Jason and the Argonauts (Blu-ray)

Jason and the Argonauts is not only a colorful adventure that greatly benefits from Harryhausen's Dynarama process, but it is also likely the most intelligently written film that showcases Ray Harryhausen's masterful stop-motion animation. Inspired by Greek mythology, the story begins when the fearless explorer Jason (Todd Armstrong) returns to the kingdom of Thessaly to claim his rightful throne. However, the gods declare that he must first find the magical golden fleece. After consulting with the goddess Hera, Jason recruits the brave Argonauts as the 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 of skeletons wielding swords and shields. This final sequence is among the best that Harryhausen ever created. The sequence remains just as thrilling and exciting today as any product from the digital effects forge. 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 wonderful product of pure imagination and cinematic genius.

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