OMAHA HONORS RAY HARRYHAUSEN
To begin with, let me say, "IT'S ABOUT TIME SOMEBODY DOES!" This professionally
shot video documentary of an event in Omaha Nebraska is of interest to all
Ray Harryhausen fan's. In the early part of April, I was contacted about
BRUCE CRAWFORD, who has been hosting a series
of film tributes in his home town of Omaha Nebraska. I gave Bruce a call
a few days later and after an extensive phone conversation I came away with
a strong sense of admiration for this guy who has really done so much for
the film industry, and all away from the typical mainstream areas of New
York and California. Bruce's first venture into the world of film tribute
went to Ray Harryhausen and this video is a documentary of the event. Beginning
with the presentation of the Gordon Sawyer Award for Lifetime Achievement
to Ray for his contributions to the world of filmmaking, the documentary
quickly moves from Hollywood to Omaha, and several local news and interview
shows. These range from interviews with Bruce, about his life-long love of
films to Ray. Over the next two-hours, fans are treated to more interviews
with Ray, including two extensive ones, the first for a television show called
BEHIND THE SCENES and the second for an on air radio interview. During both
of these Ray's friendly and personable nature is shown as he takes calls
from viewers and listeners. Ray is also shown accepting the key to city of
Omaha and is other local salutes to him until we get to the main event. The
screening of JASON AND THE ARGONAUTS and MYSTERIOUS ISLAND. Both prints were
restored and given all their big screen splendor for this screening that
also welcomed personal appearances by Ray and his wife, and well as Lucy
Herrmann, the wife of Bernard Herrmann. The event, thoroughly documented
here was enough of a success to spawn several more over the following years
that included salutes to Hitchcock, with a screening of PSYCHO and NORTH
BY NORTHWEST, a salute to William Wyler, with the debut screening of the
restored print of BEN-HUR in rematrixed surround sound. Bruce has also arranged
tributes for GONE WITH THE WIND and THE LONGEST DAY. In the end I was left
with this incredible longing to be living in Omaha. Bruce has also produced
highly acclaimed radio documentaries for BERNARD
HERRMAN and Miklos Rosza Following the event, Ray and his wife toured
several local Omaha sites with Bruce, along with family and friends. This
too has been thankfully preserved. It affords those of us who do not not
know Mr. Harryhausen personally a glimpse into the real man. He is seen here
wandering through the Omaha Zoo and commenting on some giant insect statues
on display there. Even though he is retired he discusses the possibilities
of animating the creatures. The tape is a full two hours long and during
the interviews Ray discusses his career, what he is doing now and his future
plans. The longest segment is the BEHIND THE SCENES program and everything
moves along quickly ensuring fans of Harryhausen a solid look, in Ray's own
words, of his life and films. He discussed everything from his Fairy Tales
and War films to work on CLASH OF THE TITANS as well as the current trends
in motion picture special effects. While the program isn't for everyone,
it certainly is something for fans of Ray Harryhausen who want to hear the
last word on Ray's films by Ray himself. I found the two hours to pass by
quickly and I'm thankful that the event was preserved.
The video is available from Hollywood Export Videos Productions and
was produced by L. Roger Speakman. If you are interested in obtaining a copy
of the tape click here
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