Indiana Jones Trilogy

THE FLICKS: To hear Lucas and Spielberg tell it, the Indiana Jones films are nothing more than shameless patchworks of Saturday Afternoon serial adventure films. Of course, to an entire generation that had never seen Flash Gordon, Tarzan, or the assorted cowboy heroes, “Raiders of the Lost Ark” was a completely new and completely liberating experience. And in their fanciful quest to re-create the films of their youth, Lucas and Spielberg managed to create an entirely new cinematic icon almost by accident. Few films, if any, can top “Raiders” for sheer entertainment value. Yes, its action set pieces are the stuff of legend – the boulder, the blowdarts, the truck stunts, the exploding heads – but it’s the surprisingly well-rounded performances from secondary characters like Karen Allen and John Rhys-Davies that make it feel like family reunion every time you watch. “Temple of Doom” took some much undeserved heat at the time of release for being too violent and dark, even though the physical comedy is considerably more over the top than “Raiders” (most of which comes from Kate Capshaw’s perpetually whining love interest). But peppering Indy’s adventures with some real danger kept things spicy, resulting in a knockout finale, including the rollercoaster mine chase and suspension bridge scene. In ’89 “The Last Crusade” felt like – and still does – a moneymaking adventure, rather than the genuine next chapter in Indiana Jones’ escapades. Connery’s role as Indy’s father felt like stunt casting, and bringing back some old friends (Denholm Elliot and Rhys-Davies) seemed to spring from a lack of fresh ideas. The opening sequence however, with River Phoenix as a teenage Indy fighting for his life on a moving circus train, holds up as one of the most memorable of the series. Spielberg has yet to find another project as perfect for him as the Indiana Jones films – jumping from life or death situations to outright comedy, placing its hero in harm’s way only to end with a punchline. “Raiders” and its sequels deliver that most enjoyable of movie-going experiences: making the audience gasp, squeal and laugh all at the same time. THE FEATURES: Other than Lucas’ original “Star Wars” trilogy, these are the most anticipated films yet to make their premiere on the DVD format. And you couldn’t ask for a better box set. In an age when quirky 30 year old horror films are getting much more elaborate treatment then most studio fare, it’s nice to see the Indiana Jones Trilogy deliver such an exhaustive amount of fan friendly info without burying them in a confusing mess of still galleries, 5 minute featurettes, and promotional crap. This is how a documentary is supposed to be done! Each film in the trilogy is broken down (although you can choose a “play all” feature) and explored from the angle of the writers, directors, producers, cast and crew. Everyone makes an appearance (and I mean everyone, even if they’re deceased), contributing some amusing stories and insights. Plus there’s amazing footage on location - Lucas shooting 2nd unit in the desert, Harrison practicing with his whip, Spielberg refusing to venture onto the suspension bridge. Comprehensive without becoming tedious, each major action scene is discussed by those who were in charge, backed up with tons more rare footage. Besides the major documentaries, there are some shorter pieces that go into even more detail. “The Stunts of Indiana Jones” picks up with the major scenes, including the “under the truck” sequence from “Raiders” that the stuntman had tried – and failed – on a previous picture. “The Sound of Indiana Jones” lets Ben Burtt explain exactly how he got all those gunshots and body blows to sound so brutal. “The Music of Indiana Jones” shows composer John Williams at work. And “The Light and Magic of Indiana Jones” details the craftsmanship that went into movies like this before CGI came along and ruined everything! Trailers and teasers for all the films, along with DVD-ROM for those so inclined, wrap up what is undoubtedly the classiest packaging of the year; a faux leather box with raised lettering and original artwork on the cover. FINAL SCORE: The wait was worth it. Similar to the top-notch job they did with “The Godfather Trilogy,” Paramount’s “Indiana Jones Trilogy” is too good to just admire on your shelf. But, damn, if it doesn’t look pretty!