Plot: What’s it about?
Sinbad (Kerwin Matthews) has a problem. A nefarious magician, Sokurah (Torin Thatcher), has cast a spell on the princess, and she’s not the girl she used to be. In fact, Parisa (Kathryn Grant) is a small fraction of the girl she used to be, measuring in at only five inches tall! In order to break this terrible spell, Sinbad must journey off to the island of Colossa, which isn’t exactly paradise on Earth, if you dig what I mean. Just what is on this damn island that can help Sinbad? Well, for starters, Sokurah’s castle is there, and second, the ingredient Sinbad needs to break the spell is there, a bird’s egg shell. But this bird is not a robin or a parakeet, it’s a Roc, a monstrous two headed bird, who doesn’t like outsiders none too much. But that’s not all that Sinbad and his crew must battle, the island is filled with cyclopses, mean old one eyed characters, and assorted other baddies. The only outside help Sinbad has is a bottled up Genie, but only if the secrets of the bottle can be discovered. Can Sinbad get the goods, save the girl, and get the heck out of Dodge before he gets turned into a punching bag for the cyclopses?
The 7th Voyage of Sinbad is a fun movie, with some great special effects. Keep in mind as you watch that this film was made in 1958, no CGI, all hand crafted effects. And while they may not be as polished as today’s effects, the creatures and visual effects in this film are nothing short of amazing. A process called Dynamation was used, and the imagination and skill of Ray Harryhausen brings them all to life. Using stop motion, Harryhausen created some fantastic pieces, such as the cyclopses, who look and move very well. Unlike today’s computer effects, Harryhausen’s work is unique, and you can always spot his creations. Good luck deciphering the artist behind CGI effects. While some say the Harryhausen style is dated, and belongs in the past, I believe the style is immortal, and will always have a place in my film collection. The acting in this film is also good, though it takes a back seat to Harryhausen’s “actors.” Sinbad is played with energy and vigor by Kerwin Matthews (The Three Worlds of Gulliver), and the princess, played by Kathryn Grant (Anatomy of a Murder), has a very cute appealing look to her. The no good magician Sokurah, played by Torin Thatcher (Hawaii), is a nice addition to this cast as well. Rounding out this cast is Alfred Brown, Danny Green, Richard Eyer, and Alec Mango. This Blu-ray release is a treasure for Harryhausen fans, with a great looking transfer and some worthwhile extras. So ditch those DVDs, this is the version to own.
Video: How does it look?
The 7th Voyage of Sinbad is presented in 1.66:1 HEVC 4K transfer that’s a step up from the 2008 Blu-ray. I hoped for the best with this transfer, but I had some doubts. In the end, this treatment is great and fans are in for a real. The Technicolor visuals come across well, with vivid colors that stand out like never before. I am sure the theatrical prints showed more color depth, but the hues here shine more than on other home video versions, to be sure. The level of detail is solid, not outstanding, but better than the Blu-ray, without question. The print looks good also, with inherent grain intact and a clean overall presence. So this goes to show, even older catalog pictures can benefit from a 4K makeover.
Audio: How does it sound?
This DTS HD Master Audio option opens up the audio a little, but still remains faithful to the original sound design. So in other words, expect some extra life in the mix, but don’t expect amped up audio presence. The music benefits the most and that is great news, since Bernard Hermann’s score is quite enjoyable. The other elements don’t get as much of a boost, but some of the more action oriented segments do get a small kick up. In any event, this new soundtrack sounds good and natural, which is what matters the most. No issues whatsoever with dialogue, so no concerns there.
Supplements: What are the extras?
The extras from the previously-released Blu-ray are all intact and we get a one hour documentary as well as a theatrical trailer on the 4K disc.
Disc One (4K)
- The Harryhausen Chronicles – The main feature is a one hour documentary on Ray Harryhausen, and is one of the best I have seen on DVD to date. It follows his work from his youth all the way to Clash of the Titans. It implements interviews, model close-ups, and concept drawings, a true masterpiece for Harryhausen fans. The disc also includes two Harryhausen interviews, in which he reveals some the more difficult parts of this film to make, as well as some insight on Jason and the Argonauts.
- Theatrical Trailer
Disc Two (Blu-ray)
- Audio Commentary – Ray Harryhausen, Phil Tippet, Randall William Cook, Steven Smith, and Arnold Kunert collaborate on this track with their wealth of knowledge. Fans will eat this one up (even if it is a pre-existing track).
- Remembering The 7th Voyage of Sinbad – We get some information about the film, the use of practical effects and more.
- The Harryhausen Legacy – A bundle of filmmakers all laud praise upon the acclaimed Harryhausen and cite him as their inspiration.
- The Music of Bernard Herrmann – Pretty much that. The legendary composer is profiled.
- A Look Behind the Voyage – If you wanted more information about the film’s creation, we’ve got comments from Harryhausen, Schneer, and actor Kerwin Mathews to assist.
- This Is Dynamation – A short very-very-very pre-CGI (get it?) piece on the film’s special effects.
- Ray Harryhausen Interviewed by John Landis – Again, pretty self explanatory. The director interviews Mr. Harryhausen.
- Image Gallery
- Sinbad May Have Been Bad, But He’s Been Good to Me Music Video
The Bottom Line
This is a fun one and also one that I’m happy to see get the 4K treatment. If memory serves, all of the supplements from all the previous editions are included here (albeit on two discs). And if that isn’t the case, there’s certainly enough to warrant a purchase if this movie is your thing.
