Indiana Jones Adventure Collection, The (US - DVD R1)
Or as Gabe calls it: Indiana Jones and the new theatrical cash-in release...
Feature
We’re all entirely familiar with the Indiana Jones trilogy, and we know this three-disc re-release is just a cash in aimed at folks excited for the new theatrical release Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. I’m sure most of us know a Blu-ray release will be the next step sometime this winter. I won’t waste too much time reviewing the movies, and I promise my feelings will not be hurt if you skip over this section of my review.

Raiders of the Lost Ark
Indiana Jones’ first theatrical adventure is still his best, and Raiders of the Lost Ark is still a quintessential American movie. This isn’t something future generations are going to revisit with a particularly critical eye, and come back telling all us old folks we were wrong about. The film’s imagery has be indelibly etched in the minds of everyone that’s seen it, ensuring that we never look at a particularly round boulder, cobra snake, bull whip, fedora, or date eating monkey the same way ever again.
Raiders balances the scales of homage and original style better then possibly even the Star Wars trilogy. Spielberg fills the screen with iconic images that we now take for granted, especially those of us who first saw the film as children. If one were to stop and contemplate the various booby traps Harrison Ford and Alfred Molina contend with at the beginning of the film we might question the now classic scene. Is there anything in the historical record to say that ancient people set deadly traps around their most prized relics? It doesn’t matter, because a much beloved trope is born out of the sequence, in effect becoming its own historical record. Raiders is also one of the only ‘golden age’ Spielberg films that handles humour as well as action, though, of course, a lot of that credit must go to his actors.

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
I know it’s a film geek cliché, but I don’t really like Temple of Doom. It’s not because the film is darker than Raiders, or bloodier (both films are pretty R-rated in my book), or even because Short Round is an unbelievably obnoxious sidekick. Even the casual racism is pretty amusing. Temple of Doom is simply not a magical film. The jokes all fall flat, the plot is contrived even by Indiana Jones standards, and the villains and supporting characters are thinly sketched, especially when compared to the colourful rogues of the first instalment. My number one complaint is the matter of Kate Capshaw’s annoying performance, which is made only more inadequate when watched back to back with Karen Allen’s pitch perfect portrayal of Marion Ravenwood. I understand that this wasn’t entirely Capshaw’s fault, and I know she gets a lot of flack, but it’s still a terrible character.
Temple of Doom also transpires so far outside the world of the other two films it often seems entirely unrelated. I understand that it’s suppose to be a prequel, but Indy’s search for ‘fortune and glory’, despite already having his PhD sort of spits in the face of the character’s most intriguing traits. In every other movie (so far) and the television series (if we’re counting that as canon), Indiana Jones seeks treasures for archaeological satisfaction, not for the money. Indiana Jones also involves himself in adventures because ht wants to do what’s right, not because a bunch of natives have guilted him into it.
There are a few things that still work in the film’s favour, namely the action and the colourful sets and photography. After the hours of brown that was Raiders it’s nice to see some vibrant hyperrealism. The scenes taking place in the titular temple are fantastic eye-candy. The action set pieces seem to be the only part of the script anyone put any effort into, and they are pretty spectacular, especially the famous mine cart chase (which still stands up to decent scrutiny). If Temple of Doom proves anything, its that even at his worst Steven Spielberg can still direct circles around even the best action directors (some shots in the film are among the most painterly in the director’s career), and even before the digital era ILM was a force to contend with. It also proves that finding comedic inspiration in the Faces of Death movies is a bit dubious.

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
Last Crusade is still a step down from Raiders, but thanks to a healthy dose of maturity and sharply crafted characters the film is in some respects the best step for the character, and a perfect finale for the series (I’m not sure where this next movie can possibly take the character from an emotional standpoint). Though not comparable on a level of artistic achievement with films like Schindler’s List and Munich, Last Crusade fits in nicely with Spielberg’s more modern output in the mature manner he now treats fantasy/action as seen in films like Minority Report, A.I., and even War of the Worlds (last act misfires included).
When watched back to back with the other two films (this marks the first time I’ve watched all three in a row like this), the softening of the violence and menace is actually pretty surprising (though the only PG-13 film in the set, it’s by far the least gory). Crusade’s violence is either played directly for laughs, or for genuine emotional impact, like when Indy’s dad is shot. Tonally Spielberg slowly cranks the film’s seriousness to ensure the climax holds the emotional impact, but this creates a sort of Catch-22, wherein Last Crusade is the only Indy film to date that drags.
Video
There has been no re-restoration here; these are the exact same discs that were released way back when. Raiders is clean and sharp, but the overall print is a bit dark. To compensate the contrast levels have been pumped a bit too high creating some unfortunate edge enhancement. Things improve once Indy leaves the dimly lit caverns and classrooms, but being the oldest of the trilogy this one does suffer a bit. Skin tones are often this side of too red, but most colours are vibrant without bleeding.

Temple of Doom is overall a noticeable improvement, thanks in no small part to its more lively colour pallet, including lush forest greens, and garish sacrificial pit reds (though skin tones are still a bit too warm). Contrast levels are better, and the whites don’t flair out the frame in brighter scenes. Edge enhancement is still an issue, but less obvious. Raiders has one advantage, that of detail. Some scenes are inconsistent and a tiny bit blurred.
Last Crusade, being the newest film in the set, is another step up in quality. Detail levels are noticeably sharper, and though edge enhancement is still present, it’s far less distracting. Last Crusade follows the Raiders colour pallet more then that of Doom, so most of the pallet is ‘default WWII brown’, but the few instances of comic book colouring are bright without much noise or bleeding. Last Crusade also has the deepest black levels of the three films.
Audio
These THX certified (new THX trailer, by the way) Dolby Digital 5.1 tracks are pretty ferocious in parts, but suffer a mild case of the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly disease, meaning the sound effects sometimes sound unnaturally added during DVD production, not film production. Some the explosions and gunshots are so bassy it’s a little laughable, especially considering the films’ ages (though I’m mostly looking at the first two). The dialogue is crisp and clear, though some attempts to clean the track have left fluctuations in background noise during speaking. John William’s super iconic score sounds just about perfect though, ensuring that every instrument in the orchestra is fully represented and enjoyed.
Extras
You might not want to dump that old disc just yet. This new release does have technically new and different extras, but it’s almost all been covered better in that awesome three hour documentary that came with the original collection.

The Raiders disc starts a seven-minute ‘introduction’, which is a kind of super short version of the Raiders section of the original doc, though with a few new interviews mixed in. It’s followed by another brief featurette shot on the set of Crystal Skull. Entitled Indy Trilogy: A Crystal Clear Appreciation, it’s a collection of short interviews with the cast and crew of the new film. The stars answer simple questions about the first time they saw the films, their favourite episodes and scenes, and so on. The disc concludes with an eight-minute featurette/re-enactment of the special effects behind the ‘melting face’, a ‘Well of Souls’ film and storyboard comparison, four still galleries, and a Lego Indiana Jones DVD--Rom demo.
The Doom disc has another introduction (about six minutes), which again encompasses the stuff previously available on that awesome original release doc. As in the case of the doc, the most intriguing thing about this general failure of a film is the fact that Spielberg was never really interested in making the movie, and rather just did what Lucas asked him too. When Spielberg isn’t interested in making a movie it always shows ( The Lost World), let’s just hope this side of him doesn’t rear itself this May.
‘The Creepy Crawlies’ is a twelve-minute featurette concerning the snake, bug and rat scenes of the original trilogy (what’s next, a room of squirming foetuses?). Again, these appear to be new interviews, but the participants said all this stuff on the previous release. A nice addition is a pop-up trivia track. I did learn the real difference between a lizard and a snake. ‘Travel with Indy’ also carries a pop-up track, and runs down exactly what you’d assume it would—the worldwide locations of the films. It lasts another ten minutes. The disc wraps up with a storyboard comparison of the mine cart chase, some galleries, and the same ‘Lego’ game demo.

The Last Crusade disc starts with yet another introduction, which revels a whole bunch of how wrong Lucas was and how right Spielberg was, though again, this was on that original documentary. ‘Indy’s Women Reminisce’ is an excerpt from a roundtable discussion with all three of Indy’s leading ladies, which the title card says was recorded for the 2003 DVD release (why not attach it to that release?). The roundtable features a little bit of unseen behind the scenes footage, and runs almost ten minutes. The set’s final featurette, which actually covers a bit of information that was slightly ignored on the original doc, is entitled ‘Indy’s Friends and Enemies’. Not surprisingly the characters of Temple of Doom are glazed over because they’re so thin. The whole set ends with more storyboards, more still galleries, and another copy of the same ‘Lego’ demo.
Overall
Is it worth re-buying the adventures of Indiana Jones? No. Are the new extras totally bogus? No, not if you don’t own the original release. Will there be another release of these films, possibly in high-definition, with even more extras? I don’t think you have to be a psychic or a Paramount insider to know the answer to that question. Will Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull be any good? That remains to be seen.
Review by Gabriel Powers
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Existing Posts
Maybe we should ask if it was a double-sided disc...oh no, I mean a flipper...

I just bought the box set about two days ago. Will have to check it out this weekend.
Tetralogy Saga Collection Ominbus Series Story Episodes Chapters Sections Tetralogy Saga Collection Ominbus Series Story Episodes Chapters Sections Tetralogy Saga Collection Ominbus Series Story Episodes Chapters Sections Tetralogy Saga Collection Ominbus Series Story Episodes Chapters Sections Tetralogy Saga Collection Ominbus Series Story Episodes Chapters Sections Tetralogy Saga Collection Ominbus Series Story Episodes Chapters Sections Tetralogy Saga Collection Ominbus Series Story Episodes Chapters Sections.
Gee I guess sarcasm just gets a little lost in the text. I didn't invent QUADRILOGY but if you ask the guys over at the Alien Box Set it seemed to work pretty well for them.
Gee I guess sarcasm just gets a little lost in the text. I didn't invent QUADRILOGY but if you ask the guys over at the Alien Box Set it seemed to work pretty well for them.
Did you say something?
(In response to Indy screaming after getting the mirror flipped into his face...)
Whoops - I can't edit my post.
Marion says, "What'd you say?"
(Oooh! Self-editing and appending!!)
(In response to Indy screaming after getting the mirror flipped into his face...)
Whoops - I can't edit my post.
Marion says, "What'd you say?"
(Oooh! Self-editing and appending!!)
Did Fox trademark <i>quadrilogy</i>? It would be smart, oh and yes, is tetralogy, but since we don't know if KOTCS will be the last, I would call it collection like Chris said...
Thembones wrote:
And everyone on this board knows that there will be a quadrilogy release just in time for the holiday season.
Christ, not that stupid f**king word again. What's wrong with saga, collection or even tetralogy? At least they're real words. F**king quadrilogy. Fox Mongs.
And everyone on this board knows that there will be a quadrilogy release just in time for the holiday season.
Christ, not that stupid f**king word again. What's wrong with saga, collection or even tetralogy? At least they're real words. F**king quadrilogy. Fox Mongs.
Temple of Doom wipes its @$$ with Last Crusade.... I don't know why people hate it so much.
I won't be double dipping on the trilogy, but the cover of the new Temple of Doom tempts me to just re-buy that one.
For the record, I like Raiders the best....
I won't be double dipping on the trilogy, but the cover of the new Temple of Doom tempts me to just re-buy that one.
For the record, I like Raiders the best....
Some one finds the mine car chase stands up to decent scrutiny? Even as a kid when the mine car jumped the tracks and then landed back on them I called bullpucky.
I understand the whining over the double-dipping but at this point in a dwindling physical media market can you actually blame movie companies for trying to score a few bucks off a seemlingly endless stream of income from a franchise that never fails to disappoint?
And everyone on this board knows that there will be a quadrilogy release just in time for the holiday season.
KHALI - MA!
And everyone on this board knows that there will be a quadrilogy release just in time for the holiday season.
KHALI - MA!
I will stick with my original box set, so, is Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen), Mutt Wiliams/ Shila Buffs(bad spelling) mom in the 4th movie? Since Indy is his dad. I am so excoted to see the new film. HUGE Indy Fan.
Interesting review, always enjoyed these films but as much as i liked Temple Of Doom as a kid i came to the conclusion that Raiders never needed a sequel, they got it perfect first time around so no need for yet another sequel. Last Crusade was just retreading old ground in some ways, it's a bit like watching Jedi and realizing they'd already done the death star battle and done it a lot better in the first Star Wars film.
Glad to see Karen Allen back i9n the fourth film - she really added to the first.
Good stuff Gabe - I agree with your comments about Kate Capshaw.
Good stuff Gabe - I agree with your comments about Kate Capshaw.
Great review, and agreed, one of the best and 'most reliable' trilogies ever made (no, LOTR is NOT), and KOTCS is NOT going to dissappoint, whatever they say...
As for the double-dip? Only if a blu-ray was released, including KOTCS.
As for the double-dip? Only if a blu-ray was released, including KOTCS.
Tom wrote: I stand by my opinion that Last Crusade is by far the best Indy movie
Completely agree, and I really don't like TEMPLE OF DOOM that much.

Note to Paramount re: shameless double-dip (soon to be triple-dip via Blu-ray): "You cheat very big! Play with you no fun! No fun!"
I really love my 2003 boxset, I've watched all three films preparing for KOTKS. I just can't see how it can be improved upon, unless Mr Spielberg records some commentaries for them.
YEAH RIGHT.
YEAH RIGHT.
Jeremy S wrote: Temple of Doom is not only the greatest Indy film, but also the greatest film ever made, period. Any film made after 1984 is just pointless waste of celluloid. It literally has everything a movie could possibly offer, and more.
hmmmm i dont recall hardcore nudity and lesbian sex in that movie? so maybe not EVERYthing
hmmmm i dont recall hardcore nudity and lesbian sex in that movie? so maybe not EVERYthing

Temple of Doom is not only the greatest Indy film, but also the greatest film ever made, period. Any film made after 1984 is just pointless waste of celluloid. It literally has everything a movie could possibly offer, and more.
love the dialogue quoting. I do agree they should have made more of an effort to include more extras (like maybe something more about the new film). sadly they didn't do it. just something to cash-in on the new film.
wowsers. "Temple of Doom" was my favorite. I thought it was quite amusing. :-\
I loved Raiders and Last Crusade, and I'm looking foreward to the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. However, I've yet to see Temple of Doom....
I'm like a bad penny, I always turn up.
Temple of Doom has grown on me too.Nothing beats the opening of Last Crusade though...perfection.
Lucas, I hate the man lately. This is as good of a reason as any. For someone that is such an independent from Hollywood. He sure acts like Hollywood, if not worse.
Temple of Doom has grown on me too.Nothing beats the opening of Last Crusade though...perfection.
Lucas, I hate the man lately. This is as good of a reason as any. For someone that is such an independent from Hollywood. He sure acts like Hollywood, if not worse.
One of the few franchises that I can honestly say, on any given day, my favorite could change. One of the best out there, can't wait for the new film.
"What did you find dad?"
"Illumination."
"You want to talk to GOD..., lets go see him together. I've got nothing better to do."
"Oh, sh*t."
"Oh, rats."
"Ah, Venice."
"We are here to view the tapestries!"
"Junior. It is you Junior!?"
"Don't call me that. Please."
"I should've mailed it to the Mark Brothers!"
"You are named after the dog?!"
"What are you trying to do scare me? You are starting to sound like my mother. I'm going after a find of historical significance, your talking about the boogeyman. Besides, you know what a cautious fellow I am."
"You cheat Dr. Jones! You cheat!"
"Trust me."
"Illumination."
"You want to talk to GOD..., lets go see him together. I've got nothing better to do."
"Oh, sh*t."
"Oh, rats."
"Ah, Venice."
"We are here to view the tapestries!"
"Junior. It is you Junior!?"
"Don't call me that. Please."
"I should've mailed it to the Mark Brothers!"
"You are named after the dog?!"
"What are you trying to do scare me? You are starting to sound like my mother. I'm going after a find of historical significance, your talking about the boogeyman. Besides, you know what a cautious fellow I am."
"You cheat Dr. Jones! You cheat!"
"Trust me."
Temple of Doom was always my least favorite, but over the past few years I've sort of grown to appreciate it more and enjoy it now more than The Last Crusade.
Raiders on the other hand is a masterpiece, perfect in nearly every way a movie could possibly be.
Raiders on the other hand is a masterpiece, perfect in nearly every way a movie could possibly be.
George Wright wrote: Call me an a-hole if you must, but, I would rather own two or three copies of each "Indiana Jones" movie than own one copy of "Cloverfield".
"Raiders" was originally rated R by the MPAA, due to the fact of Belloq's exploding head. ILM stepped in put the flames of the Ark surrounding the head during that scene & the MPAA gave Spielberg the PG.
"Raiders Of The Lost Ark" is the best of the four "Indiana Jones" films.
"Doom" is the weakest of the quadrilogy (so far) but I think its better than any action movie out there today. "Crusade" & "Crystal Skull" get the PG-13 rating, because of "Doom's" darkside inspired the MPAA to birth the PG-13 rating three months after "Temple Of Doom"'s release.
A-hole.
(kidding)
"Raiders" was originally rated R by the MPAA, due to the fact of Belloq's exploding head. ILM stepped in put the flames of the Ark surrounding the head during that scene & the MPAA gave Spielberg the PG.
"Raiders Of The Lost Ark" is the best of the four "Indiana Jones" films.
"Doom" is the weakest of the quadrilogy (so far) but I think its better than any action movie out there today. "Crusade" & "Crystal Skull" get the PG-13 rating, because of "Doom's" darkside inspired the MPAA to birth the PG-13 rating three months after "Temple Of Doom"'s release.
A-hole.
(kidding)
Call me an a-hole if you must, but, I would rather own two or three copies of each "Indiana Jones" movie than own one copy of "Cloverfield".
"Raiders" was originally rated R by the MPAA, due to the fact of Belloq's exploding head. ILM stepped in put the flames of the Ark surrounding the head during that scene & the MPAA gave Spielberg the PG.
"Raiders Of The Lost Ark" is the best of the four "Indiana Jones" films.
"Doom" is the weakest of the quadrilogy (so far) but I think its better than any action movie out there today. "Crusade" & "Crystal Skull" get the PG-13 rating, because of "Doom's" darkside inspired the MPAA to birth the PG-13 rating three months after "Temple Of Doom"'s release.
"Raiders" was originally rated R by the MPAA, due to the fact of Belloq's exploding head. ILM stepped in put the flames of the Ark surrounding the head during that scene & the MPAA gave Spielberg the PG.
"Raiders Of The Lost Ark" is the best of the four "Indiana Jones" films.
"Doom" is the weakest of the quadrilogy (so far) but I think its better than any action movie out there today. "Crusade" & "Crystal Skull" get the PG-13 rating, because of "Doom's" darkside inspired the MPAA to birth the PG-13 rating three months after "Temple Of Doom"'s release.
I'm waiting for Blu-Ray. My dad has the original trilogy release, so I and he will be passing on this.
I love these films. "Doom" isn't that great, IMHO. I am psyched for the new one, though. And I totally agree with Tom that "Crusade" is the best Indy film ever.
I love these films. "Doom" isn't that great, IMHO. I am psyched for the new one, though. And I totally agree with Tom that "Crusade" is the best Indy film ever.
As kid sidekicks go, Short Round was one of the better ones. I didn't mind him at all, and while far from perfect, I still thoroughly enjoy Temple of Doom to this day. Though my wife will never watch it again due to the "banquet" scene.
"Hey Doctor Jones, No time for love!"
"Hey Doctor Jones, No time for love!"
Peter wrote: Still confused by the negative press that Temple of Doom gets. I'm completely unconvinced by the "darker" barbs (the finale of Raiders is as dark as Indy gets)
Actually, I would say whipping child slaves, eating monkey brains and taking still beating hearts out of someone who is still alive is pretty dark.
Actually, I would say whipping child slaves, eating monkey brains and taking still beating hearts out of someone who is still alive is pretty dark.
X never ever marks the spot....
Ten...X marks the spot
Ten...X marks the spot
Bad dates.
Tom wrote: I stand by my opinion that Last Crusade is by far the best Indy movie 
I second that!

I second that!
Peter wrote: Still confused by the negative press that Temple of Doom gets. I'm completely unconvinced by the "darker" barbs (the finale of Raiders is as dark as Indy gets) and would disagree with Gabe that the humour falls flat.
Willie is annoying yes, but Short Round really isn't THAT bad.
I'm with you.
Willie is annoying yes, but Short Round really isn't THAT bad.
I'm with you.
I might actually buy this because I own the original box set, but it was an accidental purchase of the full screen versions. Unless I can find the original box set in stores somewhere, i may just have to buy the seperate discs of this.
Good review Gabe!
Good review Gabe!
Paramount Spain confirmed the Quadrilogy fot that country:
http://www.1080b.com/blu-ray/por-fin-la-colecci...
It makes perfect sense if you think Xmas campaign starts 1st of November.
http://www.1080b.com/blu-ray/por-fin-la-colecci...
It makes perfect sense if you think Xmas campaign starts 1st of November.
Indiana Jones was just a cheap rip-off of Allan Quatermain!!
(kidding)
(kidding)
Still confused by the negative press that Temple of Doom gets. I'm completely unconvinced by the "darker" barbs (the finale of Raiders is as dark as Indy gets) and would disagree with Gabe that the humour falls flat.
Willie is annoying yes, but Short Round really isn't THAT bad.
Willie is annoying yes, but Short Round really isn't THAT bad.
I stand by my opinion that Last Crusade is by far the best Indy movie

Can't wait till Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull to come out.
We named the dog Indiana.....
Throw me the idol. No time to argue. Throw me idol, I'll throw you the whip.
Snakes.... Why'd it have to be snakes?
Asps. Very dangerous. You go first.


Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13
Disc Details
Release Date:
13th May 2008
Discs:
3
Disc Type:
Single side, dual layer
RCE:
No
Video:
NTSC
Aspect:
2.35:1
Anamorphic:
Yes
Colour:
Yes
Audio:
Dolby Digital 5.1 English
Subtitles:
English, French, Spanish
Extras:
Behind the Scenes Featurettes, Interviews, Stills, Trailer
Easter Egg:
No
Feature Details
Director:
Steven Spielberg
Cast:
Harrison Ford, Karen Allen, Kate Capshaw, Ke Huy Quan, Amrish Puri, Sean Connery, Alison Doody, Denholm Elliott
Genre:
Action and Adventure
Length:
359 minutes
Ratings
Amazon.com
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