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Quick LinksBefore 'Game of Thrones' There Was 'Dragonslayer'Fans Noticed Similarities Between 'Dragonslayer' and 'Game of Thrones'Should You Watch 'Dragonslayer'?

George R.R. Martin's Game of Throneshas become a cultural phenomenon and the most beloved fantasy series of the modern era. The first book, having sold over 45 million copies in the US alone, led to the HBO series, which would draw an average of 9.3 million viewers per episode for its inaugural season. Yet, the foundational success of Game of Thrones can be owed to its forbearers, from the iconic work of J.R.R. Tolkien to the grimdark world of Conan as created by Robert E. Howard. On the screen, early works like 1963's Jason and the Argonauts set the precedent for decades of films celebrating the fantasy genre.

Yet, the underrated gem Dragonslayer has flown mostly under the radar, an initial failure at the box office that saw some later resurgence in appreciation.

The post-Star Wars effects boom in the 1980s didn’t just bring sci-fi back to prominence, but fantasy and horror as well. Virtually every filmmaker of the era was desperate to show audiences something they’d never seen before with the newfound era of more sophisticated physical effects. The first non-Lucasfilm production to utilize Ilm, “Dragonslayer” was intended to be a prominent, big-budget example, but tanked at the box office, largely regulated to late-night cable showings.

Though released on DVD by Paramount with little fanfare back in the market’s early days, the film has cultivated a following since its 1981 release, finally earning a bit of recognition with the recent Blu-Ray and 4K reissues and accolades from the likes of George Rr Martin and Guillermo del Toro, the latter of whom contributes a commentary track to the new release alongside the film’s director, his longtime collaborator Matthew Robbins.

Quick Links What Is Dragonslayer About? Why Dragonslayer Needs A Reboot The Timing Is Perfect For Another Dragonslayer Movie Despite its initial failure at the box office, Dragonslayer remains a cult classic with great potential for a reboot. The success of modern fantasy franchises like Lord of the Rings makes now the perfect time for a Dragonslayer remake. Audiences are ready for a fresh take on Dragonslayer with improved CGI and updated themes that fit modern sensibilities.

In an age of constant sequels, reboots, and reimaginings, Disney's cult classic '80s film, Dragonslayer, should be the next movie to get a second iteration. The Matthew Robbins-directed dark fantasy film is largely unknown to modern audiences, who have been inundated with reboot upon reboots of classic films that will always be better than any other attempts to capture their magic. Unlike other early Disney films, Dragonslayer fades into obscurity after its theatrical run,...

Dragonslayer follows Galen Bradwarden, a young wizarding apprentice who must help a village that is being terrorized by a dragon. The king has been sacrificing young, virgin women to appease the dragon. Galen will find an unexpected wealth of courage and use the magical amulet that grants him powers to defeat the dragon.

Dragonslayer was released in theaters in 1981. Dragonslayer is directed by Matthew Robbins with a script penned by Robbins and Hal Barwood. Dragonslayer stars Peter MacNicol, Caitlin Clarke, Ralph Richardson, John Hallam, Peter Eyre, and Albert Salmi.

Related: Guillermo del Toro Has Already Found His Next Stop Motion Project

Screen Rant spoke with director Matthew Robbins about Dragonslayer being remastered and released on 4K Ultra HD. Robbins shares some of his favorite memories from making the movie and what it was like to create the new commentary for Dragonslayer with Guillermo del Toro. He also reveals some of the influences on the movie,...

Writer/Director Joe Cornish discusses a few of his favorite movies with Josh Olson and Joe Dante.

Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode

Attack The Block (2011)

Rocks (2019)

Poltergeist (1982)

Gremlins (1984)

Avanti! (1972)

Picnic At Hanging Rock (1975)

The Last Wave (1977)

Witness (1985)

Dead Poets Society (1989)

Fearless (1993)

Master And Commander: The Far Side Of The World (2003)

Gallipoli (1981)

The Year Of Living Dangerously (1982)

The Cars That Ate Paris (1974)

The Adventures Of Buckaroo Banzai (1984)

Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins (1985)

The Man Who Would Be King (1975)

Kingsman: The Secret Service (2014)

The Rescuers (1977)

Bedknobs And Broomsticks (1971)

The Rescuers Down Under (1990)

The Spy Who Loved Me (1977)

Moonraker (1979)

The Adventures Of Tintin (2011)

Bambi (1942)

Dumbo (1941)

Close Encounters Of The Third Kind (1977)

Forbidden Planet (1956)

This Island Earth (1955)

Earth Vs. The Flying Saucers (1956)

The Thing From Another World (1951)

Matinee (1993)

The Lord Of The Rings (1978)

The Omen (1976)

Damien: Omen II (1978)

Omen III: The Final Conflict (1981)

Battleship Potemkin (1925)

The Exorcist (1973)

The Exterminator (1980)

Friday The 13th...

Peter Yates’ excellent war-movie follow-up to Bullitt landed in the wrong year: the beautifully produced and directed action thriller was barely seen in America. Royal Navy mechanic Peter O’Toole swears vengeance on the U-Boat commander who sunk his ship and murdered its entire crew. Locals in a Caribbean backwater help him to strike back: he must first teach himself to fly an airplane. With support from Horst Janson, Sian Phillips and the great Philippe Noiret, it’s a wartime suspense nail-biter with a little manic obsession thrown in as well. Indicator’s extras feature the great editor-director John Glen, who relates the exciting story of the filming on location in Venezuela.

Murphy’s War

Region B Blu-ray

Powerhouse Indicator

1971 / Color / 2:35 widescreen / 107 min. / Limited Edition / Street Date May 30, 2022 / available from Powerhouse Films UK / £19.99

Starring: Peter O’Toole, Sian Phillips, Philippe Noiret, Horst Janson, John Hallam, Ingo Mogendorf.

Cinematography: Douglas Slocombe...

Ask me what my favourite Scooby Doo episode is, and I'd promptly say that it's the one that takes place in the creepy mansion called What The Hex Going On. In case you haven't seen it, a guy dresses up as the ghost of Elias Kingston, a blue faced old wretch who apparently has the power to age people into skeletons (visually, he's the spit of Thatcher's press secretary Bernard Ingham). It's great stuff, even if the villain inexplicably wears glasses underneath all the heavy make-up.

I only mention this since I've seen Ghost Light, a fortunate return to form for Doctor Who after the silly Battlefield. I don't know, Ghost Light just reminds me of Hex for some odd reason – both stories take place in a spooky old mansion with sliding doors, shadows and creepy rooms, complete with a baddie in long flowing robes wreaking havoc. Plus, the title...