Indiana Jones fans whose interest in the character was reignited by the release of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull in 2008 will find the Indiana Jones Adventure Collection a must-buy. The DVD set collects all four of the Indiana Jones films to date, in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio, except for Crystal Skull which is in 2.40:1 anamorphic widescreen, and with Dolby Digital 5.1 audio.
The four films included in the set are Raiders of the Lost Ark (the film that introduced Indiana Jones to the world, released in1981); Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (released in 1984), Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (released in 1989) and Crystal Skull.
In all four films, Harrison Ford starred as the dashing archaeologist whose adventures take him all over the world in search of some of history’s most exotic lost treasures. The series featured Denhom Elliot as college dean Marcus Brody, John Rhys Davies as Jones’ sidekick Sallah, and Karen Allen as love interest Marion Ravenwood. The Last Crusade introduced Sean Connery as Indy’s father, Henry Jones Sr.
The first three films included in the Indiana Jones Adventure Collection are the one-disk re-releases that were issued in 2008 when Crystal Skull hit theaters. While they are similar to the earlier editions that were released in 2003, they come with new bonus extras.
The bonuses include introductions by series creators George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, cast interviews, photo galleries, making-of short features, and storyboard sequence documentaries showing how a particular scene was accomplished from its conceptualization at the storyboard stage to its final realization on set. Trailers for Crystal Skull and the Indiana Jones LEGO video game are also included.
Completing the Indiana Jones Adventure Collection is the two-disk Crystal Skull DVD, which offers a host of extras for fans to enjoy. The main disk features short documentaries on the long gestation of the film as well as its pre-production. The bonus disk has an 80-minute production diary and featurettes on the film’s makeup, special effects, and props, with special emphasis on the making of the crystal skulls.
This is a fantastic boxed set that will never age. The appeal of Dr. Indiana Jones is timeless. Many will remember when he first appeared on the silver screen and the take-your-breath-away, I-want-to-be-Indy when I grow up, feeling that struck every kid. For true fans, the feeling hasn't changed. The boxed set provides the same rush of adventure, the dream of history, the ok-so-I'm-a-nerd-but-I'm-cool message to the younger generations. You’ll love it, and your family will love it. It’s a great collection for sitting on the couch all day, reliving Indy’s adventures.
