Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		5.0
Audio		4.5
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.5

Dinosaurus! Blu-ray Movie Review

A dino movie with great stop-motion animation and plenty of charm

There's a certain type of energy to classic monster movies that can often seem as though it is missing from many modern productions. Some of it is the overabundance of the reliance on CGI animation which is often used in spades for the latest Hollywood productions. I love modern CG but there's something remarkable about the type of creativity used to create more organic, hand-made effects utilized in early genre pictures: stop-motion animations, puppet models, and hand-painted designs help to stand out as even more unique.

Looking at these animated wonders deeply enriches the fun of these classics and makes revisiting them feel special in a way that is ultimately about far more than nostalgia. Director Irvin S. Yeaworth Jr. (The Blob, 4D Man) is a talented filmmaker and he capably leads the battalion with this production. The cast gives great, fun performances (most noteworthy is Greg Martell as an incredibly over-the-top caveman who steals the show).

The story takes place around an underwater expedition which uncovers the bodies of two dinosaurs: not skeletons, but flesh-and-blood creatures. Spread across the beautiful Oceanside sand, the heroes of the story must figure out what has happened to cause dinosaurs to re-enter society (and cave dwelling men as well). While the storyline isn't as intelligent as modern-day dinosaur films like Jurassic Word (yes, Jurassic World, not a typo) the screenplay written by Dan E. Weisburd (A Way Out of the Wilderness, Combat!) and Jean Yeaworth (The Flaming Teenage, Way Out) still knows how to have fun with the concept.

While there's not any earth shattering character development or sub-plots to make this stand out as anything more than a standard B-movie matinee expecting otherwise is kind of missing the point. Character lines are charming and the story is never a bore to sit through. The writers clearly have a good time with the world they create and its clear that much love and care was given to making this film. It's not supposed to be high art; only high-entertainment. On that level the screenwriters succeed.

"...and they thought that I was extinct because of the meteor showers. What a bunch of pre-historic buffoons!"

There are other aspects of the film which impress just as well. The original score composed by Ronald Stein (Last Woman on Earth, Journey to the Seventh Planet) is the same kind of classic Hollywood film music that makes one swoon. There are so many moments in the film greatly enhanced by the backdrop of the score and the bellowing sound of the dinosaurs brought to life.

Then there's the gorgeous cinematography by Stanley Cortez (The Night of the Hunter, Since You Went Away). The outstanding photography in this film looks even better when viewed today with the 4K restoration that was given to the film than how it may have looked when it was first released into cinemas in 1960. How remarkable it is to see the lush colors and the fine impact of CinemaScope eloquently showcasing the fine artistry of the filmmakers.

One of the primary functions of movies is to bring joy into the world. Dinosaurus! absolutely succeeds at that mission. It's the type of film that makes one feel like a kid again (playing with their dinosaur toys in both hands). There's nothing wrong with those kinds of cinematic pleasures and this film is certainly one that is worth revisiting and appreciating for years to come.

Dinosaurus! Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray for the first time worldwide, Dinosaurus! has received a 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition presentation in the original 2.35:1 widescreen theatrical aspect ratio. The presentation features a brand new 4K restoration of the film utilizing the original camera negative. Retaining the CinemaScope 35 mm source image with sparkling clarity and detail in the image, the entire presentation makes a mark as a first-rate restoration effort. Colors on this release are incredible (the film has a colorful palette that looks terrific here) and the special effects work done on crafting the dinosaurs stands out with remarkable ease.

Dinosaurus! Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The audio presentation is a great match for the high quality restoration of the film print. The lossless quality DTS-HD Master Audio mono sound presentation truly amps up the excitement with great utilization of sound effects for the dinosaurs and the out-at-sea scenes. While this isn't a totally rambunctious sound-mix when compared to modern special effects productions, the effects work sounds as though it is ahead-of-its-time. The gigantic roaring announcing the T-Rex still has a impact and the quality of the presentation is superb for a classic film. Optional English subtitles are provided.

Dinosaurus! Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Audio Commentary by Kris Yeaworth

Dinosaurus!: A Monstrous Story (HD, 28:40) is a remarkably well made documentary featurette with interviews with producer Jack H. Harris, film historians Donald F. Glut and Bill Warren, and co-star Paul Lukather. For any fan of classic monster movies (and especially this one in particular) it's a fun ride listening to these experts discuss the film and its significance in the pantheon of its filmmakers legacy. The film is entertaining and so is listening to film buffs delve into the comedic wonders of the cave man and the great effects work done for the dinosaurs.

Theatrical Trailer (HD, 00:58)

Trailers for other Kino Lorber releases: The Land Unknown (SD, 2:10), One Million Years B.C. (SD, 3:08), Monster That Challenged the World (SD, 1:35), 4D Man (SD, 2:16), The Astro-Zombies (SD, 2:17), and Beware! The Blob (Son of Blob) (SD, 1:45)

Please note that the release includes reversible cover artwork with more classic poster art on the inside of the release. Fans can pick their favorite selection of art for the front cover image.

Dinosaurus! Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Dinosaurus! is a b-movie gem. What a total blast from the past! For anyone who grew up playing with dinosaur action figures (you know who you are!) and who adore the Jurassic Park film series (even if this isn't in the same exact vein) one can't help but have a good time with this classic monster movie. There's plenty of fun humor and some great old-school special effects that truly entertain in spades. With a brand new 4K restoration from the original camera negative (which makes the film look as stunning as South Pacific) the release is a superb effort from Kino. This excellent Blu-ray release should be considered a must own for classic monster-movie film buffs.