RAY HARRYHAUSEN: SPECIAL EFFECTS TITAN, Chronicling The Life Of Stop-Motion Animation Inventor And Special Effects Innovator, Makes Its U.S. Debut April 3, Exclusively On Sony Movie Channel

CULVER CITY, Calif., March 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. television premiere of the definitive Ray Harryhausen documentary, RAY HARRYHAUSEN: SPECIAL EFFECTS TITAN, will air on Sony Movie Channel (SMC) Wednesday, April 3 at 8:00 PM E/5:00 PM P, and will be available on DirecTV and DISH's video on demand platforms, as well as online through Sony Movie Channel Everywhere all month long. To complement the documentary over the course of the month, the Channel and VOD platform will be airing 10 of Harryhausen's credited films from Sony Pictures Entertainment's library.

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"RAY HARRYHAUSEN: SPECIAL EFFECTS TITAN is an important film for those who appreciate the art of visual effects and its role in moviemaking," said SMC General Manager Superna Kalle. "This piece chronicles the life of the special-effects legend who pioneered stop-motion animation, delving into work from his earliest beginnings to his latest filmmaking projects, as he paved the way for so many of today's acclaimed filmmakers. The film is not yet available on DVD in the United States and we are very pleased to be able to bring this fine work to our viewers, many of whom will be experiencing it for the first time."

The documentary, produced in 2011 by Frenetic Arts, in Paris, marks the first time that the Ray and Diana Harryhausen Foundation has provided unprecedented access to all aspects of his award-winning career, spanning from his early days in Hollywood to his 90^th birthday celebration.

As the premier TV network for Hollywood film fans, Sony Movie Channel has created an online digital component that recognizes Harryhausen's work and includes the complete on-air schedule of his films on SMC. The interactive online experience features some of Harryhausen's signature creatures and when clicked on by the user appear to come alive. The module which will go live April 1 on the Channel's website is the latest in a continued stream of digital offerings that have become SMC's signature, setting it apart from the other cable movie outlets.

RAY HARRYHAUSEN: SPECIAL EFFECTS TITAN was filmed over a 10-year period and features interviews and tributes from an illustrious list of acclaimed filmmakers who were inspired by his work. Directed by Gilles Penso, the documentary includes interviews with longtime admirers and Harryhausen fans that have been involved in some of the film industry's biggest blockbuster hits.

With 16 movies to his credit, Harryhausen is known for pioneering numerous new techniques during his acclaimed filmmaking career. Not only was he a leader in armatured models and miniatures, but also he created a new type of stop-motion split-screen animation, known as "Dynamation." His special effects budget for THE BEAST FROM 20,000 FATHOMS (1952) called for a more practical way of model interaction, and as such, Harryhausen developed a simple but effective method involving split-screens and a projector – hence, "Dynamation" was born.

In addition to innovating new filming practices, Harryhausen is credited with creating the physical looks and movements of dinosaurs, alien figures and creatures in motion pictures. Many producers and directors today still base their prehistoric creatures and beasts, as well as alien objects like flying saucers and visitors from other planets, on Harryhausen film characters, models and drawings. His influence in genre filmmaking is still very prevalent today – over five decades later.

JASON AND THE ARGONAUTS is Harryhausen's favorite film, and it is a standout among his peers too. Harryhausen likes the film mostly due to its story, but fans argue that it was the bronze statue Talos, the seven-headed Hydra, and the seven sword-fighting skeletons that appeared so life-like on screen, that really set the movie apart from all the rest. Sony Movie Channel is pleased to be able to air this film as part of its Ray Harryhausen month-long tribute on Wednesday, April 17 and Sunday, April 28.

Moreover, Harryhausen fans can tune into SMC every Wednesday and Sunday in April to see the Sony Pictures Entertainment library collection showcasing 10 of Harryhausen's masterpiece films. Highlighted films include EARTH VS. THE FLYING SAUCERS, IT CAME FROM BENEATH THE SEA, THE 7^TH VOYAGE OF SINBAD, FIRST MEN IN THE MOON and MYSTERIOUS ISLAND, among a host of others. For airdates and times of all Harryhausen films, and for additional broadcasts of RAY HARRYHAUSEN: SPECIAL EFFECTS TITAN, visit the Channel's website for up to date information. These 10 films are also available the entire month on VOD as well as online through Sony Movie Channel Everywhere.

Sony Movie Channel is on Channel 563 on DirecTV; Channel 386 on DISH and Channel 1791 on AT&T U-Verse. Other airdates for the documentary include Sunday, April 7 (2–3:35 PM E), Wednesday, April 24 (8–9:45 PM E) and Sunday, April 28 (11AM–12:35 PM E).

About Sony Movie Channel
Sony Movie Channel is the first U.S. multi-platform television network from Sony Pictures Television created specifically for the Hollywood movie fan. Offering uncut and theatrical releases in stunning high definition, Sony Movie Channel showcases titles from Sony Pictures' vast library including award-winning features, cult favorites, family comedies and gripping dramas. Programming is selected from more than 3,500 Sony Pictures films, which collectively have received 184 Academy Awards including 12 for Best Picture. Sony Movie Channel is available on DISH Network, DIRECTV and AT&T U-Verse TV on linear as well as on authenticated VOD and online platforms. For more information, visit SonyMovieChannel.com, Facebook and/or Twitter @SonyMovieCh.

SOURCE Sony Movie Channel