Regent Street Cinema Luminaries | Ray Harryhausen The Golden Voyage of Sinbad 50th Anniversary Screening
Phil Roberts 
Ray Harryhausen to receive Luminaries tribute at the historic Regent Street Cinema with a special screening of The Golden Voyage of Sinbad
Look out RAY HARRYHAUSEN fans because the stop-motion pioneer is being honored at London’s historic Regent Street Cinema. The famous cinema is launching a new Luminaries initiative to celebrate the pioneers who paved the way for modern cinema. And their first candidate is none other than the legendary godfather of special effects.
After awarding him with a commemorative plaque, a rare presentation of Ray’s beloved classic THE GOLDEN VOYAGE OF SINBAD will be screened for attendees. And making the event all the more magical will be a special introduction by the first lady of fantasy herself – the unconquerable Caroline Munro. Joining Caroline on stage will be Ray’s daughter Vanessa Harryhausen, alongside author John Walsh, and Harryhausen Collections Manager Connor Heaney.
Caroline will be on hand to share memories of her time working on the 1973 classic, as well as touching on her lifelong friendship with the Harryhausen family. But don’t take my word for it. Don’t risk the wrath of the gods. Scroll down and get the full details below.
LEGACY
The illustrious legacy of stop-motion animation visionary Ray Harryhausen will be celebrated with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque at the historic Regent Street Cinema on Friday September 29th 2023 as part of their Luminaries initiative. This momentous occasion, presented in partnership with the Ray and Diana Harryhausen Foundation, will honour the indelible contributions of Ray Harryhausen to the global screen industries.
Ray Harryhausen was one of the most important filmmakers of the 20th century. Ray created some of the most memorable special effects of cinema history, bringing his unique menagerie of creatures to life upon the big screen in classics such as Jason and the Argonauts, The Golden Voyage of Sinbad and Clash of the Titans. Many of his most popular films saw classic tales and mythology adapted into 90 minutes of fantasy cinema, astounding audiences with his groundbreaking techniques.
In honour of the 50th anniversary of its release, a rare screening of one of Ray Harryhausen’s most iconic films, The Golden Voyage of Sinbad, will play for attendees following the presentation of Ray Harryhausen’s commemorative plaque. This event will represent the first public celebration of Ray’s life and work in London since his centenary in 2020.
Ray Harryhausen is the first to be honoured as part of Regent Street Cinema’s Luminaries initiative celebrating pioneering film talent. Regent Street Cinema’s Luminaries initiative is a nod to The Lumière Brothers, who famously screened the first ever moving images to a paying audience at Regent Street Cinema in 1896; the cinema is commonly regarded as the birthplace of British cinema as a result.
Billy Watson, Managing Director at Regent Street Cinema said: “We are very proud of our place in history as the birthplace of British cinema – and today we are excited to extend that legacy by honouring some of cinema’s greatest pioneers. With a commitment to breaking the mould, we couldn’t think of a better first honouree than Ray Harryhausen.”
THE SCREENING
The ceremony and screening of The Golden Voyage of Sinbad will be introduced by starring actress Caroline Munro, the ‘First Lady of Fantasy’. Joined by Ray’s daughter Vanessa Harryhausen, Trustee, Filmmaker and Author John Walsh and Collections Manager Connor Heaney, Caroline will share memories of her time working on the 1973 classic, as well as her lifelong friendship with the Harryhausen family.
Attendees of this very special event will be greeted with an exhibition of replica models of Ray Harryhausen’s infamous creatures at Regent Street Cinema and also be in with a chance of winning prizes including a coveted Star Ace Toys deluxe replica model of ‘Kali’ and signed copies of Ray Harryhausen: Titan of Cinema by Vanessa Harryhausen and Harryhausen: The Lost Movies by John Walsh.
REGENT STREET CINEMA LUMINARIES
The special screening and Q&A will be held on Friday 29th September 2023 at London’s historic Regent Street Cinema. Buy your tickets here. Ray’s centenary year was a joy to behold. Thanks, in part to the Ray Harryhausen Titan Of Cinema exhibition at the National Gallery; which has now sadly closed its doors for the last time. But the event was an absolute triumph. If you missed the event, you can get some wonderful insights into the exhibition thanks to Vanessa’s new book – Ray Harryhausen: Titan Of Cinema which you can order here.
Phil Roberts is the Owner, Daily Content Manager, and Editor-In-Chief of The Future of the Force. He is passionate about Star Wars, Batman, DC, Marvel, Star Trek, Indiana Jones, Ghostbusters, King Kong, and the Ray Harryhausen movies. Follow him on Twitter where he uses the force and babbles frequently!
