Columbia has done a fine job with this disc, starting with the 1.85:1 anamorphic video. Clean and clear thanks to a beautiful restoration job, the only thing dragging this one down is some grain of varying annoyance. The stock footage mentioned above is also heavily damaged, but this is the norm and makes it blatantly obvious. Only minor scratches remain on the actual film footage. This is likely the best this film will ever look and a treat for fans. (****)
The discs soundtrack replicates the original mono presentation of the film with a little bit of trouble. The volume fluctuates from scene to scene and having your finger on the volume button is almost necessary. Other than this, this is a serviceable soundtrack that isn't for home theater enthusiasts, but for watching the film it's just fine. (***)
Two featurettes are included on the disc along with a few trailers. "This is Dynamation" is an old, short promotional film that showcases some of Harryhausen's spectacular effects work. You won't learn much, but it is fun to watch for it's retro factor.
Also available on a separate DVD, "The Harryhausen Chronicles" is hosted by Leonard Nimoy. This hour long look at one of the best special effects men of all time is spectacular, filled with countless interviews and never before seen footage. If you love stop motion, this is worth owning the disc just to watch it. This isn't a packed disc, but the quality far surpasses the quantity here. (****)
This disc is available as part of the Ray Harryhausen Signature Collection of DVD's, which includes "20 Million Miles to Earth" and the "Sinbad" series. Nearly every movie in this set must be purchased if you have any interest in special effects or classic sci-fi. Even alone by itself, "It Came From Beneath the Sea" is a classic and a worthy purchase for anyone who has even a mild interest.
Originally posted at Breaking Windows.
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Article comments
1 - Chris Kent
Favorite Ray Harryhausen film - Seventh Voyage of Sinbad
We really need to start a Kenneth Tobey fan club. I mean fuck, what other actor can claim to have starred in It Came From Beneath the Sea, The Thing AND Billy Jack?!!!!
2 - Matt Paprocki
Gotta say Harryhausen did his best work in The Beast From 20,000 Fathoms, a disc I'll probably review later today. There is a film that you can watch a 100 times and not get tired of it.
Also, Beat is another Tobey classic. Had he made his way into Them! he would pretty much ran the gauntlet for this genre.
3 - Paul
I also think 7th Voyage is Harryhausen's overall best.
But my favourite single scene occurs in Beneath The Sea when the flamethrowers make their appearance.