The Lost World (1960/1925) - Region 1 DVD

Part of the film's charm is also its most ludicrous element: "dinosaurs" played by various, wriggling tropical lizards, a far cry from the stop-motion animation creatures--that actually look like dinosaurs--in Harry O. Hoyt's amazing take on The Lost World 35 years before Allen's. An impressive spectacle that conveys a certain beautiful wildness, the film stars Wallace Beery as an imposing Challenger, trapped with his team on the aforementioned plateau. In constant danger from carnivorous monsters (as well as flesh-eating monkey-men), the group's relationship strains have greater poignancy and the stakes seem higher all around. Where Allen's film is lulling, Hoyt's is galvanizing, but each is unique and well worth a visit. --Tom Keogh