DVD Review - Clash of the Titans (1981)

Arts & EntertainmentTelevision / Movies

  • Author Thomas Straub
  • Published March 28, 2007
  • Word count 523

Clash of the Titians is a timeless Greek myth that will excite and lure adults and children into its tale, as it uncovers the dangerous adventures of Perseus and Andromeda. Starring Lawrence Olivier, Burgess Meredith, Harry Hamlin, and Judi Bowker, this classic adventure, tells of the perilous destiny of Perseus and how he defeats two of the most powerful Greek Titan gods in order to save his love, Andromeda.

This classic adventure centers on Perseus taking a treacherous journey, requiring him to tame the last winged horse, Pegasus. Next he must then defeat and capture the head of one of the last Titans, Medusa. After this he must figure out the answer to a unique riddle, so he can marry Andromeda, the daughter of the Queen of Joppa, Cassiopeia, and rule the kingdom.

The Greek mythological characters are well illustrated in Clash of the Titans, with its superb choice of actors and actresses.

The great theater and movie actor, Lawrence Olivier played Zeus brilliantly, with his commanding voice and stern presence. Perseus, the son of Zeus, played by Harry Hamlin, showed a steel-willed young man, with a tendency to be compassionate for all humans and living creatures alike.

Judi Bowker, playing the role of Andromeda, showed a sophisticated, yet sensitive young woman, that could be brave, yet could display being terrified with the best of them. Burgess Meredith also portrayed a great characterization of an old playwrite, that while learning much wisdom from all his philosophy, still retained the reverence for his mighty and mysterious Greek Gods.

The film focused mainly on Perseus and his Greek soldier companions, battling powerful creatures with only swords, shields and helmets, and barely winning over their deadly foes. Battles with monsters included such mythological creatures as Medusa the Titan with snakes on her head, who had venomous blood and a look that could turn any man or creature instantly into stone.

Prince Calibos, the doomed mortal and former suitor for the hand of Andromeda, was changed into a dangerous mix of bull, lizard and man. Calibos was punished by Zeus for capturing and killing all the flying horses, except one, Pegasus. The hunched, cloven and massive disproportionate, muscular look of Calibos was chilling, and was a notable contrast to the attractive, perfectly formed hero, Perseus. In their first battle in the swamp realm of Calibos, both the creature and the man showed their fierce devotion for Andromeda. They contrasted mostly not in how they differed in battle, but in compassion for those around them.

The timeless story finally concludes the Greek tale explaining how several constellations were put in the heavens by the king of the gods, Zeus, namely: Perseus standing with his sword raised, Andromeda, beautifully adorned, Cassiopeia, vainly looking in her mirror, and Pegasus, the last of the brave, flying horses.

This classic Greek story can bring your family a lot of fun thrills, romance, and adventures to fantastic, faraway places. Timeless in its portrayal of bravery and imagination conquering seemingly invincible evil , Clash of the Titans can capture the attention and be cherished by adults and children alike. Rated PG with brief frontal nudity.

Tom Straub is a successful author and webmaster of the DVD Reviews website featuring online reviews of all your favorites.

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