The Giant of Metropolis (1961)

watched this movie the other day, in Italian with subtitles, and nice crisp widescreen picture.  that sure does help make a movie look a lot better.  it's too bad more of these movies don't get a proper release, as the cheapo collections are usually beat to hell pan and scan versions.  the dubbing was good for the US release as well, so the subs weren't that needed, but it's interesting to hear it in Italian.

it's a very imaginative movie, especially this early in the peplum cycle.  Gordon Mitchell is Obro, who's family gets killed by the Atlanteans when they accidentally cross over the border.  this naturally annoys Obro, who eventually brings the whole place down.
it's a fun movie, and very unusual, both in tone and looking.  Gordon is a bit stiff here, but pretty good overall.  the rest of the cast is good as well, even the kid playing Yotar's young son.  I always feel bad for kids that have to cry in movies, that can't be easy on them.

the sets are cool, as are the miniatures, especially the city of Atlantis.  the effects are pretty nifty as well, especially the cyclone of death.  they are simple, but that's not a bad thing.  it's also not overlong, which can be a drag for a lot of these movies.