The VHS Strikes Back
Dragonslayer (1981)
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Episode notes
In supporter Mike's last pick and appearance he went with a classic 90's British flick, Trainspotting. And this time he's swung the dial to little renowned sword and sorcery adventure, Dragonslayer!
Dragonslayer (1981) was an ambitious collaboration between Paramount Pictures and Walt Disney Productions, marking a rare foray into darker, more mature fantasy for Disney. Directed by Matthew Robbins, the film was developed as a gritty and realistic take on medieval mythology, deviating from the lighter tone often associated with fantasy films of the time. The screenplay, written by Robbins and Hal Barwood, aimed to explore themes of faith, power, and heroism. Principal photography took place in the rugged landscapes of Wales and Scotland, chosen for their authentic medieval atmosphere, and the production faced significant challenges in capturing the epic scope of the story while dealing with unpredictable weather and remote locations.
The standout feature of the film was its groundbreaking special effects, particularly the creation of the dragon, Vermithrax Pejorative. To bring the creature to life, the production team employed a combination of animatronics, puppetry, and the pioneering go-motion technique developed by Industrial Light & Magic (ILM). This approach allowed for smoother, more lifelike movements than traditional stop-motion animation. Phil Tippett, the lead visual effects artist, played a crucial role in crafting Vermithrax, which has since been hailed as one of the most convincing cinematic dragons ever created. Despite mixed reviews upon release, Dragonslayer gained a cult following and remains a landmark in special effects innovation, bridging the gap between the practical techniques of the past and the CGI-dominated future of filmmaking.
Mike & Dave have a monthly Star Wars pod with fellow VHS support Maff, plus Mike, Dave & Chris have collaborated on numerous podcast in the past, to find all of Mike's links, go here: https://linktr.ee/GenuineChitChat
As Mike noted in his recording, he has discussed Dragonslayer in-depth with his wife Megan, fellow VHS supporter Spider-Dan and Ria Carrogan of the Femme On Collective, in their series "Disney Discussions", found on the feeds of Genuine Chit-Chat, Spider-Dan & The Secret Bores and Femme On. The episode was released on Spider-Dan's pod in September 2022! Listen wherever you're listening to the VHS Strikes Back, or find all DD episodes (with video) in this YouTube playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcO1Ib_BGD8ajqsEDJPAYC0DSuIUqa26e
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Plot Summary:
Young sorcerer’s apprentice Galen embarks on a perilous quest to slay Vermithrax Pejorative, a fearsome dragon terrorizing a kingdom that appeases it with human sacrifices. Armed with his late master’s enchanted amulet and his growing confidence, Galen ventures into danger, facing the dragon’s fiery wrath and uncovering political intrigue that reveals the kingdom’s rulers have sinister motives of their own. Combining themes of heroism, faith, and sacrifice, the film delivers a gritty, visually striking fantasy tale that stands out for its groundbreaking special effects and its unflinching portrayal of medieval darkness.
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