Ìý Starring the mighty stop motion creature effects of Ray Harryhausen, The Valley Of Gwangi sees the Wild West meet prehistoric times in a crazy adventure of Cowpoke vs Dinosaur. While it's always been easy to admire the skills of Harryhausen, this DVD shows just how ingenious he was with this project.
Not So Prehistoric Now
Bright and colour-rich, the widescreen picture transfer of the film to disc looks great, while the mono sound could do with a bit more bass but is otherwise nice and clear.
ILM Worship
DVD collectors will be used to guys from the ILM effects house popping up on discs to explain just how clever their effects are. It's a nice change, then, to see them talking about someone else's work - in this case, Ray Harryhausen. It turns out that Gwangi was required viewing for the ILM guys as they got to work on Jurassic Park due to the seamless nature of the effects. As they dissect the various shots, including the incredible roping of an Allosaurus, you really get to appreciate what genius work is on display here.
Be Amazed!
Trailer galleries on DVDs aren't usually exciting affairs, but Warner Bros has put on a selection of fantastic Willis O'Brien/Ray Harryhausen trailers. They are: The Beast From 20,000 Fathoms; The Black Scorpion' The Valley Of Gwangi; and Clash Of The Titans. Great entertainment, these should whet your appetite for more creature features. Look out for the Gwangi And Vanessa Easter Egg.
EXTRA FEATURES
This DVD was reviewed on a JVC XV-N5 DVD player.
