King Kong is a fictional giant gorilla who stars in books, tv shows, video games and movies that bear his name. Though many know him because of his latest 2005 remake – King Kong’s groundbreaking film came to the screen in 1933 with the first remake being released in 1976.

Let’s take a stroll through the history of King Kong and reveal the awesome legacy he has built.

"King Kong" - 1933

The original groundbreaking classic was highly acclaimed for its use of special effects using stop-motion models. Yet it was widely criticized for its depiction of the Skull Island tribes people. This movie was inspired by the success of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's "The Lost World," about an expedition to a plateau filled with prehistoric animals. The film went down in history as one of the great film adventures to be produced in that time period, and is considered a classic today.

"Son of Kong" - 1933

After Kong has wrecked New York and sent producer Carl Denham into financial ruin, Denham flees back to Skull Island in search of treasure and discovers King Kong’s albino son. This sequel was considered mediocre at best.

“King Kong vs. Godzilla" - 1962

Kong is discovered on Farou Island and brought back to Japan. Godzilla, long thought destroyed, breaks free for an iceberg and heads for Japan. The authorities plan to bring Kong to Mt. Fuji where he will encounter, and, hopefully, destroy Godzilla. However the use of suitmation for King Kong aroused bitter hatred from fans of King Kong towards the horrid look and the fact that Kong had been brought to life in this manner.

"King Kong" The TV Series" - 1966-69

This was a popular ABC Saturday morning TV show based on the famous 1930's monster movie. In this version, Kong lives peacefully on an island with the Bond family and fights various villains. It didn’t follow the premise of the movie at all.

“King Kong Escapes" - 1967

Another Toho film (following King Kong vs Godzilla). A jungle expedition is attacked by a dinosaur. They are rescued by King Kong who takes a liking to the prettiest female member of the expedition. Dr. Hu. She, however, turns out to be an evil scientist with plans to take over the world by building a huge "Mechni-Kong," a robot designed to kill the real Kong.

"King Kong" - 1976

Prior to the 2005 release, this is probably the most remembered film in the King Kong series. An expedition goes exploring for oil. A shipwrecked woman, is captured by the natives and offered as a sacrifice to King Kong who falls in love with her. The woman is rescued and Kong is captured. He is taken to the US and used for exhibition. Kong escapes captivity to elope with the model and wreaks havoc on the city.

"King Kong Lives" - 1986

This sequel is by the same production company as the 1976 film. Kong survives his fall from the sky and is kept at a university research center outside Atlanta in a coma where it is discovered he requires a heart transplant. A female Kong is found in the jungles of Borneo and is transported to the research center for a transfusion that will enable King Kong to have his operation. Romance blooms between the two Kongs and they make an escape from the research center.

“King Kong” – 2005

A Universal Pictures remake of the original by New Zealand director Peter Jackson, best known for directing the The Lord of the Rings trilogy. The most recent incarnation of Kong is also the longest, running three hours and seven minutes.

The King Kong film character was the inspiration for several video games including:

* 1981 Donkey Kong and subsequent spin-offs

* The Rampage games by Atari/Midway

* Peter Jackson's King Kong: The Official Game Of The Movie published by Ubisoft.

* War of the Monsters is a 3D fighting game developed by Incognito Entertainment for Sony PlayStation 2

The fascination with King Kong can continue with the launch of the fifth generation Apple iPod with video capabilities and digital entertainment companies like iVideoBlast.com. Thanks to them you can now enjoy the King Kong vs Godzilla movie on your iPod.

As you can see, although King Kong is being celebrated in the 2005 remake, he has become quite the phenomenon over the years. From scary to funny (though not meant to be). From thrilling to thought-provoking.

King Kong will continue to fascinate audiences for many years to come. Long live Kong.

Scott Britner
www.iVideoBlast.com