You get double for your money with this release too, as it also has the re-envisioned musical version of the film too, of which the fascinating and informative tale of its genesis is just a part of the great commentary track by Alan Bryce on the original cut. The visual effects of course highlight that this was indeed not made yesterday, but the stop-motion animation has a timeless charm that adds to the adventure. The vivid colours of the sumptuous clothing worn by the aristocracy at the castle, is a kaleidoscope of beautiful primary colours, which make it look as though it was made yesterday. Jack the Giant Killer is a visual treat on this Blu-ray release from 101 Films. This is just the beginning though of a journey Jack must take to be done with Pendragon once and for all, in an adventure story that keeps throwing thrill after huge-smile-inducing thrill at you during its entire 94 minute running time. However, a peasant farmer (the titular Jack) battles the giant and saves the Princess (HURRAH!). Pendragon uses his evil spells to summon forth all manner of creatures (rendered in Harryhausen-esque stop-motion that are an absolute joy to watch) of which a giant abducts the Princess from the castle. The evil Pendragon (BOOOO) plots to gain control of Cornwall by abducting the Princess.
Which only leaves nostalgic adults and the 6-10 age group left to enjoy this movies' many charms- a shame.Released on Blu-ray for the first time in the UK, Jack the Giant Killer is family entertainment at its best…a swashbuckling adventure with stop-motion animation beasties that will have you cheering and booing in equal parts. Older kids will probably find it a bit too corny for their tastes.
Jack the giant killer 1962 bluray movie#
Younger children will find this movie too frightening, even now when kids see a lot of things they should'nt. On the down side, the monsters in "Jack" are rubbery and unconvincing- which is unfortunate, and does make some of the scenes look very fake indeed, and in this respect, the film is no match at all for the beautiful models on display in "Voyage"- but the optical colour effects when spells are cast, and especially the nightmarish blue tints during the scary witches' attack on the boat, are breathtaking and look very magical, and there is also a fabulous finale when the evil "Pendragon" turns into a dragon and fights to the death with Jack.
There is a cruel streak running through this film which is totally absent from "The Seventh Voyage of Sinbad", and which makes this movie more like a horror film than a childrens fantasy.This fact was obviously picked up on by the film censors in the UK who gave it an "A" certificate (children to be accompanied by an adult) way back in 1967 when it hit the cinemas here- it was also cut by around two minutes of the more violent moments.
The story is typical fairy tale stuff, a poor farmers' son rescues a princess from the evil clutches of a sorceror, but it somehow transcends this simple tale and becomes something so much darker, and scarier than it's more famous rival.
Unfortunately, it is relatively unknown, (especially in the UK where it cannot be found on DVD or video, and it has never seen a release on either of these formats to my knowledge- it does however, show up every 5 years or so on Channel 4-so look out for it there.) It also seems to be compared unfavourably with "The Seventh Voyage of Sinbad", which is a shame, as it surpasses this admittedly fine film in many ways. This is one of the most interesting and entertaining fantasy movies ever made.
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