Nearly half a century after its original release, Clash of the Titans is making a triumphant return with a breathtaking 4K restoration from Arrow Video. The 1981 fantasy epic, which marked the final stop-motion masterpiece from the legendary Ray Harryhausen, is being lovingly remastered from the original 35mm negative, promising fans a level of detail and clarity that was previously unimaginable. To celebrate, we've got an exclusive first look at one of the film's most unforgettable sequences: the terrifying showdown with Medusa.
Directed by Desmond Davis and written by Beverley Cross, Clash of the Titans stars Harry Hamlin as Perseus, a demigod on a quest to win the hand of Princess Andromeda (Judi Bowker). But their love is thwarted by the vengeful gods, including Thetis (Maggie Smith), Hera (Claire Bloom), and Aphrodite (Ursula Andress), leaving Perseus to rely on the favor of his father, Zeus (Laurence Olivier). The film's all-star cast is impressive, but the true stars are Harryhausen's astonishing creatures—from the winged horse Pegasus to the mechanical owl Bubo and the colossal Kraken.
The exclusive clip we're sharing focuses on the film's centerpiece: Perseus's confrontation with Medusa. This sequence is widely considered Harryhausen's crowning achievement, a masterclass in suspense and stop-motion artistry. As Perseus and his fellow warriors venture into the Gorgon's lair, they fall one by one to her petrifying gaze. Harryhausen took creative liberties with the myth, giving Medusa a serpentine lower body—a choice that has since become iconic in popular culture. Perseus wisely uses his shield's reflection to track her movements, but will he survive long enough to claim her head?
Arrow Video's two-disc 4K Blu-ray set is packed with special features, including a new feature-length documentary, Courage & Imagination: Ray Harryhausen’s Mythic Adventure, featuring interviews with filmmakers like Joe Dante and John Landis. There are also archival interviews with Harryhausen and his longtime collaborator Charles Schneer, plus featurettes where Harryhausen discusses his creative process. This release is a must-have for fans of classic fantasy and practical effects.
For those who love seeing classic films get the high-definition treatment, this restoration joins the ranks of other recent releases like Star Trek VI's 4K SteelBook. And if you're in the mood for more mythological mayhem, you might also enjoy this exclusive sneak peek at a different kind of clash.
Mark your calendars for November 17, when Arrow Video's Clash of the Titans 4K restoration hits shelves. It's a chance to experience Harryhausen's genius like never before—and to see Medusa in all her terrifying glory.
