Jason and the Argonauts [Region 2]
buy bestselling dvd movies, videos find reviews, ratings, prices
|
![Jason and the Argonauts [Region 2]](/pictures/Jason-Argonauts-z.jpg) |
Features
• Full Screen
• NTSC
In Theaters : 07 May, 2000 |
| [ + Zoom ] [ Buy Now ] |
DVD : This item is currently not available. |
|
|
Jason and the Argonauts [Region 2] description
Is your classical Greek rusty? This is just the thing--a feast of epic Greek mythology--and the classic tale of Good (Jason, Theseus, Hercules, Orpheus) versus Evil (angry gods, Poseidon, Harpies, the women of Lemnos) is a great introduction. The plot has been entertaining people for thousands of years and is still going strong--now strengthened by great special effects and good acting. Sure, some people will think this version isn't "high culture" enough (it's a bit reminiscent of The Clash of the Titans), but those folks should probably be reading Bulfinch's Mythology instead of watching TV anyway. The DVD includes a "making of" documentary, "notable and quotable," detailed cast and crew information, scene access, and Dolby surround sound. Even hard-core fans of Ray Harryhausen's 1963 stop-motion-animation version will find room in their hearts (and DVD libraries) for this one. Although the basic plot elements are the same, the two versions achieve very different (and both quite enjoyable) effects. The new Jason and the Argonauts is something kids and adults can all enjoy. --Tara Chace |
|
Jason and the Argonauts [Region 2] Customer Reviews
|
|
|
|
♥♥♥♥♥
|
Worthy of Harryhausen
|
Although the 1963 film version of this greek myth was more tightly scripted (and with a stronger lead), bear in mind this one in question was a 2-part TV movie or "mini-series", so necessarily longer, but it filled its running time with solid story. Originally, my expectations were low, but I ended up pleasantly surprised.
As this will inevitably draw comparisons to Harryhausen's version, let me start out by saying the FX in this, though computer graphics, was top-notch for the time, as good as the graphics in some major motion pictures. These are definitely 2 levels above the rather featureless, robotic computer models as seen in the "Hercules" and "Xena" shows. The Harpies in particular were well done, and overall the animation superior to that seen in the rather lackluster TV remake of "Mysterious Island" with Patrick Stewart.
Because of the longer running time than the original, this version has more story derived from the myth. This gives the excellent cast room to shine and I feel the characterizations are what makes this movie. Dennis Hopper was surprisingly good as Jason's evil uncle, Orpheus has his moment at the clashing rocks with his pet seagull, Hera is particularly beautiful and godlike, Hercules is well cast, Langella is regal and tragic as King of Colchis......its a pleasure to see a production like this give equal attention to story as to spectacle.
The musical score is passionate and humanistic but lacks the heroic majesty of Bernard Hermann's soundtrack from the 1963 version. Some reviewers felt that the actor in the lead was flat as Jason. Perhaps, but if you look at what this character is actually doing, you may find that the only way to bring Jason to life is to paint him as a scoundrel. I mean, here's a guy who sailed to the end of the known world to steal a precious artifact from a people who welcomed him. Anyone who knows the actual myth knows that it was actually Medea who repeatedly made Jason's successes possible. It was Medea who hypnotized the serpent guarding the golden fleece so Jason could steal it, Medea who killed her own younger brother so Jason could escape while her father stopped to pick up the pieces of the body, Medea who tricked Jason's uncle's daughters into murdering their father. And how does Jason repay all of this? He dumps Medea for a younger woman. Jason ends his days badly as a result of this, but this is an ending Hollywood never wants to show. It would be interesting to see a truly faithful version but face it, this guy isn't exactly a role-model, and even in the movie versions some of this comes through.
At any rate, this is a well-cast, spectacular remake that can be very entertaining as long as the viewer keeps an open mind and doesn't get hung up over it as being some kind of "threat" to the original. |
|
Jason and the Argonauts [Region 2] dvd movie.