Customer Reviews

Adventures of Young Indiana Jones, Chapter 8 - Trenches of Hell [VHS]

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If you watch these videos in chronological order (which you should) this provides a fascinating follow up to the cute and funny Spring Break Adventure (even the more serious Mexico half featured jokes like the letter Indy wrote to his dad). The only problem is, that it shouldn't follow directly after like it does. There were two episodes, "Ireland, April 1916" and "London, May 1916" that were not put on video. Instead, we jump from what must be March (in Mexico) to "Somme, Early August 1916" and "Germany, Mid August 1916". One might ask why this was done.

Once you stop wondering how Indy got to be a Corporal and all that, this video is very good. It really is too bad that there are so few WWI movies out there, compared to all the WWII ones to pick from. I've read some reviewers complain about the fact that the series would be better if it took place in WWII, but it wouldn't exactly be YOUNG Indy, then, would it?

Personnaly, I enjoyed the second half more, as it was less grim and more adventurous. Charles de Gaulle is the only one who seems to recognize Indy's American accent for what it is. It's too bad the ending is so abrupt. Indy doesn't even get out of German territory, which leads to yet another big gap between this video and the next one, where Indy is magically in Africa with Remy, whom I swear died in "Trenches of Hell." Yes, indeed, there are two more episodes, "Verdun, September 1916" and "Paris, October 1916" which are not included.

So, the video itself is great, but for a person who likes to know what's going on all the time, this video series leaves me feeling gypped way too often.

This does not follow the guidelines of a traditional indiana jones movie. Most of the movies are adventure comedies with a little violence. This film has no mercy it shows clear the horrors of war to the fullest, there are no cheesy one liners in the film. Everybody should watch this, it will really make you respect those men who went "over the top." Get This!

Years before Saving Private Ryan recreated the horrors of the Normandy landing, Trenches of Hell introduced viewers to one of the most terrifying battles ever fought. When the Battle of the Somme begins, you'll find yourself taking a deep breath in hopes of escaping the poison gas. But don't let the chilling (and ultimately anti-war) battle scene keep you from seeing this movie. The final hour runs like The Great Escape, where Indy and Charles de Galle attempt a daring breakout from a German prison. All together, a great film Young Indy experience.

These are arguably the greatest episodes in the series. They are emotional, moving, action packed, and realistic. If there's a knock on the series it's that it's often hokey, and Indy runs into too many famous people. But this episode pulled no punches and delivered on all cylinders. It is so excellent, I rate it better than the last two Indiana Jones movies.

I should also point out I agree with reviewer James Irwin in his comparisons. I found SPR a nice story, and I love Tom Hanks, but if you want a much less Hollywood drama, and something to both thrill you, and move you, check this out. I also agree on BWP being the most overhyped film ever....but that's another thread.

If you're at all curious about the series, buy this, you won't be disappointed.

The 8th chapter in the Young Indiana Jones series, this is a dark and harrowing look at the horrors of war. The movie is divided into three parts:

It starts out in France where Indy, Remy, and a whole army of French and Belgian soldiers are all assigned to take a chateau at the top of a hill. German soldiers have the place surrounded, and the soldiers must fight their way through trenches, past Germans, grenades, and gas. The whole gas sequence is flat out scary and harrowing. The mortars firing gas bombs and the sight of German soldiers in gas masks turning the knobs on tanks filled with poion gas is scary, and gets even worse when out of the clouds of gas come Germans wielding flamethrowers. It is an awesome sight, and quite graphic for a made-for-television movie.

Then we move on to a German P.O.W. camp where Indy and a group of French soldiers dig their way out of the camp, in a scene reminiscent of THE GREAT ESCAPE, right down to the partial collapsing of the tunnel. Although I have always questioned the scene where the German Officer comes into the room to inspect everything but does not notice the giant piles of dirt hidden in the showers that are extremely evident to the viewer.

The third and final part is a second P.O.W. camp (which is actually a castle) where Indy is thrown after being caught trying to escape from the first camp. The castle is for all the "bad apples", and he is put there after being mistaken for a French Officer who has made many escape attempts. Here he meets Charles De Gaulle who together plot their escape from the camp. In a very tense scene, they escape the camp and death of incineration in a giant furnace.

Overall it is a great movie, and truly shows the horrors of war associated with "no man's land" and trench warfare. Definitely an episode to see, and one to consider buying.

I saw this episode during the series' initial run and found it to be a graphic and emotional look at the savagery of war. Of course, Lucas and company could not show the real horrors of battle, but they did a darn good job considering that this was a network show that had to pass the stringent rules of editing for broadcast. That withstanding, this installment of "The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles" is truly outstanding and worth purchasing.

Once again George Lucas proves himself that he's one of the best writter of this world, and he delivers to us an excellent quality episode, very well ambientated, recreates what was like to fight on WWI, it's on my top recommendations, it should be played in high schools due isn't bloody and gory, don't watch it as an Indiana Jones film, it's a war one.

Pay no attention to the previous review, I'm sure he had a point to make but could have done so with more tact than he/she has shown.

This was an excellent movie, it held true to form for Indiana Jones. I remember watching these when they were origionally broadcast back in 91-92 and enjoyed them then. I'm glad to see that they are being offerd now.

To keep this review short, it shows a little of the more romantic side of war. Lot's of adventure, and plenty of danger. I enjoyed it.

"Trenches of Hell" is one of the few modern examinations of World War I, and for that alone it's worth the purchase price. It has a fine "slice of life" feel about it, meandering from the horror of gas warfare to camraderie stolen amongst the hodgepodge of allies that made up the allied side in this "war to end all wars."

What it doesn't have is Indiana Jones--or very much of an ending. There is, after all, no reason for Indy to be present in the telling of the tale--we learn nothing about him nor are we even treated to any of his trademarked mannerisms. Yes, we get lost in this world, and the storytelling--until the surprisingly weak ending--is intriguing enough to demand our attention. But the protagonist could've been Anyman for as much as the spirit of Indiana Jones appears here. Flanery is a fine actor, and his performance is clearly one of the hooks that keeps us interested, but he needed a few scenes of genuine character development to tie his Indy in with Ford's. Instead, this is another Young Indy epsiode in which the name "Indiana Jones" has been stolen for the noble purpose of introducing a wider audience to history.

Thus, like some other entrants in this series, "Trenches of Hell" leaves Indy fans disappointed, but better off for the experience.

I especially love the second half of this episode in which Indy attempt to escape from a German prison camp. Great action and adventure. Part one is somewhat depressing, due to the horrors of war. I remember watching this in the aftermath of the Gulf War, with all its pro-USA-go-to-war mentality. It was a good counterbalance to such insanity.