Action-packed and adventure-filled, RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK is director Steven Spielberg's loving homage to the Saturday matinee cliffhanger serials of his childhood. When the... more
somewhere in the Peruvian jungle in 1936, running a booby-trapped gauntlet (complete with an over-sized rolling boulder) to fetch a solid-gold idol. He loses this artifact to his chief rival, a French archeologist named Belloq (Paul Freeman), who then prepares to kill our hero. In the first of many serial-like escapes, Indy eludes Belloq by hopping into a convenient plane. So, then: is Indiana Jones afraid of anything? Yes, snakes. The next time we see Jones, he's a soft-spoken, bespectacled professor. He is then summoned from his ivy-covered environs by Marcus Brody (Denholm Elliott) to find the long-lost Ark of the Covenant. The Nazis, it seems, are already searching for the Ark, which the mystical-minded Hitler hopes to use to make his stormtroopers invincible. But to find the Ark, Indy must first secure a medallion kept under the protection of Indy's old friend Abner Ravenwood, whose daughter, Marion (Karen Allen), evidently has a "history" with Jones. Whatever their personal differences, Indy and Marion become partners in one action-packed adventure after another, ranging from wandering the snake pits of the Well of Souls to surviving the pyrotechnic unearthing of the sacred Ark. A joint project of Hollywood prodigies George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, with a script co-written by Lawrence Kasdan and Philip Kaufman, among others, Raiders of the Lost Ark is not so much a movie as a 115-minute thrill ride. Costing 22 million dollars (nearly three times the original estimate), Raiders of the Lost Ark reaped 200 million dollars during its first run. It was followed by Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1985) and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989), as well as a short-lived TV-series "prequel."
ten commandments. Studio: Paramount Home Video Release Date: 09/16/2008 Starring: Harrison Ford Wolf Kahler Run time: 115 minutes Rating: Pg Director: Steven Spielberg
ofIndiana Jones: The Adventure Collection, a boxed set of the original trilogy of blockbuster adventure films concocted by director Steven Spielberg and executive producer-story writer George Lucas, was timed to coincide with the May 2008 theatrical release of the long-awaited fourth installment,Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Whether that's a crass marketing ploy or simply good business is hardly the point, because considering the quality of the movies (in a word, they're good), the affordable price, and especially the raft of new special features accompanying the set, there's enough here to make this an appealing purchase for those who don't already own them and a tempting one for those who do.The first of the three films,Raiders of the Lost Ark(1981), is also the best, a certified classic loaded with non-stop action, grand spectacle, a hero for the ages (played by Harrison Ford), a beautiful love interest, humor, horror, and a potent storyline that brings together a profound religious-archaeological icon (the Ark of the Covenant, nothing less than "a radio for speaking to God") and the 20th century's most infamous villains (the Nazis).Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom(1984), the second entry, is generally considered the weakest of the lot--certainly it is the most dark and disturbing--but it's still very entertaining, whileThe Last Crusade(1989) is closer toRaidersin many respects, with fine acting contributions from River Phoenix (as the teenage Indy) and Sean Connery (as Indy's father), a strong James Bond-type feel, and the return of the Nazis, who this time are competing for another antiquity of incalculable value and significance (the Holy Grail). Although the collection is missing the extra bonus disc (with a two-hour "making of" documentary) that accompanied the 2003 DVD issue of the films, all three discs include new and insightful introductions by Spielberg and Lucas; there are also storyboards from various scenes and photo galleries on each disc. Among the best of the other features are "The Creepy Crawlies" (about the thousands of snakes, bugs, rats and other scary critters that populate the trilogy), "Travels with Indy" (a look at some of the exotic locations where the movies were filmed), "Indy's Women" (a candid discussion with leading ladies Karen Allen, Kate Capshaw, and Alison Doody), and a behind-the-scenes detailing of the "melting face" effect seen inRaiders' thrilling ark-opening scene.--Sam Graham
DVD - Action/Adventure - 1953 - Starring: Brian Aherne, Bobby Breen, Audrey Dalton, Thelma Ritter, Richard Basehart, Robert Wagner, Barbara Stanwyck, Clifton Webb - Director: Jean Negulesco
DVD, Theatrical Release - Action/Adventure - 2008 - Starring: Jim Broadbent, John Hurt, Karen Allen, Cate Blanchett, Shia LaBeouf, Ray Winstone, Harrison Ford - Director: Steven Spielberg
Advantages: Great pace, comedic elements, a great adventure film Disadvantages: None
With Raiders of the Lost Ark we are introduced to the wonderful, adventure filed world of Indiana Jones. I saw this movie when it first came out in the theatre and have loved it ever since. At one time when I was younger, I had aspired to being an archaeologist myself, and when I saw this movie memories of my first love in archeology where rekindled.
This movie is a collaboration between Steven Spielberg and George Lucas who teamed up with their ... ...we can love,..and of course hate. It's not at all a serious film as there are moments that are pure comedy and tongue and check. The movie opens to find Indiana Jones in the thick of the Amazon jungle trying to acquire a pure golden head statue.. He succeeds only to have it taken away from him by his nemesis Dr. Rene Belloq of whom he will meet again later in the film. Frustrated he goes back to his teaching profession where he is approached by members ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: Action/Adventure Disadvantages: No comments
Spring 1936. In the thick jungle of the South American continent, a renowned archeologist and expert on the occult is studying fragments of a map, when one of his exploration party pulls a gun. The archeologist pulls out a bullwhip and with such disarms the turncoat, sending him running - thus does Dr. Henry "Indiana" Jones stay alive. He and a guide enter a dank and oppressively vast cave that contains several traps created by the ancient race which ... ...traps but is cornered by native tribesmen served by Belloq, an old enemy who arrogantly makes off with the statue, while Indy must flee for his life and escape on a friend's seaplane. Back in the US two agents from US Army intelligence tell him of Nazi German activities in archeology, including a gigantic excavation site in Egypt - a site that an intercepted cable indicates to Indy is the location of the Ark of the Covenant, the powerful chest bearing ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: great and fantastic movie Disadvantages: nothing... absolutely nothing
The film made by the collaboration of two famous director: Steven Spielberg and George Lucas is an extraordinary film. In the beginning of the film we are introduced to Indiana who search the ancient artifacts in the inland of Hovito. After he escape from danger and peril-traps that are in this search, Jones once again asked by the bureau of the United States to find an artifact. These artifacts are artifacts that may be the largest ever: ark of ... ...of the Jehovah for the Christian and Jewish people is extremely popular, perhaps because the ark of the nation of Israel is always make them won in every war they face (once they proof God's power over the other gods). Of course, the search of the ark will not run easily. In addition to traps that surrounded him, plus the complex puzzle that must be solved and the world was in the middle of World War II. As everyone knows, Adolf Hitler is a fond ...
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This is the origianl and first in the series of Indian Jones movies created by Steven Spielberg and George Lucas. The movie is set in the 1930's. Dr. "Indiana" Jones (Harrison Ford) is not your typical Archeology professor he tends to find adventure and trouble at every turn. The movie starts off with a bang, where Jones narrowly escapes poison darts, a rolling huge boulder, and others that are after the same treasure as he. Rene Belloq, an old advesary ... ...fails and Indy is off. Once home Jones is contact by the governement about another project that is being sought, the Ark of the Covenant. He agrees to take these men up on their request and in doing so meets up with an old love interest, who has the clue to the Arks location. She is none to happy to see him, but after she is confronted by others in search of the same information, and her home/busines is destroyed demands that she go with Jones as ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: great adventure story Disadvantages: none
...nothing proves this more that Raiders of the Lost Ark. Indiana Jones' first adventure is a true classic and will be enjoyed by many generations to come. This film has cemented the Indiana Jones franchise in film history, as well as Harrison Ford's legacy as a big screen hero.
In his first adventure, Archeologist Henry "Indiana" Jones Jr. (Ford) searches for the lost Ark of the Covenant. Along with his feisty former lover Marion Ravenwood (Karen ...
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Raiders Of The Lost Ark
Review of Indiana Jones - Raiders Of The LostArk by
mick500
taken from ciao.co.uk
Advantages Thrills and Action Disadvantages none
...Raiders Of THE lostARK
Starring: Harrison Ford,Karen Allen,Paul Freeman
Director: Steven Spielberg
A truly old fashioned yarn set in 1936 in which the whip cracking,vine swinging Harrison Ford races against the germans to get the ark before they do.This film has everthing in it,the laughs shooting (the arab swordsman)which was very funny.And of course the spellbinding stunts the one where he was (underneath that truck)plus all the scares'n'thrills ("snakes").But the spot on performances,and incredible momentum and perfectly judged tone lift it into the realms of unadulterated magic.
If you have not watched this film then you must watch it go to the video shop now and get ready for a thrill of your life.You will not be let down and your rental charge will be well spent...
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somewhat helpful
8/3/2001
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Review of Indiana Jones - Raiders Of The LostArk by
Maxinefowkes
taken from ciao.co.uk
Advantages Great adventure film. Disadvantages None for this one.
...Great film with brilliant special effects. It's about an archeologist that goes in search of the lost arc. Indiana Jones is the man of the moment and manages to fall in love and find the arc.
The poor man manages to find numerous artifacts that are taken away frmo him by his German competitor, who is the baddy.
In the end the Germans put the arc on a hillside and decided to open it. Indiana Jones realises that inside the arc is the angel of death. At which time he is tied to a pole with his love. He tells the girl to close her eyes and no matter what not to open them.
They both do this and manage to survive, everybody else is not so lucky.
Great film....
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somewhat helpful
9/25/2000
The Great Adventure
Review of Indiana Jones - Raiders Of The LostArk by
scorpionkingindia
taken from ciao.co.uk
Advantages Harrison Ford, total entertainer,special effects Disadvantages Not for those who love serious drama
...He wears a hat, has a stubble. He dresses in soiled jacket, rough jeans and equally soiled shirt. His only weapon for protection is a whip and a small pistol. He is afraid of snakes and most of the time he keeps running in and out of trouble.
Yes I think you got whom I am talking about, Indiana Jones, the hero of 3 Hollywood blockbusters directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, and by far the best of all, the 1981 classic Raiders of the LostArk. Raiders is one movie that keeps making my list of favorite movies every time without fail, and I consider it to be the best entertainer I have ever seen.
Raiders is the story of Indiana Jones, an archaeology professor who doubles up as a daredevil archaeologist...
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Release Notes: Never-before-seen bonus interviews with George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, and Harrison Ford.
Release 3
UPC: 097360137606
Released by: Paramount Home Entertainment
Release Format: VHS
In Print Date: 10/26/1999
Runtime: 1h 58min
Color: Color
Release Notes: Never-before-seen bonus interviews with George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, and Harrison Ford.
Release 4
UPC: 097360137613
Released by: Paramount Home Entertainment
Release Format: VHS
In Print Date: 10/26/1999
Runtime: 1h 58min
Color: Color
Extra Info: Widescreen
Release Notes: Never-before-seen bonus interviews with George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, and Harrison Ford.
Release 5
UPC: 097361328249
Released by: Paramount Home Entertainment
Release Format: DVD
In Print Date: 05/13/2008
Runtime: 1h 55min
Color: Color
Extra Info: Special Edition; Widescreen
Release Notes: DVD Features: Region 1; Keep Case ; Anamorphic Widescreen; Audio: Dolby Digital Stereo - English
Manufacturer's product description
Action-packed and adventure-filled, RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK is director Steven Spielberg's loving homage to the Saturday matinee cliffhanger serials of his childhood. When the Allies discover the Nazis are planning to use the Lost Ark of the Covenant as a weapon, the U.S. government enlists archaeologist-adventurer Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) to locate the biblical treasure chest where the remains of the broken tablets of the Ten Commandments were placed. En route, Jones and his feisty ex-girlfriend, Marion (Karen Allen), must escape the clutches of evil Nazis, duplicitous "natives," and a nest of venomous snakes--not to mention the wrath of God. The groundbreaking special effects and furious, never-ending pace make for a stylish whirlwind of a movie, topped off with a fabulous sense of humor. This bare-knuckled, barnstorming, pot-boiling, eye-popping bucket of Technicolor popcorn became Paramount Pictures' highest-grossing film, and deservedly so--RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK is quite simple one of the most enjoyable movies ever made.
Release 6
UPC: 097361328225
Released by: Paramount Home Entertainment
Release Format: DVD
Color: Color
Extra Info: Checkpoint Packaging
Release Notes: DVD Features: Region 1; Keep Case - Checkpoint Packaging; Audio: (unspecified) - English
Release 7
UPC: 097361328256
Released by: Paramount Home Entertainment
Release Format: DVD
In Print Date: 05/13/2008
Runtime: 1h 55min
Color: Color
Extra Info: Special Edition;Checkpoint;Widescreen
Release Notes: DVD Features: Region 1; Keep Case ; Anamorphic Widescreen; Audio: Dolby Digital Stereo - English
Release 8
UPC: 097361328270
Released by: Paramount Home Entertainment
Release Format: DVD
In Print Date: 05/20/2008
Color: Color
Extra Info: Special Edition - Widescreen - Spanish Version
Release Notes: DVD Features: Region 1; Keep Case ; Anamorphic Widescreen; Audio: Dolby Digital Stereo - Spanish; Subtitles - English
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8/3/2001
10/9/2006