DVD Review: Indy IV Temple of the Crystal Skull
One of Summer's Biggest Sequel Hits, Hits DVD for the Fan Masses
(Writer's Note: For the original Suite101 review of this film, click here.)
The fourth installment in this now legendary series, featuring Ford as archeologist/professor/adventurer Henry "Indiana" Jones, Jr., Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Crystal Skull drew much of its premise on the schlocky sci-fi b-movies of the 1950's. Drawing upon many aspects such as the Russian threat, government conspiracies (as well as that omnipresent element of the paranormal, UFOs), Steven Spielberg has managed to retain his film series' mysterious aura, by rooting his latest tale into well known elements, while explaining how the character is now a much older, though not much wiser character.
Cast of Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
Harrison Ford still delivers on this latest installment (despite now being able to collect on Social Security), still bringing the same old charm and bravado that made him watchable in the first three movies. Also adding new possibilities to the mix, Spielberg introduces current young Hollywood heartthrob Shia Leboeuf, who plays young and brash "Mutt" Williams, and brings back a character familiar to Indy audiences, Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen), from the first film Raiders of the Lost Ark.
Rounding up the cast are Ray Winstone (King Arthur, Beowulf, Sexy Beast), as George "Mac" McHale, a friend of Indy's, and the ever so entertaining Cate Blanchett (Lord of the Rings, Elizabeth) as Irina Spalko, a Soviet agent with knowledge of the occult and the paranormal, with plans to secure the secrets of the Skulls of Akator for Mother Russia.
DVD Features
As this review covers the two-disc edition, there are more extras to go around. The first disc has a handful of small featurettes in addition to the full length feature film. Among those, a brief retrospective of what the character has gone through, in the course of the film franchise. Most of the interviews circle around the ringleaders of each project, namely Spielberg, George Lucas, producers Frank Marshall and Kathleen Kennedy, sound designer Ben Burtt, and notable cast members. Though informative and pleasant to watch for any fans of the aforementioned filmmakers, they do tend to get somewhat repetitive.
Another featurette is a series of cinematic pre-visualization sequences, which happens to be a favorite tool of Spielberg's, as he plans his on-location shooting. Think of a very rough CGI rendition of the movie you're about to see, using modern programs to animate the primitive action of a scene.
(Note: To get an idea of what pre-viz looks like, watch the featurette, then Google the Poser program, frequently used by many industry people)
The second disc is reserved for the remainder of the bonus features, and is generously filled with items ranging from featurettes on the visual effects, challenges of location shooting, props, high quality photo galleries, and more pre-visualization sequences. Hardcore fans of the series can indulge in the 12-part making-of documentary, which covers all aspects of the film, from pre-production to post-production.
Fans who will decide to watch every single feature on both discs, will find some ground already covered, but it is still fun to watch.
One sad element of this film is missing in action, and that is an audio commentary by Spielberg and company. This has long been a sore subject with avid fans of the series. However, Spielberg commentaries are a rarity in the DVD format, and this disk is no different. None of the previous releases of the first three movies had them, so this compliments the overall package uniformly.
Overall Analysis
The film worked well this summer, both as escapist fare and bubble gum action. Despite many online grumblings about certain plot elements (most of them centered around basic nuclear survival by way of your kitchen appliances --- let us leave it at that), the film overall is a great addition to an already famous film franchise. There has been talk of a possible fifth installment, let us only hope that they won't wait another 19 years to bring back Ford, as he heads into the twilight of his already illustrious career.
8 out of 10 for Full DVD Treatment with All the Trimmings
Crystal Skull 2-Disc DVD
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