Still awesome, even after all this time.
- The original King Kong is such an awesome spectacle that even today it stands up as one of the best films ever made and a Moment of Awesome not just for those involved in its production; nor just for Willis O'Brian creating Trope Codifier special effects and emotive performances that rival modern Serkis Folk in terms of character and performance; Nor for nearly single handedly saving the production company RKO Pictures from bankruptcy during the height of The Great Depression. Between all it did, King Kong is a Moment of Awesome for the ENTIRE FILM INDUSTRY.
- For a movie that came out in the early 1930s when sound films are in their infancy, the special effects for King Kong is absolutely way ahead of its time. You oughta thank Willis O'Brian for all this work he did for this film.
- The "shaking the log" scene. Take a good look at all the different elements of that scene, then remind yourself that only a decade before that scene was made, they hadn't even invented sound. And that's just one example where that occurred. The "Lair" scene before Kong battles Elasmosaurus has, using 3 different methods of compositing, one shot with mat paintings, 2 animated figures with miniature sets and live-acted figures (5 separately shot and projected, 2 actors, 2 set pieces, 1 stylistic element) all at different variable levels. The result is 2 stop-motion puppets and 2 live-action actors on screen with visible water, bubbling mud, and smoke, all moving at the same time. Modern effects artists are in awe of that shot to this day.
- Keep in mind, it took up to 15 hours to get a minute of film for simple sequence (The T. rex fight in the original took 7 weeks to film). Worse, every shot had to be done as though they only had one take on it. The fact that they got this 18 inch puppet to truly act is a miracle unto itself! Everyone who knew the head animator, Willis O'Brian, can see elements of him in Kong's performance.
- One moment in particular would have to Kong's fight with the T. rex. By the end of the fight, Kong simply snaps the rex's jaw apart. Letting it bleed to death.
- The quality of this fight scene cannot be understated. Even ignoring the incredible effort and ingenuity of the effects, Kong's fight with the T.Rex is superbly choreographed.
- Kong employs numerous boxing and wrestling moves on the T.Rex, including distance strikes, single leg take-downs, ground and pound, weaving and clinching to avoid bites, a neck crank, and an over the shoulder throw right out of judo. Willis O'Brien had done boxing and wrestling and it shows in his animation.
- To a modern viewer, Kong looks like an MMA fighter. Overall, the fight is incredibly dynamic and way ahead of its time, even compared to other monster fights made decades later.
- Kong's battle with the cave serpent.
- Charlie, the lowly ship's cook manages to alert the crew to Ann's disappearance. He even offers to go along and rescue her, he's brushed aside for being "just a cook", but one has to give him credit for offering.
