I picked up the DVD during my phase of "I must own everything associated with Ray Harryhausen". Seeing his involvement listed on the back of the DVD, combined with the $6.99 price tag and the wonderful cover art made this one a no-brainer.
From the very first few minutes, it is very apparent that they are going for the same look and feel of the 1954 big bug classic "Them!" using the same dusty surroundings and a run-down house that looks eerily similar to the one used in that film. We do have to wait a pretty long time before being treated to our first sighting of the titular bugs, and they look wonderful thanks to FX pioneer Willis O'Brien. My only complaints are that the screeching/groaning noises that they make are the same in tone and length every time they are on screen. Being from Ohio, and unfamiliar with the machinations of an angry scorpion, perhaps I am unqualified to comment on the realism of these effects. Another small problem I have with the presentation of the scorpions, especially "big daddy", is that they always cut to the same close-up stock footage, no matter where the action is situated nor if it is day or night. Other than that, the effects are wonderful, especially the stop-motion chases and the shadows of the pincers chasing after their human prey. Great stuff.
The acting isn't too bad, although it is underplayed a bit too much for my taste. If you're truly in peril, you probably shouldn't be quite as interested in sharing a cocktail with the locals, even if the lead actress is as hubba-hubba worthy as this one.
All in all, this is truly one for your collection, especially if you're a deadly-bug-a-holic like me. I still prefer "Them!" but this one still sits proudly on my shelf.
From the very first few minutes, it is very apparent that they are going for the same look and feel of the 1954 big bug classic "Them!" using the same dusty surroundings and a run-down house that looks eerily similar to the one used in that film. We do have to wait a pretty long time before being treated to our first sighting of the titular bugs, and they look wonderful thanks to FX pioneer Willis O'Brien. My only complaints are that the screeching/groaning noises that they make are the same in tone and length every time they are on screen. Being from Ohio, and unfamiliar with the machinations of an angry scorpion, perhaps I am unqualified to comment on the realism of these effects. Another small problem I have with the presentation of the scorpions, especially "big daddy", is that they always cut to the same close-up stock footage, no matter where the action is situated nor if it is day or night. Other than that, the effects are wonderful, especially the stop-motion chases and the shadows of the pincers chasing after their human prey. Great stuff.
The acting isn't too bad, although it is underplayed a bit too much for my taste. If you're truly in peril, you probably shouldn't be quite as interested in sharing a cocktail with the locals, even if the lead actress is as hubba-hubba worthy as this one.
All in all, this is truly one for your collection, especially if you're a deadly-bug-a-holic like me. I still prefer "Them!" but this one still sits proudly on my shelf.