SFX

ONE MILLION YEARS BC Grunt work

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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.

 ??  ?? Things were looking up on Tatooine.
Things were looking up on Tatooine.

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