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The Film (3.5/5)
In the old world of fairy tales, there waits the evil Sorcerer Pendragon (Torin Thatcher) who rules over a mysterious castle filled with witches, ghosts, and strange goblins. He craves more power and wants to rule more kingdoms. On the birthday of Princess Elaine (Judi Meredith), Pendragon sneaks in and gives her a magic box as a gift. Inside the box is an innocent jester. But soon the thing becomes beastly and grows into a giant. It soon kidnaps the young princess. All looks lost, until it is suddenly killed by a man named Jack (Kerwin Mathews).
Now he is known throughout the land as a brave giant slayer. But before you can say "man that was a short movie", the evil Pendragon returns to kidnap Elaine, this time successfully. Can Jack save her and defeat Pendragon's army of monsters?
JACK THE GIANT KILLER (1962) was in many senses of the word, a complete Cash in. Producer Edward Small wanted to release a quick follow up to the smash hit of 1958's THE 7TH VOYAGE OF SINBAD. But that film was a gigantic production with grounding breaking special effects by Hollywood legend Ray Harryhausen, and this film was smaller in budget and scope.
Small quickly hired 7th's Director Nathan H. Juran, and it's two leads Kerwin Mathews and Torin Thatcher. But this time the special effects duties went to the group of Tim Baar, Wah Chang, Lloyd Vaughan, and Gene Warren. For such a quick production, the effects are still impressive. There not on the same level of any Harryhausen's work, but there still charming and playful.
Director Juran was known for other 50's fantasy and Sci-fi hits like ATTACK OF THE 50 FOOT WOMAN, 20 MILLION MILES TO EARTH, and the delirious cult classic THE BRAIN FROM PLANET AROUS. Here he brings a sure hand to the production and balances all the effects and performers. On a technical level, JACK is filled with visual magic. From the vivid Red witch, the childish monsters, and of course the trick smoke effects.
Audio/Video (4/5)
The English 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio is pleasant on the ear. There are no hiss or pops. The soundtrack sounds bold and full of life. There is some minor drop off during some of the battle scenes, but nothing is too distracting. English subtitles are included.
The 1080p HD transfer brings all the film's technicolor scope to life. The colors are truly a thing of beauty, with the vivid reds, blues and greens. In some of the stop motion scenes the rear projection is rough and grainy. The rest of the picture has a sharp focus and crisp skin tones.
Extras (4/5)
The main extra is the Musical re-envisioned version of the movie. This is a true baffling oddity of a film. The musical scenes are all out of tune and sloppily edited into the narrative. But I'm sure this version has some fans thanks to playtime on TV.
Next up is an audio commentary with film historian Tim Lucas. Lucas is the golden standard for commentary work, and his work here doesn't disappoint. He covers the film's place in 1960's fantasy cinema and the horrible Musical reedit. A truly fantastic sit. Rounding out the disc is a trailer gallery featuring JACK THE GIANT KILLER, OSS 117 PANIC IN BANGKOK, WAR-GODS OF THE DEEP, THE VIKINGS, FLESH + BLOOD, and SINBAD OF THE SEVEN SEAS.
Overall (4/5)
JACK THE GIANT KILLER is a sensational fantasy film. Just from a visual stand point, it's one of the most enjoyable kiddie matinee style of films. Kino's Blu-ray offers a fabulous new transfer and is filled with extras. Highly Recommended.
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