A giant Octopus terrorises the US navy in this b-movie classic. And it's not just any old squid, but a Ray Harryhausen stop-motion beast. What's great about this DVD is that it comes with a brilliant documentary. What's not so good is that it's the same one that's one the other Columbia TriStar Harryhausen DVDs. But as long as you know that, or it's the only one you intend to buy, then this remains a good disc.

TECHNICAL FEATURES

Picture While occasionally a little dirty, the print used seems in fair condition, with contrast good throughout.

Sound The 2.0 mono sound handles the dramatic music and creature effects with ease, refusing to distort despite the aural insanity.

SPECIAL FEATURES

The Harryhausen Chronicles Running at 51 minutes and with Ray Harryhausen providing quips throughout, this highly entertaining documentary takes us through an extraordinary career in special effects that began when he saw "King Kong".

His life changed, Ray got to work in his parents' garage, and the resulting footage he made impresses today despite the lack of any budget. "King Kong" FX king Willis O'Brien gave him advice (Ray's Stegosaurus had sausage legs, apparently), prompting Ray to go to art school. From there his work flourished, and his incredible effects took shape. As you'll see while Ray talks us through the difficulties behind his most famous films.

This is Dynamation This is an original promo that shows off the Harryhausen effects that were soon to terrify audiences in full colour.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Chapters: 28
Ratio: 1.85:1 (anamorphic)
Sound: Dolby Digital 2.0 (mono)
Audio Tracks: English and Italian
Subtitles: Multiple languages
Captions: English subtitles available
Menus: Static, with overdramatic music
Special Features Subtitles None of the special features come with subtitles.

This DVD was reviewed on a JVC XV-N5 DVD player.