Customer Reviews

Behind the Planet of the Apes

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

About six months ago, I bought the "Planet Of The Apes" box-set with the herald "sixth" disc, "Behind The Planet Of The Apes". So why did I also buy the new 2 Disc "Behind" version recently? Because it doesn't monkey around like the original "Behind" did! This version has the two-hour retrospective like the original, but so much more too! "Apes" N.A.T.O. presentation, more behind the scenes footage, extensive photo galleries, three totally different 1960's featurettes, the full complete E.G.Robinson screen test, and last but not least, an intimate rough-cut interview by Roddy McDowell himself, and it's over AN HOUR AND A HALF LONG! Along with brand new menus, totally different from the original disc, this is a must have for any Apes fan! I'm just goin' Ape with this!

As stated before, the main feature (Behind the Planet of the Apes) is the same as that in the 30th Anniversary VHS and DVD sets, so nothing new here. But included are great extras, such as featurettes and previews (one even containing deleted footage) and the entire screen test as seen in the 'Behind ...' feature. There are also outtakes and dailies from the first film, though they contain no soundtrack so the score is played instead. All in all, some pretty darn good extras. The real treat is the full unedited Roddy McDowall interview which is almost 2 hours. The only problem with the set is that the feature which is the basis for the set was included with both the out of print and upcoming re-release of the dvd sets and by mail order from the vhs set. Thus, all the new features could have been put out on a single dvd. If the dvd set had been done right, all the extras (except maybe the full interview) could easily have been included earlier and it would have been even better. As it stands there's a great interview and over an hours worth of extras avaible nowhere else. The only reason I gave it four stars was I had to pay twice for something I already had just to get some great new stuff.

This documentary covers the original Planet Of The Apes films and TV series' (including, briefly, the cartoon). Extremely well done. Hosted by Cornelius/Caesar/Galen himself, Roddy McDowell. This documentary tells the complete story of the films, with loads of behind the scenes information, photos, and footage. You also get to see some of the original makeup test used to sell Fox on the film (but not the ENTIRE test, as the packaging implies), as well as some promotional material, and an interview with McDowell. The interview is a mixed-bag, as there is no microphone on the person CONDUCTING the interview, so you can bately hear the questions (if at all). That minor grievance aside, this is a fantastic, 2-disc set, and I recommend this to any Planet Of The Apes fan.

This film was the documentary that revealed it all, even the make-up test with Hollywood legend Edward G. Robinson. Hosted by Roddy McDowall, this film goes behind the scenes at all five apes films, the two television series, the mass merchandising campaign, and beyond. Learn that this whole thing started with a novel that was rejected by its own author, and that Arthur Jacobs, the producer, had his wife in all but one Apes film.
Interveiws with Charlton Heston, Kim Hunter, John Chambers, Natalie Trundy, and Ricardo Montalbahn are also included. The Ultimate Ape Event!

Behind the Planet of the Apes

Personally, I find behind the scenes documentaries about how films were made to be one of the more desirable extras found on DVD's. This two disc release from Image Entertainment consists of only such a documentary (none of the "Apes" series is included) but it is a good one. The disc looks to cash in on the interest in the classic "Apes" series created by the release of Tim Burton's remake of the film that started it all.

This release was first broadcast by American Movie Classics (AMC) and is hosted by the late Roddy McDowell who played "Cornelius". Included here is three plus hours of footage (in addition to the main documentary) that will be most welcome to fans of the series and a pleasant surprise to those like myself who are not that familiar with "Apes". All five films in the series are covered and trailers included for all. Also here is the 1967 North American Theatre Owners (NATO) presentation as well as a fascinating screen test featuring Charlton Heston and Edward G. Robinson, who was originally tapped to play Heston's ape nemesis, but later bowed out due to health concerns. However, only diehard fans will appreciate the uncut interview footage with MCDowell, especially since the questions he is asked are mostly inaudible.

All in all, this will appeal to two groups of DVD fans-those that love the "Apes" series and those who love behind the scenes and "the making of" type documentaries. You may want to wait awhile as the price could come down after the buzz about Burton's remake wears off.

This was a great disc but I dont feel that the extras included here warrant a repurchase. I was glad to have seen it but watched it once and resold. The menus are different. All you're really missing is an LONG interview with Mcdowell, alot of 'trailer variations' and a pretty lengthy section set to the theme music that shows all the outtakes and unused footage run together. I'm not sure it's worth 21.00 considering the repeated viewing value....For die-hards only if you already have the box set version.

This is a great documentary that is boosted by the fact that it contains thoughtful commentary from Charlton Heston, Roddy McDowell and others.

Many film documentaries are a let-down in that they only feature opinions from a few key players, but often not the main star or subject of the program itself. This is definitely not the case here.

The interviews are great, the rare and backstage footage is interesting and Roddy McDowell's genuine enthusiasm shines through in the narration.

Definitely worth your money.

When the APES flicks were first released on DVD the documentary contained on this DVD was the extra disk in the boxed set. I have it from a mail-in promotion from the VHS set and it ROCKS! I am a huge fan of this series (one of the few movie series that have had consistantly nihilistic and downbeat endings) and this documentary is one great piece of work. It was ALMOST the main reason I bought the DVD boxed set (then I found out that the transfers weren't great and there were very little extras for the $$ - I got the VHS tapes instead). Now I have the documentary AND a boatload of extras! My wife doesn't understand my fascination with these films, but they are just solid pieces of storytelling (as opposed to a certain "reimagining" that hit theatres today...)Do Yurself a favor: BUY the boxed original films on VHS or DVD AND get this documentary, a fine tribute to the supercool APES films!

When the Planet of the Apes dvd box set came out I was going to buy it for A. the first film and B. the bonus disc, knowing full well the rest of the Ape movies were "uneven" (a nice way to say "unbearable"). But I didn't. I instead bought the first disc and passed on my desire to get the bonus disc, and after seeing the "trailers" for the other movies on the first disc I realized I made the right decision; Beneath through Battle were "subpar" (again, I'm being NICE!). Now I can rejoice, for I have the BONUS disc that was in the boxset PLUS an added disc full of passion. Make no mistake, the one and a half hour interview with Roddy Mcdowell ALONE is worth the price of admission... you will LEARN things. Though I don't agree with his opinion that ALL the films were good, I do agree, they made a valid statement. After seeing this you will gain a new appreciation for the ALL the films, regardless of budget, it is a shame that the same finesse used in the first film wasn't applied evenly to all of them...

This is a great documentary on how the apes saga was made.This 2 disk DVD set takes you behind the scenes of Planet of the Apes.It is an great experience for apes fans.Hosted by Roddy McDowall(actor who played Cornelius,Caesar,and Galen)it is alsome!There is some things I do not like about it though.One thing is on the interview with Roddy McDowall.I just think that its to long and I don't think anywone would want to watch 1 hour and more of Roddy McDowall talking.Also I hate how the dailies and outtakes don't have any sound.You don't even now whats going on half the time.This is still a good experience and I think you should get it!!(...)