Customer Reviews

King Kong/Colorized [VHS]

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I have to admit, when colorization first came out I was shocked and offended. I couldn't imagine anyone messing with the classics, including King Kong (one of my all-time favorites). But when I finally broke down and got this colorized version it has become one of my favorites as well.

Admittedly, colorization destroys some of the "atmosphere" of a classic horror film. The positive side, however, is how much easier it is to distinguish background and small objects, particularly in the jungle scenes, compared to the black & white version on a small television screen.

When Ted Turner first bought these film rights and began colorizing them, he threatened to pull the black & white versions from distribution. That would be criminal. But having both available, I now realize, is a plus.

It is great to be able to see this film in color. Much is enhanced by seeing it in color, they did a great job of colorizing this film.
If some purists are offended by this colorization all you have to do is turn the color off on your TV set and wala! glorious Black and White
Those of us that like colorization should not be deprived of color, because some don't like it, as I mentioned before they can just turn the color down and enjoy it to their liking.

As a young child in the nineteen fifties, I used to watch this film whenever it appeared on TV on "Million Dollar Movie". I loved it then. I love it now. Time has not diminished the capacity of this film to mesmerize and hold the viewer in its thrall.

The story line is basic. Carl Denham (Robert Armstrong), a filmmaker and entrepreneur, leads an expedition to Skull Island where he discovers its deep, dark secret. It is a land where time has stood still, and prehistoric monsters still hold sway over the island and its inhabitants. There, the natives pay homage to the one whom they revere as "Kong", and who is, indeed, king of the island.

Denham, together with his beautiful, budding starlet, Ann Darrow (Fay Wray), as well as with the crew of the ship that brought him to Skull Island, investigates the strange ritual being performed on the island by its native population. Before she knows it, Ann finds herself captured by the natives. She is to become the bride of the mysterious "Kong".

When Ann discovers who the mysterious "Kong" is, she starts screaming and doesn't stop. The ship's first mate, Jack Driscoll (Bruce Cabot), who happens to be in love with Ann, manages to rescue her from the clutches of "Kong". Notwithstanding the fact that "Kong" has taken a shine to her, Ann is relieved to have been rescued by the man whom she loves.

Denham then arranges to capture the creature, whom he calls "King Kong" and takes him back to New York with them on the ship that brought them to Skull Island. There, King Kong makes his debut, one that movie lovers will long remember.

The special effects of this film were superlative for its time and still pass muster today. The relationship between the beauty and the beast still makes the viewer sit up and take notice. This is an attention grabbing film that is as exciting today, as when it was first released over seventy years ago. Watch both the black and white original, as well as the later colorized version. I am sure that you will agree with me that, while the colorized version is a curiosity to be viewed, when available, the black and white original is the way to go. It is a truly timeless, cinema classic. Bravo!

The Turner 1989 colorized edition of RKO's KING KONG (1933) is skillfully rendered. One thing that's more apparent than ever with this new version is the beauty of Fay Wray, all natural save for a blonde Max Factor wig.

Color schemes for the jungle sequences have an almost comic book quality-- misty orange skies prevail; they make an already frightening part of the story that much more ominous.

Colorizing fails, as it often does, in crowd scenes-- here the many dozens of native villagers are broad-brushed in a fashion typical of early colorization. On the other hand, certain other aspects were quite naturalistic: torch fire had a proper tint, with the tops of flames appearing a bit deeper than the rest, also, wafting cigarette smoke doesn't interact with colors beyond-- the slight obscuration it causes appears most normal.

Skin tones are good, background hues in man-made settings appropriate. The tints of the climactic skyscraper scene include well-defined cityscape and sky backdrops. On a 1 to 10 scale, I'd rate the enhancements a 7. The movie itself remains to my mind a solid 10.

KONG TRIVIA--
The pilot and machine gunner that kill the giant ape are the film's director, Merian C. Cooper and producer, Ernest B. Schoedsack.

The heavy-set native woman who sees Kong at her window is Etta McDaniel, Hattie's sister.

The Great Wall was originally used in Cecil B. DeMille's silent epic, THE KING OF KINGS (1927).

Olympic gold medalist Jim Thorpe has a cameo as a native dancer.

Jean Harlow refused the lead in this picture.

The 60th Anniversary edition of the b&w KING KONG includes a documentary. (VHS only Also recommeded is this DVD collectors set.

Parenthetical number preceding title is a 1 to 10 viewer poll rating found at a film resource website.

(8.1) King Kong (1933) - Fay Wray/Robert Armstrong/Bruce Cabot/Frank Reicher/Sam Hardy/Noble Johnson (uncredited: Merian C. Cooper/Ernest B. Schoedsack/Etta McDaniel/Sam Levene/Jim Thorpe

I agree on most Black and White movies Colorization is a bad idea. But in the case of Kong I make a exception. In many cases the color enhances the wonderful "matte backrounds" of Skull Island and of New York City. Still I do believe that is not the best "Colorization" that could have been done. I do take two rating points away because of the use of pastel Colors and a slightly less sharp focus. Viewing it you will notice small details that you would never see in the original. I do want to make clear I see this as "only a supplement" to the Black and White film rather than a replacement. And prehaps as a versions of the film that those who "hate" Black and White images can enjoy.

I like the colorized of "King Kong" but, I more like Black and White more,but it's fun watching in color "King Kong" from 1933.Fay Wray and Kong still rock in my book of fun for any more to come.

The basic story is of Carl Denham (Robert Armstrong), who makes those cute little animal pictures that are going out of style. If he wants to stay in business he must add a female interest and some excitement. Circumstances forcing him to leave port quickly, he meets a girl Ann Darrow (Fay Wray), that is down on her luck and convinces her that he will make her a star (on the up and up).

Things get complicated as you know it is bad luck to bring a woman onboard a freighter. And Ann really stirs them up including the first mate, Jack Driscoll (Bruce Cabot). On top of this she has a large date awaiting her at Skull Island.

I will not tell the rest of the story just incase you are one of the few that has missed the movie. But as you have guessed it includes a big ape named KONG. Not that cheesy thing that is always tussling around in Japanese movies, but a much more convincing Kong that can show great emotion.

You are about to watch the eight wonder of the world.