Jason and the Argonauts

Amazon.com essential video

Arguably the most intelligently written film to feature the masterful stop-motion animation of Ray Harryhausen, Jason and the Argonauts is a colorful adventure that takes full advantage of Harryhausen's "Dynarama" process. Inspired by the Greek myth, the story begins when the fearless explorer Jason (Todd Armstrong) returns to the kingdom of Thessaly to make his rightful claim to the throne, but the gods proclaim that he must first find the magical Golden Fleece. Consulting Hera, the queen of gods, Jason recruits the brave Argonauts to crew his ship, and they embark on their eventful journey. Along the way they encounter a variety of mythic creatures, including the 100-foot bronze god Talos, the batlike Harpies, the seven-headed reptilian Hydra, and an army of skeletons wielding sword and shield. This last sequence remains one of the finest that Harryhausen ever created, and it's still as thrilling as anything from the age of digital special effects. Harryhausen was the true auteur of his fantasy films, and his brilliant animation evokes a timeless sense of wonder. Jason and the Argonauts is a prime showcase for Harryhausen's talent--a wondrous product of pure imagination and filmmaking ingenuity. The DVD contains an informative interview with Harryhausen by filmmaker John Landis. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

Times change.......2007-06-26

This was far and away one of my favorite childhood movies. So I got this DVD with the highest hopes that my kids (ages 8 and 6) would enjoy it as much as I did. Overall they found the story entertaining but they were utterly unimpressed by these same special effects which are so memorable to most of us. The skeleton battle scene was the notable exception but its' anticlimactic end left them wondering: "That's it?". The bottom line is my kids have not asked to see it again.

Sadly, I actually can see their point. Technology has come too far. Watching this movie now reminded me of when I was a kid watching movies from the 30's (e.g. King Kong, Flash Gordon) and thinking then how crude those special effects seemed. Since special effects were the main reason (acting or dialogue certainly aren't) for watching "Jason and the Argonauts", this movie has lost its' allure for me too.

One of the old classics.......2007-03-11

There is no way you can go wrong with this movie.....highly entertaining.

ANOTHER HARRYHAUSEN CLASSIC.......2007-03-08

This is another fine example of the incredible body of work the Master Ray Harryhausen has to offer. The dreaded 7 headed hydra and the famous 7 skeleton sword fight are two of the many highlights in this film. The DVD transfer could have been better, but there are some nice extras.

Jason, Hercules. . . and his argonauts.......2007-02-17

Not only does this one have rollicking special effects by the master Harryhausen, but it is quite intelligent in delivery. The negotiations between the gods of Mt. Olympus, Jason and his people leave you wondering if real life actually works that way. Are the gods that watch over us, playing us like pawns? Who knows, but Jason, who arrives personally to Mt. Olympus and discusses his longing to find the "golden fleece", then finds the paths that the gods bestow to the ends of the earth.
Wonderful movie, fine cast, believable effects, and astounding score by Bernard Herrmann, the John Williams of his day.

THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST TOLD VERSION OF THIS STORY !.......2007-01-25

IF YOU LIKE THIS KIND OF STORY THIS IS THE BEST TOLD VERSION WITH THESE'S ACTOR'S IF THEY HAVE A BETTER ONE OTHER THERE I NEVER SAW IT AND I SEEN LOT'S OF MOVIE'S ! ... P.S. SOME OF THE BEST SCI/FI F/X OF IT'S TIME !

The Fantastic Films of Ray Harryhausen - Legendary Monster Series (Jason and the Argonauts / The Seventh Voyage of Sinbad / The Golden Voyage of Sinbad / Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger / The 3 Worlds of Gulliver)

Average customer rating:

A FEAST FOR THE EYES
Ages well.
A must for the avid fan's
Harryhausen Rules !!
Harryhausen is king.

The Fantastic Films of Ray Harryhausen - Legendary Monster Series (Jason and the Argonauts / The Seventh Voyage of Sinbad / The Golden Voyage of Sinbad / Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger / The 3 Worlds of Gulliver)
Starring: Todd Armstrong , Nancy Kovack , Gary Raymond , Laurence Naismith , and Niall MacGinnis
Director: Don Chaffey , Nathan Juran , and Gordon Hessler
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00069L0X6
Release Date: 2004-12-28

Customer Reviews:

A FEAST FOR THE EYES.......2007-09-12

This collection of very-special effect movies may seem rather crude to the new computer generation, but these were, and are, wonderful adventures
featuring the work of a giant moviemaker: Ray Harryhausen. He brought us magic and fantasy and thrills and wonder, all in beautiful color. The world of movie fantasies owes such an enormous debt to this pioneer!

We don't all have the same preferences for individual titles, but this collection will satisfy every adventure-lover. Don't pass it up!

Ages well........2007-07-26

I enjoyed seeing these films again for nostalgic reasons but, I also shared them with a friend's children and they loved them, too.

A must for the avid fan's.......2007-05-19

Great movie selections, old fashioned camera tricks, if you missed the good old days or just waana relive the memories of your childhood, watching these movies really do remind me of my simple and fun days as a kid.

They're not bad at all, they are classics and worth to be in your DVD collections.

Harryhausen Rules !!.......2007-05-16

It's always fun to watch Ray Harryhausen's films. Stop animation is all but a lost art because of computer graphics. CG is cool too, but there's a nostalgia with stop animation. Save for Tim Burton and the Wallace and Gromit folks, no one is doing it anymore and I think it's so much fun to watch. All of the movies in this Harryhausen set are worth watching. The best one is Jason and the Argonauts. It's also fun seeing that at the end of all the Sinbad movies, two creatures always duke it out while Sinbad and his crew are trying to get away. So grab your popcorn and have a nostalgic movie night with this set!

Harryhausen is king........2007-05-15

The man gets a plug in Monsters Inc. What more can I add.

Average customer rating:

Mythological Fiction
Great set, terrible acting
Great Mythological Story/Bad Director!
Give it a chance.
sex sex sex not for kids

Jason and the Argonauts
Starring: Jason London , Frank Langella , Natasha Henstridge , Derek Jacobi , and Olivia Williams
Director: Nick Willing
Manufacturer: Lions Gate
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00004U28P
Release Date: 2000-08-15

Amazon.com

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

Description

Inspired by the Greek myth, the story begins when the fearless explorer Jason returns to the kingdom of Thessaly to make his rightful claim to the throne, but the gods proclaim that he must first find the magical Golden Fleece. Consulting Hera, the Queen of gods, Jason recruits the Argonauts to crew his ship, and they embark on their eventful journey.

Customer Reviews:

Mythological Fiction.......2007-05-26

This was a better-than-average attempt to portray a mythological literary event on film. Not for the very young, as some disturbing violent scenes are present. I DO happen to like this genre of movie, however, even though hardly any of them would rate 5-stars in my humble opinion.

Great set, terrible acting.......2007-05-13

Having seen Hallmark's production of The Odyssey, I expected this version of Jason and the Argonauts to meet those same standards. It didn't! Alessandro plays such a great Odysseus, and I think this is what makes that version of the Odyssey so great. The settings and effects are okay, but it's good because of the excellence the actors use in playing the characters. Hallmark's Jason and the Argonauts has a great set with good costumes etc., but Jason and Orpheus are terribly misrepresented by the actors in this film! Jason and Orpheus are perhaps two of the most important characters, yet they are portrayed by the worst actors in the film. I'm sorry, but a great set simply cannot make up for this.

Great Mythological Story/Bad Director!.......2007-03-20

I enjoy Greek Mythology and I love this story. Although there was alot of bad acting especially from the lead character Jason, who acted like he was stoned throughout the film. I was expecting the Hydra guarding the golden fleece but got a oversized Komoto Dragon(Lost me there) This Film had potential but the director went off on some wierd drug indused trip. Overall I was dissappointed and was expecting more. Sorry!

Give it a chance........2007-01-16

Almost all of the negative reviews revolve around a comparison to the original. I personally have some issues with the original's stop-motion animation. Filmmakers don't use that technique anymore because it isn't realistic. Yes it's a classic...but let's view this new version with an open mind.

The effects in this version are outstanding. I really enjoyed the gods up in the clouds bickering and messing around with the lives of mortals. Exactly how they are portrayed in mythology.

I only happened across this movie when it was on SciFi channel, after Kull the Conqueror. If you really want to see the worst movie of the 20th century...check out Kull. Not even watchable. But when Jason and the Argonauts came on, I was immediately taken by the depth of the acting. I think the choice of Jason London was done on purpose...he obviously is portraying an "innocent", not established in any way as a man, and at the whim of the gods.

And I happen to believe that Baron Munchausen is one of the most glorious scifi/fantasy movies ever made (along with Dune), so I consider any comparisons a compliment to the new Argonauts.

(Side note...this is apparently a fullscreen DVD. I do not know why they continue to make these. I am looking into the widescreen version, which is apparently only available in Region 2 PAL format.)

sex sex sex not for kids.......2006-03-28

This movie has a SEX sceane in it that is not kid friendly.

Hallmark TV Classics Collection II (Arabian Nights/Jason and the Argonauts/The Lost Empire/Moby Dick/The Odyssey)

Average customer rating:

Excellent
A must have for any DVD collector
A Wonderful Movie Collection To Own

Hallmark TV Classics Collection II (Arabian Nights/Jason and the Argonauts/The Lost Empire/Moby Dick/The Odyssey)
Starring: Armand Assante , Greta Scacchi , Isabella Rossellini , Bernadette Peters , and Eric Roberts
Director: Andrei Konchalovsky , Steve Barron , and Nick Willing
Manufacturer: Hallmark
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00005U12D
Release Date: 2002-01-15

Customer Reviews:

Excellent.......2007-04-05

This set is worth buying just for "Jason and the Argonauts." The "Arabian Nights" is a delight. "Moby Dick" and "The Odyssey" were very nicely mounted, but somehow a little less fun than the first two. As for "The Lost Empire" it was a great movie, but somehow didn't fit with the rest. Perhaps because it was based on a Chinese tale, or perhaps because of the notes of realism (the story is framed by modern events) that were jarring in what is essentially a "fairy tale."

As all reviewers have noted, these are handsomely mounted with not apparent sparing of expenses. Great attention to detail in costuming and settings. Also the stories, particular "The Arabian Nights" move at a clip that is brisker than one expects in made-for-TV movies. I do wish that one was 10 hours longer.

These movies are a delight for young and old, though not for sensitive youngsters, for, as in the original works, there are acts of violence and other sorts of despicable behavior.

I bought mine new from Amazon and am sad to see the set is not still available. If you want to collect them do them in roughly this order:

1. Arabian Nights/Jason and the Argonauts
2. The Lost Empire
3. Moby Dick/The Odyssey

A must have for any DVD collector.......2006-03-31

I really bought this set just for Moby Dick, and since it's about the same price for five movies, as it is for a single. I figured this wasn't a bad deal.
Moby Dick, Jason and hte Argonauts, the Lost Empire and the Odyssey are all wonderful movies, but the best in my opinion is Moby Dick. With stars Like Patrick Stewart (STTNG, X-Men 1-3, Ted Levine (Memoirs Of a Geisha, Monk, The Hills have Eyes, Gregory Peck and Henry Thomas (Legend of the Fall,) you cannot help but love this movie. Its a classic movie at its greatest, but don't worry if the time on the box reads 145 minutes. Since I had origionally owned the VHS version which only runs for two of the three hours, I for one was rather worried on getting gyped again. But the DVD version is the full three hours, and after watching it, you won't ever go back to the VHS version ever again. So much of the character and plot development had been cut out, that all you were really getting was just the basics of the film. Definatly not as blood stirring and wonderful.

Again, I highly reccomand this collection for those that love Hallmark movies, good classics or just the intrigue of worlds and centuries long past. Trust me...you'll be glad you spent the money.

A Wonderful Movie Collection To Own.......2002-10-09

As always, Hallmark has out done itself. I Own all of the Hallmark movies available, and it was a sheer delight to add these 5 movies to the collection. The movies combine Myth, Fantasy, Magic & Adventure. In Jason and the Argonauts, Jason embarks on a perilous voyage to fulfill his destiny. The Odyssey braves the terrors of a mysterious world, matching wits with a fantastic array of being both mortal and monstrous. In Moby Dick the captain and the crew go into the unchartered waters of their darkest fears. The Lost Empire has a God who was trapped for 500 years & A powerful monkey king who together battle against an army of demons and other creatures of evil. Arabian Nights brings to life some of the most timeless fables to come down through the ages (Aladdin, Ali Baba, and other larger then life heroes.)

Average customer rating:

Jason and the Argonauts / The Odyssey
Starring: Jason London , Frank Langella , Natasha Henstridge , Derek Jacobi , and Olivia Williams
Director: Nick Willing , and Andrei Konchalovsky
Manufacturer: Live / Artisan
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

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( J ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
ASIN: B00005NX15
Release Date: 2001-10-23

Amazon.com

Jason and the Argonauts
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 Clash of the Titans), but those folks should probably be reading Bulfinch's Mythology instead of watching TV anyway. 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

The Odyssey
Andrei Konchalovsky's expansive television mini-series production of Homer's epic poem gets off to clumsy start as he tries to squeeze the Trojan War into a mere half hour, but once the arrogant but honorable Odysseus (strikingly played by Armand Assante) and his loyal crew begin their doomed voyage home, this film turns into a fantastical adventure. Integrating often-stunning special effects with inventive art design, Konchalovsky achieves a beautiful look on a limited budget as he follows the 10-year ordeal of Odysseus from his battles with the Cyclops and the magical Circe (Bernadette Peters) to his secret homecoming and his confrontation with the treacherous Eurymachus (Eric Roberts). Isabella Rossellini appears as his spiritual guide, the goddess Athena, with Greta Scacchi as Odysseus's faithful wife and Vanessa Williams as the seductive Calypso. The rest of the cast includes Geraldine Chaplin, Jeroen Krabbé, Christopher Lee, and Irene Papas. The production was shot on location in and around the Mediterranean, making for a lush, lovely visual experience. --Sean Axmaker

Description

Jason and the Argonauts: One of the most legendary adventures in all mythology is brought to life in Jason and the Argonauts, an epic saga of good and evil. As a mere boy Jason (Jason London), the heir to the kingdom on Ancient Greece witnesses the murder of his father at the hands of his ruthless uncle, Pelias (Dennis Hopper). After narrowly escaping death, Jason flees his home and returns twenty years later to reclaim the throne. Upon learning of his return, Pelias sentences him to death. To save his life, Jason promises to deliver the most coveted gift of the gods to his uncle - the Golden Fleece. Joined by the Argonauts, a stout-hearted crew of sailors, he embarks on a perilous voyage to capture the Fleece and fulfill his destiny. Also joining this remarkable, all-star cast are Frank Langella as King Aertes and Natasha Henstridge as Hypsipyle. Jason and the Argonauts is both a mythic adventure and a classic love story, a film achievement destined to thrill generations for years to come. The Odyssey: The ancient world's most spectacular epic unfolds on-screen as a star-studded, special-effects-filled adventure of breathtaking beauty and power in this lavishly produced adaptation of Homer's "The Odyssey." An extraordinary international cast sweeps you into the heroic age of the mighty warrior-king Odysseus (Armand Asante) as his victorious return from the Trojan War becomes a decade-long quest to reach his homeland and his faithful wife, Penelope (Greta Scacchi). Aided by the goddess Athena (Isabella Rossellini), Odysseus braves all the terrors and temptations of a mysterious, far-flung world, matching wits and wiles with a fantastic array of beings both mortal and monstrous. It's the voyage of a lifetime, and a journey you and your family will never forget, in this glorious retelling of one of the greatest adventure tales of all time.

Average customer rating:

Times change
One of the old classics
ANOTHER HARRYHAUSEN CLASSIC
Jason, Hercules. . . and his argonauts
THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST TOLD VERSION OF THIS STORY !

Jason and the Argonauts [Region 2]
Starring: Todd Armstrong , Nancy Kovack , Gary Raymond , Laurence Naismith , and Niall MacGinnis
Director: Don Chaffey
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00004CZ9U

Amazon.com essential video

Customer Reviews:

Times change.......2007-06-26

One of the old classics.......2007-03-11

There is no way you can go wrong with this movie.....highly entertaining.

ANOTHER HARRYHAUSEN CLASSIC.......2007-03-08

Jason, Hercules. . . and his argonauts.......2007-02-17

THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST TOLD VERSION OF THIS STORY !.......2007-01-25

Average customer rating:

Mythological Fiction
Great set, terrible acting
Great Mythological Story/Bad Director!
Give it a chance.
sex sex sex not for kids

Jason and the Argonauts [Region 2]
Starring: Jason London , Frank Langella , Natasha Henstridge , Derek Jacobi , and Olivia Williams
Director: Nick Willing
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Genres | DVD | Video

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ASIN: B000058DTA

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

Mythological Fiction.......2007-05-26

Great set, terrible acting.......2007-05-13

Great Mythological Story/Bad Director!.......2007-03-20

Give it a chance........2007-01-16

sex sex sex not for kids.......2006-03-28

This movie has a SEX sceane in it that is not kid friendly.

Average customer rating:

Times change
One of the old classics
ANOTHER HARRYHAUSEN CLASSIC
Jason, Hercules. . . and his argonauts
THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST TOLD VERSION OF THIS STORY !

Jason and the Argonauts [Region 2]
Starring: Todd Armstrong , Nancy Kovack , Gary Raymond , Laurence Naismith , and Niall MacGinnis
Director: Don Chaffey
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

DVDs Under $9.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( J ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

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ASIN: B00004RYPT

Amazon.com essential video

Customer Reviews:

Times change.......2007-06-26

One of the old classics.......2007-03-11

There is no way you can go wrong with this movie.....highly entertaining.

ANOTHER HARRYHAUSEN CLASSIC.......2007-03-08

Jason, Hercules. . . and his argonauts.......2007-02-17

THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST TOLD VERSION OF THIS STORY !.......2007-01-25

Average customer rating:

Jason and the Argonauts [Region 2]
Starring: Todd Armstrong , Nancy Kovack , Gary Raymond , Laurence Naismith , and Niall MacGinnis
Director: Don Chaffey
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

( J ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Family Films | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video
ASIN: B00004VXW6

Average customer rating:

Mythological Fiction
Great set, terrible acting
Great Mythological Story/Bad Director!
Give it a chance.
sex sex sex not for kids

Jason and the Argonauts [Region 2]
Starring: Jason London , Frank Langella , Natasha Henstridge , Derek Jacobi , and Olivia Williams
Director: Nick Willing
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Genres | DVD | Video

( J ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

ASIN: B00005ABTA

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

Mythological Fiction.......2007-05-26

Great set, terrible acting.......2007-05-13

Great Mythological Story/Bad Director!.......2007-03-20

Give it a chance........2007-01-16

sex sex sex not for kids.......2006-03-28

This movie has a SEX sceane in it that is not kid friendly.

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