Clash of the Titans

Reviewed by:
Deborah Day

The work of special effects master Ray Harryhausen inspired the likes of director Steven Spielberg and effects Academy Award–winner Dennis Muren (Star Wars, Jurassic Park, E.T.). 1981’s Clash of the Titans was the last feature-length film on which Harryhausen worked directly with effects and pits gods and monsters against mythological hero Perseus (Harry Hamlin) in his quest to regain the throne of Argos and marry princess Andromeda of Joppa. Irascible goddesses complicate matters, prompting Perseus’s father, Zeus (Laurence Olivier), to command that otherworldy gifts (a sword, a magical helmet, etc.) be provided to aid in his son’s adventures. Along the way, Perseus faces off against Medusa, a two-headed dog, giant scorpions, and the god Poseidon’s giant pet sea monkey, the Kraken.

Although the special features of this DVD seem put together for the price of a six-pack, Harryhausen’s humble explanation of his art at least proves informative. A cool monster map could’ve been much, much cooler had the DVD creators not simply relied on the single interview with Harryhausen but also done some research on the history of the various creatures and included the additional information A&E Classroom–style.

Release the Kraken! This classic film is at least worth a rental.

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