Ray Harryhausen: Special Effects Titan (Special screening with Dennis Muren and Craig Barron)

// RAY HARRYHAUSEN: SPECIAL EFFECTS TITAN

Special Screening at the Rafael Theater

Sunday, August 18, 7:00, Introduced by Dennis Muren

Sunday, August 25, 7:00, Introduced by Craig Barron

'Produced by the Ray & Diana Harryhausen Foundation, this is the definitive documentary on the visual effects and stop-motion pioneer whose imagination thrilled millions. Special Effects Titan traces the productions of The 7th Voyage of Sinbad, Jason and the Argonauts and other Harryhausen classics, with archival footage, on-camera commentary by the master himself and interviews with many who knew or learned from him, including: Ray Bradbury, Peter Jackson, James Cameron, Nick Park, Phil Tippett, Joe Dante, John Landis, Dennis Muren, John Lassiter, Tim Burton, Henry Selick, Guillermo del Toro, Terry Gilliam and others. Producers: Alexandre Poncet, Tony Dalton. Writer/Director: Gilles Penso. (France/UK 2012) 92 min.

We are happy that two of Ray Harryhausen's friends will introduce our screenings. Dennis Muren has received nine Academy Awards for his visual effects on Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Jurassic Park and others. Oscar-winning visual effects supervisor Craig Barron (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button) serves on the Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.' via Rafael Theater

Ray Harryhausen and Friends

Well, last night Tiff and I along with friends and co-workers turned out to see Ray Harryhausen, Craig Barron, Arnold Kunert, Dennis Muren and Phil Tippett talk about Ray's films and the effects industry. One of the highlights of the night was when Arnold Kunert showed some clips from The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms that were cut from the original film. Some of the shots were of Ray's animation tests for the film and others were extended scenes. Despite being 87 years young Ray held his own and provided wonderful incite and commentary on some of his most memorable works in stop motion animation. It was inspiring to see these giants of the effects industry all on one stage together talking shop! Special thanks to Anna for the pictures!