Passing of a real legend. RIP Ray Harryhausen.

Really, I don't think I have the words to express what an impact Harryhausen's work has had on me through the exposure of my youth. His is a true genius, one I feel is sadly lacking in today's world. Until/if the current technology can reach a stage where it gives me the same feeling as that, and even still, I hope his work is continued to be studied and held up as a model to developing filmmakers and art students. Most importantly, it came across, like so many other geniuses, that he really loved what he did - this speaks volumes about the man and his work. His is a rightfully earned legacy in the film industry. He will never be forgotten by myself, and a multiple generations of others who have been touched by his imagination.



Thank you for the memories Mr. Harryhausen, may your work live on eternally.

 

Still, 92 is a good run! I don't think I could match your eloquence, Steve, but I certainly feel that you've spoken for us all about the magic and importance of his work. I dream of a world where someone soon will pick up the thread of his vision as if CG never happened!

 

The man inspired so many creative individuals, he will be missed but his work is legendary.

 

If you haven't seen this, now might be the perfect time. It's broken into 6 parts.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4DnutvUv9g

 

I agree Dean, he led a life well lived and accomplished more than we can probably even estimate. His influence on others and the medium can never be measured. I feel the loss of his presence, but am happy he lived so long to grace us all with the work he touched.

 

As a lifelong Harryhausen fan, one thing that I often reflect on is how many other great films we could have seen graced by his imagination and creative genius. Not just a practical effects wizard, but someone who was touched by the love of monsters, adventure, and fun, in the same vein as Eiji Tsuburaya. Not to take anything away from the 1953 Byron Haskin version, but this test real for an earlier pitch of a 1949 War of the Worlds by Ray Harryhausen is pretty darned amazing to me. The animation in it is short, and it is set to Welles' original broadcast, but this peak at what might have been makes me mournful for a lost great film. I love the concept art and storyboards, and Harryhausen's 'martian' is just superb, really capturing that wonder - and terror - of the unknown space invader from a classic time in science fiction (complete with some trademark jowls you might recognise in later incarnations of Ymir and the Kraken). I love it.



Ah, for what might have been.

 

Psssst.... @Odibex

@ultrakaiju

@Ultra999


Now how in the world could you get these two confused?

 

This year (in June) would have marked Mr. Harryhausen's 100th birthday. I still cannot even measure the influence and joy his films have had on me. As a massive Harryhausen-head, I've happily devoured all output and delighted in seeing some of the many inspirations that have come out from other fans. One of these folks is Justin Ishmael, who some might know from ISH brand (toys included), even this forum. In any case, I wanted to share a little bit of a project he has been working on, as there might be some others here interested as well.

First is a series of limited edition screen printed posters by Laurent Durieux, for the film The 7th Voyage of Sinbad. The posters are 13 colors each and measures 24 x 36 inches. The release, as with many posters these days, is available in a couple different forms, consisting of a regular edition of 275 ($75) and a paired variant edition of 150 ($85).

Regular release


Variant version


Frankly, I think they are gorgeous. Would definitely welcome these on any of my walls. But, lest paper not float your boat, there is also something for those who fancy the vinyl goods. In conjunction with PicoPico (designer), and pulled by Cory of Science Patrol, ISH is releasing a series of 4" soft vinyl Cyclops figures, also in a few different versions:

Standard 'movie' version, 65$______________________________________________Shadow glow variant, 50$
_______

Artist version {Durieux}, limited to 50 and sold with the posted for 175$


And finally, some fancy stickers which you might as well add on to you order.



Not trying to hock these at all, just wanted to share them here for like-minded fans, and tip everyone to them in case they did not see. Personally I think these are wonderful. I love the small scale - and affordability - of the toys especially. Unlike some 'hyped' toys which will not be discussed here, these are accessible, fun, and definitely come from a place of love. That is the one thing which I think is evident across these products, Justin is just sharing stuff as a fan of these films himself, paying respect to the man and his work.

Also, those figures look like a heck of a lot of fun.

Sales are open now for a limited time over at the site. It doesn't say explicitly, but outside of the artist version I believe the toys are open pre-order. [So all you limited rarez chasers can look elsewhere for your flipping targets.]

 

Meant to share this here earlier, but was reminded today. The Ray and Diana Harryhausen Foundation are currently holding a poll/raffle to win a signed copy of Ray Harryhausen: Titan of Cinema. While winning would of course be kind of cool, I strongly suggest to fans - and others - just to follow this link through, for the sheer exposure of creations birthed from this genius mind. There are obviously some heavy hitting big names there, but I would not be surprised if some of these came as surprise, or little reminder of a forgotten gem.

https://survey.sogosurvey.com/survey.aspx?k=SsQWQVTRsQXsPsPsP&lang=0&data=

There are obviously some heavy hitting big names there, but I would not be surprised if some of these came as surprise, or little reminder of a forgotten gem. Just a minor sampling (I couldn't include them all... could I?), I promise many more incredible monsters [to vote on] to be found at the above link:

 

On what would have been his 100th birthday, I would like to a moment to salute the great legend of cinema.

Happy Birthday, Mr. Harryhausen, and since thanks for all the amazing creations you gave us to enjoy. It is a legacy that so many fans of several generation continue to love and appreciate his films. May your work last another hundred or more years and continue to influence fans and filmmakers alike. I hope you are looking down at the tributes to you today, and I am sure are smiling at the wonder and joy your work continues to instill.



The Ray and Diana Harryhausen Foundation is hosting several events for this special occasion, and also encouraging people to join in an #HarryhausenWatchParty with a group viewing of Jason and the Argonauts at 7:30pm (UK time).

And, incidentally, the polling results are now in for favourite Harryhausen creature creation. Actually, I am quite surprised at the results. the skeletons make sense, but Argo seemed like a dark horse compared to other noted monsters (e.g. Cyclops), and if any entry from Clash of the Titans would make the top three I would have expected it to be the Kraken for sure. But then, it is so hard, nigh impossible, to stack any of these against one another; I know it was really tough voting for me. Basically, they are all winners, and deserve their place at the top of the monster shrine.

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Here is another tribute I enjoyed seeing today, from LewisDaviesPictures:



And some more on the exciting Titan of Cinema exhibit, featuring restored original models from the films,
https://www.rayharryhausen.com/ray_harryhausen-_titan_of_cinema/

Man, I am really thinking I need to get up to Scotland once this situation passes, this is a can't miss.