Journey again to sixth-century England—by means of 1981 fantasy-movie aesthetics—with Dragonslayer, the story of a sorcerer’s apprentice (Peter MacNicol) who should tangle with the native fire-breathing menace, delightfully named Vermithrax Pejorative. The cult-classic movie has a sparking new 4K Ultra HD release, and io9 has a clip to share from its new particular options!
Right here’s a take a look at the clip, which comes from a behind-the-scenes featurette titled The Slayer of All Dragons. It options Dragonslayer director and co-writer Matthew Robbins (who supervised the 4K restoration) talking concerning the movie’s origins, together with a bit about his relationship with George Lucas in addition to how the film ties into J.R.R. Tolkien and Dungeons and Dragons. Elsewhere, the featurette additionally brings within the views of “dragon supervisor” and acclaimed effects pioneer Phil Tippett, in addition to ILM visual effects wizard Dennis Muren.
All advised, the discharge options over an hour of recent bonus content material, in addition to a brand new commentary that includes Robbins and noted monster enthusiast Guillermo del Toro—plus the unique theatrical trailer and display exams. Right here’s a rundown of all the brand new particular options:
- THE SLAYER OF ALL DRAGONS
Step again in time with director/co-writer Matthew Robbins, dragon supervisor Phil Tippett, and ILM’s visible results grasp Dennis Muren as they revisit Dragonslayer. Their tales and reminiscences take viewers deep into the dragon’s fiery lair as they recount the difficult journey from idea to display.
A glance again on the affect of Star Wars and its visible results on Hollywood, the origin of Dragonslayer and its screenplay, and the movie’s casting.
Pre-production begins in England because the movie takes form. The younger filmmakers search gritty medieval realism by the manufacturing design, cinematography, and costumes.
The filmmakers tackle the daunting process of bringing a dragon to life like by no means earlier than, using each ounce of film magic accessible together with Phil Tippett’s breakthrough go-motion animation, cutting-edge sensible animatronics, visible results, and compositing.
Manufacturing woes at each flip, horrific child dragons, and the problem of making Vermithrax’s iconic lair plague the filmmakers. Phil Tippett affords a mini-masterclass on crafting highly effective creature efficiency by detailed animation.
The crew faces the distinctive challenges of the movie’s stage-bound climax, filmed solely in opposition to a blue display. Director Matthew Robbins appears to be like again on the unimaginable work performed within the ultimate levels of movie modifying, the fantastically dense sound design, and Alex North’s wonderful rating, which utilized items from his legendary unused 2001: A House Odyssey rating.
Along with the bonus content material and the movie itself (plus entry to a digital model of the movie), Dragonslayer’s Restricted Version Collector’s 4K Extremely HD SteelBook options “collectible packaging with a detachable O-sleeve that includes a picture of the theatrical poster, which, when eliminated, reveals unique paintings of the ultimate battle with Vermithrax Pejorative.”
You can even decide up the movie in a non-steelbook model 4K Extremely HD launch, in addition to on Blu-ray; each of these variations embody all of the bonus content material. They’re all out at the moment, March 21.
Need extra io9 information? Take a look at when to count on the newest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s subsequent for the DC Universe on film and TV, and the whole lot you should find out about the way forward for Doctor Who.
Trending Merchandise
