Indiana Jones: The Adventure Collection

DVD Review

Paramount

Release: May 13, 2008

MSRP: $59.99

Indiana Jones is one of the best characters of all time, right up there with other movie greats. With the fourth installment in the Indiana Jones franchise set to release in under 10 days, Paramount has released the Indiana Jones Adventure Collection, special-edition versions of the original trilogy in one box set.

Indiana Jones: The Adventure Collection brings you back to the action-packed epic adventures of Raiders of the Lost Ark, Temple of Doom, and Last Crusade.

Harrison Ford, straight off his work with George Lucas in the Star Wars trilogy, was a perfect fit to play Indiana Jones with his amazing screen presence. Lucas, along with Steven Spielberg, worked together with Ford to put in place what is now known as one of the greatest sets of movies in history.

You will see all of the classic moments from these epic films, such the search for the Ark of the Covenant, the Nazis going after Jones, and more.

There is a reason these films were nominated for so many amazing awards, including Academy Awards, as they continue to stand the test of time.

The video quality of the films is well-done as they are presented in their original 2.35:1 aspect ratios, enhanced for 16:9 displays. All three of the Indiana Jones films look great on this set, as they seem to be the same transfers from the 2003 box set.

You will not be disappointed here to say the least as the colors look great, and there is a fantastic level of detail in the image. Until these come to the Blu-ray format, this is as good as you are going to get on DVD.

The same can be said with the audio mix as you get Dolby Digital 5.1 mixes which are the same as the 2003 box set. There are also dubs of Spanish and French for those who require that. The audio mixes are extremely clean with great use of the surround channels for the action. The musical score is also extremely immersive, and the crisp dialogue rounds out a great audio package.

In terms of special features, the Indiana Jones Adventure Collection does not disappoint, but at the same time does not go completely over the top.

For Raiders of the Lost Ark, you get a nice introduction from Steven Spielberg and George Lucas, along with some solid behind-the-scenes footage from the film. Interviews with the cast are also a major part of the 11-minute feature called Indiana Jones: An Appreciation.

The Melting Face, which runs for around 9-minutes, is a technical featurette showcasing how some of the stuff was done. Rounding out the extras for this film is a Storyboard Sequence, as well as photo galleries and a trailer for both Lego Indiana Jones, and the new Indy film.

The Temple of Doom opens up with another intro from Spielberg and Lucas, which is also a great thing to see. The two highlighted features for this film are The Creepy Crawlies as well as Travel with Indy: Locations. These focus on where the film was done, the locations, as well as the creatures of the three films. A storyboard sequence is also included.

The Last Crusade follows the same set-up with an intro from Spielberg as well as Lucas. Beyond that, there is a feature called Indy’s Women: The American Film Institute Tribute, which runs for just over 9-minutes. This is a roundtable discussion with the ladies of Indiana Jones, Karen Allen, Kate Capshaw, and Alison Doody.

A feature also focuses on the characters of the films with Indy’s Friends and Enemies. There is another storyboard sequence here focusing on the opening sequence of the Last Crusade.

These extras are all presented in anamorphic widescreen.

Indiana Jones released in a box set on DVD in 2003, and now five years later, we get another box set just before the release of the fourth film in the franchise. This is a solid collection for those who do not already own the previous box set. For those who already do own it, I’d hold off for the inevitable release of all four movies in one set.

Films: 9.5

These are absolutely classic movies, some of the best adventure films of all time.

Video: 9.0

As good as you are going to get on the DVD format, great colors, clear, and crisp.

Audio: 9.0

A great audio mix which allows the sound effects, musical score, and dialogue to all take center stage.

Special Features: 8.0

Final Score: 8.4

There are some solid special features, but not enough to make those who already own the older box set double-dip for this release.