A few words about...™ Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull - in Blu-ray

Robert Harris · 09-28-2008, 11:28 PM

I viewed Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull for the first time this evening and at the conclusion was wondering why it received a somewhat "soft" reception from critics as well as filmgoers.

I forget who said it, possibly Roger Ebert, but the phrase "You can only see a film for the first time once" came to mind. And this may have been the problem. I'm occasionally a bit jealous of someone who loves film having that initial experience seeing Lawrence in a quality 70mm presentation on a huge screen, or "Vertigo," or The Godfather films.

There are so many references, many quite sweet, (in what other film could you possibly have a shot in which a speeding vehicle in a large warehouse bumps into a packing case, breaking it open -- just enough to reveal a bit of the Ark of the Covenant briefly to the camera) to the three preceding films, that some people may have reacted unkindly because in some ways they've been here before.

My take in simple. I was prepared to get on the tram, went for the Indy 4 ride -- and loved every moment of it.

What I was thinking as I was watching the film was how beautifully it was produced -- the cinematography, the art direction, the effects -- all of which shows precisely what you can achieve with the top technical people in every field of production and post, and the dollars to accomplish what was necessary -- in this case apparently just south of 200 million.

As far as the Blu-ray disc is concerned, there is only great news.

As a digital intermediate, the film has been magnificently down-rezzed to HD, and the resultant Blu-ray disc is as crisp and clean as any modern film can be.

Everything here is perfect including the Dolby TrueHD audio.

I have yet to get to the second disc, filled to overflowing with a cornucopia of special features, but will get there first chance.

You're in for one huge home video treat!

Highly Recommended.

RAH

Tim Glover · 09-29-2008, 12:53 AM

Nice review Robert. Maybe this one will work better at home? My 2nd viewing improved somewhat at the theater....glad to see the Blu-ray is top notch.

Douglas Monce · 09-29-2008, 12:58 AM

Thanks Robert. Defiantly looking forward to this one! My favorite film of the summer. But then I like big goofy adventure movies.

Doug

Sam Posten · 09-29-2008, 01:11 AM

Boom! Too bad the rest of the series isn't with it. Personally I'd order them 1, 3/4 (tie) then 2, so its as least certainly better than one of the other three and maybe better than 2 of them =) Glad to hear the BD is as good as we can hope for!

Nick Laslett · 09-29-2008, 05:28 AM

I found Indy KotCS much more enjoyable on my 2nd viewing, on a plane of all places.

I used the release of KotCS this summer as an opportunity to introduce my two children to Indy, the 3 proceeding films and the Young Indy Chronicles.

I have to say that KotCS is no better or worse than any of the other films in the Indy series, they all have their strengths and weaknesses. It would be a harsh judgement to see flaws in KotCS and overlook those in the other films.

It is an enjoyable ride, and in hindsight the Crystal Skull is no worse a mcguffin then used in the other films, and entirely appropriate to a cold war setting.

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Xylon · 09-29-2008, 09:46 AM

Can't wait to get my copies

Chris S · 09-29-2008, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim Glover

Maybe this one will work better at home?

That's what I'm hoping. One of the problems I had were the special effects looked too digital so maybe they'll play better on a smaller screen.

Brent M · 09-29-2008, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris S

That's what I'm hoping. One of the problems I had were the special effects looked too digital so maybe they'll play better on a smaller screen.

I don't know. With the clarity of Blu-Ray I'm afraid they might stand out a little more.

BrettB · 09-29-2008, 12:40 PM

I saw Skull twice. First viewing was digital. Second viewing was film. I think the film helped out the fx. Very curious to see it now on my setup.

Douglas Monce · 09-29-2008, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris S

That's what I'm hoping. One of the problems I had were the special effects looked too digital so maybe they'll play better on a smaller screen.

Interesting that you say that, because most of the effects in this film were done with miniatures rather than digital models.

Doug