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!

Very, very well put, Steve; we just lost a giant of cinematic creativity, and a really wonderful, generous man. Also, I would add that without his contributions, each and every one of our kaiju-filled shelves would look a little (to a whole lot) different, as you simply cannot overstate his influence on monster designers the world over.

THANK YOU, Mr. Harryhausen!

fuck !

His work was an exceptional inspiration in my youth. Thousands if not millions of people could say that. I remember how badly I wanted his "Film Fantasy Scrapbook" as a '70s kid, and how hard my parents had to search for it in urban bookstores before finally finding it in time for Christmas. Fond memories of seeing revivals of his older films in theaters and the original releases of "Golden Voyage" and "Clash of the Titans" a little later. Mind completely blown by the dance of Kali. My childhood best friend, who helped me with some amusing stop-motion claymation monster movies (regular 8mm!) then went on to be one of the most respected effects guys in cinema ... Harryhausen was an inspiration to him in an even bigger way. Ray was such a big hero of mine in youth that I'm reduced to rambling like this ... can't really pull coherent thoughts together. He was a gentleman and an enthusiast all the way. Like most of you, I'll always regard him fondly and be grateful for the dreams he inspired. Rather than being saddened by his passing, I'm glad he lived a long life and was well aware of the worldwide adulation of his hard work and incredible accomplishments.

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

^This, exactly- when you think of all the great artists who toil their lives away in obscurity, only to be hailed as influential geniuses posthumously... RH did pretty well in this department. 92, and he was still making appearances and giving interviews! We should all be so lucky!

all my sources of inspiration draw a straight line back to harryhausen. i'm tearing up.

edit: so distraught that it caused me to misspell his name

He was such a huge part of my life growing up. Was not until later on I found out all my favorite movies had a man in common. One of my earliest memories as a kid is my dad calling me to the TV every time a Sinbad was on.
This news really ruined my day..

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.

This is indeed sad news.... Each frame of stop motion he created contains so much movie magic. And that kind of magic can't truly be duplicated with modern digital effects. Thank you Ray! - for giving all of us such a wonderful gift that has brought such joy to millions of people around the world.

So thankful for what he gave. Bye Ray.

This! My dad bought me the Jason and the Argonauts VHS when I was really young, and I don't think any other tape in our house got more plays than that one did. Harryhausen's creatures definitely sparked my interest in monsters early on, and I'm grateful for the great memories of watching them with my father over popcorn and Ecto Cooler.

So sad. I remember my art teacher in middle school had us do some claymation stuff because he loved Harryhausen's work so much and turned us kids onto the masters work.

Yep, Jason and the Argonauts was a family favourite in our house . . . i was always looking forward to the skeleton fight

RIP to a true pioneer.