ONE MILLION YEARS BC Grunt work
released OUT NOW! 1966 | PG | Blu-ray & dVd (dual format)
Director don Chaffey Cast raquel Welch, John richardson, robert Brown
blu-ray debut Hammer’s prehistoric fantasy plays like a Creationist rally at the Playboy mansion. Dinosaurs walk the world alongside Raquel Welch’s glam, Max Factored cavewoman, that extinction event asteroid just a daft rumour from another, significantly less entertaining reality.
The history’s absurd, of course, for all that a deep, meaningful voiceover assures us that “This is a story of long, long ago, when the world was just beginning”.
The plot’s little more than photogenic neanderthals lobbing sticks at dinosaurs – the thin, dialogue-free story really drags – but it’s all about the visuals. The volcanic landscapes look grander than ever in this 4K restoration, while you’re left in no doubt why Welch became an icon. The camera doesn’t just love her. It builds cathedrals in her name.
Powering it all are Ray Harryhausen’s eternally charming effects. Watch his fabulous pterodactyl steal Welch to the skies and you’ll wish history had been this much fun.
Extras Interviews with Raquel Welch and Martine Beswick; stills gallery; a gallery of original storyboards and concept drawings. Nick Setchfield
John Richardson screen-tested to play Bond in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, but lost out to George Lazenby.