However, while it sounds harsh, it's hard to believe more couldn't have been done. Looking at the DVD for Son of Kong, the difference is incredible, and entirely in favor of the sequel. While it's the print(s) that's the most likely culprit (the original has certainly had its share of showings over the years), it's hard to imagine how films separated only by one year can look so radically different. Now begins the inevitable wait for the HD-DVD version. (****)
Likewise, the sound has also taken a beating, presented here in mono as expected. Steiner's soundtrack strains even the best speakers when it hits its peak, and there's a layer of static over everything. Dialogue is washed out, though how badly depends on the scene. It's not bad enough to fall out of the expectations for 70+ year old movie, and it's more depressing that a movie of this caliber wasn't kept in better condition. (***)
When putting in either disc of this two-disc collection, you'll need to have a lot of time on your hands. Disc one contains the new print of the film, along with a new commentary from Ray Harryhausen and Ken Ralston. Harryhausen spends plenty of time discussing the stop motion process, while Ralston adds details about the rest. They also talk about how they were influenced. There are also archived audio clips from Fay Wray and Merian C. Cooper. They're more focused on their personal experiences.
Disc 2 is where things become crazy, and it's the two and a half hour RKO Production 601: The Making of King Kong, the Eight Wonder of the World that makes this set special. This documentary covers everything, from pre-production, special effects, personal anecdotes (both Fay Wray and Max Steiner provide information from older interviews), and complete recreations.
Peter Jackson and his special effects team painstakingly made the lost "spider pit" sequence, shown only a few times in 1933 until audiences declared it was too shocking to stay in. It was pulled and never seen again. It's all done in stop motion, and the monsters are taken either from photo reference or the script. There is also some discussion on the scene itself, but the majority of this segment is taken up by showing the progression of the new scene, done entirely in the style of the day.
Article comments
1 - Steve
Interesting article, having seen the three versions of "King Kong", I still prefer the 1933 original.