I've always been a big fan of Jules Verne, but this was one of his lesser known classics, at least when it comes to books. On film, you can't be quite as imaginative, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. I love the fact that the...well, I won't spoil it, but lets just say you'll be surprised when you learn who actually inhabits the island, and why the animals here have gotten to such massive sizes. The stop motion animation of Ray Harryhausen spices things up as well, and makes it all the more nostalgic. It's definitely a wonderful film, and one I wouldn't mind watching again.

Ray Harryhausen has garnered the Honor, Distinction, and Respect of Fans Worldwide. So much so that His relatively small Filmography is known simply as "Harryhausen" Films. He rises above Stars, Genre, and Directors to make the Movies He works on His own.Pretty much without Peer, His time consuming, meticulous, and painful method of Stop-Motion Animation is so difficult that few Artists even attempted to duplicate His crafty Artistry and Success. He truly was, after the death of His Mentor Willis O'Brien (King Kong 1933), one of a kind.This is a marvelous adventure underscored by the great Bernard Herrmann, shot in luscious color on location, and Herbert Lom as Captain Nemo makes an impression alongside Harryhausen's outstanding Creatures, a Crab, Chicken, and Bumble Bee.The only weakness is the Opening Act, but once on the Island it is unforgettable escapism that charms and never lets up. A beautiful Film for all ages thanks to Jules Verne and Ray Harryhausen and a good Production.

One of the finest sci-fi films ever made, "Mysterious Island" combines an adventurous Jules Verne story with terrific visual effects. Several men escape from a Civil War battle in a balloon and drift away to a remote island, whereupon they encounter all kinds of adventures. Using miniatures, matte paintings, and stop-motion animation, the film's visuals alone make the film worth watching, especially on the island. Story themes include the romance of faraway places; the natural world as both benefactor of, and source of danger for, humans; and efforts to survive, a la Robinson Crusoe.I like the geographic scale of the visuals, where humans are dwarfed by large island features and by an expansive physical environment. Island wildlife that includes a giant crab, among others, look realistic, and make for entertaining story elements. Unlike modern films wherein CGI effects become the story, the visual effects in "Mysterious Island" enhance an already interesting and coherent story. The segment with the bird is funny. And then we get the humorous line of dialogue: "I wonder how many minutes it would take to cook in a slow oven".Sound effects are almost as impressive as the visuals. The ambient wildlife sounds seem realistic. And the narrative voice-over is spoken in an echo chamber, which amplifies the story's mystery. Bernard Herrmann's score is effective, if perhaps a bit overbearing in some scenes. At times the background music is soothing and calming; at other times it is appropriately ominous.Cinematography projects images that are a tad grainy, but do not interfere with viewing. There are lots of long shots, which is good for visual perspective. Ray Harryhausen's special effects blend well into the overall photography. Ensemble casting is excellent. Acting is acceptable, given that this is an outdoor adventure film not requiring a lot of acting skills.If the film has a weakness it might be the first ten minutes wherein the setting is a Civil War battle, somewhat arbitrary maybe, and a bit lengthy; also the lighting in this segment is a bit too dark."Mysterious Island" gives us a simple, easy-to-follow story packed with adventure and visual delights. It would almost certainly be in my top ten sci-fi films of all time.

I remember seeing this movie as an end-of-term film at school MANY years ago.I have, of course, seen it many times since, and I have fond memories of it.I won't go over the synopsis of the movie; it's been said here many times.However, I must say that on reading the book, the movie is really a pale imitation! The book is awesome IMHO.For those who don't read or can't be bothered to read the book (it is a VERY LONG book!), you can also get the audio version from LibraVox.This is also an excellent listen.