A longtime "dream" project of production designer-turned-director Eugene Lourie, The Beast From 20,000 Fathoms sees the titular beast unleashed on the world via nuclear testing. Making its way from the Arctic Circle, the monster-a carnivorous "rhedosaurus"-begins advancing towards New York. It stomps its way around Wall Street, pausing to have a policeman for lunch. By the time it has reached Coney Island, the rhedosaurus is more of a danger than ever because of the deadly bacteria it carries
within its system. It's up to researcher Paul Christian and sharpshooter Lee Van Cleef to try to liquidate the beast with a grenade chock full of radioactive isotopes. Beast From 20,000 Fathoms represented effects artist Ray Harryhausen's first solo effort, after assisting Willis O'Brien on Mighty Joe Young (1949). ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
The third act - a rampage through New York comprised of stop-motion, miniatures, rear projection and other layering processes - ensures that all was worthwhile.
...admirably stands the test of time. Despite its financial restrictions, it is a solid effort that works on all levels. Not a masterpiece, perhaps, but definitely a classic of its genre...
The good news is that Warner Brothers' 50th Anniversary DVD edition has plenty to offer both Harryhausen fans and genre collectors. For starters, this old black-and-white catalogue item looks remarkably good.
A solid giant monster movie which pushes itself up the rankings by the help of Harryhausen's magic fingers. Yet, the movie is ridden with a weak cast (except the jolly little professor maybe) and the story is not very original. About 2/3 into the movie they introduce a very interesting twist to the actual danger the
monster is emitting, yet the script falls short when it comes to capitalizing from this.
Anyway, you should see this, if only for historical relevance, as this was Ray's first major featrue. The DVD extras are great too.
But in terms of classic monster moviesI would recommend you rather to watch "THEM" or "20 Million miles to earth"
Still, one has to give credit for the radical idea this movie introduced, it inspired Gojira (Godzilla) after all and it was the first to let a monster mutate due to a nuclear blast.
H.
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