Galactic Raiders

Still following the retro theme, here’s a very exciting project — one that is using stop-motion SFX to create its monsters. From all indications the small, independent film is looking a lot like the movies of master monster animator Ray Harryhausen.

Galactic Raiders (US [in post-production]; dir. Larry Arpin)

Galactic Raiders is a futuristic SF adventure, mostly set on a planet inhabited by dinosaurs (at least). The film’s new website gives this description of the story:

GALACTIC RAIDERS is an independently produced motion picture on 35mm film with Ray Harryhausen style of special effects.The story centers around Rymir (Danny Fehsenfeld), who’s girlfriend, Laura (Erica Howard), is kidnapped by Acastus (Elliot Eddie) and transported to another planet. On this ‘other planet’ is a powerful crystal, sought after by all peoples of the universe, including the Pharilleans, Acastus’ people. Also, on this planet is Rosanna (Moksha McPherrin), wife of…well, I won’t spoil it for you. Following Rymir to the ‘other planet’ are Cyrus (Joseph Arpin) and Bellus (Lloyd Lee Barnett), Acastus’ accomplices.

You can get cast and some production information on the website. If you enter the main site then run your cursor over to the right, a menu appears. Go to slide #12 (“Rymire vs Brute”) to see the sequence from which the screen caps above were taken.

The model work and effects are looking excellent and the standard of the production seems remarkably high. Arpin and his crew have been working on the film for some time. IMDB gives the “release” date as 4 July 2004, but the film is still in post-production and, according to the director (as of 22 March this year), is progressing “faster than expected, but is still a slow process”.

It’s looking good, Larry. Let us all know when it’s available as I’m sure there are many out in cyberspace eager for some new “Harryhausen”.

Via “Mattman” on the Kaijufile forums and Kaiju Search-Robot Avery