Customer Reviews

Indiana Jones: The Adventure Collection (Special Editions of Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark / Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom / Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade)

5 star:		(42)
4 star:		(15)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(10)

 

 

I am giving this ***** because the DVD set itself is very good, it is loaded with bonus material. And it should be rated for what it is, ignoring any previous DVD releases.

That said, I would not suggest spending more money to get this set. The bonus material could bore you. I prefer interviews & documentaries produced at the time the films were made. The labeling on the box is designed to deceive by stating "Includes All 3 Films, First Time Available - Special Editions". Like there was no special edition before.

Oh, the slim cases are nice, but I like the original brown box more.

I will group the "12 All-New, Must-See Special Features" (their wording, not mine)by catagory.

1) New Introductions to the films by Steven Speilberg & George Lucas.

STORYBOARDS, unless something differs greatly from the film, I have trouble sitting through these:
2) Snakes Alive! The Well Of Souls. - From Lost Ark
3) Hold On To Your Hat! The Coal Mine Chase. - From Temple of Doom.
4) The Birth Of the Action Hero! The Last Crusade Opening Scene.

MEMORIES, modern interviews with those who worked on the films back then. These are always a little jaded for me.
5) The Indy Trilogy, A Crystal Clear Appreciation. - The cast & crew of the new movie talk about how well they like the original three.
6) Indy's Women Reminisce. - a reunion of Indy's main women.
7) Indy's Friends & Enemies. - Steve, George, & the writers discuss character creation, including a look at the new movie.
8) Creepy Crawlies. - Steve George & Frank Marshall remenisce about snakes, bugs & rats.

BEHIND THE SCENES, new documentaries about the making of the originals:
9) The Mystery Of The Melting Face. - a re-creation of the original special effect in "Ark".
10) Discover Adventure On Location with Indy. - A slightly misleading title as this is also a modern day travel around the world, showing where the films were originally shot.
11) Photo Galleries from each film.

And then there is:
12) LEGO Indiana Jones.- promotional demo games.

Again, this makes a very good DVD release, but nothing worth replacing your older set for. I prefer the original box set extras, especially the bonus 4th disc some stores sold that contained an original 1980's documentary about the films!

Being a big fan of the Indiana Jones films I find myself conflicted about this new box set. While it's no surprise that the studio decided to re-release the films to coincide with the release of the new Indy film, they have royally screwed over fans by including a new collection of extras thereby forcing them to buy the films over again if they want them. So, is it worth it? Short answer: no. Nothing is going to beat The Adventures of Indiana Jones (Raiders of the Lost Ark/ Temple of Doom/ Last Crusade) - Widescreen Edition's two-hour making of documentary and many of these new extras are nothing more than left over bits from it.

On the Raiders of the Lost Ark disc there is an "Introduction" that features Lucas and Spielberg talking about the genesis of the film. Spielberg wanted to do a globe-trotting James Bond-type story and Lucas introduced the idea of an archaeologist. They both agreed that they wanted to pay homage to the old 1930s cliffhanger sequels.

"Indiana Jones: An Appreciation" was done on the set of the new Indy film as Lucas, Spielberg, Harrison Ford, and Karen Allen reflect on the character and the trilogy - its impact on them and popular culture. Cast and crew from the new film also give their impressions and everyone recounts their favourite scene from the trilogy.

"The Melting Face" takes a look at how they pulled off the climactic scene when the Ark is opened and Toht's face melts. The effects artists who did it take us through the process and there is vintage footage of it being done.

"Storyboard: The Well of the Souls" shows illustrations from this sequence with footage from the film to show how close the two match.

There are "Galleries" that feature character sketches, props, behind-the-scenes photographs taken on the set, effects shots, like Matte paintings, and models used, various designs for the film's logo, and finally, posters from all over the world.

The Temple of Doom disc features an "Introduction" by Lucas and Spielberg. The director says that he had always wanted to make a trilogy of films and Lucas wanted this one to be darker and edgier, like The Empire Strikes Back (1980). They admit that Temple of Doom got terrible reviews but at least Spielberg met his wife on that one - Kate Capshaw.

"The Creepy Crawlies" examines how each film has some creepy element to it: Raiders with snakes, Temple of Doom with bugs, and the Last Crusade with rats. There are segments from each film are shown with a trivia track option.

"Travel with Indy: Locations" examines the various exotic locales seen throughout the films. We see how Hawaii doubled for South America and so on. This featurette can also be viewed with an optional trivia track. Associate producer Robert Watts takes us through key locations while dishing production anecdotes.

"Storyboards: The Mine Car Chase" allows you to view the illustrations for this sequence along with the actual scene from the film.

The "Galleries" section is identical to the one on the Raiders disc only pertaining to Temple of Doom.

The Last Crusade disc starts off with yet another "Introduction" where Spielberg admits that he wasn't crazy about the idea of the Holy Grail and suggested using it as a metaphor for the father-son relationship between Indy and his father. Lucas and Spielberg talk about the casting of Sean Connery and what he brought to the role.

Easily the most entertaining and engaging extra of the entire set is "Indy's Women: The American Film Institute Tribute" reunites the leading ladies from each film: Karen Allen, Kate Capshaw and Alison Doody. They talk about their characters and working with Spielberg. They all look great and speak candidly about their experiences. In particular, Capshaw and Doody talk about the reaction to their characters.

"Indy's Friends and Enemies" takes a look at the sidekicks, love interests, and villains in the trilogy. Spielberg speaks admiringly of the leading ladies and the strengths of each character. This featurette also explores the role sidekicks and villains play in the film with plenty of clips.

"Storyboards: The Opening Sequence" shows the sketches for the film's exciting opening action sequence with a young Indy (Phoenix) alongside the actual scene in the film.

Finally, the "Galleries" features a nice collection of snapshots from various aspects of the film like the galleries on the other discs.

The extras on these discs are well done and interesting to watch but do not warrant you double-dipping unless you are a hardcore fan that MUST have everything. If this is the first time buying the Indy films and you don't know which set to get, purchase the first one because each film does not share disc space with extras and for the two-hour making of documentary which is superior to all of the extras on this new set combined.

I just finished watching this set and I can honestly say that I was blown away by the picture quality for all 3 films.

There's not much you can say about these movies that hasn't been said before. They're beloved and classic adventure films that many other movies (Mummy,Tomb Raider,etc.) have tried to copy but never could. In all honesty though, I must say that I really only prefer Raiders and Temple of Doom. Last Crusade comes off as goofy and lightweight compared to it's predecessors. But even Crusade looks a little better now compared to the new and atrocious Crystal Skull, or Numb Skull as I like to call it. But I won't get started on how laughably bad that one is as I won't be able to stop. I'll save that for it's own dvd review. Raiders is still the best though and provides all the classic moments, characters, and action that make Indiana Jones so great.

I used to watch these movies alot on vhs when I was younger but I never got the last set on dvd. I also hadn't seen them, except on t.v., for quite a while. I took advantage of a sale for this newly released box set and I just can't get over how good they look. I watched them using an upconverting dvd player via HDMI to my HDTV and they almost look like they could be HD DVD's or Blu Ray's. They colors are robust, the edges are sharp, details pop, and the transfers are very clean. I usually inspect movies from a tech point of view as I'm kind of a audio and videophile and none of the transfers ever came across as dirty or grainy. There are maybe few instances when you may see a spec or spot but you have to look for them. I wish all remasters got this kind of treatment.

I listened to them on my home theater and each movie sounded better than the last. Given the fact that they were originally mono 2.0 tracks, I think they did a very good job converting them to 5.1. Raiders came across the weakest of the bunch as Temple and Crusade feature much fuller, bass filled tracks. But considering it's age, it was still pretty good.

I've read that the DD 5.1 tacks are the same from the last box set but that the video is superior here. Some of the extras are different from the sets too. They've added a couple of new ones here but removed alot of the documentary style ones from the last set as it had a separate disc to contain them. They didn't have the room to include them here but I'm wondering why they didn't just add the extras disc from the last set to complete it.

Overall, this is simply a no-brainer must have for any fan of the series. If you already have the last set, you may just be happy to keep it, especially if you like extras. If you don't have either set, you'll select one based on where your priorities are. Either video quality or extras seem to be the only differences. Personally, I'd rather have better audio and video, but that's just me. I don't think you can go wrong no matter which you choose and you'll be happy either way. Recommended.

Before I begin, let me note there are THREE different Indiana Jones' sets. Two of them came out in 2003 (one was full-screen, the other widescreen). The one discussed in my review will be the newest one.

All the films are in widescreen format and each come with a behind the scenes look at each film along with other extras too numerous to mention here.

Now, for my opinions of each:

RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK - Indiana Jones races to get the legendary Ark Of The Covenant from the hands of the Nazis. Along the way, he encounters an old flame from the past which is revisited in the fourth film "Kingdom Of The Krystal Skull."

TEMPLE OF DOOM - After nearly escaping death from a chinese gang, Indiana Jones crash lands in India with singer Willie Scott and a little chinese kid named Short Round. Seeing the plight of these people, he agrees to help them save their children from slavery and recover their Shakara stone from an occult group.

It should be fair to note that this film, while fun, is the darkest of the three that are out so far and some parts may not be suitable for kids.

THE LAST CRUSADE - While trying to find his missing father (played by Sean Connery), Indiana Jones becomes involved in a chase for the cup of Christ. The very cup that Jesus drank from at the last supper before his crucifixion. Again, he goes against the Nazis in this two mission race.

All three films are great thrill rides in my view! I am personally biased towards Temple Of Doom but all of them are great. I also think these film put Harrison Ford's name on the map, moreso than Star Wars did (only my opinion).

Anyway, if you haven't bought the original box sets, then pick up the new one! Worth the buy!

When I originally bought this set, it was transfered in an aspect ratio that is now out of date. And now all three films have come out in the true widescreen format that have brought these three great movies into the 21st television century. It is worth the upgrade.

The answer is simple. If you don't have either collection, do you want the improved visual quality of the new set, or do you want the bonus disc from the first set? They're the same movies, so if you love them, you'll probably be happy with either set. If you're a bonus feature lover, you'll have to pore over the details about the bonus features. I chose this set because the special features were on each disc instead of a separate one and the other reviews said the picture quality was better (which it is).

I was more interested in the actual films because I love Indy and really just wanted the set. Once I got it in the mail, I was very happy with it because each movie is in a slim case instead of the bulky normal cases and they fit in a cardboard sleeve that isn't much wider than 2 normal DVDs (the slim cases also don't have inserts like normal DVD cases). It's an attractive set, maybe not as nice as the original set, but it still looks good. The movie quality is great visually and sound-wise, so again, you have to decide what you want from your movie set before deciding which set to get. If you already have one of the sets, it may not be worth it to get the other one, since one copy of the trilogy is probably enough. So the question is, what do you want from your DVDs? Of course, there's always the option to buy the cheaper one...

I was first in the door opening day in my home town for all 3 of these films.

If you are a fan the original 2003 DVD package set with the 3 films was MUCH better.

That had additional discs with the extras. This set only has the 3 disc for extra film with some extras on each.

NO chapter search list for any film.

THEN, an unnecessary paper that comes off & you have to put some place because it does NOT attach to the box.

This set was put out in time for the release of the 4th film 5-22-08. POOR set to get interest for the new films.

The new extras are good BUT NEEDS THEIR OWN DISC LIKE THE 2003 DVD PACKAGE.
Above rating for the films NOT the DVD package

These newest DVD editions sound great and they've got some great features on 'em. I have the box set that came out five years ago, (Wow! Has it been that long?)so I guess these new ones are just in time for moratorium (and to promote the new movie). Got to admit, if ya' don't have the first box set, these would be a great set to get AND you've got the option this time of getting just the ones you want (so if you ONLY like "Raiders" - there you are). Me, I'll wait for Blu-Ray. They'll probably put EVERYTHING on those - at least I hope so. If they don't, and I want to be a completist, I'll just wait 'til these are in the bargain bin somewhere and get 'em for cheap. This is just the cycle of DVD releases, ya' just gotta' make choices as a DVD consumer and movie FAN.

One of the greatest action/adventure franchises of all time, the original "Indiana Jones" trilogy returns to DVD in an excellent three-disc collector's set! Chances are, if you own the original four-disc set, you won't be purchasing this collection. But if this is your first time buying it, then the wait is definitely worth it! All three films come together with terrific picture and sound, and come with great extras that are sure to entertain!

RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK (1981)
The film that started it all, "Raiders" is a fantastic adventure film that brings back the excitement of the 1930's movie serials! Featuring terrific acting from Harrison Ford and a stellar ensemble cast, thrilling action sequences and visual effects, and another memorable score by John Williams, George Lucas and Steven Spielberg crafted a fantastic film full of awe, wonder and excitement, cementing Indiana Jones as one of the greatest adventure heroes of all time!
Movie Grade: A

INDIANA JONES AND THE TEMPLE OF DOOM (1984)
As he had done with the second installment of the "Star Wars" trilogy, Lucas wanted to create a darker, edgier film for the second installment of the "Indiana Jones" trilogy. But what worked for "Star Wars" does not work for Indy and the gang. While the film features some terrific action sequences, a great friendship story between Indy and his sidekick, Short Round, and another fantastic score from John Williams, the film goes to far into the macabre, featuring gruesome images (a man with his heart ripped out, then bursting into flames; men getting ripped apart by crocodiles) and humor (A gross dinner scene) that was unnecessary for an "Indy" film, and gave birth to the PG-13 rating. Still, the film features some good moments, making it a worthwhile film, though it is still the weakest of the first three films.
Movie Grade: B

INDIANA JONES AND THE LAST CRUSADE (1989)
The best of the sequels to "Raiders" (And my personal favorite of the "Indy" adventures), "The Last Crusade" is a fantastic film that returns Indy to fighting Nazis in search of religious icons. What makes this film great are the terrific action sequences, some great spiritual references, and fantastic chemistry between Harrison Ford and Sir Sean Connery. These elements come together to create a fantastic adventure epic that redeems the franchise, and is both exciting and moving at the same time. Terrific entertainment!
Movie Grade: A+

CONCLUSION
"Indiana Jones: The Adventure Collection" is a terrific set for those who don't own the films already, and helps to get us all ready when "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" comes out on May 22. This set is highly recommended!
DVD Grade: A+

I won't beat around the bush, these films are classics and I cannot praise them enough. It's no exaggeration in the slightest bit to say that this series not only made archaeology fun, interesting and sexy for the masses but it more than likely also inspired hundreds of men and women across the globe to become archaeologists! That's the power of truly great cinema!

Personally, I'm convinced Temple of Doom was the best in the series with Raiders falling incredibly close behind. I've probably watched TOD fifty times and it never seems to get old. Concerning The Last Crusade, well, I don't want to get too negative but I thought it was an irritating entry. Whichever entry you love or hate, this collection is perfect for fans! You get the special editions of each film plus extras! Fantastic!

What can I say? These are freakin' awesome and this set is worth every penny! There's only one small problem, one small reason why I wouldn't recommend purchasing this, and that is the fourth film. The fourth film, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, there's a great chance you'll be seeing ANOTHER Indiana Jones box set released with all the releases of this set plus the new film. I mean, why bother purchasing this for about $30 and get 3 films when you get wait another 8 months and purchase all 4 films for $50? If you can't wait, grab this anyhow.