To: ______________________________________
From: Friends of the Loew’s

Friday, May 14 at 7:30PM:

Before there was computer animation, there was stop-motion photography – a model is posed and photographed, repositioned in a slightly advanced pose, photographed again, and so on. More than any other person, Ray Harryhausen developed and refined the techniques by which this tedious process could be used to create some of the most memorable special effects ever. Inspired by the early stop-motion animation work of Willis O'Brien (King Kong), Harryhausen began devising his own stop-motion creations at home while still a boy and by the late 1940s was working with O’Brien. In the early '50s, Harryhausen developed a relatively low-cost stop-motion procedure which allowed even small-budget films to include spectacular special effects. the production of less expensive effects and therefore revolutionized relatively low budget films. Among the films Harryhausen’s work gave special life to are The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms (1953), It Came from Beneath the Sea (1955), Earth vs. the Flying Saucers (1956), 20 Million Miles to Earth (1957), The 7th Voyage of Sinbad (1958), The Three Worlds of Gulliver (1959), Mysterious Island (1961), Jason and the Argonauts (1963), The First Men in the Moon (1964), The Valley of Gwangi (1969), The Golden Voyage of Sinbad (1973), Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger (1977), and Clash of the Titans (1981), all featuring beautifully detailed, lifelike stop-motion animation. In addition to devising the special effects of these films, Harryhausen also helped create storylines and worked out the precise details of their production and direction. He directed a great deal of second-unit

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footage, and he occasionally appeared in his films as well. Harryhausen’s work influenced scores of subsequent filmmakers and helped pave the way for the fantasy/science fiction blockbusters of the 1980s and beyond. In 1992, Harryhausen received an Academy Award for his work as a creator and designer of special effects. Mr. Harryhausen will talk on stage at the Loew’s about his remarkable career.

In “Jason and the Argonaughts”, Harryhausen’s stop-motion special effects made Greek mythology tangible. Jason (Todd Armstrong), rightful heir to the throne of Thessaly, is spared from death through the intervention of the goddess Hera (Honor Blackman). The other celestial inhabitants of Mount Olympus watch in amusement as Hera surreptitiously aids Jason in his search for the Golden Fleece. Jason confronts a giant come-to-life statue named Talos, the seven-headed hydra, and – in one of the most famous special effects scenes ever made -- an army of skeletons, all brought amazingly to life by Harryhausen’s wizardry. Bernard Herrmann's surging musical score was icing on the cake for this greatest of all Ray Harryhausen creations. As both an entertainment and a representative genre film, Jason and the Argonauts remains engaging entertainment for the entire family, worthy of viewing even in the face of the vast achievements in special effects since the film's 1963 release.

Saturday, May 15 at 4:30PM:

Based on a novel by Raymond F. Jones, This Island Earth is one of those rare 1950s speculative films that holds up almost as well today as it did when first released. If the special effects now seem a little dated compared to today’s techniques, they are nevertheless fun to watch and are a great example of the state of the art a half century ago. Just as importantly, the movie’s action still entertains and its message to beware of the misuse of scientific advancement and the potential for ecological disaster still strikes a responsive chord.

Saturday, May 15 at 8 PM:

Based on the famous novel by Jules Verne (considered the father of science fiction), 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea is the embodiment of the old Disney tradition at its best: family entertainment, appealing to young and old alike, that superbly used brand-new wonders in film technology – including the then brand-new Cinemascope. The film was Disney’s first live action adventure and one of the most expensive features ever made up to that time. Kirk Douglas, Peter Lorre and Paul Lukas are survivors of a rammed whaling ship who find themselves on the secret and highly advanced submarine Nautilus, under the command of the brilliant but demented Captain Nemo (James Mason), who wages war against those who wage war. The film’s special effects and extensive underwater photography still hold up well, even in light of today’s computer generated effects. More than any other movie version of the tale, this film captures the flavor of Verne and his imaginative descriptions. And like the classic Disney animated features, it has lost none of its verve and splendor in the half-century since its debut.

Admission for each film is $6 for adults, $4 for seniors and children 12 years old and younger. A combo ticket for all three films is $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and children. Half price parking in Square Ramp Garage, behind Theatre.

The Landmark Loew’s Jersey Theatre presents its classic films on a 50 foot wide screen using carbon arc illumination for the brightest, whitest light.

The Loew’s Jersey Theatre, located at 54 Journal Square, Jersey City, is easily reached by car or mass transit from throughout the Metropolitan Area. Ample off-street paid parking is available. For directions or additional information, call (201) 798-6055 or visit www.loewsjersey.org

Friends of the Loew’s, Inc. operates the Loew’s as a non-profit arts center. Sci-Fi & Fantasy Weekend is sponsored by Friends of the Loew’s, Inc. and co-sponsored by the City of Jersey City, Mayor Glenn D. Cunningham & the Municipal Council, and the Jersey City Economic Development Corporation.

Press inquiries should be directed to Colin Egan, (201) 798-6055 or pager (201) 219-4334.