‘King Kong’ has become one of cinemas most iconic movie monsters. The original 1933 film was a tragic love story between beauty and the beast. One of cinema’s most underrated adaptations of this classic film is 1973’s ‘King Kong’. Thanks to cult cinema label ‘Umbrella Entertainment’, we finally have a 2K restoration of this film with a newly re-mastered Blu-Ray and DVD prints! ‘King Kong’ (1973) follows a petroleum exploration expedition comes to an isolated island and encounters a colossal giant gorilla. With Jeff Bridges in the lead and some impressive visuals for the time, I was excited to finally check out 1973’s ‘King Kong’. So how was ‘King Kong’? The 1973 re-imagining of ‘King Kong’ possesses a lot of the hallmarks we have come to expect from a ‘King Kong’ film, but what elevates this film above other iterations is the spectacle, the revolutionary visuals effects and Jeff Bridges performance. The film is populated with likeable characters, you buy their comradery and their relationships, so when they are faced with peril, you want them to survive. The film incorporates effects that feel like they are straight out of a Ray Harryhausen monster-flick from the 1940s and 1950s, which is a huge compliment to director John Guillerman and his effects team. King Kong himself is also handled with grace and spectacle. You believe that this giant gorilla exists, he has personality, he is massive, and he is king. ‘King Kong’ 1973 was a wonderful adaptation of the classic source material. The characters are fun, the effects are well-executed, and the performances are all terrific. I am giving ‘King Kong’ 1973 an 8/10. I had a ball with this one and if you are a fan of the ‘King Kong’ character, I would recommend picking it up! Pick up your copy today from your local Sanity or Online! Chris has written this movie review for Sanity.