Original 1933 'King Kong' Coming to DVD

Special Edition coming in November.

By: Brad Brevet
Published: Monday, August 8th 2005 at 1:45 PM

That's right folks, as Peter Jackson readies his version of King Kong for Universal Pictures, set for release on December 14th, Warner Home Video will be releasing a Two-Disc Special Edition and a Two-Disc Collector's Edition DVD of the original 1933 RKO classic King Kong on November 22nd along with a King Kong Collection, featuring two more new-to-DVD titles — The Son of Kong and Mighty Joe Young — plus the King Kong Two-Disc Special Edition DVD.

The new edition features newly restored footage from rare nitrate film elements and digitally mastered in glorious black and white, King Kong features extensive bonus content, including a seven-part documentary with Oscar-winning director Peter Jackson (King Kong (2005)); commentary by Ray Harryhausen and Ken Ralston with Merian C. Cooper, Ernest B. Schoedsack, Ruth Rose, Fay Wray and Robert Armstrong; and a feature length documentary on creator Merian C. Cooper, directed by renowned filmmaker Kevin Brownlow. The Collector's Edition DVD will be released in a collectible keepsake tin with a 20-page reproduction of the original souvenir program, King Kong original one-sheet reproduction postcards and a mail-in offer for a reproduction of a vintage theatrical poster.

King Kong is a milestone of movie-making that has endured for more than seventy years. Named as one of the 100 Best Films of All Time by Time Magazine, King Kong premiered in 1933. The film was an instant success, breaking box-office records to become one of the decade's top moneymakers. King Kong's state-of-the-art visual effects, entertaining story and touching conclusion captivated audiences and started a worldwide love affair with the giant ape.

A film ahead of its time, King Kong defied the technological limitations of the '30s. Special effects pioneer Willis O'Brien's revolutionary stop-motion animation continues to impress even in today's era of computer-generated wizardry. Directed and produced by Merian C. Cooper and Ernest B. Schoedsack, with a score by Max Steiner, King Kong stars Robert Armstrong, Bruce Cabot and Fay Wray.

As if that wasn't enough Kong for you, Paramount Home Video will be releasing their 1976 remake edition of King Kong on November 22nd as well. This version featured Jeff Bridges, Charles Grodin and Jessica Lange in the crazy great ape feature. More on that here.

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