Indiana Jones - The Adventure Collection (2003, DVD)

I m thinking what Tom Selleck would have been like as Indiana Jones and I have to say that I m glad he was still contracted to do Magnum, P.I. at the time. That s not to say that he wouldn t have brought his own charm to the character but I don t believe it would have been the same vibe and intensity (and flawless comedic timing) that Harrison Ford brings to the Indiana Jones franchise. From 1981 to 1989, Indiana Jones has thrilled audiences with his incredible archaeology adventures in Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984) and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989). The adventures of Dr. Jones are collected and can be enjoyed many times over with The Adventures of Indiana Jones: The Complete DVD Movie Collection on a 4-disc DVD set. Whips are optional.

Indiana Jones is introduced to the world in Raiders of the Lost Ark. He is a nice throwback to the days of treasure hunters and pulp action heroes. Set in 1936, Dr. Jones is on a quest to stop the Nazis from finding and possessing the legendary Ark of the Covenant. Interestingly, the Nazis are led by Rene Belloq, a French archaeologist and Jones' rival.

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom is actual a prequel as it takes place just one year prior to the first movie in 1935. There is a completely different feel as it lends itself more to a horror-paced story. Jones is pitted against a bloodthirsty cult while trying to recover a sacred stone and rescuing many children. Even though Spielberg wanted to make a darker film, the same feeling and magic from the first film was missing.

The third installment of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade sees Indiana reunited with his estranged father, Henry Jones. Set in 1938, the two Jones' race against time to stop the Nazis (yet again) from finding the Holy Grail. There is a sequence at the beginning of the movie that takes place in 1912 providing some back story to Indiana Jones' character, specifically his fear of snakes, how he got his fedora, and how he even got the scar on his chin. The film follows more in line with the first one in terms of thrilling excitement and adventure.


"You Were Named After the Dog?"

While the first three discs house the movies, the fourth Bonus Material disc reveals some insights to this trilogy. Over three hours of material is included to enlighten the viewer to the makings of this beloved franchise.

The main thrust of the disc rests upon "Indiana Jones: Making the Trilogy". Interviews by Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, Harrison Ford and more discuss the magic behind filiming the movies and the development of the characters involved. It was interesting to know that Lucas named his character "Indiana" after his own dog, a tidbit that was included in the third film. He really was named after the dog. (Of special interest, Lucas' dog is also the inspiration of Chewbacca. He definitely has no problem double-dipping). Lots of behind-the-scenes footage, outtakes, screen tests, conceptual artwork (Indiana Jones was designed by comic book artist Jim Steranko), production drawings and photographs.

"The Light and Magic of Indiana Jones" takes a look at the special effects created by Industrial Light and Magic in an era before computer generated effects. The mindset, wizardry and craftsmanship to make miniatures, matte paintings, sculptures and so much more integrate seamlessly into the movies is a testament and skill to these artisans.

"The Sound of Indiana Jones" and "The Stunts of Indiana Jones" are eye-openers to the unsung heroes who help make these films even more thrilling and believable.

"The Music of Indiana Jones" is, without a doubt, an integral part of the film just as the actors and special effects. Even when the movie is over, John Williams' "The Raiders March" is still ringing in our ears. There is no question as to why it is one of the most iconic movie theme songs of all time. Williams explains how the music was developed and complements the adventure at hand.

Other features included are the Original Trailers for the Indiana Jones, a trailer for Indiana Jones and the Emperor's Tomb video game, and exclusive DVD-Rom content that can be unlocked through a special website on your computer.

The Adventures of Indiana Jones is a great collection to have especially for those who haven't purchased any of the individual movies. What I love is the pure translation of the original film to these discs; there is no attempt to even "Lucasize" any of these films by adding extra special effects to it. I fell in love with its charm in its original state of being and this is the way I want to remember it. And it wouldn't be a complete boxed set without the mastery and genius artwork of Drew Struzan adorning all covers. He even did a special one for the Bonus Material. Spielberg, Lucas, Ford, Williams, and Struzan definitely have created a magical world that I never want to end. Now it doesn't have to with this 4-disc boxed set.


____________________________________________________________________________


Another entry to my 2008 Funny Pages Write-Off. The look of Indiana Jones was designed by comic book artist Jim Steranko