King Kong (1976) - Discussion With Cast And Crew - Los Angeles - December 2016

[@PungiFungi]

For me, this movie probably had the best score of all the Kong movies. The theme John Barry wrote for Kong and Dwan, so beautiful and romantic and yet sad and tragic.

[@MatthewBreck]

King is such a romantic

[@raymondwilson293]

saw it 13 times at the theater in 76... i loved it! i was eleven years old 🙂♥️

[@youtoo2233]

Same here, I was 7, mom must taken us to see it at least 10 times, lol

[@bricharloe4337]

WOW! FINALLY Rick Baker talks Kong. He really did work the hardest of all. Only now is he getting the credit. Looks like he still holds back some of the hell he must have gone through. " Lucky to have survived!" We are.

[@tapthatt2012]

King Kong 33 and 76. The childhood memories!

[@chadmiller4601]

My childhood too!!! Unbelievable!

[@rickyrackey7930]

Monsterverse Kong got some inspiration from KK 76

[@1165mac]

Yep, not a fan of Peter Jackson's bloated CGI fest.

[@Krommer1000]

Fantastic panel. This movie was such a HUGE part of my youth that it's still iconic to me too this day. Rick Baker is so charming and tells such passionate tales of the making of the film, that I wish this went on for another hour. I especially loved where he inspired the director of photography, who had understandably forgotten a lot of the filming, to himself begin recalling aspects he'd forgotten, just because Rick brought it all back for him. Wish I could've been in the audience and gotten to screen the film with everyone else on the Big Screen.

[@storyboardmemphistv5764]

Rick Baker's performance as Kong took the movie to an emotional level it wouldn't have otherwise achieved. The emotional bond that came together onscreen between Jeff Bridges, Jessica Lange and Rick Baker's Kong makes this movie timeless and special to this day. And it takes Kong's tragic death all the more devastating. I still think that what the filmmakers achieved with this version is still underrated, and Rick Baker's creation and performance is still transcendent. That, John Barry's beautiful score, and Lange's and Bridges' performances are what keeps me revisiting it all these years later.

[@Scottocaster6668]

Rick Baker is such a cool guy. Doesn't pull no punches, and such a great artist. '76 Kong made a huge impression on me at 10 yrs old, along with Jaws and Star Wars, Smokey and the Bandit too. But what really makes this film, is the score. You hear two notes from it, and you picture either Kong or the scenery. The perfect fit and so moody. Best film score IMO 👌. Thank you for sharing this 👍.

[@BujoldComa78]

I saw Logan's Run and King Kong on the same day. It was a very good day.

[@rhymeandreasoning]

Logan's Run, cool movie. Have it on dvd. There is an audio commentary as a special feature, have yet to listen to it.

[@marekkos3513]

The best King Kong movie ever.The cast , the soundtrack , the King Kong over all

[@roquefortfiles]

Rick Baker is such a perfectionist but he is really too hard on himself. It bothers me that he beats up his performance all the time. He gave Kong a very subtle beautiful performance with a great deal of life behind the eyes. I've always remembered that aspect of the film. The gentle soulful eyes. I really don't care what everyone says about Kong 76. I got into the story of it. I've always enjoyed it. I don't really care about all the technical short comings.

[@bricharloe6146]

Must of saw it 50 times on the big screen. King Kong is still my guy. Those warm eyes and Jessica's believable acting, made me cry at the end, each viewing.

[@roquefortfiles]

@@bricharloe6146 The big reveal in 76 made a huge impression on me as an 11 year old then. The film is not perfect but I have always really enjoyed the sense of story in it. And John Barry's amazing score. It is as big as Kong himself.

[@robertinoyanzanny1782]

I worked for Dino and Martha Delaurentiis back in the 80st in their studio in Wilmington NC. I spoke to them was quite few times but the conversations we had was strictly about work. The couple of Hollywood and great filmmaking.

[@captainmotion4524]

This is fantastic, I saw this at the cinema in 1976, great panel but where are all the fans in the cinema??? Ide be there like a shot.

[@jc1659]

I was at this screening. I was the one who asked the first question. The Aero Theater was super small, only 427 seats; but, it was full. By the way, the remastered print was gorgeous. If you grew up in the late 70s and early 80s and only ever saw this film in its pan-and-scan, 4x3 massacred version, it was a revelatory experience. Where is this film on a domestic Blu-Ray? When it does happen, I hope this panel discussion is used as an extra. Very informative and entertaining. All were gracious and genuine. I will treasure Mr. Baker and Mr. Kline's autograph on my Morton book (also signed by the author).

[@shihanuke3683]

Of course , I was in the theater in December of 1976 at...what 12 or 13? Struck a nerve in my childhood. It was a great experience . I read the Bruce Barenberg book, "The creation of Dino De Laurentius King Kong". A definite pillar in my growing appreciation for stories of how they got made coupled with a desire to work in them. They wanted to approach Spielberg but Jaws had not been released yet and they said," Lets see how that does with that fish movie. Then maybe'''..."

[@misterwashington752]

Always thought the suitmation in this film was top notch! Especially in the face. It's too bad Rick Baker feels the way he does about his work here.

[@aviduser1961]

I was 15 when this film came out. It was a BIG DEAL. Rick's stories are really mind blowing. So young and bold. Very tough working conditions and very little concern for safety. It's amazing how much we accept as an audience once the flaws are pointed out. Where is the documentary on this? Thank you for the excellent recording!

[@bricharloe6146]

Thank you for mentioning..The great JOHN BARRY'S wonderful music , which REALLY HELPED make this flick work.

[@Primevals33]

Here Here on that. I don't think the film would be as good without that incredible score..

[@haraldhill6141]

Never knew this interview existed, so glad I found it, and yes, this was reccomend to me after finding out they are having a region 1 blueray release finally

[@andrewmoriarty7403]

King Kong 1976 is pure Cinema. Saw it 4 times on original release.

[@chasesahc]

‘76 is my first favorite movie. Jessica Lange, my first Hollywood love. It’s part of who I am as a person in the world today.

[@ANProductionsOfficialChannel]

As fun and informative as this panel is, it's really sad to see Rick Baker REALLY trash talk just about every aspect of the movie. I've always adored most of the effects work on this movie, especially the gorilla suit. Usually mamals are tough to do since they are so expressive (hence why the Japanese tended to do more reptiles when doing the same sort of effects work), but this movie makes it look flawless how Kong goes from an assortment of emotions. Helps it was his real eyes too. Especially when Baker said, "Not well made miniature set" I cringed. I thought they looked fantastic! So, while Baker might not like his work, I love it. Certainly pushed the boundaries of effects forwards just like the original.

[@storyboardmemphistv5764]

I agree - to me the miniatures came off great and have aged very well.

[@VincentIrkallaOfficial]

This was fantastic! So amazing to hear their stories! And bless Rick for all he endured! 🙏🏼

[@bricharloe4337]

Great behind the scenes book.. the creation of Dino De Laurentiis' KING KONG by Bruce Bahrenburg.

[@tapthatt2012]

Still have my copy!

[@Scottocaster6668]

This is more like: "A cinematic one on one with make-up and special effects artist Rick Baker" Not much mic time for the other members, but great back Stories from the other ones involved. "" How long have you been here?"" "I'm not sure, what year is it?"" Hahaha, that's funny.

[@rhampton1914]

one of my Favorite Films...Thanks for sharing this....Enjoyed Watching....."Here's to the Big One"......

[@stephenbarnes9196]

I saw this movie back in the day thank you for sharing and caring 😀

[@whatyoudo9773]

so glad the suit maker did not get his way with making it a realistic ape, this Kong was more imaginative and fantastic, an exact giant gorilla is technically difficult but lacks imagination, it's just copying real life. I love that this Kong is a true oddity, a monster not really an ape

[@cremino264]

great film ever

[@postersandstuff]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGrMnX5nj8aCrcU Kong '76 rules !

[@calumsanderson6741]

honestly it's my favourite iteration of King Kong

[@TheVikings1976]

Loved this movie as a kid. Saw it at the Jerry Lewis Theater in South Jersey. Awesome memory.

[@Primevals33]

Thanks for much for loading this on YT. I had no idea they had a screening.

[@VerisimilitudeFilms1]

Rick Baker saved this movie.

[@1dbanner]

You are a hero for uploading this. Thank you

[@jimcameron1234]

Sadly 2018 Richard H. Kline passt away too. RIP

[@vibeofthee80s_]

This is so cool, I love King Kong 76' it's by far my favorite Kong movie, I watched this so many times as a child, I had it on VHS :-) this soundtrack alone is fantastic, the music is excellent. Really awesome seeing the original cast/crew speak about the film, thank you for uploading this video and sharing. 10/22

[@michaelreidmassey4131]

Yeah the end credit special contributions Rick Baker he should have had one of the top Billings in my mind

[@squatch570]

As interesting as it was to hear his stories, and he certainly had a huge amount of input in the film, it's too bad it was mostly about Baker and questions about the Kong suit, construction, etc. I would've liked to have heard some of the other people's stories and perspective about their experiences. Sure O'Halloran didn't have a big role but I'm sure he had more on the set stories that just that brief one he got to tell.

[@captainmotion4524]

Fantastic panel.. where is everyone???

[@madduxstevens4120]

Rick Baker had some great effects for King Kong and An American Werewolf in London

[@dr_mafoony]

Thank you so much for this! I've always loved the movie and this is super cool to hear

[@dougmasters4579]

Very underrated film.

[@memorythree70]

Martha De Laurentiis Born: July 10, 1954, Lancaster, PA Died: December 4, 2021 (age 67 years), Beverly Hills, CA

[@MrHereWeGoYo]

Dude, Rob Bottin. I hear that kid went on to do decent effects work. ;)

[@Арго-у7й]

Самый лучший фильм и з кинг конг. 100 раз смотрю.

[@tiffanyb.7596]

✨ Thank You ✨🥰

[@4thumbsdown]

uhhhh where’s mr. king kong?

[@timothyhamilton4412]

Rick baker is the best... king Kong.

[@nigeldonaldson1647]

ive always felt that having to go the way of a man in a suite, that Rick Baker should have been allowed to be on location (whenever possible) to get away from that cardboard cutout like standing in front of a back projection look, which you can always tell even today in some films. NOTHING can beat people moving around in REAL places, especially when doing these fantasy type films. where the more authenticity, the better,& it probably would have meant less problems with lighting, compositing etc as a bonus. I notice the suite looks it's best whenever in shots where kong is walking among scale models i.e buildings etc the problem's are NOT with the costume but to do with too much studio filming and backgrounds, the best example is the final act where kong is ACTUALLY there behind Jessica Lange it looks truly real (&it was a location shot), actually in the...plaza of the World trade centre. Jessica Lange in kong's paw very good paw but not a location shoot I don't think when it should have been

[@agfagaevart]

1:01:55 They didn't...

[@michaelbourdages4777]

Not much missing!!!???? There's 45 mins missing.

[@jimcameron1234]

Now on BLU-RAY

[@michaelbourdages4777]

@@jimcameron1234 yeah I bought it haha

[@cnelkurtz16]

Jessica Lange would have been great on the panel

[@davidkeeling2049]

Very disingenuous discussion about John Barry. His King Kong is in my top 10 osts. And as for those digs on Moonraker, why kzbin.info/www/bejne/hnqrhKuCjt-WbLM

[@1165mac]

Kong is my favorite Barry score with Moonraker a close second.

[@shihanUKS]

I could listen all day to the arrogant 25 yr old who happened to know what he was doing in the film the whole time. I get where his angst is coming from when you work on an island with too many captains on one boat.

[@youtoo2233]

What a trip this is the guy in the Kong suit, he did great except looking at Dwan with pervert eyes lol, creepy lol

[@jackprescott9652]

So carlo rambaldi did shi..t and take all the credit for the creature.