Planet of Dinosaurs

Watch Planet of Dinosaurs

"Trapped On A Lost World of Prehistoric Monsters"
  • PG
  • 1979
  • 1 hr 24 min
  • 3.8  (1,931)

In 1977, the sci-fi movie Planet of Dinosaurs directed by James K. Shea took the audience on a thrilling and suspenseful journey to an alien planet inhabited by prehistoric creatures. The movie was produced on a low budget, but the filmmakers made up for it with impressive special effects, stop-motion animation, and practical effects that brought the dinosaurs to life.

The story follows the crew of the spaceship Odyssey, who crash-land on a strange planet filled with jungles, deserts, and oceans. They soon realize that they are not alone, as the planet is populated by giant reptiles and creatures that have long been extinct on Earth. The crew sets out on a perilous adventure to find a way off the planet and return home, while being pursued by ferocious predators at every turn.

The main character in the movie is Captain Lee Norsythe, played by James Whitworth. He is a natural leader who must keep his crew together and make difficult decisions in the face of danger. Mary Appleseth plays the role of the tough and resourceful Dr. Karen Blake, who is the only female member of the crew. Harvey Shain plays the part of the brave Lt. Comdr. Brant, who provides the muscle of the group. Derna Wylde plays Tana, a mysterious and alluring alien who joins the crew on their journey.

The movie's highlight is undoubtedly the stop-motion animation of the dinosaurs. The movie features several types of dinosaurs, including Tyrannosaurus Rex, Stegosaurus, Triceratops, Brachiosaurus, Allosaurus, and Pterodactyls. The animation is impressive and holds up reasonably well considering the movie's age. The use of practical effects, such as full-sized models of dinosaur heads and tails, also adds to the movie's authenticity.

In addition to the impressive effects work, the movie manages to create a sense of tension and danger through its atmosphere and pacing. The landscapes of the alien planet are beautiful and exotic, but they are also filled with death and danger. The crew is often stalked by predators, and they must use their wits and ingenuity to survive. The slower moments in the film are used to develop the characters and provide a sense of their desperation and isolation.

The film's soundtrack is also noteworthy, as it is composed by Arlon Ober, who has worked on numerous genre movies throughout his career. The music is atmospheric and evocative, enhancing the film's emotional impact and setting the tone for the thrilling action sequences.

One weakness of the film is its dialogue, which can be wooden and at times, forced. However, this is a minor issue given the overall quality of the film's production values and its ability to create a sense of excitement and danger.

In conclusion, Planet of Dinosaurs is a must-watch film for fans of science fiction and creature features. The movie might be nearly 40 years old, but it still holds up remarkably well due to its impressive effects work, well-paced plot, and overall atmosphere of tension and danger. If you're a fan of stop-motion animation or practical effects, you'll love this movie, as it highlights some of the best work in this field.

Planet of Dinosaurs is a 1979 science fiction movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 24 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 3.8.

Planet of Dinosaurs
Description
Where to Watch Planet of Dinosaurs
Planet of Dinosaurs is available to watch free on The Roku Channel Free and Tubi TV. It's also available to stream, download and buy on demand at Amazon Prime, FlixFling, Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play and YouTube VOD. Some platforms allow you to rent Planet of Dinosaurs for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    1979
  • MPAA Rating
    PG
  • Runtime
    1 hr 24 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    3.8  (1,931)
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