听 "King Kong" might be nearly 70 years old but this is one surprisingly pace-filled adventure. It's well worth seeing on the new DVD release, which comes with a fascinating documentary.
This must rank as one of the oldest films out on DVD to date, and it certainly shows. The picture is often quite grainy and darker tones are grey rather than black. This situation won't improve until both serious time and money is spent on print restoration. Nevertheless it's still well worth watching, and the excitement of the movie is little impaired.
The sound comes in a mono mix that's a little thin but clear enough.
The 'making of' documentary has a number of interviews, including Murray Spivack who actually worked on the sound effects for the film. But the most attention goes to looking at the incredible special effects created by Willis O'Brien. Using clay, cotton, and metal he created a true character out of King Kong that's impressive to behold.
The various censorship cuts made to the movie are touched upon, as is the lost (and presumed destroyed) sequence where doomed sailors are set upon by giant spiders. Importantly, the DVD has the censor's cuts restored so you can enjoy the full impact of the highly creative effects. On that basis alone, it's well worth getting this disc.
Chapters: 12
Ratio: 1.33:1
Sound: Dolby Digital 1.0
Extra Features: Scene selection, 'The Films of King Kong', 'It Was Beauty Killed the Beast' documentary, animated main menu.
