It's a shame we don't have visualists like him around anymore - I have never really liked CGI, I think that 99% of the time that computer graphics will never look as good as a real physical object... even if the computer image is excellent and the physical object is kinda cheesy. I just don't think that we can make CG that looks real yet. And I realize when I say this that computer programming and graphics are hard work, but I just don't think that the FX of today can stand up just because it's too *easy*... a director and an effects supervisor can just sit down at a computer and bash out what they want with none of the painstaking labor and craftsmanship that used to be put into movie visuals... by people like Mr. Harryhausen.
His movies occupy a special place in my collection. I have always enjoyed fantasy and science fiction films (no!) and I remember watching some of Harryhausen's movies like Jason and the Argonauts whenever they would come on TV. His fantasy movie collection also happens to be one of the oldest DVD boxsets that I own, having got it as a gift close to ten years ago now. I have had ample to time to enjoy the fruits of his labors, again and again and again and again.
And in this age of home video thankfully everyone can. So here's to you Mr. Ray Harryhausen. I would say I hope you go to heaven if there is one, but I don't think they have any cool monsters there.
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