Jason and the Argonauts (Blu-ray)

Jason and the Argonauts is not only a colorful adventure that makes great use of Harryhausen's "Dynarama" process, but also probably the most intelligent film in terms of script, highlighting Ray Harryhausen's masterful stop-motion animation. Inspired by Greek myth, the story begins as fearless explorer Jason (Todd Armstrong) returns to the kingdom of Thessaly to stake his claim to the throne. But the gods declare that he must first find the magical golden fleece. After consulting the goddess Hera, Jason recruits the brave Argonauts as crew for his ship and they embark on their eventful journey.

Along the way, they encounter a host of mythical creatures, including the giant bronze god Talos, the bat-like Harpies, the seven-headed Hydra, and an army made up of skeletons wielding swords and shields. This last sequence is among the best Harryhausen ever did. The sequence is still as thrilling and exciting today as a product of the digital forge of special effects. Harryhausen was a true auteur of his fantasy films and his brilliant animation evokes timeless admiration. Jason and the Argonauts is an outstanding example of Harryhausen's talent -- a marvelous product of pure imagination and film-making genius.

One of the masterpieces of mythological antiquity, co-produced by master animator Ray Harryhausen. The stop-motion technique brings to life bronze statue Talos, bat-like harpies, the seven-headed Hydra and the skeletons grown from their teeth. The animation of the battle with the skeletons, first tried by Harryhausen in "Sinbad's Seventh Voyage" in 1958 with only one skeleton, took four and a half months. The world of the gods is ironically drawn. Honor Blackman (Pussy Galore in "Goldfinger") appears as Hera.