Jason & The Argonauts

Product Information

Sony not only ports over that content to this Blu-ray, they've also gone the extra mile to provide a wealth of high-definition exclusives (see appropriate section below).

It is true that Harryhausen approved the Criterion transfer but it is so long since I've seen it, myself, that I cannot remember how it looked - which only complicates the matter further. I agree with other web observers that the Hydra seemed to be bluer, and that the Day For Night Harpy sequence was originally a bit darker, like the D for N in The Guns of Navarone. If you are fan of Jason, and of the entire concept that the master stop-motion animator created, then this track is like nectar. The detailing on Harryhausen's monstrosities is appealing in close-ups, but there is an occasional shroud of murkiness in places. The grain structure is natural, the color better than I seem to remember even from the 1963 prints I saw, the 1.

Going back and forth, the full screen LD was obviously a true "open matte" presentation, and provided a much more satisfying picture. Director John Chaffey also keeps the film moving at a decent clip, going from one setting to the next with hardly any dull points in between. As pointed out by the original notice in The Monthly Film Bulletin, King Aeëtes' head retainer raises an eyebrow and answers his liege lord in pure Cockney: "Yew mean the high princess of Heh-caw-tee? The film is of course now a legend unto itself and contains some of Harryhausen's most difficult animation and classiest designs. All this shows that some thought has gone into putting this mix together, that effects haven't just been lashed around the channels for the sake of it.

The man turns out to be Pelias, and though Jason is unaware of Pelias' true identity, Pelias knows exactly who his savior is and doesn't intend on giving up his kingdom. Like any film touched by Harryhausen, though, the real stars of the show are his magnificent creations. But this is the nature of the beast - and certainly not something that you can put down to the transfer. These all-time classic adventures, each featuring pioneering special effects by filmmaking legend Ray Harryhausen, are presented here in stunning restorations. Speaking of which, Jackson hosts the second commentary with visual effects artists William Randall Cook.We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Unfortunately, no subsequent video releases, including this new Blu-ray, has reflected the intent of the filmmakers. Ultimately, the compromise benefits the viewer as we get to see slightly more of the original frame.

I just received the screener of this BD on Saturday and I haven't had time to do a review, but I checked and both the scene where Jason is taken to speak with the gods and the Harpy sequence are day for night.

The myth-adventures of Greek hero Jason and his quest to find the Golden Fleece are highlighted by his battles with various monstrous creatures, including a 100-foot bronze god, bat-like Harpies, a seven-headed Hydra and an army of skeleton warriors. Its string of bravura animation set-pieces are buffered by dramatic scenes, but in this case a fine cast and a strong story -- the myth of the Golden Fleece -- carry the film through in great style.