The Story of ... King Kong (1976) - Review & Retrospective
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- Опубліковано 22 сер 2024
- My review and retrospective of 1976's "King Kong", the first substantial remake of the 1933 monster movie classic. I explore its production, its reception and its legacy, while providing my own thoughts on the film.
Produced by Dino De Laurentiis and directed by John Guillermin. From Paramount Pictures. Starring Jeff Bridges, Charles Grodin and Jessica Lange.
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No worries.
UA-cam Premium is an option. It's something like $12 a month to remove all commercials. It's worth it if you watch a lot of UA-cam.
That's what AdBlocker is for , man.
I guess it's kinda randomly asking but do anyone know a good place to watch new series online ?
@Nolan Drake Flixportal
This is my favorite Kong as well, as I was born in 73' and this was the one I grew up with as a kid, No CGI..just great effects artists working with film and still shots...and a man in a monkey costume. Jessica is stunningly beautiful, the sets are great, the cast as a whole are great and the music by John Berry is excellent....4 outa 5 stars from me.
I give it two and a half stars.
I was also born in '73. I can remember standing in line to see this movie, only to have it sell out before we could buy our tickets. It took multiple tries to finally see it. It is still the best version of Kong to date.
I prefer peter Jackson's version the 1976 version was fine for its time but I felt peter Jackson's was the best version.
Jessica Lange was so hot in this. A natural beauty.
Man in an ape costume.
I don't understand the hate towards this movie. Clearly a lot of effort was put into it and it's a fun monster flick overall
Agreed! (obviously)
Because of this 12:37 king kong touch her boobs
@@captainsisko7629 So? He's a gorilla. He's allowed ... and she didn't seem to mind too much.
@@allirogorilla 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Personally I always thought it was good. Then one day years later I discover in the internet it's perceived as like one of the worst movies ever!! I was confused as I always thought it looked great, even now. They nailed the man in the suit thing, I believe it was the lighting used that made it look like it was really there in the same place.
One of my absolute favorite John Barry scores without a doubt.
trha2222 - that’s too bad. It’s an excellent score, minus the one disco track as they arrive at the stadium, towards the end. And I’m one of the many that actually loves the movie too.
I was 9 when I saw it at the theater.
Over the years I've found Barry to be my favorite composer (even better than John Williams). I wish we could more scores like his.
Go listen to The Black Hole (1979) for a truly mindb-lowing score.
The movie is pretty dam good too, very creepy with the touch of Disney. The ending is surreal, weird with questions left unanswered.
This one and The Deep soundtrack.
Did you ever see the movie The Deep ? John Barry did that one as well.
My father took me to see this movie upon release. I was 9. I was just beginning to fall in love with anything monster related. To this day I find this movie effectual and emotional. Plus the memory of that day with my dad will never leave me. I remember leaving the theatre with tears, verbally wondering why Kong had to die. Great memory and a wonderful movie. Thanks for the awesome info...
Oh man...have the exact same story. My dad took me and my brother to see Bugsy Malone. It was sold out so he took us into see King Kong. We were gripped, then that ending hit us...hit us hard. My poor dad driving home with 2 inconsolable children. That ending haunted me for years. I struggle to watch it now.
I was born in 1970, so this is also the Kong that I grew up with. Immensely popular at the time, I distinctly remember seeing the 76 King Kong in theaters several times (back then, before DVD/home video, popular films would be re-released on the big screen over several years). I love this version and it will always hold a special place in my heart. The look of Kong, thanks to Rick Baker, still holds up remarkably well. And I definitely loved Jessica Lange. So sexy!
I have the exact same story just with my grandma. I too cried coming out of the theater wondering, "WHY DID HE HAVE TO DIE??" lol
This version is awesome.
You got that right, pal.
Wow! I remember seeing the tv premiere of this when I was 5. I love the snake battle and the New York rampage, but the ending is sad as hell! 😭😭 That movie traumatized a lot of 70s kids.
I cried like a baby.
Only disappointed there were no dinosaurs.
@@dondragmer2412 IKR! That's what we wanted to see!
Great video.
Personally, I love this version of Kong, and it's tied with the original as my favourite out of all the Kong films (I love 'King Kong Escapes' too haha).
While I've always liked it, I didn't truly begin to have a deep appreciation for it until a couple years back. It has a great cast, fantastic special effects (most of the time), a wonderful musical score and I love the cinematography.
It's a good movie that doesn't deserve anywhere near the amount of hate it tends to get, in my opinion.
Thank you! Agreed!
Agreed!
Honestly when I saw Kong 76 for the first time, I thoroughly enjoyed it for the most part. Although I am not a big fan of how our leading lady’s name was changed to Dwan, Jessica Lange’s portrayal of the beauty who charmed the beast is actually really good here. I am also not a fan of the fact that Kong is forced to wear a giant humiliating crown on his head during his presentation in New York. But I do think that the show taking place outside instead of inside an auditorium is actually kinda interesting. My favorite scene though has to be the scene where Kong takes Dwan to a waterfall where he decides to give her a shower. The reason I like this scene is because it really shows the relationship between Kong and Dwan actually beginning to develop. While at the same time expressing the beauty. Overall I think this is a very decent take on the classic King Kong story. Even though I really wish dinosaurs were included. I consider this movie sort of a guilty pleasure of mine.
No need for guilt. I liked it too though Peter Jackson's and the 1933 were better. And Jessica was a better heroine than Naomi Watts.
My favorite version of Kong. This is what happens when you know nothing about the original and seeing Kong 76 at the movies as a kid. Later in college I watched the original, and while it was great filmmaking, I missed the emotional resonance I experienced in 1976. Jeff Bridges is excellent whatever his role, and it tires me to hear over and over how Jessica Lange's performance was bad, cringe worthy etc. If one dissects her acting, it may be argued that it's a study of subtle complexity. Dwan starts out as a "dumb blonde" and eye candy, yet as the film progresses, she becomes enlightened by her conflicted emotional state. Like the natives, she is both terrified and mystified by Kong. In the end, dare I say that she grows to love him (the empathetic variety). Finally, she realizes that through Kong's death she has achieved her goal of fame, and is shattered by it. Jessica shaped that character; having Dwan come a long way from how she was at the beginning of the picture.
Thunderbolt 2 really well said
The movie was good, the ending scared the shit out of me when I was a kid though.
King Kong '76 pails in comparison to the '33 any purist can tell you why, because i just can't
Joe Espin ik, I like the other versions better. Just said the movie was good.
@@dontworryitsjustvitinho in your opinion what aspects of the could be changed or dropped to improve the quality of the film.
I saw this with my mom and dad when I was 6 years old, seems like a lifetime ago.
I remember reading about Rick Baker's disappointment with how Kong turned out,largely because De Laurentiis didn't give him the time he needed. He was then determined to create ape suits so realistic,they could be used on-screen alongside real primates,a goal he has since achieved.
Gorillas In The Mist.
i don't see how it could have been any better. it looked so real.
It's my favorite Kong movie. I love the oil storyline, it has a great cast, levity, a great soundtrack and you actually are rooting for Kong.
Giovanni1966 remember in the theatre people cheering when he knocked down one of the helicopters
@@andrewpizzino2514 Yes!! Same thing happened when I watched in the theatre. The people also cheered when Jessica Lange came out of the shower.
Giovanni1966 lol I’m sure they did
My absolute favorite version of King Kong! I was 7 in early 1977 when my dad took me and one of my brothers to see it, and I was caught by its magic forever. I'd only experience the same excitement two years later, when Christopher Reeve's Superman: The Movie came out.
What a great time to grow up! Jaws, Star Wars, King Kong and Superman. One amazing blockbuster after another!
I saw this when it was first released in 1976. It is still my favorite “King Kong” movie.
Mine too....
Same!
Same
Born in '70, it has long been my opinion that this is one of the most well-written films ever made, especially up to the transfer to NY City. I watch the first half of the film often and enjoy the smooth dialogue and logical flow of the conversations (something today's films seem completely lost on). I was shocked in your commentary to learn that critics disliked the writing. To me, it's some of the best ever penned.
...And my Dad took me to see this in the theater and I started crying right after the opening credits in fear that Kong was going to jump through the screen and ravage the theater ! Dad was all broken up over the $12 tickets. I will never forget this memory. Makes me smile every time I see the film. Ah, the 70's !
I remember the extended cut being on TV several times when I was a kid and it was a big prime time event. This brought back find childhood memories.
Definitely my favorite. I was 11 when it came out in '76, and the 70's blockbusters had the most original, emotional orchestrations I can recall. I am still moved to tears by the end of this film, something the 2005 version is totally incapable of doing. The 2005 ending was particularly odious having Jack Black's character delivering the final words, let alone even living, which was such an extreme disappointment, even compared to the rest of the film! The 1970's blockbusters, as cheesy as they may seem now with obvious blue-screen effects, were an emotional roller coaster that drew you into feeling for the characters as you would your own friends. And let's be honest, what teen-age male didn't wish to be Kong in those "creepy" scenes, as you put it? There is nothing wrong with good old-fashioned lust and animal magnetism, that is practically non-existent in today's CGI remakes. The fact that I grew up in the same cultural environment (most importantly void of modern PC) as the films, makes this one all the more endearing to me. This film has enough realism to let your imagination take over, and it has a heart and soul unmatched by any other version! Thank you for putting this together for us to treasure in these modern times of CGI-Overkill Remakes and cinema-narrative mediocrity.
I was 11 too, and Jessica Lange became my first celebrity crush. I saw the movie during Christmas break and two more times in early '77. Watched it recently and still think it's pretty good. Charles Grodin is a hoot, Jeff and Jessica have great chemistry, and it has a sense of wonder and mystery completely lacking from the Jackson version.
Nice! Yep we are all the same age here. I had that darn poster on my wall!! The pic of him on the WTC.
If you weren't there at the time, you wouldn't understand.
I was 8 and the ending traumatized me. Huge fan of this version.
Sorry, I think the ending of the 2005 version, is pretty upsetting too. That movie has a great score too. It just needed some serious editing.
It's great to see so many comments of people who appreciate the 1976 version too!
The John Guillermin film was the first King Kong I saw when I was nine years old (knowing about the 1933 original, but not having seen it yet at that time), and it certainly left a lasting impression.
What's great about it, is how Dwan is not simply just a "damsel in distress": while she has no desire to be with Kong when she doesn't have to, she also learns that he means her no harm, and even tries to save him on two occasions. Her "hold on to me, don't put me down!" while atop the World Trade Center still sends a chill down my spine, knowing what will happen to Kong when he eventually does set her down on the roof.
The film's message of consumerism versus conservation holds up well even, or perhaps especially, today. John Barry's score is an absolute highlight, and the cast do a good job with the the material.
As for Jackson's King Kong - I do enjoy that film too, but it is ridiculously long. The greatest disappointment, perhaps, is that the creators went for a photorealistic King Kong (and he still looks great to this day), but so many other elements in the film look absolutely cartoonish, from the dinosaurs to the island itself.
While not wanting to dismiss the excellent work by Andy Serkis, what feels off, too, is how Kong is just a giant gorilla. In the other films he was recognizable as a gigantic primate, but didn't exactly feel like a gorilla. "Neither beast, nor man", if you will.
But King Kong 2005 is just that: an overgrown gorilla with the corresponding behavior. It's an impressive, accomplishment, but not exactly fitting for a story about a monstrous ape kidnapping a pretty blonde woman.
The balance, when it comes to the characters, is off, too. Jackson is known for having been very disappointed by the 1976 film, but he certainly took some inspiration from it, including Dwan's approach to Kong and making his Ann actively seek out Kong after his escape and coming to his defense atop the Empire State Building.
With a bit more trimming, the 2005 film could have been one of the best remakes; as it stands, the actors, the score by James Newton Howard and the final battle are absolute highlights, but everything else feels either too much or too little. Beauty indeed killed the beast.
Of the remakes, the 1976 film has, on the whole, the best balance to me. I'll always remain fond of it.
76 is actually my favourite version. Obviously the 33 version is a classic. But the 2005 version never grew on me.
'76 is my favorite by far as well. The 2005 version was phenomenal to see in the cinema the first time, but I find it impossible to watch all the way through at home. It's just far too CGI & self-indulgent. If they had cut it to a tight 90 minutes we'd have an all-time blockbuster, instead we get 3 hours of she's on Broadway, she's on a ship, here's another cut of the ship in case you missed the fact she's on a ship, she's on the island, there are bugs...and more bugs...and more bugs....and more bugs...now we're 90 minutes into the film and we haven't even arrived in New York.
@@DualityofManLimited Exactly my thoughts, just too much going off for me.
Jackson's Kong is terrible. The lovey-dovey approach to the Ann-Kong relationship was as Disney-esque as it was ridiculous. And all those uninteresting secondary character that Jackson insisted in making us interested in: the one-eyed sailor, the old sailor and his trainee. Awful.
SOTYfan, I agree on all counts
Definitely a film of my childhood, and close to my heart. However my favorite one is Peter Jackson's film. I know many disagree, however It's just my opinion.
I loved this movie as a kid. But I didn't know many movies at age 8. When I saw the 1933 version, i was flat-out blown away. It is superb. The movie plunges forward at a breathtaking speed. The urgency and the danger you sense are enormous. If you haven't seen it, do so. It teaches valuable lessons in filmmaking.
For me I like King Kong 76 personally. But what I love about The Kong films is it represents the decades of the times that it was made from the classic 30s to the political and environmental era of the 70s and the advancements in computer graphics in 2000s
Good point!
Jessica Lange was beautifully cast and 'introduced' by De Laurentis. Virtually playing herself as a starlet-in-the-making, developing a deep character arc. She became my first screen crush.
The best King Kong movie, and one of the best adventure movies ever made. Fantastic actors, great directing and real hardware. Not a CGI in sight. Wow!
I quite liked the 76 version. Love John Barry's big epic score. Even with some weak effects shots and seams i liked the film. The big reveal scene is nearly perfect. The build up is absolutely spine tingling. I never got that sense of wonder in Jackson's which i thought was horribly cast and unbelievably bloated. It may be a technically better film but it had no heart.
I agree with everything you said
any time jack black pops on screen, he can dangerously overbalance it. like, he is so funny looking, can he be serious? i did like his serious role in the jackal, when he gets his arm blown off
@@decimated550 I absolutely hated 2005 King Kong. All the technology in the world doesn't make a film good. I could never get past Jack Black and his maniacal sarcastic comedic face. And there was just way too much CGI. I was completely out of the film with the dino stampede
@P PA Jackson was inspired to become a filmmaker by the 1933 film, and for me his remake had tremendous heart from beginning to end, wonderfully directed, emotionally resonant and one of the true definitions of a "sweeping adventure". It's also one of the few movies I'll call an instant classic.
While I think, that Jackson's is the best (but also overly long) version with poetic moments, I love all three iterations for their own merits, and as child of 1972 this 1976 version was my introduction to KONG, and it has a very special place in my heart. The cinematography, the music and the cast make this a truly wonderous mystical adventure, with a really beautiful and sexy Jessica Lange.
Forgot all about King Kong 1976.. saw it once in the 1980s and remember sort of liking it but finding it a bit bizarre too (the Lange/Kong relationship). I forgot that Jeff Bridges was in it too. Absolutely love Jeff and his filmography. Thank God (the legendary Dino Di Laurentiis) plucked Jessica Lange out for this, as she has been a fabulous actor in the years since. Another one for my rewatch list Layton. Keep up the good work. Loving these 'Story of' videos
This is my favorite version of the original Kong story (I'm not including 'Kong: Skull Island' in this because despite the fact I really like it too, it's not a remake of the original story). Although I love the original, & was already well familiar with it in '76 when I saw this version, I never saw any difficulty separating the two & seeing them both for what they were (rather than just viewing '76 as a pale imitation of '33). I find all the leads to be engaging & a delight to watch. I never understood the criticism of Lange, you can argue that her character is eye candy or simply (as you stated) the macguffin , but for that blame the writer, she plays that character with all it's superficial view on the world to perfection, & her delivery has a natural (rather than theatrical) quality that many seasoned actors don't achieve. As for the over-long, over-weight Jackson version, I tried watching it once, hated it, & I doubt I will ever revisit it.
Love this one. Grew up with it. Best ape and best cast.
So glad I was the right age for this and Star Wars.
I envy you at big screen A1 experience yes? I am now 50, my favorit KING KONG movie RIP John Barry John Gillerman Dino De Laurentis WTC
@@jimcameron1234 Yes. As a kid, I saw this as a more adult version of Kong and it made me feel 'older' too. Lol! We also recently lost Rene Auberjonois as well. :( R.I.P.
@@jimcameron1234 you said everything im thinking, and john barrys score really set the mood
Great time for a kid to be going to the movies!
I hate starting a sentence with "as a kid in the 70s" but... As a kid in the 70s... This was my Kong. The hype was everywhere. Postermags, books, toys.. I'm so fond of this film.
Strange how certain stimuli can trigger memories. Watching this, I remember a kindly old woman who was a friend of my mother's who'd look after me once school was over sometimes. I watched this version of Kong and Clash of the Titans a number of times before I was picked up by my mother. For the death of me, I can't remember her name though. Bloody memory.
Oh and uh, nice review by the way
Glad you reviewed this one Layton. King Kong is one of my first movie memories. I was obsessed with this movie as a kid. And the score by John Barry is so great....and very emotional. Sure it hasn't aged that well, but I still love watching it from time to time. Fantastic work here btw.
Thanks, man! Yeah, I've always had a soft spot for it, too.
Yeah
You're forgetting the most famous trope: "Beauty and the Beast." I love this movie, perhaps because I was 10 years old, but man-in-the-suit (Baker) Kong's eyes and body language actually emote feeling and intentions. Plus, John Barry's score is top notch!
Yept king kong touch her boobs 12:37 !!!!!!!
@Big Al 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣I want make sure you guys don't forget this incredible scene, alot of people want to forget !!!!
This is the best King Kong version ever in my opinion --- Hippie, babe and Huey gunships...Kinda reminds me of The Fall of Saigon back in 1975...
That CGI craps don't do me any justice!
I was soo in love with Jessica Lange back then.
I clearly remember seeing it at the cinema when it came out, and at the time it seemed like a fabulous movie, we all loved it!!! Including Jessica Lange, who was perfect for those times and the role, she added well to all the sexual feelings De Laurentiis wanted to stir up, plus the pathos too. It was very emotional even at the time, we all cried at the end, and the fact that we've all seen it and remember it clearly speaks a lot for it!!
i loved the 1976 movie! my dad took me to see it at the baker theatre in dover new jersey, very dramatic and loved the music from john barry, it really set the mood
A great refreshing new version of the story. Yeah, there are a few areas you can criticize or laugh at, but you could say this about a lot of movies, especially from the 70s. I never get tired of watching this version. And John Barry's soundtrack is awesome! I was excited when the 2005 version came out, but also very disappointed.
Jessica Lange was awesome.
I love how Dino told Meryl Streep she was too ugly for the role.
Awesome
Love the ‘76 King Kong! I fondly remember seeing it on a HUGE theater screen when it came out. Yeah, it incorporates some cheesy 70s tropes, but it’s classic Dino de Laurentis showmanship. Jeff Bridges and Jessica Lange are both great as is Charles Grodin. I remember the scene involving Kong and the huge snake scared the bejeezus out of me as a kid.
Kong 76 is my favourite Kong. Awesome score by John Barry, great "man in suit action" and good pacing.The unnecessary remake by Peter Jackson however is boring and disappointing (IMO of course)
Despite its flaws and goofiness, the movie holds a special place in my heart. Some really great moments in the movie have been seared into my memory. Also, I really love some of the artwork that came out depicting the ape. The movie poster is iconic to me in the same way that JAWS is.
I'm glad I stumbled upon this video. I loved this movie as a kid, and still do today. And I found your commentary very educational. Lots of facts I was unaware of, regarding the production of the movie.
Thanks for watching!
@@LaytonEversaul you have a new subscriber
Hmmm what about this part 12:37 king kong touch her boobs what you think about this ?????
Great review.. I have always had a soft spot for this movie. It's legacy is that of a failure. But it was a box office success. John Barry's score suits the movie perfectly. I find myself choosing to watch this version over Peter Jacksons Overly long and bloated remake
Barry's score makes the film. I think Jackson's version romanticizes the relationship between Ann and Kong a little too much, and yes, is overly long by about an hour.
It's widely seen as a failure because critics hated it and the audience reception was mixed at the time apparently. Paramount also expected it to do Jaws like business, so while it was the 4th highest grossing film of 1976, it was seen as a disappointment because it didn't perform accordingly. It probably didn't help that the no.1 spot that year was taken by Rocky, which cost a mere fraction of King Kong to make.
@@LaytonEversaul For me, the most glaring faux pas by Jackson was the LACK of BLOOD when Kong was shot. I mean, did he just die of the stress of being shot AT? Even the 1933 Kong showed some (painted) blood. NONE in Jackson's. While I'm no medical expert, I've seen enough movies to know or assume that people who were shot usually bled.
Haters can say what they want about this movie, but the soundtrack to This Is awesome. Being 10 at the time, brings back so many memories. Along with Jessica Langes legs!! I still like this version. Even with the obvious flaws.
Each version has its own flavor, so take it for what it is. Like I said, I like it. The cinematography, score (especially) the technology at the time, very inventive. Great review, 2👍👍.
KING KONG 76 to me still the best KONG movie ever, thank you the great Dino De Laurentis for this masterpiece of movie making the second biggest movie event of the 70 after The Towering Inferno and on top of that both movies from the same director too RIP John Guillerman + John Barry + Dino De Laurentiis + WTC Twin Towers (i was on top summer 1995)
I was a kid when this came out, and remember the reaction. Magazines and fanzines galore (including Forrest J. Ackerman's Famous Monsters of Filmland) were only too happy to milk its release for all they were worth...then crap on it. And because they didn't know where to stop--they sneered at Rick Baker, they dismissed John Barry's score, they REALLY lit into Jessica Lange--it became clear that it was more about fanboy butthurt in defense of the idolized original than judging the new film on merit.
(Seriously, Forry? You were nicer to A*P*E. You took a role in Dracula vs. Frankenstein. You were in FUTURE WAR. You were in garbage that could turn a sane person's hair white, just to advertise your mag. And you published articles about Kong '76 before AND long after you told everybody you hated it, because there was money to be made off it. And your primary criticism was that you decided it was a cash-in. Golf clap!)
Hey you're talkin to a conch nut I always like the 1930s immersion it still stands up today if you watch it and you don't expect a lot of CGI a lot of work went into the production of that one but the 76 one I think was great it was so great that I decided to go across the river from where I live in New Jersey to Philadelphia and see it first run at one of the big Philadelphia theater no disappointments had a great time and I think that everybody should give it a break because it deserves it watch it and enjoy it and have it for your own
I was 7 when this was released; had a blast watching.
The movie totally glosses over how they got Kong aboard the ship
The original and Peter Jacksons version didn't even try to explain not only how they got him on the boat, but WHERE they put him on the boat. At least in this one, the had a bulldozer that could have dragged him to the shore, and cranes on the ship that could have lifted him on board, and a place to put him.How do the people in the original or PJ's version even get him TO the boat???
Unfortunately, it was indeed a major plothole, relying on one's suspensions of disbelief.
@Big Al sad but true.
or why a huge door was built on the giant wall if the goal of the wall is to keep Kong out.
Don’t need two doors that big to do that.
Why does no one ever mention the phallic symbolism of the greased bolt sliding into the hooks in the door? It’s not exactly subtle in this film.
I absolutely love this version of Kong! I grew up on this film back in the 80s they showed it on TV all the time! This Kong was one of the best most realistic looking Kong’s! I loved the story I thought it was unique and the snake fight was pretty damn cool! This movie has a special place in my heart!
Such an underrated classic. By far my favourite Kong movie. The John Barry score is a triumph.
Admit it Jessica Lange is a goddess.
However, the movie's special effects Oscar win caused one of the voters to resign in protest proclaiming that "Rick Baker is in no way a special effect". But at least John Barry's score was a plus and we got Kongfrontation out of it.
If that member though that award was a voting farce, they should have waited a few years!
loved the 76 version the best one.
I think KIng Kong (1933) is the more well rounded movie, but King Kong 1976 is definitely my personal favorite and is criminally underrated.
@Arthur Morgan Come on man; 1976, tight budget [and wasted on mechanical kong], and minimal time for Rick Baker to pull this off to his own satisfaction.
Cheap Piece of Garbage with No Dinosaurs.
Dino De Laurentiis Was A Cheap Money Pinching Piece of Krap.
Jessica.....HOT
This is my favorite movie of all time. I watch it a couple of times a year every year.
I love it, its the best one by far, I love the feeling and era it's from and the changes to the story made it refreshing the score is brilliant. Jessica lange was a hottie and I enjoyed her acting and take on being seemingly trusting innocent or gullible nature I don't know how anyone couldn't want to watch her. I'm glad the others mentioned did not get the role it wouldn't feel the same.
What a shame the large Kong did not get enough testing time to function well, I forgot how bad it looked in those few shots.
I saw as a kid this King Kong ... No, I'm not talking about the movie that after course I saw...
I saw King Kong itself... The giant mechatronic at a Circus in Italy back in the seventies ....I was in awe!
Ekphrasys there was a King Kong ride at the boardwalk in Wildwood New Jersey around the time this movie came out. Just a simple airplanes that moved up Nd down circling a giant Kong figure. It’s It’s one of my earliest memories.
That scene with Jack sharing the tales of the island he's pieced together is one of the best scenes in the movie. Bridges delivery along with the understated score as well as the incomplete nature of the tales is the perfect buildup. I've watched that scene numerous times just trying to figure out how they did it.
I was an extra in the "Shay Stadium" scene with Kong in chains. I got Jeff Bridges' autograph on a Petrox paper banner and I still have it. The mechanical Kong didn't work. They got it moving for about 3 seconds and then it conked out. We were sitting in the bleachers waving our Petrox banners off and on for about 7 hours until 3 in the morning. Good times.
Still my all-time favorite Kong movie. It had something innocent & magical that the newer ones do not capture. Maybe that cool 70’s look and feel. And Barry’s score is incredible !! Glad over the years it’s become somewhat cult status.
I saw this movie when it came out. I was 13 at the time. The music, Baker and Rambaldi's Ape Suit, the music, the fantastic acting by the cast, and THE MUSIC were all great. It is a guilty pleasure for me to this day. And obviously, the John Barry score is among my absolute favorites.
Best part of this movie was Jessica Lange in those Daisy Dukes.
I saw this movie when it was originally released, I was six years old but remember it vividly! It was well thought of at the time, amongst the cinema going public. In the UK we tend not to follow the opinions of film critics, most of whom don't like any movie not in B&W, not in French and not with subtitles!
I love this movie. The way they did differently from the original is appreciated. The music is beautiful. The cinematography is impressive. The characters are vibrant. The ending is tragic.
I always loved this version of King Kong. When September 11th happened I was 18 years old. I couldn’t get the pipe organ John Barry music that played around some of the World Trade Center scenes out of my head after the terrorist attack. The more I looked at the World Trade Center design with its tight columns and tiny windows, the building sides are reminiscent of a large pipe organ itself. Even the large trident shaped columns that open up around the lower lobby of the building represent the the lower shape of a large pipe organ instrument. It really gives this part of the movie score a World Trade Center theme for me. This movie will always hold a special place in my heart
Yes, absolutely! The importance of 1976 version is much higher since 11 September 2001. At least I think so. And it is a great film! Jessica Lange was one the hottest women in the 1970s/1980s! Of course, the ending is very sad, very gory. But maybe it adds extra value to the film?
I admit I love the 2005 King Kong version, especially due to the horror aspect of it and the beautiful friendship between the two, but without this version they would have never made mine.
1976 is the best of the King Kongs, IMHO.
Excactly
1976, my favorite version and I think the best....
With the passing of René Auberjonois I watched this flick this afternoon. It was the first movie I remember seeing him in and I've always enjoyed his character, Roy Bagley, in this film. In fact Bagley has always been is my favorite character.
As to criticism of the script, sure it has the envirojargon but it's not forced or particularly in your face, it feels natural. I like how Fred Wilson just shrugs off Jack when Jack calls him an environmental rapist. Wilson understands the practical necessity for petroleum to maintaining a First World economy. When we a first introduced to Dwan and she is telling her story I totally bought it, we've all know chicks like her. In the end I don't worry about Dwan surviving Kong, I worry about her surviving the aftermath. I can totally see her descending into a pit of alcoholism and drugs until she's found dead of an overdose. As for Jack, well, he moved to California, started smoking pot and changed his name to Lebowski.
In my head this is cannon
There was nothing creepy about Kong and Dwan's connection.He was in love and she was sympathetic to him..This movie was great and a MUCH needed update to the original..10/10
The 76 movie is the best since the original, and the last great Kong movie. The 2005 movie was shit and Skull Island was even worse.
The el train sequence is awesome. To think of how huge that set must’ve been! The train cars alone were huge miniatures, let alone the buildings and the train trestle itself!
Should be on Blu-ray in the U S.
Rick Baker’s Kong is my very favorite version of the character. He and Ramboldi basically did what Toho and Tsuburaya we’re doing in Japan for decades prior and took it to the next level. Kong is super expressive, he appears super strong, and while most people criticize his bipedal stance, I think it gives him a very regal quality of which he is deserving.
Kong’s roars in this film may come from a stock soundboard, but he owns those stock roars. The sound design and editing make them sound completely organic to the creature, especially when he’s angry.
I was 8 when I saw this movie in theater back 1976. At this time, I believed what I saw on the silver screen. Best King Kong movie ever made.
This was my favorite Kong movie. I liked the music better and the atmosphere was a lot better IMO....more eerie than action. This Kong also had by far and away the best roar.
Love this movie. Fell in love with Jessica straight away. Great cast, great score. The island tribe rituals reminded me of "Live and Let Die", one of my favourite Bondmovies. Kong really is the main character, so sad when he died at the end. Oh, great scene....
Hey man, great video. I used to watch this version of Kong every year on TV. Never missed it!
Thanks for watching! Glad to see this movie has a little more appreciation than I thought.
I've heard that dinosaur roar sound effect in a earlier film; the Land Unknown. Maybe a few earlier films as well. I also find it a bit ironic that while Dino and Universal were suing each other, a great deal of the sound design is apparently from Universal's library. Maybe they got that in the settlement (?). It's still my favorite Kong movie. Thanks for the upload.
Good point regarding the lawsuit. I will have to check-out The Land Unknown, as well. Thanks for watching!
Peter Cullen mr. Optimus Prime himself also provided the voice for Kong.
Thank you very much for defending this movie. This is the best Kong remake I've seen in my opinion. I hope it gets released on Blu-ray here in the US. This is a great video and I hope you will still do make more videos.
Thank you for reviewing this.
I actually saw this movie before I ever saw the original.
I thought the Twin Towers idea was cool.
This is my favourite version of King Kong. It's really well-written and stars some great actors. I mean c'mon, Jeff Bridges, Charles Grodin and Rene Auberjonois in the same movie, and they all have good chemistry. The humorous line deliveries from Jeff, Rene and especially John Randolph (Captain Ross) are witty and hit perfectly. And the soundtrack by John Barry is grand and fits the movie perfectly.
Hands down the best version of the classic movie.
The 76 King Kong is the first movie i saw at night when i was 4 my teenage older sister to me to see it; It was sold out earlier but.I also loved The Mighty Peking Man a Chinese version of King Kong that came out the following year but this version looked more like a sasquach and the leading lady was a child he raised when found her from a plane crash
I saw it at the movie theater 7 times when it came out. Plus I still have the soundtrack LP with the original cover. I have a friend who was an extra in the movie at the end when they were at the WTC set.
My mom took me to see this when I was 5 and until STAR WARS and SUPERMAN came out, this was absolutely my all-time favorite movie and I just knew I was in love with Jessica Lange.
That was a very sad death for King Kong. I saw it in the theatres when I was a kid. It was also the debut of actress Jessica Lange.
He didn't really Die .
They bought him back in a Sequel.
Saw the Dino version in 76 when i was 10 at the Drive in , still love it to this day
Excellent video on this underrated film
I first saw this on television when it first aired back in the 70’s
Loved this movie as a kid - I remember my sister had the ‘making of’ paperback book that I read a couple of times
The poster for this film was on the cover of the book and there was just something really iconic about that poster - for a kid that poster was so magical
I own the DVD copy of this film - I haven’t watched it in years- you’ve inspired me to fish it out and check it out
Thanks
I’ve always wanted to see this kong go up against a godzilla. Both suits for the characters during this time looked amazing
Godzilla would kill this Kong in a millisecond.
Let's hope King Kong has taken some powerful steroids in 2020 in order to not get mauled by Godzilla.
The gave him a Magic Ax in the New Movie.
Even then he Still Lost.
John Barry's "Kong" theme is an example of his genius for film scoring. With just a few chords and the right choice of instruments he gives the character the perfect blend of awe, sadness and a sense of loss that this version of the film was eluding to. Lost innocence, lost opportunity and a feeling that things will never be the same again.
That's what it means to me anyway.. and John Barry makes me feel all that with a few French Horns and a couple of notes. Amazing.
See other comments for talk of boob touching gorilla's, self love, and awkward moments with your Mum in the cinema.
I had a King Kong lunch box back in the 70's from the movie
thank you for this review! I've loved this movie since childhood!
Dan Chaney Thanks for watching!
I really enjoyed this review. Good job. I've always liked this version. Director Guillermin directed 'Tarzan's Greatest Adventure' featuring Sean Connery which is much more than a Tarzan movie, more of a manhunt between old enemies movie. Don't miss it.
The 1976 version gives me the best memories of my days back then!! It would be nice if they can release it with the 45 minutes of deleted scenes which was only viewed in the TV version back then.
when this came out I saw it in the theater and I thought it was the coolest thing ever... until Star Wars, of course
This film was as entertaining as all get out. Some great special effects and pretty good acting.
The ending at the WTC is stunningly sad. I was 12 when I saw this '76 version, loved it. Any political message did not resonate at all. The Hype was out of bounds.
I remember watching this on the big screen in Times Square, NYC that year in 1976. A sold out show to say the least. I do enjoy this version of kong not to mention the extended televised version of the same film. Any idea where I can find that extended cut on any format?
MM, have only found the extended cut on torrenting sites, and even that is a grainy VHS recording off TV.
@@thedys70 You can buy a DVD-R version of it, on Sumogorilla.com for $9.99.