Clash of the Titans

Legendary special-effects pioneer and stop-motion-animation wizard Ray Harryhausen took on the gods and monsters of Greek mythology in his final and most ambitious work. Harry Hamlin stars in this 1981 production as Perseus, the stiffly heroic human who battles mythological horrors (sea beast Kraken, demonic man-beast Calibos, and a beautifully rendered Medusa) while on a quest to rescue the lovely and delicate princess Andromeda (Judi Bowker), with the Olympian gods (Laurence Olivier as Zeus, Maggie Smith as Thetis, Claire Bloom as Hera, and Ursula Andress as Aphrodite, among others) watching from on high. Fidelity to the classic myth of Perseus and Andromeda is loose at best here, since the story acts largely as an opportunity for Harryhausen to fashion some of his most memorable creations. Clash of the Titans' wonderfully quaint stop-motion figures make it feel like a throwback to Harryhausen's 1950s fantasy films—the work of a craftsman and an artist who animates each of his creatures with a spark of individuality that ultimately turns his clay models into living figures (it's a shame he couldn't do the same with the human cast). Although officially directed by Desmond Davis, this labor of love is unquestionably co-producer Harryhausen's film. Released to coincide with the 2010 CGI remake, DVD/Blu-ray extras include an interview with Harryhausen, a “Myths and Monsters” gallery spotlighting seven of the film's creatures, and a sneak peak at the remake (the Blu-ray digi-book packaging also includes a 40-page color booklet). A strong optional purchase. (S. Axmaker)