Customer Reviews

Raiders of the Lost Ark - Widescreen Version (1981)

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While it may have been the role of Hans Solo in `Star Wars' that planted the name of Harrison Ford within the collective consciousness of the American (and world for that matter) public, it was his portrayal of the adventurous Indiana Jones in the '81 blockbuster `Raiders of the Lost Ark' that made him the iconic film legend he is today.

The first of three epic adventures, `Raiders of the Lost Ark' is in my estimation the best of the series so far (a fourth is now in production so who knows). If this is your genre of entertainment you have found your pot-of-gold. Amazing special effects, superb cast, an unforgettable soundtrack and a script and storyline overflowing with clever, quotable dialogue and heavy supernatural undertones that are absolutely mesmerizing.

Simply the "Best of the Best!

Thrills, chills, cheeky humor, and pure rollicking fun in the mold of George Lucas's own "Star Wars" mark the ingeniously stylish--and monumentally successful--"Raiders," which introduced us to an intrepid, 1930s-era treasure-hunter, played with charming arrogance by Ford. Who else could wield a bullwhip with such authority? With its delightfully outrageous storyline, state-of-the-art special effects, and marvelous supporting performances from Allen, Alfred Molina, and John Rhys-Davies, the film's an energetic, action-packed rehash of old movie genres that, in Spielberg's capable hands, all feel refreshingly new. Some of the violence may be too graphic for younger viewers, but there's no traveling companion quite like Mr. Jones. "Raiders" is a booby-trapped joy ride for the age-defying adventurer in us all.

We bought this DVD because our old VHS tape of the movie was going bad. Although the disk was used, it works great. Of course, we wouldn't have even bought the disk if we didn't think the movie was great.

I received this in a timely manner but it turned out to be what I believe to be an unauthorized copy.... going by the packaging and the printing on the disk itself. Disc did not work from the start, had a dull abraded look to it. Not scratched, apparently unused, but just a very dull finish. I washed it-- no help. I polished it and that helped some but it never did work. Seller did not respond to my Email. I sent the disk back within a few days asking for a refund or replacement and nothing. Lost my money on this one!

The First , and A Classic for any Movie , but especially for Indiana Jones

Raiders of the Lost Ark is a great, fun action film. It is a great superhero-like film, like the 1988 film, Batman. The action is non-stop and always makes you wonder: How will Indiana Jones get out of this trap?
This film is a classic.

This is the first in a series of fun to watch action packed movies based on what an archeologist should be. Being a first you will not notice the pattern of the film unless you are used to Saturday matinees.

We hit the deck running on this one as we see Indiana Jones making a John Wayne type of entrance. So much that you do not notice the dubious looking character next to him Statipo (Alfred Molina). Until he says "Give me the Idle and I will give you the whip."

Now settled down, after his near miss with the natives, Harrison Ford is a professor (Indiana Jones) teaching the fact that archeology is a search for facts not some thrill ride.

That very afternoon he is confronted by some government agents. It seems that his old professor Abner Ravenwood has disappeared. They picked up some radio transmissions that contained the name of Abner and a city Tannis. Immediately Indiana Jones knows that the Nazis (natural bad buys) are looking for the Ark of the Covenant (which can be used as a weapon of unspeakable power) and somehow he must bet them to it for the sake of the world.

He is helped by an old love interest Marion (Karen Allen) and rivaled by an old nemesis Dr. Rene Belloq (Paul Freeman).

Does it really exist?
How can he beat them to it?
Why is he on the outs with Abner?

Hold on for a thrill a minute and don't eat any bad dates.