Sci-Fi Classic Review: KING KONG (1976)

1976's King Kong is an ambitious remake that does many things well, but still falls short of surpassing the original.
If you're looking for a "review" in the traditional sense, then let me just say I like this movie. This video, however, is a "review" in the literal sense (using the Miriam-Webster definition "a retrospective view or survey"), in that I'm going over the history of the film and its place in sci-fi cinema history.
In other words, please stop commenting on how my videos aren't what you consider "reviews."
#KingKong #Kong #KongRemake
00:00 Introduction
02:04 Synopsis
03:11 Production Background
06:37 Casting
08:50 Kong
10:04 Filming
11:46 Music
12:11 Shameless Self-Promotion
12:57 Release & Legacy
14:38 Opinion & Analysis
18:16 Outro
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Related video reviews:
Barbarella - kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6O9pmeHg6einJo
The Fly (1986) - kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYPdepqXi9mShLc
Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978) - kzbin.info/www/bejne/m6fVYY2godSnibM
King Kong (1933) - kzbin.info/www/bejne/g2GUlmCHha6rbNE
King Kong Escapes - kzbin.info/www/bejne/anXPoGqAlMuIY7c
Son of Kong (1933) - kzbin.info/www/bejne/nnashIiqoNmgfMU
The Thing (1982) - kzbin.info/www/bejne/iHnbk4dmltJsh6s
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[@anthonycairo9202]

This is by far my favorite King Kong movie. I remember watching it as a kid in the 80s on my VHS.

[@VeronicaV70]

I'm 54 years old. I remember when this was in the theaters and what everyone around me and on TV said about it. They felt it was a joke, gave Jessica bad reviews and a failure of a film. I, myself, as a little girl, loved it.

[@AbrasiousProductions]

this was actually the first King Kong film I ever watched!

[@raynwolfsbane2084]

This is my favourite Kong film. The score is beautiful and I love the dark 70s edge it has.

[@jasonblalock4429]

4:50 And the funniest thing about this? Despite successfully arguing that Kong is public domain, a few years later Universal sued Nintendo for IP infringement with Donkey Kong... and lost the case because of this very precedent. It's almost impressive they had the balls to try flip-flopping like that.

[@edwardbloecher4563]

I totally had forgotten that until I read this! Wow I remember that lawsuit. It was exciting news to a geek like myself lol.

[@indyspotes3310]

This movie taught me a valuable lesson about movie posters. Never believe the scale of the image. "Kong standing astride the twin towers!? He's going to be huuuuge!" Charles Grodin as a corporate Snidely Whiplash was, by far, the best thing about this film. I would have walked out of this film when he got killed, but I was eight and needed my mom to give me a ride back home. Crushing Jeff Bridges would have been eminently more satisfying... You'd think that with my avatar I'd like this movie a lot more than I do...

[@mxbishop]

I believe the artist that painted the Kong movie poster (John Berkey) was the same person that did The Towering Inferno poster, and a lot of other movies. He had a distinctive style.

[@joshsalwen]

I saw it as a little kid went it came out. I vaguely remember thinking I should like it better than I did. But the stuff on the island was scary back then.

[@NeedleDropRules]

I love this movie. It's the first movie I can remember seeing in the theater. I was somewhere between the age of 4-5, and my dad took me. I was pretty scared of a lot of the scenes, especially the scene where Kong shakes the log with the crew on it and most fall to their death. But yet I was glued to it. I got so attached to Kong that when he was getting shot and bleeding on top of the World Trade Center, I asked my dad if we could leave. I don't think I saw the ending until it aired on TV years later.

[@vikker8274]

The original Kong is my favorite film of all time. But I love the 76 version ! Lots of fun and nostalgic piece of my childhood.

[@edwardbloecher4563]

This was my fìrst experience with King Kong. I saw it when NBC aired it as a special 2 night event in 70 something it's still my favorite version. Skull Island runs a close 2nd. Love this movie. ❤ Excellent video Brother, thank you!

[@jasonaugustine3370]

I saw this as a kid and I loved Kong and the roar. The Monsterverse is the best for me because we finally see a strong Kong who does not get hurt by bullets and soldiers. I love that. Watching him die in the old movies sucks.

[@renekauts8323]

For me, 1976 King Kong is the most important of the 3 films. This movie has a huge nostalgic value to me! And wow: Jessica Lange! What a goddess! Also a gorgeous cinematography and great music score by John Barry! However, every film has its flaws... For example, I don't like that gory ending. Too violent to enjoy. Bad decision by filmmakers. And yes, that strange relationship between Jack and Dwan. Hey, Jack! Do you want the hottest young woman on planet Earth or not??? Ha-ha, I guess Jack's true passion/love was travelling the Pacific Islands and discovering new species... Actually, the first half of the movie(or until they reach New York) is better than the second half. One more thing. Although I'm fine with sex/porn, I think it was a big mistake to mention the movie "Deep Throat"! So damn unnecessary and humiliating, both for Jessica and the entire feature film! It was really embarrassing. I would definitely change a thing or two. However, this is my favorite King Kong! Nostalgia, cinematography, old-school special effects, one of the most beautiful women ever: Jessica Lange....................

[@clutch2827]

I was just the right age for all those movies. Eight years old. I still can't believe that my parents would drop me off at the theater by myself or with friends.

[@palmercolson7037]

I remember seeing it in the movie theatre. For some reason, I remember that King Kong was supposed to be all animontronics and that there was no man in an ape suit. So the fact that Rick Baker did the closeups was a surprise. I remember the movie substituting the twin towers for the Empire State building and other bits and pieces of it. I remember feeling disappointed with the movie in the end. I remember Cher doing sketches on her show as the girl sitting in Kong's hand and talking to him.

[@Zackasaurusify]

The closeups??? Rick Baker did the WHOLE thing!!! The only usage of the much ballyhooed "animatronic" was when Kong was standing in the cage with that stupid crown on his head!!!

[@CaminoAir]

I've never seen it, despite it having gained a good amount of publicity. I did finally manage to catch a couple of scenes in the last year.......If you are re-making an iconic and ground-breaking film (special effects and proper musical score) then you have to aim a lot higher than the helicopter attack sequence. It is painfully obvious how this set piece was put together and it was clearly sub-par for any high profile film of that era. John Barry's hiring may have been due to De Laurentis being European and new to Hollywood. Barry being chosen for 'Howard The Duck' is an odder choice, given that several American film composers would have been expected to be the most likely candidates. Composer availability, especially for films that over-run their production schedules, is a big factor. Most famous example: 'Superman: The Movie'.

[@TheUnapologeticGeek]

Once I get to the climax with the helicopters, I genuinely feel like the filmmakers ran out of money and had it thrown together by like four people. It’s astonishingly bad for a film that otherwise has good effects.

[@lyndoncmp5751]

Superman The Movie is no better in some of its effects. It was par for the course to have good effects on some scenes, not so good on others. King Kong 1976 is no exception. Even Kong '33 and 05 have the same issues.

[@leonardvicari2857]

I saw the 1976 King Kong when I wss 10 in 1976

[@danyoneal8347]

13:20 Where can we watch that extra-footage-version today? 🤔

[@mxbishop]

King Kong (1976) was a big movie that, unfortunately, did not live up to its massive, pre-release hype. The movie looks good, sounds good, has great-looking actors, and has great color and scenery. But no matter how much they spent on it - it still looks like a man in a gorilla suit. Just compare Kong's movements to the apes in 2001: A Space Odyssey. Well, there is no comparison. In Kubrick's film, the ape performance does not take you out of the film. In Kong, it does. If there was one thing that should have fixed in King Kong, it would be the ape performance. I've heard it said that stop-motion animation looks fake, but feels real. While on the other hand, CGI looks real, but feels fake. But the clumsiest way to do it, unless you're Kubrick, is to put a man in a monster suit - which looks fake, and feels fake - at least in this case. Also, it's clear that Jessica Lange was told to watch a bunch of Marilyn Monroe movies before coming to the set. But I give her a pass, because she looks just great in this film. Warts and all, the film is still a classic - while perhaps also serving as an example of 1970s Hollywood excess. My .02 cents worth.

[@lyndoncmp5751]

Come off it. The ape men in 2001 look completely like people in mediocre suits.

[@rehetbutler]

The first time I saw this version was on television. It was a good form of fucked up fun. I thought the corperate greed angle was good at the time.

[@alphawoolf5981]

It pales in comparison to the 1933 version, but it still is better than the endurance test of the 2005 snooze-fest. It's okay.

[@1kylecurry]

A decent however flawed remake, @ the time some state of the art SFX. Its watchable & much, much better than the abomination that was "Kong Lives..." in 1986. Jessica Lange Is quite lovely.

[@AbrasiousProductions]

0:16 what's this song called?

[@Guyverman01]

“Remakes on principal are not terrible concepts.” Ditto.

[@YouTube-tied]

What a weird situation for the movie studios at that time, fighting over who could make a King Kong flick, and the loser having to wait to release their version. I wish Roger Corman or whomever else would have pressed on with their production so we would have another Kong movie in the universe. It probably would've been stop-motion and awesome.

[@Petequinn741]

The ending is brutal and completely heart break..they shredded Kong

[@billrules8716]

King Kong 1976 is the best Kong movie! The visual assault that was the 2005 remake was much too long and self-indulgent.

[@ChadwickTheChad]

The greatest remake of all time is Invasion of the Body Snatchers 1978.

[@leonardvicari2857]

The 1933 king Kong is my favorite

[@shanep5819]

can't believe i missed this episode. another homer, U.G.

[@edwardbloecher4563]

Dude! I have that same Captain America shield and same Robbie the Robot on my desk! Lol Awesome!

[@TheUnapologeticGeek]

Clearly, you have good taste. 😎

[@edwardbloecher4563]

@@TheUnapologeticGeek My wife does too she bought them lol. Thank You Brother!

[@CassandrashadowcassMorrison]

The John Carpenter version of THE THING was NOT a remake. The Howard Hawks film based on the novella by John W. Campbell (under his pseudonym Don A, Stuart) was INSPIRED BY (but did not follow the plot OF) the story which was called (originaly) FROZEN HELL---later to be known as WHO GOES THERE? Carpenter shot Campbell's original story.

[@moritzstrohriegel8724]

they should have scrapped the kong animatronic to use the money for dinosaurs.

[@firstelvys]

Holy cow, Eric!! When you mentioned the lesser remake, my mind went straight to "The Day the Earth Stood Still", as well. LOL!! Kong '76 is "my" Kong. 9 year old me never got to see it at the cinema, but I collected all of the bubble gum cards and completed the movie poster. By this time I had already watched Kong '33 and both Toho movies and this Kong was a leap above in SFX. I've never liked the animatronic Kong, but his expression was top notch. 54 old me has both the theatrical and TV version in HD. Yes, I love Kong '05, but '76 will always have my heart. I am also a big fan of apes and have all King Kings and Mighty Joe Young movies, so there's that...

[@TheUnapologeticGeek]

I try to stay positive on this channel, which is why I didn’t say what I really think of the The Day the Earth Stood Still remake.😎

[@Hewylewis]

Nice that you reviewed this movie, as it is my firend, BigJackFilms' favorte film of all time. :)

[@TheUnapologeticGeek]

I came across his reviews of it while researching for this one! 👍🏻

[@Hewylewis]

@@TheUnapologeticGeek I'll let him know of this review. :)

[@TheUnapologeticGeek]

@@Hewylewis Awesome! Thank you!

[@Hewylewis]

@@TheUnapologeticGeek You're welcome.

[@morgangallowglass8668]

Once again, you nailed it. This movie always struck me as lifeless and preachy in ways that just...did not connect.

[@dumbgeniusesfilmpodcast8879]

Great retrospective

[@Malvito]

Along with the other stars, it must be noted that the NYC mayor, at the movie's end, was played by 50s stalwart John Agar. (The only reason I know this is because it was highlighted in the at-the-time current issue of FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND. ) I was fortunate or unfortunate (depending on one's sense of humor) enough to catch the sequel, KING KONG either LIVES or ESCAPES (I lose track) on cable, many many moons ago. While I wish that it was available on home video, just for the gonzo factor, I can appreciate why it is probably no more on Linda Hamilton's resume than KING KONG is on Jessica Lange's.

[@MrBlumeenie]

FYI, "King Kong Lives!" is available on DVD and I am the proud owner of this woeful sequel. A movie that fits into the "so bad, it's good" category, if you know what I mean.

[@Malvito]

@@MrBlumeenie Danke; I shall hunt for it as though it was the Red October.

[@Denis-fp7ku]

As a kid I had a few 1976 King Kong trading cards even though I didn't see the film.

[@vikker8274]

It was a popular lunch box at my school

[@imperator88vis67]

The 1976 King Kong was pretty bad, but it did have its moments. Mainly it is a huge nostalgia movie for me, as I saw it way back when I was in elementary school - even before Star Wars! The 2005 Peter Jackson version is, in my mind, more faithful and is in fact "the" definitive remake of the original 1930's Kong!

[@eduardo_corrochio]

I remember seeing this when it debuted in '76. I didn't watch it again so that must say a lot about it, LOL. Wasn't there once a small print of the film's poster (maybe 9x12 or 8x10) framed and hanging on the set of the apartment on the sitcom Seinfeld? Somewhere in my noggin there's a faint memory of that.

[@pandanolivefre3166]

I love this film, but would i have loved it so much without John Barry's score ? 🤔😊

[@oobrocks]

Definitely NOT sci-fi

[@palmercolson7037]

Should a sequal to any of the King Kong remakes be called "The Wraith of Kong"? Do you think that would fly?

[@sammy1552]

I wish the island was more lived in and fantasy like.

[@dannystaton5386]

Oooooo this is great 👍

[@spiritofdixie2389]

Okay, King Kong (1976) was a good movie overall, but, there are a couple of problems with the movie... 1) Making it look like Kong is getting subtly aroused when holding and fondling Dwan is ridiculous! An animal, especially a 50 foot tall one, ain't gonna get sexually turned-on like that, especially by a human! That whole "romantic" scene with Dwan in Kong's hand right before his fight with the titanoboa, and her dialog, are all atrocious and asinine! 2) The only animal Kong fought in this film was the titanoboa. Couldn't the film have been shortened some and funds diverted to more special effects. In addition to the snake fight, he should have fought other animals - dinosaurs/dragons, etc.

[@rsacchi100]

Not counting the original, I'd say 2005. I didn't see the recent King Kong vs Godzilla so I might have a different opinion once I see that one. The 1976 version was typical '70s. One critic pointed out one of the problems was the World Trade Center. The Empire State Building had personality, a point. The Twin Towers had the cigar box look.

[@marcdelente2456]

UN sacré navet un remake raté l histoire modernisé rien à voir avec l original. Rick backer qui fait king Kong fait de son mieu il voulait faire un costume d un vrai primate la production a refusé. Quand au robot de 16 mt il a jamai pu faire un pas dvant l autres et pas un seule dinosaures juste un serpent géant. Jessica lange qui essai de parlé comme marylin et Jeff bridjes ces acteurs ce font connaîtrent par ce nanar. Heureusement en 2005 le génie peter Jackson nous fera un très beau remake car Péter Jackson est fan absolut du chef d'oeuvre de meriam c Cooper et Ernest shoedsack le King Kong le joyau absolut du cinéma d aventure fantastique .

[@TheUnapologeticGeek]

I agree. Jackson is clearly more respectful of the original.

[@jhberg17]

The two leads are great.. kong looked better in the original.. this was no classic.. still, ok though

[@tommydarbe1524]

Sino De Laurentis did an ok job, BUT, the fact that there were really no dinosaurs except a oversize snake detracted from it. I was disappointed by the movie overall. He was right about Meryl Streepe being too ugly.

[@nigeldonaldson1647]

sci fi, its- fantasy adventure

[@TheUnapologeticGeek]

Science is the method whereby we understand the physical world. I'd argue King Kong has far more in common with natural science than Star Wars.

[@nigeldonaldson1647]

@@TheUnapologeticGeek I meant the KIND of film king kong is,- action adventure

[@danthsmith]

The man in suit effects seemed very disappointing when it came out. No dinosaurs either

[@TheUnapologeticGeek]

The lack of dinosaurs is very hard to forgive.

[@danthsmith]

@@TheUnapologeticGeek I did subsequently grow to love suitmation films such as Gamera/Godzilla so maybe I should give this another go. The Millennium Gamera trilogy are films you should cover. They are the pinnacle of the art before CGI took over for giant monsters. Best wishes, keep up the good work.

[@TheUnapologeticGeek]

@@danthsmith I do own the Gamera trilogy… I’m not sure if they pass my 30 year rule yet. I would definitely cover them before I cover the original Gamera movies, which are, in my humble opinion, not very good.

[@danthsmith]

@@TheUnapologeticGeek Some of the 80s and 90s Godzilla movies have great suit action. I didn't realise you had a 30 year rule. best wishes anyway

[@joshsalwen]

Nobody asks for likes and subs better than you

[@MichaelSteverMLS]

Good grief, your 'middle of the road' approach here is most wearying. You compliment the film, then in the same breath hurl some snarky, back handed jab at it which completely undercuts what you've just said. Citing Kong '76 as having 'soured' over time or having been forgotten is complete and utter BS - as is your preposterous suggestion Dino's Godawful Kong '86 debacle had anything to do whatsoever with his earlier effort. Kong '76 has in fact evolved into what will most assuredly be considered 'The' quintessential remake, leaving Jackson's over-long, drowning in CGI attempt as the real forgotten entity. You've clearly done your homework, but (as with most millennials) YOU WEREN'T THERE when this movie came out which ultimately means you have little to no understanding of just how impactful this film actually was. Citing Bridge's character as 'petulant' is laughable given his pointed accuracy in his anti-establishment positions. This was in fact the preferred way for our citizenry to speak truth to power, and call out the Greedy bastards for what they are. Claiming Dino's Kong as a 'Pacifist Hero' guilty of a weirdly bloodthirsty turn is the real head scratcher though, If a bunch of helmet clad ass-hats were trying to fry your butt with blow torches, wouldn't you defend yourself?

[@richardtracy8242]

King Kong 76 Sucked.

[@blacksamurai-irs7rw]

Awful Movie. Dino De Laurentiis was So Cheap not to Include Dinosaurs.

[@richardtracy8242]

I call him Dino De Horrendous.

[@henrymockingbird9645]

You clearly have seen King Kong lives King Kong 76 is a masterpiece compared to King Kong 76

[@richardtracy8242]

King Kong Lives Sucked Even Worse.

[@claybadger]

Gawd I was so disappointed when this came out.

[@jayphilby795]

Before production even started Ray Harryhausen told Dino Delarentiis he would be willing to do all the animation effects for free. Dino turned him down and used an actor in a ape suit and a large mechanical ape. Utterly phoney looking and cheesy as hell. Imagine if Harryhausen had been alowed to work his magic what a different film we would have to admire. John Barry's music is the only saving grace.

[@Yourdeadmeat69]

This movie was terrible. Separate it in your mind -- from every other movie ever made. Characterizations were vapid and unforgivable. Dittsy "Ann Darrow, Soulless "Carl Denham". Braindead "Jack Driskell". Stinkberger.

[@moritzstrohriegel8724]

the sexual aspects in this movie are a bit strange.

[@TheUnapologeticGeek]

Yeah, that’s one of the hardest things for me to forgive about it. That, and the lack of dinosaurs.

[@Starchdread]

Fun Fact: Pauline Kael loved this movie. And I absolutely agree with her. The shifts in tone between satire, romance, and tragedy are seamless. Barry's score is incredible. And the cast are a great group, with Grodin in particularly fine form as the ludicrous heavy.