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King Kong: Collector's Edition (1976)

King Kong: Collector's Edition (1976)

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***Includes Theatrical and Extended TV Broadcast Cut***
Actors: Jeff Bridges, Charles Grodin, Jessica Lange, John Randolph, Rene Auberjonois, Julius Harris
Director: John Guillermin
Language: ENGLISH: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)
ENGLISH: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 (48kHz, 24-bit)
Subtitles: English SDH
Region: Region A
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Number of Discs: 2
Rating: PG
Orig Release Date: 1976
Studio: Paramount
Release Date: 5/11/2021
Run Time: 134 Min.
Specia Features:

Theatrical Cut

  • Commentary #1 features author Ray Morton.
  • Commentary #2 features King Kong performer Rick Baker.
    "On Top of the World" (11:54, HD) is an interview with production manager Brian Frankish and assistant director David McGiffert. The men share their initial approach to "King Kong," with Frankish sent to the Hawaiian Islands to prepare for an army of moviemakers to arrive, using the location in full. The interviewees shared their memories of the different King Kongs used in the picture, focusing on the massive dummy used in the final sequence, which attracted a large number of extras, a few more interested in actress Jessica Lange than the giant ape. An assessment of the film and an anecdote about director John Guillermin close out the conversation.
  • "When the Monkey Dies, Everybody Cries" (13:48, HD) is a video conference interview with production messengers Jeffrey Chernov and Scott Thaler, who provide a lively offering of memories from their time on the set of "King Kong." The men describe how they landed the gofer gig and detail their daily duties, giving them the best filmmaking education around as they bicycled around 30 sets, offering messages and paychecks. The Dino De Laurentiis experience is examined, along with their exhausting 24-hour schedule shared with another messenger. King Kong hydraulic fluid mishaps are mentioned, and memories from a trip to Italy are offered, with the three guys in charge of assembling King Kong for his appearance at an Italian fair.
  • "Maybe in Their Wildest Dreams" (5:36, HD) is a video conference interview with sculptor Steve Varner, who shares his experiences working on the creation of the 40-foot King Kong and the massive hand used for Jessica Lange. Tricks of the trade are recalled, along with memories of designer Carlo Rambaldi.
  • "Something's Haywire" (5:52, HD) is a video conference interview with actor Jack O'Halloran, who discusses his relationships with co-stars, making friends with Jessica Lange and questioning Jeff Bridges's love of method acting. O'Halloran is clear it was a fun shoot, but admits the "director could've been better," offering an anecdote concerning John Guillermin's stubbornness. The interviewee closes with memories from the log scene, which was completed at the MGM studios.
  • "From Space to Apes" (5:36, HD) is a video conference interview with photographic effects assistant Barry Nolan, who moved from the aerospace industry to Hollywood, using his expertise to deal with blue screen work and compositing adjustments, attaching a T.V. camera to the film camera for faster results. Nolan doesn't have anything nice to share about John Guillermin, but he eventually reteamed with the helmer for 1986's "King Kong Lives."
  • "There's a Fog Bank Out There" (6:31, HD) is an interview with second unit director Bill Kronick, who was hired by John Guillermin, and eventually took over the shooting of screen tests, becoming the guy who found Jessica Lange. Kronick goes on to share bits of production information as the "King Kong" shoot moved from the Hawaiian Islands to New York City, dealing with giant ape problems.
  • Image Gallery #1 (6:39) collects BTS snaps, publicity shots, and prop photos.
  • Image Gallery #2 (7:26) focuses primarily on film stills.
  • Image Gallery #3 (8:53) includes lobby cards, poster art, press book pages, and promotional items.
  • Image Gallery #4 (3:58) highlights newspaper ads for the theatrical release of "King Kong" and its television debut on NBC.
  • T.V. Spots (3:36, HD) offer seven commercials for "King Kong."
  • Radio Spots (1:35) supply three ads.
  • Theatrical Trailer #1 (2:36, HD)
  • Theatrical Trailer #2 (2:25, HD)

Extended T.V. Broadcast Cut

  • "King Kong '76" (68:45, HD) offers a panel discussion (recorded at the Aero Theater in 2016) of the feature with author Ray Morton, actor Jack O'Halloran, cinematographer Richard H. Kline, creature performer Rick Baker, Dino's widow Martha De Laurentiis, and John Barry's assistant, Richard Kraft.
  • NBC Promos (3:52, SD) provide a collection of intros and commercial bumpers from television showings of "King Kong."
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