September 25, 2012

Indiana Jones - The Complete Adventures

Kevin Taft READ TIME: 2 MIN.

Finally. All the spectacle and fun of the Indiana Jones' movies has been digitally remastered and compiled onto Blu-ray in "Indiana Jones: The Complete Adventures" - a sleek new package that not only includes every dazzling adventure but a slew of fascinating and historical extras, as well! But it really is the look of the films that makes this set worth owning. From the opening scene of "Raiders of the Lost Ark," it is clear that the restoration and transfer to Blu-ray (as well as 5.1 digital sound) has made the 32- year-old film look better than it did when it was first released. Spielberg himself agrees. The greens are greener, the blacks are blacker, and there is a sleek crispness that makes it feel like a movie that was shot yesterday.

Each film is on its own disc and includes the theatrical trailer(s) all remastered in HD. But it is the fifth disc of extras that is truly noteworthy.

Most notable is the all-new hour-long documentary "On Set with Raiders of the Lost Ark" that includes previously unseen footage. We see classic scenes being discussed and filmed, Spielberg making a McDonald's order, Harrison practicing his whip snapping skills, and Marion dealing with her attack by the mummified dead bodies. It's fascinating stuff. The rest of the extras (seven hours in all) are extensive and entertaining making this set a "treasure trove" for Indy fans.

Making the Films :

  • The 1981 documentary "The Making of Raiders of the Lost Ark" previously unreleased on DVD
  • The Making of "Raiders of the Lost Ark"(a different doc)
  • The Making of "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom"
  • The Making of "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade"
  • The Making of "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull"

    Behind The Scenes:

  • The Stunts of Indiana Jones
  • The Sound of Indiana Jones
  • The Music of Indiana Jones
  • The Light and Magic of Indiana Jones
  • Raiders: The Melting Face!
  • Indiana Jones and the Creepy Crawlies (with optional pop-ups)
  • Travel with Indiana Jones: Locations (with optional pop-ups)
  • Indy's Women: The American Film Institute Tribute
  • Indy's Friends and Enemies
  • Iconic Props (Crystal Skull)
  • The Effects of Indy (Crystal Skull)
  • Adventures in Post Production (Crystal Skull)

    "Indiana Jones: The Complete Adventures"
    Blu-ray, $99.90
    www.paramount.com

    by Kevin Taft

    Kevin Taft is a screenwriter/critic living in Los Angeles with an unnatural attachment to 'Star Wars' and the desire to be adopted by Steven Spielberg.

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