Customer Reviews

Jurassic Park III (Full Screeen Collector's Edition)

5 star:		(97)
4 star:		(104)
3 star:		(79)
2 star:		(45)
1 star:		(63)

 

 

It would be nearly impossible to trump the first Jurassic Park film. People were blown away by that movie. The technology was cutting edge and the premise was nearly magical in its element of fantasy. Making a third installment to the series presents an obvious challenge. How do you uphold the level of entertainment set by the first two films? The answer: new dinosaurs...

In this film, we get the addition of a few new dinos. The Spinosaur, being even bigger and badder than the T-Rex, is the "guy on the block" now. Flying pteranodons are introduced on Isla Sorna, where they were once housed in a huge cage, now left to patrol the skies freely. The Velociraptors have also gotten an upgrade. They look a bit more menacing than the Raptors from the original Jurassic Park. These new additions are what make this film what it is.

The first film was set on lush pastures of modeled prehistoric land. The setting for this film is far more delapidated. This is the land the dinosaur rules. The premise of the film is a bit cheesy, but you barely notice, given the amazing production and spectacle of the film. Once on the island, all you experience is the thrill of the search and the chase. The fact that a divorced couple are searching for their wayward child becomes secondary to the dinosaur action that ensues once they arrive.

I knew I would enjoy this movie simply because I love the idea of Jurassic Park, yet I was pleasantly surprised by just how good it turned out to be.

The DVD is bursting with bonus material. It would take hours to get through it all - but it's well worth it. There's an extensive "Making of.." featurette, a "New Dinosaurs" featurette, a tour of the studio in which the dinosaurs were conceived and brought to life, storyboards, DVD-rom options, etc... The Special Edition certainly does the process of the movie justice, providing deep insight into the production.

Highly recommended.

This film has outstanding special effects, excellent cinematography, a wonderful cast, and a thin script. While it is better than the second film in the Jurassic Park series, it comes nowhere near equaling the original Jurassic Park movie.

This film sees two of the original stars return, Sam Neill, as paleontologist Dr. Alan Grant, and Laura Dern, in a cameo reprising her original role. Add William Macy and Tea Leoni, as a divorced couple who kidnap Dr. Grant and take him to Isla Sorna, site of Jurassic Park II, on a search and rescue mission for their twelve year old son, who disappeared eight weeks earlier while parasailing over Isla Sorna with his mother's boyfriend.

After the initial breathtaking, opening scene of the boy and his mother's friend parasailing, the movie starts going south almost immediately, which is not to say that it is not enjoyable. It is, but not as enjoyable as it could have been, had it been filmed with an intelligent script.

The movie is only an hour and a half long. In the process of making it a succinct film, the actors race through the plot, leaving certain questions unanswered or certain issues unexplained, in the almost indecent haste to get the film over with.

The actions of some of the characters are often unbelievable. Clearly terrorized, the characters do not hesitate to run off by themselves. They also do not hesitate to make as much noise as possible. Obviously, they do this in order to put themselves into a situation where they will be injured, chased, or eaten by a dinosaur.

As I said, little thought appears to have been given to formulating an intelligent script. Still, if the viewer is willing to suspend all rational thought, one should get some enjoyment from viewing this moderately entertaining film

Jurassic Park III was definitely the best of the summer blockbusters, though it got very underrated. This is a sequal...what more could you expect? A huge dramatic film? I think not. This is Jurassic Park...duh! Jurassic Park III had a great cast list, including the talents of Sam Neill (who starred in the first Jurassic Park movie), William H. Macy, Tea Leoni, Trevor Morgan, and even a cameo role by Laura Dern (who also starred in the first one). I liked Jeff Goldblum better as a supporting character in Jurassic Park more than the leading character in The Lost World. Sam Neill is the real star of the Jurassic Park trilogy!

The plot of this movie is very simple and straight-forward, which makes it easier for audiences to concentrate more on the awesome action, special effects, and the dinosaurs! Also, it's easy for most people to understand.(...)

The only bad thing about this movie was that it was too short! (...) The other two movies had been over two hours long, but Jurassic Park III was only about 92 minutes long. Also, the ending was okay, but it was a little bit cheesy. Still, I enjoyed Jurassic Park III. It was the best movie I saw all summer long. Plus, the ending didn't really seem complete. Perhaps a 4th Jurassic Park movie is in the works? Jurassic Park III has some of the best special effects all summer long. JP3's special effects were even better than the special effects in movies like Planet of the Apes, The Mummy Returns, and Pearl Harbor! And the DVD for this movie looks really great, too with some very cool special features like behind-the-sceens, the making of the new dinosaurs, cast & crew interviews, etc. Joe Johnson did a great job as director and filled Steven Speilberg's shoes perfectly. This movie needs more recognization and credit! It was better than what most critics claimed it would be. If there's one movie you must rent on DVD this winter than it definitely has to be Jurassic Park III!

Let me start off by saying that I am a major fan of the original Jurassic Park. I thought the story was original, the plot was exciting, and the acting was excellent. Then The Lost World: Jurassic Park II came out. I was disappointed to say the least. It was a bastardization of the entire series. With this said, I did not have high expectations when going to see Jurassic Park III.

However, I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised with the film. It is by no means as good as the first film, but it still provides a enjoyable movie experience. Sam Neill returns as Dr. Alan Grant and Laura Dern returns with a small role as Dr. Laura Satler. William H. Macy and Téa Leoni play somewhat annoying roles as a couple that hires Dr. Grant to take them on an tour of Isla Sorna (the island from the second film) via air plane. Of course they all end up on the island, and have to find an escape before they become dinosaur food.

Yes, the plot might not be original, but do not let that deter you from seeing the movie. The movie itself is considerably shorter than the previous films. An hour-thirty minutes compared to the other films running times of just over two hours each. This provides just enough time to really enjoy the movie before you might start to get bored with it (much like JP2).

The acting was excellent overall, especially by Sam Neill. The story was good. They kept the characters on the island for this film (No stupid dinosaurs in the middle of San Francisco this time). Basically the only problem I had with the film was that they made the kid smarter than the adults, much like in the first two films, but not to the extent that it was in the Lost World. Too much of the "kid saves the day" syndrome is going through the heads of Hollywood screenwriters these days.

Anyway, the flaws in this film really are minor, and I would recommend this film to any Jurassic Park fan. I enjoyed this film and look forward to watching it again. This is the movie The Lost World should have been. If you are new to Jurassic Park, definately start with the first (which is still the best). Otherwise rent or buy this movie to add to your collection.

Jurassic is one of few movie series that I love unconditionally. I normally don't buy Region 1 DVDs unless I know they are not being released in the UK. However, for this one I made an exception. It may have not done the business in the cinema the way the first two of the series did, but Johnston's replacement of Spielberg as Director is a seamless one.

So you might say that what can a 3rd instalment about pre-historic creatures give us that has not already been done before? This movie gives you an elaborate answer. With the return of Sam Neill as Alan & special guest appearance from Dern, this movie feels like the true sequel to the first instalment. Taking place on another dino-infested island, Neill guides Macy & Leoni et al through a ravenous island where beast are free to live in their natural habitat - hence creating a few scares on the way. Most notable is the introduction of the Spinosaurus Egypticus - the biggest & fiercest carnivor of them all - there's a gripping battle with the movie's hitherto principal antihero, T-Rex & an amusing scene with a satellite phone. A true movie gem. The outcome of the sequence leaves you in no doubt as to who the mother of all dinos are. Velociraptors are back with a vengeance & with an evolutionary edge. The film builds on suggestion that the most evil of the Jurassic age was a communal beast that had its own developed communication skills. We watch in horror as they track down & kill the human visitors. My fave scene of the movie is the Birdcage sequence which is thrilling & fantastic to watch.

You get an overall sense that the movie's creators have sought to give their audiences new chunks to bite into - mainly about evolution & man's battle against temptation. I was thoroughly satisfied by the movie's direction & edge. Certainly there were parts missing. The ending was too rapid & everything works out between Neill & his ingenu assistant - but hey it's the movies & the film does not profess to be Einstein's sibling.

Add to a cracking movie a series of in-depth featurettes & behind the scenes footage & you have a whopper of a DVD which succeeds not only in the fun & brilliance of the movie, but the quality of the package as a complete synthesis of the movie from pre-production. A guilty pleasure which I'm glad I bought

Although this is the third film in the Jurassic Park series, it is still quite entertaining. I believe this movie stands on it's own, as a good action film. Yes, the awe and wonder of seeing the dinosaurs on film for the first time is gone, but JP3 has some good things going for it. First of all, this movie's running length is not overly-long (it's only 90 minutes). Second, although it is an action film, it manages not to take itself too seriously (and even has refreshingly humorous moments throughout the movie). And finally, the filmakers have added some new dinosaurs to the mix, in this film, in addition to making them look even more realistic (technology has greatly improved since the first flick 12 years ago, and it shows). The actual plot is not bad either, but people are ultimately more interested in the quality of the dinosaur action sequences, and they deliver quite a bite (no pun intended).

Critic-proof monster movie featuring those hungry creations of Michael Crichton and Steven Spielberg. Only this time, the dinosaurs are shorn of their pretentiousness, their T-Rex-sized budget . . . and their human prey are shorn of their sentimentality. (Spielberg didn't direct this one.) *JP3* is at least the equal of the first in this series -- in fact, if you're a dinosaur fan you can buy parts One and Three and call it a day. Did I say critic-proof? Maybe not. Here's a few thoughts: if they wanted to make a movie simply showing dinosaurs crunchin' down on some femurs, why did they feel they had to make it under the *Jurassic Park* umbrella? A whole new narrative background could've staved off some boredom, at least. (I'm really sick of that island.) Predictability could've been staved off by not so clearly telegraphing who's going to end up as dinosaur-snackage and who isn't. (The resourceful 12-year-old, it can be safely said, won't join the former.) Still, the movie, dumb as it is, exerts an undeniably primal appeal: it's about big animals with big teeth who eat people. Forget about the plot contrivances; they're standard in fun movies like these. Just appreciate the fact that the script is admirably free of B.S. -- it GETS. TO. THE. POINT. (It's only 90 minutes long . . . no wonder why Spielberg turned down the opportunity to direct.)

Of all three JP movies, I think JP3 just might be the one I'll be watching most often. The first movie was really good, but after countless times watching it I've found myself tiring of the first half, waiting impatiently for the dinosaurs to break loose. The Lost World was also good, yet slightly flawed somehow. This third installment gives the viewer the most bang for their buck. Not only does it feature the best dinosaur effects as of yet, the action pieces are also inventive and memorable. You've got the infamous T-Rex vs. Spinosaurus smackdown, Billy's parasail rescue in the aviary, and the confrontation with the Spinosaurus yet again in the river. True, the script is lacking in some areas (Amanda Kirby doesn't react to the death of her b/f when they find his corpse) and cliched in other parts (Billy, the over-eager assistant), but the actors and actresses bring their characters to life, and make the movie compelling.

Universal has done a great job with this DVD. The audio is fantastic. I've heard the picture suffers from edge enhancement or whatever, but since I don't have a widescreen TV, the picture looks great to me. The supplements are what make the disc, though. While a lot of the supplements look superficial and promotional, they offer a lot more depth than one might expect. Don't expect an hour-long documentary ala Star Wars Episode One, but the half-hour behind-the-scenes program is better than the usual ten-minute peek Universal's past DVD's have offered. What really makes these supplements worthwhile is that they enhanced my perception of the flick. From the commentary track to the mini featurettes, you really get the feeling that all who were involved had a fantastic time making Jurassic Park III. That's rare, especially when making a sequel that the public really didn't expect much from. JPIII did not come from a third-rate, inexperienced director or a bunch of actors lured back to the franchise with $$$. Watch the movie, then go through all the special features, and you'll see JPIII in a whole new light.

This is a really great disc for a great movie which proves the JP franchise hasn't quite gone extinct yet. Buy it now!

If you're looking for a quick-paced action flick with awesome special effects, look no further than Jurassic Park 3. JP3 is chocked full of dino's with emphasis on the Pteradactyl scene and the new "super dinosaur" - a formidable foe to the T-Rex. The scenery in the movie, as expected, is gorgeous but the acting (outside of Sam Neill) is average at best. William H. Macy plays the father searching for his son lost on Dino island and Sam Neill is his guide. The basic plot of the film is to escape from the island.

(TV: 32" Sony Trinitron (KV-32S40))
(DVD player: Panasonic RP-56)
(Cables: Acoustic Reasearch top-of-the-line)

Picture quality: Excellent, even the menu is exciting.

Sound quality: Excellent as always. Turn the sub up only half-way and you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Jurassic Park 3 is an average film with action being its very core. While the first JP had action, superb acting and an "epic" feel to it, the third can only live up to the action of the first film.

JP3 is nothing more than an action filled, edge of your seat, nail biting, heart pounding, jump out of your seat action thriller with `oh my god, do those Dinos look real' special effects. With that said, why wouldn't anyone want to see this movie? I can't think of one reason. This movie was great. It was such an improvement over the second one that I am now hoping they make a fourth one, and let Joe Johnston direct it, PLEASE! I know that Spielberg was happy with what he saw. Which tells me one thing, Spielberg has outgrown these movies. He's moved on to bigger things, like A.I. and Saving Private Ryan. So let the reigns of his more meager works be taken over by lesser known talented directors. Johnston does a superb job of handling the legacy of Jurassic Park. He takes it back to the roots. The movie is more of an action adventure. It does tend to touch more on the themes of messing with nature and whether it is right or wrong as they did in the first one, but not as much. Alan Grant, played very well again by Sam Neil, is hired to play aerial tour guide for a rich couple who want to see Isla Sorna from a plane. A crash ensues and of course, people become snacks for the Dinos. There are some cheesier themes of family togetherness as Grant finds out that his rich thrill seekers are really poor saps looking for their lost son on the island. But the action that ensues from this is entertaining and pulse pounding. There are many more types of dinosaurs to be seen, and the new big baddie, the Spinasauras is absolutely nasty. the fight between him and the T-Rex is worth the cost of admission alone. Improvements in Computer animation since the first movie allow us to see spectacular aerial shots of so many Dinos that you want to believe there is an Island out there with these creatures to be seen. As I said beore, don't look for heavy themes of whether we should be tampering with nature as they did in the first movie, but you can count on something much more thrilling and fun to watch then the second movie. Highly recommended.