Indiana Jones: The Complete Adventures [Blu-ray]

This Complete Adventures box set comes in a sturdy handsome package, which is shaped and opens much like a book, with each page showing new artwork and pictures for each adventure, each page housing one of five BD-50 discs: 1) Raiders of The Lost Ark (1981), 2) The Temple of Doom (1984), 3) The Last Crusade (1989), 4) The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008), and 5) Bonus Features.

VIDEO:

All the four films arrived on blu ray with MPEG-4 AVC 1080p 2.35:1 encode.

Raiders of the Lost Ark (blu ray) 1981

Supervised by director Steven Spielberg and renowned sound designer Ben Burtt, Raiders of the Lost Ark has been meticulously restored with careful attention to preserving the original look, sound and feel of the iconic film. The original negative was first scanned at 4K and then examined frame-by-frame so that any damage could be repaired. The final result is a well-defined, fantastic cinematic presentation, that beat all the images from the past: from VHS tapes, laser discs to recent DVDs. The movie begins with arguably its weakest visual sequence in the forest and cave. But, the subsequent chase scene - Indy running from the Hovitos - reveals the film's brightest and most well-defined shots yet, with dazzling colours and clarity. The transfer is at its absolute demo-worthy best as Indy runs through the city, trying to rescue Marion before she's placed in the truck packed with explosives. The intricate detailing on the earthen coloured façades, the sandy terrain, the wicker baskets, and the dusty clothes is nothing short of mesmerizing. The interior of the map room is equally stunning; close-ups in those shots of Indy dusting off the floor reveal every last grain of sand. This is a very pleasing video presentation. (4/5)

The Temple of Doom (blu ray) 1984

The Temple of Doom was a prequel to Raiders of the Lost Ark, that takes place a year prior to Raiders of the Lost Ark, before the Nazis started signing pacts with other countries and became a major worldwide threat. It's a warmer picture, with reddish flesh tones. Black levels are rock-solid. Detail is striking. From the beginning during Indy's lounge confrontation with Lao Che and on through to the final action scene on the bridge with Mola Ram, the image offers dazzling clothing and facial textures that reveal every skin crease, bead of sweat, and clothing stitch with pinpoint precision. The film's best scene comes at the end during the battle on the bridge. The worn-down wood and frayed rope textures are absolutely striking, never mind the sweaty and filthy and tattered clothes worn by a tired and banged-up archaeologist. The roller-coaster ride is still very exciting. (4.5/5)

The Last Crusade (blu ray) 1989

Being the last entry in the original trilogy, the third installment rides onto Blu-ray with the best presentation of the first three. This transfer displays a thinly-layered film grain and cleanly defined lines in clothing, buildings and surrounding foliage. Facial complexions appear natural with rich, lifelike textures, exposing every pore, wrinkle and trivial blemish. Contrast is quite vivid but very well-balanced with crisp, brilliant whites. Colours are bright and animated while blacks are often inky rich and penetrating. (5/5)

The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (blu ray) 2008

This video transfer is the same as the one from its 2008 blu ray release, which I have bought previously. There is a fine grain. Details are extraordinary throughout the film. Facial textures are nothing short of fantastic, whether Indy's weathered and worn mug or Spalko's ultra-smooth skin that by design reveals not a single line or pore. The image is crisp and well defined. Colours are equally brilliant, especially in the day scenes. Blacks are inky and skin tones are natural. It is pure raw visual excellence. (5/5)

AUDIO:

All four films have DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless tracks.

Raiders of the Lost Ark:

The sound design was similarly preserved using Burtt’s original master mix, which had been archived and unused since 1981. New stereo surrounds were created using the original music tracks and original effects recorded in stereo but used previously only in mono. In addition, the sub bass was redone entirely up to modern specifications and care was taken to improve dialogue and correct small technical flaws to create the most complete and highest quality version of the sound possible while retaining the director’s vision. The result is an impeccable digital restoration that celebrates the film and its place in cinematic history.

Thanks to the new restored soundtrack, Raiders of the Lost Ark has never sounded so good. This soundtrack dazzles with every explosion, all the supporting sound effects, and of course each note of John Williams' acclaimed, classic, and instantly recognizable main theme. Right from the get-go -- the Paramount logo that dissolves into a similar-looking Peruvian mountain -- the track introduces deep bass notes into the soundstage that are potent, that gave my two Velodyne subwoofers a real workout. We are simultaneously immersed into the jungle environment; striking ambience gently surrounds the listener. Williams' iconic score, especially, is fulfilling with distinct instrumentation, spreading into the rears to create a satisfyingly immersive soundfield. Outstanding track! Excellently restored! (5/5)

The Temple of Doom:

I still remember vividly using the opening sequence of singing, dancing and bullets ringing off the large gong in different direction, as an audio demo in my first Kloss Projection System in the early 90s with the laser disc. Now, the sound is much improved, crystal clear and precise in location. The whole soundtrack comes alive with John Williams’ brilliant score. Dialogue is pitch-perfect and clear in the center while the rest of the soundstage exhibits a welcoming and broad image that's consistently active. Dynamics deliver precise clarity in the orchestration and the several action sequences with some impressive echoing which enhance the soundfield. (5/5)

The Last Crusade:

This soundtrack is almost perfect in its fullness, spacing, bass, and clarity. Musical delivery is typically stunning, whether fast-paced action notes or more gentle dramatic elements. Spacing is true, the surrounds are used to marvelous effect, and the clarity of every note through the entire range is perfect. (5/5)

The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull:

The original film was released in 2008 with Dolby True-HD. The new DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack does not sound all that different than its Dolby TrueHD counterpart. The low-end, perhaps, feels a little deeper and throatier, providing the design with some impressive depth, but otherwise, this lossless mix is identical to the 2008 Blu-ray. (Note: in the days of lossy audio, I always prefer DTS over Dolby Digital). Dialogue is distinct and intelligible from beginning to end, and John Williams' memorable score spreads into the back with terrific fidelity and envelopment. Directionality is precise with discrete, flawless panning, generating a highly-enjoyable, demo-worthy lossless mix. (5/5)

5TH DISC: BONUS FEATURES:

A large chunk of the supplemental package is a reiteration of what was seen in previous DVD releases. They can all be found on the fifth disc, except for the trailers. The only things missing are storyboard comparisons, still galleries, a short featurette on the trilogy and the intros with Spielberg and Lucas. It should be noted that not all the Special Features from the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (blu ray) were included here. So, I am glad that I have bought that disc, for completeness sake.

Two brand new high-def exclusives enter the supplemental package:
The Making of Raiders of the Lost Ark (SD 58 minutes)
On Set with Raiders of the Lost Ark (HD)

FINAL THOUGHTS:

When this set was first announced on Amazon.ca, it was initially called The Indiana Jones Collection for $69.99, which I preordered. Then, the title The Complete Indiana Jones Adventures came into existence. When I asked Amazon.ca whether both are the same, I was not given a proper satisfying answer. Finally, my Collection set merged and became the Complete Indiana Jones Adventures set. I was quite relieved. But currently, the title has reverted back to Indiana Jones Collection, instead of The Complete Adventure. God knows why? The price at one point went up to $74.99, but recently settled back down to $69.99.

This is an excellent box set (even though I bought the Kingdom of Crystal Skull already) with top-notched video/audio. All the movies are exciting and totally enjoyable to watch again, and they brought back many happy memories. This is the definitive edition for our beloved Doctor Jones, and is a must-own. George Lucas and Steven Spielberg are both geniuses, who made these movies so enjoyable, even with repeated viewing.

Indian Jones franchise is very successful, grossing over $1,995 million worldwide. But the most successful franchise belongs to Harry Potter ($7,681 million worldwide). But the surprise hit franchise of all belongs to the Ice Age franchise, which has grossed over $2,758 million worldwide. I am very grateful that almost all these great movies franchise are available on blu ray (e.g., Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Pirates of the Caribbean, Transformers, Aliens, including the upcoming Prometheus, and James Bond).

In summary, this Indiana Jones blu ray box set is very highly recommended, and a must-own.

INDIANA JONES-THE COMPLETE ADVENTURE COLLECTION is a four DVD set collection of the four Indiana Jones films. For those who don't know, the four Indiana Jones movies are:

RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK (that's the original title; I resist Lucas revisionism as much as possible)
INDIANA JONES AND THE TEMPLE OF DOOM
INDIANA JONES AND THE LAST CRUSADE
INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL

The first three films were released in the spring of 2008 as special edition discs. The only thing new here is the inclusion of INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL. Other than that movie and the extras that are included with it, there is nothing else new here.

Therefore, if you already have purchased the first three movies, just buy a copy of INDIANA JONES AND THE CRYSTAL SKULL (it has the same extras that are included on this disc) and save yourself thirty or forty dollars. If you don't own those movies, I'd still advise you buy them separately. Prices have dropped since the special edition DVDs were released in the spring and you can buy all four of the individual movies for a total of about $5-$10 less for what it costs for this boxed set.

Everyone is going to have a favorite film. However these work well as a set and are worth the purchase. And the extra goodies or special features of the set add to the experience.

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Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

This is the first in a series of fun to watch action packed movies based on what an archeologist should be. Being a first you will not notice the pattern of the film unless you are used to Saturday matinees.

We hit the deck running on this one as we see Indiana Jones making a John Wayne type of entrance. So much that you do not notice the dubious looking character next to him Statipo (Alfred Molina). Until he says "Give me the Idle and I will give you the whip."

Now settled down, after his near miss with the natives, Harrison Ford is a professor (Indiana Jones) teaching the fact that archeology is a search for facts not some thrill ride.

That very afternoon he is confronted by some government agents. It seems that his old professor Abner Ravenwood has disappeared. They picked up some radio transmissions that contained the name of Abner and a city Tannis. Immediately Indiana Jones knows that the Nazis (natural bad buys) are looking for the Ark of the Covenant (which can be used as a weapon of unspeakable power) and somehow he must bet them to it for the sake of the world.

He is helped by an old love interest Marion (Karen Allen) and rivaled by an old nemesis Dr. Rene Belloq (Paul Freeman).

Does it really exist?
How can he beat them to it?
Why is he on the outs with Abner?

Hold on for a thrill a minute and don't eat any bad dates.
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Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)

The "now standard Indiana" formula is there and there are a lot of fun parts to this movie. However the bad guys are too bad and the situation is too spooky. Be sure to watch "Riders of the Lost Ark" first even thought this takes place chronologically earlier.

Once again James Bond has nothing on Dr. Jones (Harrison Ford) as he negotiates for a treasure and is double crossed at every turn, barely escaping with his life, also the acquisition of a steriotipical blond singer Wilhelmina Scott (Kate Capshaw), and his new sidekick Short Round (Jonathan Ke Quan).

In his hasty retreat he does not realize that there are greater forces at work insuring that he fulfill his destiny to recover a sacred object and all the children of a beleaguered village.

Is he up to the challenge?
In this case does being blond help or hinder?
Will Short Shot prove that size does not matter?
Take heart!

Be prepared for a dark passage "a little too dark for my taste".
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Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)

It may just be coincidence but this time Harrison Ford that was a carpenter is not Dr. Indiana Jones (Junior) and his last crusade (until the next film) is to obtain a cup of a carpenter.

Even though this film can stand on its own, it can be more fully understood if you watch "Raiders of the lost Ark" first.

Once again we start out with a young Jones trying to save an artifact from pillagers. This lets us know of his heroic energy and introduces his father Professor Henry Jones (Sean Connery) and his obsession with the Holy Grail, even to the exclusion of his relationship with Junior.

Now grown Dr. Indiana Jones gives a class and explains that Archeology is a pretty strait forward science and not some search for legends. He receives a mysterious piece of post.

He is then approached by group of rich people that are in search of the Grail. It turns out that their top researcher has disappeared. Yep it is Professor Henry Jones. What can Indiana do but go looking for his father. He is accounted by his best friend who runs a museum Dr. Marcus Brody (Denholm Elliottt) as they team up with the last person to see his father Dr. Elsa Schneider (Alison Doody.) He gets a final warning "Do not trust anybody."

Will he find his father?
If he dies what will they have to talk about?
Does the Grail really exist?
Who are the mysterious people following him?

One of my favorite scenes is where Dr. Jones disguised in a German uniform bumps into Hitler (Michael Sheard of Star Wars fame).

Have fun watching this great film with the banter between Hennery and Junior. And remember "do not trust anybody."