cup of tea, I admit. In many ways, it looks like Claymation, and badly done knock offs (usually in dinosaur films) come to mind, lowering its credibility. Yes there are other forms of animation with a very different look (King Kong, for example) but this is Harryhausen STYLE, and the secret is in the details.In "Sinbad" it was called "Dynamation" - not sure why, other than a marketing gimmick. But it isn't the animation itself (good as it is, and painstaking to produce frame by frame) that you need to look at, it's the character details and the relation between the actors and the animated characters (monsters). This is where the talent shows through. It shines.You have to remember that the giant Talos was only about 1 or 2 feet tall (I don't know the exact size), and the Hydra, with the full seven heads visible in a couple of places (though I believe only five were animated because of budget-- or was that in the giant Octopus movie?) probably wasn't much bigger than a cat or dog. The actors had to imagine them life size and react to them effectively, which they did for the most part quite well.It is this classic look and animation that makes JATA an iconic movie. But there is more of value in it.First of all, we see a movie that is pretty close to the Greek legend. Compare it along these lines to "Clash of the Titans" (the re-make especially) that hobbled Norse and Greek myth together and made up almost everything else. This movie was intellectually much more honest.We also see something unusual when dealing with Greek myth. We see Gods and Goddesses, remarkably human in their interactions with each other and the humans they deal with -- not the harsh, judgmental and incorrect interpretations we see in some other films. We see them as fantastic yet approachable, perfect stuff for the imagination to ponder and wonder at. That is what they were meant to be.They're all really quite charming.Zeus, all powerful yet surprisingly gentle (this is a guy who could fry you in an instant with a thunderbolt) spends quality time with Hera, Queen of the Gods (and his wife). The legends tend to focus on their many arguments and Zeus' infidelities, but here, we see a couple whom we suspect actually do like each other. Refreshing interpretation.Hera, well, what's not to love? She's beautiful as both a Goddess and the Argo's figurehead. She actually beats out Zeus in air time because of this, and the animated figurehead... those amazing eyes! As a kid, and even now as an adult, those eyes capture me every time! Even though the figurehead is a character, somehow with the motion of the eyelids and the eyes themselves, they are captivating. And of course, we see a side of Hera that the myths often don't show. She could be kindly and loving. Refreshing to see that. Fans of the TV show "Hercules" may think of Hera as a vengeful and tempestuous Goddess, but she had a good side as well. She was a popular Goddess in the ancient times because she was the Goddess of the hearth and home, of family and yes, even (Greek)family values. It's nice to see her good nature here.Hermes bears close watching to figure him out, purely for entertainment value if nothing else. He appears in the film at the beginning as a seer. We see him again when Jason meets Pelias. Watch him closely as he looks at Jason... something is going on there. We find out what later when he reveals himself for who he really is and takes Jason to Olympus. That scene, well, I have to laugh these days because of course, it looks so much like "Beam me up, Scotty!" But this film pre-dated Star Trek by many years... perhaps it inspired it?On a bit of a down side...It's too bad they didn't do more with Hecate. She's a very misunderstood Goddess anyway, and the three dog's heads in her statue don't help much. She has a much more important role in the true myths. And Poseidon, when he holds back the clashing rocks, is a bit too chunky. In the myths and statues of the time, he is portrayed as a very dynamic, athletic and trim figure -- as is Zeus... not sure why they made these guys so stocky this time around.On the other hand, what is wonderful is the way they handle the interaction between Jason and the Gods on Olympus. He doesn't grovel and snivel in awe and fear. He stands bold and true (which in the Greek religion was expected). And for their part, Zeus and the Gods treat him with respect, even though he is a plaything to them.Marvelous.The film is also loaded with some favorite actors!Michael Gwynn plays Hermes. He was in a number of notable films, including "Village of the Damned" and "Revenge of Frankenstein". Always a treat to see him.Patrick Troughton plays the blind seer, Phineas. Doctor Who fans should recognize him by his accent if nothing else!And of course there is the brilliant Nigel Green as Hercules.Todd Armstrong, who plays Jason, is a relatively unknown actor, and from what I have seen, didn't go much beyond this film. Some reviewers say his performance is wooden, but I would disagree. The script doesn't give him many good lines or play up his emotions well, and that's not his fault. What he does bring to the film are some wonderful facial expressions as he delivers those not-so-inspiring lines. It's a pity his career didn't go much further, I saw real potential in him, and I enjoyed him very much as Jason.The plot of the film follows the myth pretty closely (considering it is a movie) and it stays true to the moral ambiguity of the legend. That's a positive, because we are seeing Greek myth, not "Greek-Myth-with-American-Values". We see things as the myth tells us. It leaves open questions because that is what the myths do.How can Jason justify stealing the Golden Fleece when he knows it will ruin a presumably innocent kingdom that is prosperous because of it? Well, in some of the myths, Colchis is a corrupt warrior state that was over ambitious and imperialistic. Zeus was displeased with their abuse of the gift of the Fleece and sent Jason to take it away as a punishment. The movie missed a chance to point this out, unfortunately.But let's not get into too much thinking or analyzing... this film is about enjoying and fantasy! Just go with it for what it is and revel in the wizardry, the artistry and the --then --cutting edge technology that made it possible to see the imaginings of the ancients come to life on the screen!Technical Quality:I got the film as an Amazon video download.The quality is very good, considering it is a computer file, and as a download the file it is 2.07 GB, so it takes a while to get it onto the computer.It comes as with the .wmv extension -- playable even on Windows Media Player, but it has strong copy protection. The DRM blocks it from playing in something like GOM or VLC player, so you really need the free Amazon Unbox player. This player lacks many of the features of the more robust players (no contrast brightness or other adjustments-- in fact, no adjustments are possible at all.) I hope Amazon beefs up their player to match the features of these other players.Of course, you can also watch it "in the cloud" on-line through your Amazon account.What is great, whether you get it on DVD or as a download, is that you can freeze frame.That feature is wonderful to help appreciate the fantastic work of the model makers. Try it.Freeze the frames when Talos is running (or clunking, he's made of metal after all and doesn't have the flexibility of flesh) around. Take a really good look at the coloring, the sculpting, the attention to detail that when into this character.Do the same with the marvelous Hydra. The detail (down to the scales even) is remarkable.There is one scene with the Hydra that bears close watching. At one point, the Hydra catches Jason in one of its two tails and swings him around, then puts him down. Obviously for this part they had a "mini Jason" figure, which is ANIMATED! Of course, it's obvious on close scrutiny, but this is not a drawback. When he is put down as a figure, in the next frame, the actor gets up in an almost visually seamless move. That is quality animation!And of course, the fighting skeletons... you have to love the skeletons! Excellent animation and detail even in a bunch of bones! I mean, a skull that frowns (as these characters do)... now THAT's artistry!Conclusion:Overall, for Harryhausen fans, this is in my opinion, one of the TWO BEST Harryhausen films (the other is "7th Voyage of Sinbad") and a worthy addition to a collection of Harryhausen films.For animators (CGI or otherwise), it is a great study in "how to do it". There's a lesson in practically every frame.For fans of mythology, it's a lightweight and easy to digest retelling of one of the most enduring tales of the Hero's Quest.And, like the myth, it stands the test of time. It's re-playable and entertaining every time. Our modern technology just makes it easier to study and understand WHY it is such a fine motion picture.5 Stars, excellent all around.

I've reviewed quite a few films featuring the work of special effects artist Ray Harryhausen and found reasons to like them all, but Jason and the Argonauts (1963) features some of his most fantastic effects, and is considered to be one of the greatest fantasy pictures ever made. Would I say it's the greatest? No, but in terms of influencing many, including a majority of special effects artists in the business today, this film is a cinematic landmark, and deserves to be treated as such. Produced by long time Harryhausen collaborator Charles Schneer (The Valley of Gwangi, The Golden Voyage of Sinbad, Clash of the Titans) and directed by Don Chaffey (One Million Years B.C., Pete's Dragon), the film stars Todd Armstrong in his biggest role, but not his voice, as that was dubbed over by Tim Turner, a British actor who did a lot of voice over work on film trailers, including the trailer for this film. Also appearing is Nancy Kovack (The Silencers), and a whole bunch of British actors including Gary Raymond (El Cid), Laurence Naismith (The Valley of Gwangi), Niall MacGinnis (Night of the Demon), Jack Gwillim (Patton), Nigel Green (Countess Dracula), and Honor Blackman (Goldfinger), to name a few.As this fantasy epic begins, we see the plight of Jason as an infant, his father slain and kingdom usurped, as so the seemingly fickle Gods have decided. Jason grows up, returns to re-take the land and peoples that are rightfully his, only to be sent on a quest, by the Gods (geez, who died and made them Gods? Oh yeah...they ARE Gods), to recover a golden fleece, one that would bring peace and prosperity to the troubled land. Only problem is the fleece is across the world, to where no one has sailed before. To meet this goal, Jason has the finest ship built, and gathers the greatest athletes Greece has to offer, and sets out on a perilous journey that involves dangerous waters, mighty bronze titans, a deadly, multi-headed Hydra, an army of skeleton warriors (can seven really be considered an army? Maybe more like a task force...), and treachery within his own ranks, among other things (as if that wasn't enough). The quest seems an impossible one, but with Jason's determination, the loyalty of his men (the non-treasonous ones, of course), and even a little help from the Gods themselves, he just may be able to survive and return with the treasure to reclaim what is rightfully his, and bring and end to the tyrant reign that has plagued his lands for the past twenty odd years.Alright, I will say some of the acting isn't all that great (actress Kovack seems to be on some kind of depressant, as her performance is about as deadpan as I've seen), and some of the non-Harryhausen special effects are extremely noticeable (the matte usage in some scenes stands out a lot more than they probably would have liked), but despite these points, this is really a fun and exciting movie. There are elements of the story missing (the 2000 television CGI-laden version starring Jason London was a bit more inclusive in this respect, but lacked the charm, for me at least, of this one), but the makers of this film did manage to cram a lot into its' 104 minute running time, and the capable direction kept the story moving along at a rousing pace, rarely slowing down, and keeping my interest. I did enjoy the sets (especially those on Mount Olympus, and I have to say, Honor Blackman makes for one sexy Goddess, playing Hera, Zeus' wife...hotchie momma!) and the location shots where wonderful, adding a lot to the story. The Argo (the boat that carried Jason and his crew, hence the term `Argonauts') was suitable, although that figurehead of Hera (she was one of the Gods assisting Jason) freaked me out, especially with the opening an closing of its' eyelids. And I can't review this film without mentioning the work of legendary Hollywood composer Bernard Herrmann (Citizen Kane, The Ghost and Mrs. Muir, The Day the Earth Stood Still, Psycho, Taxi Driver)...well, I mentioned him...but seriously, it's pretty rare to find a composer as `in tune' with the material he's working with as Herrmann (think how different Psycho would be without its' frightening score). The best parts of the film, by far, are the stop-motion effects by Harryhausen. What makes his work so good, in my opinion, is not only his eye for meticulous detail (it would often take months to produce a 3 or 4 minute on screen segment of stop-motion work), but also his ability to create the appropriate movements for the characters he was presenting. An example within the context of the film is Talos, the bronze titan, compared to, say, the winged harpies. The character of Talos moved exactly how you would expect a giant made of bronze to move, rigid, lumbering, and generally slow, compared to the very fluid and animated movements of the winged harpies, or even the multi-headed Hydra creature. It's the supposition of how the creatures would move, infused with the created models that set Harryhausen apart from his peers, and made him a legend in his own time, influencing so many others that came after him. It's pretty rare to see stop-motion work in major films nowadays, as it's been replaced with computer generated images (which is probably cheaper and less time consuming, but can often appear just as unrealistic as lesser stop-motion work).The picture looks pretty good on this DVD, and is available in both widescreen (1.85:1) and full screen pan and scan formats. The audio, Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono, is relatively clear throughout. Special features include subtitles (English, French, and Spanish), the original theatrical trailer, short production notes inside the case, and a lengthy interview with Ray Harryhausen conducted by John Landis, featuring clips, still photos, and even a prop or two from the films.Cookieman108

I have seen this movie so often, I can (ALMOST) speak the lines along with the Actors.I enjoy the acting, and the special effects by Ray Harryhausen. As the movie moves along, you can learn a bit of Greek Mythology, which to me, is ver educational.You’ll enjoy it.

What can I say about a fanasty classic of mythology and great acting. Video quality was great and as was the sound.

I haven't seen this movie since a child in the 1960s. I thoroughly enjoyed it. For the most part, and considering the technology of the time, it has held up very well. But, for me, to tap into a cherished childhood memory was very special. It was interesting to which parts I well remembered, before watching vs which parts were totally forgotten. I wouldn't hesitate to re-watch this again, with my grandchildren.

Good transfer to Blu-Ray,this remains an absolute gem,state of the art stop/go animation by the master of the technique the legendary Ray Harryhausen featuring the mythical Gods and monsters of the Greek legends,from the Harpies to Neptune,culminating in the stunning climactic battle with the skeleton warriors. Less successful,it must be said.is the casting of a very wooden Todd Armstrong in the title role,although balanced out overall by the great British supporting cast including Honor Blackman as Hera and as her consort Zeus,the great Niall Macginnis, among the crew,Nigel Green,Laurence Naismith,Andrew Faulds, to name a few! The production values are good,as are the locations, costumes and art direction. Of course, it has dated, compared to the C.G imagery of today,but anyone who,like me,fondly remembers the cinema of the Fifties and Sixties,it stands the test of time.

Along with Sinbad this is one of the two masterpieces starring Harryhausen magical tricks and special effects. It is an entertaining, playful and old fashioned (and fascinating) adventure, with all the fashion of old tricks (that are still impressive and totally enjoyable and, at that times, must have looked impressive, representing a new point of reference for visual effects.Blu ray is truly excellent and extras are quite interesting and enlightening about Ray's art

Brought back the memories when I watched it when I was younger and I wanted to share this Greek myth with my son.

Wont insult your intelligence and discuss the film but I will say that this is a really reasonably priced Region Free Blu Ray and the transfer is an improvement on the DVD.

Great film for mum. And family clasic.