Rating: ![3 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-3-0.gif) Summary: Great location for a Dino-flic Where was this pic filmed? Review: I was amazed at the special effects for a film in 1969. I loved the location of limestone canyons. I am trying to find out where these canyons are. How do i find out?
Rating: ![4 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-4-0.gif) Summary: THE valley of GWANGI Review: I was first introduced to this movie watching "Who's Line is it Anyway?" They put Colin in front of "the blue screen" so that he had no idea what was behind him, and showed the rest of us Colin "reporting" while playing the scene where the cowboys are lassoing and hog-tying the pteradactyl. (Pardon my spellings.) Being a fan of the old-style animations, I just had to have a copy of this.
Others have given the basic plot outline, so I won't bother. I WILL say that my nephew and I thoroughly enjoy this one, probably for all the wrong reasons.
As a party game, it's a great film to do your own version of "Mystery Science Theater 3000".
Rating: ![4 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-4-0.gif) Summary: Cult classic - Gwangi is a Jurassic James Dean. Review: If you liked the King Kong or Planet of the Apes genre, you'll love the valley of Gwangi. While the effects are typical of the 1970's, the viewer becomes mesmorised to the screen.The story of American cowboys in Mexico trying to rope dinosaurs and bring them back to the circus is almost preposterousn but it makes for entertaining viewing.Gwangi remains a misunderstood Allosaur but he remains true to his character.
Rating: ![1 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-1-0.gif) Summary: This movie should become extinct.. Review: Not even Ray Harryausen's special effects could salvage this turkey of a dinosaur movie that contains both an unsalvageable script and wooden acting by the stars who act like they wanted to be in another film besides this.
Rating: ![4 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-4-0.gif) Summary: Cowboys Vs. Dinosaurs Review: Pretty good sci-fi with some of the best Harryhausen effects i have seen. James Franciscus and Richard Carlson of "It Came From Outerspace" fame, team up to capture Gwangi, a T-Rex from a secret valley. Good to see this movie released to DVD. Great site and sound in wide screen format.
Rating: ![4 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-4-0.gif) Summary: HARRYHAUSEN'S DINOSAURIAN TOUR DE FORCE Review: Resurrecting an aborted project that Willis ( KING KONG ) O'Brien wanted to make himself, Ray Harryhausen followed-up his successful Hammer film ONE MILLION YEARS B.C. with this movie, working once again with longtime partner Charles H. Schneer. Filmed in Spain, this 1969 offering has stunning stop-motion animated dinosaurs. Set around the turn of the century in Mexico, it is a very Kong-like tale of a mighty creature ( the titular Allosaurus with T-Rex attributes ) that is captured in "Forbidden Valley" and brought back to a local Wild West show / circus to make money. The monster flees its bonds and proceeds into a magnificent cathedral, which becomes consumed in a raging inferno and brings about its demise. Harryhausen, who worked a full year on the special effects, effectively populates a valley that is lost in time with a number of prehistoric animals, which include an equine Eohippus, a "plucked ostrich" called an Ornithomimus and a horned Styracosaurus who fights Gwangi to the death in a memorable sequence. The highlight is a well-staged roping sequence which consumed many months of Ray's time to realize; he had to carefully align the animated ropes on the Gwangi model with real ropes used in live action to snare a Jeep with a pole affixed. Other key points include the escape of Gwangi from its cage ( a split-screen process was used in the making of this effect ) and battle with an eleplant model, and its fiery finale in the great edifice ( utilizing the optical printer to superimpose flames around the allosaur's feet ). Ray Harryhausen outdid himself for this feature which includes literally hundreds of animation set-ups to concoct the visual effects. Unfortunately, the live-action sequences do not show as much panache. James Franciscus and Gila Golan do not create any sparks as the movie's leading couple. Curtis Arden is okay as Lope but no more, and Richard Carlson looks haggard as the impresario of the circus troupe. The only bright spot is the amiable performance of Laurence Naismith as the slightly eccentric Professor Bromley who recognizes the miniature horse for what it is. Even though it was a commercial failure in 1969 due to a number of unfortunate circumstances that took place ( lack of advertising, its pairing with an R-rated movie and changes in cultural tastes ), THE VALLEY OF GWANGI is a spectacular adventure teeming with fantastic creatures and exotic settings that should not be overlooked. The superficial storyline and other shortcomings pale when Ray works his legendary magic. A highly recommended picture that is only unsuitable for the the very youngest of children ( under 5 yrs. of age ).
Rating: ![1 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-1-0.gif) Summary: Not a Very Good movie. Review: Sometimes not even the best Ray Harryhausen effects work can salvage a weak film as was the case here when the main theme of King Kong was reworked into this story of a giant dinosaur that is discovered in a hidden valley. Regrettfully the dull performances of the actors and the less then effective production values of this movie make it impossible for the viewer to really enjoy this film. Which is not possible. One of the many dinosaur films now outdated by Jurassic Park.
Rating: ![1 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-1-0.gif) Summary: Right down there with Sinbad & Eye of Tiger Review: The film is a total letdown. The blue coloring of Gwangi`s hide, the fake looking oversize props like Gwangi`s head, the rubbery pterasaur, the dwarf that becomes wider & taller when Gwangi snaps him up. How about the annoying trumpeting of the elephant? It is so obviously a human doing a bad, very bad imitation of an elephant. And finally poor Gwangi trapped inside the burning church roaring in pain. This is one film where I wanted the monster to win.
Rating: ![1 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-1-0.gif) Summary: Right down there with Sinbad & Eye of Tiger Review: The film is a total letdown. The blue coloring of Gwangi`s hide, the fake looking oversize props like Gwangi`s head, the rubbery pterasaur, the dwarf that becomes wider & taller when Gwangi snaps him up. How about the annoying trumpeting of the elephant? It is so obviously a human doing a bad, very bad imitation of an elephant. And finally poor Gwangi trapped inside the burning church roaring in pain. This is one film where I wanted the monster to win.
Rating: ![3 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-3-0.gif) Summary: Prehistoric Round-Up Review: The marvels of legendary FX creator Ray Harryhausen continue with the enjoyable fantasy-adventure "The Valley of Gwangi". In the Mexican desert, a struggling Wild West show discovers a hidden valley inhabited by prehistoric beasts that were once believed extinct. They manage to bring back one of these fierce beasts but soon it goes on a rampage through the streets of a Mexican town. "The Valley of Gwangi" is a unique mix of western adventure and Sci-Fi fantasy. The film follows a similar storyline to such famous titles like "King Kong" and "The Lost World". Harryhausen's remarkable visual animation and some effective roping scenes are the film's true highlights. "The Valley of Gwangi" is presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen format. The DVD contains a solid and colorful video transfer and a satisfactory audio track. Among special features, it includes an interview with Ray Harryhausen, trailers and a behind-the-scene featurette. Despite its poor box cover, it also features some colorful menus. For fans of Ray Harryhausen's effects, "The Valley of Gwangi" earns a definate "C+".
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