Now, of course, if I've penned a review of a flick, then I've seen it. But because I don't think there's a single living being on our planet who can yet claim to have experienced every single picture I really shouldn't have to say as such. I understand how appearances might suggest otherwise; though I've watched a vast assortment of cinematic filler I just don't recall (due to the passage of time, age, and memory), I've probably stumbled into more than most ... a fact I can certainly live with.
In any event ...
IMDB.com reports that Dinosaurus! enjoyed its very first theatrical presentation on this day back in 1960 for the good people of New Orleans, Louisiana. (No, I've no idea how New Orleans was selected for the premiere event, but if you do then feel free to reach out and inform me.) Another exclusive premiere would follow in July; and then the motion picture would get its full U.S. theatrical run in August of the same year. As was the case back then, the feature would roll out in countries around the world based on studio contractual commitments throughout the rest of the year and well into 1961. For reasons I'm also unaware, Dinosaurus was given a theatrical re-release (in France) in 1977, so 'thank the maker' that it didn't disappear into obscurity as easily as have so many other genre presentations.
The film was directed by Irvin S. Yeaworth, Jr., a man previously attached to such big screen outings as 1958's The Blob and 1959's 4D Man. Interestingly enough, IMDB.com also reports (in its Trivia citations) that Steve McQueen -- who had worked with Yeaworth on The Blob -- was originally attached to headline this adventure as well; however, it's a bit unclear as to whether or not his non-involvement here is owed to McQueen or Yeaworth choosing otherwise. (There are suggestions that McQueen wasn't exactly easy to work with, but rumors are what rumors are.)
Lastly, it does look like the fine folks at Kino Lorber re-released this one on home video (DVD and Blu-ray) back in 2019. Their pressing is billed as a 'Special Edition,' and the Amazon.com citation indicates that the disc included a few special features.
Happy Birthday, Dinosaurus! Here's hoping your mighty roar never fades!
-- EZ