Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull [Blu-ray] | ![Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull [Blu-ray]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51OrnQySRjL._SL500_.jpg)
| Director: Steven Spielberg
Actors: Harrison Ford, Cate Blanchett, Shia Labeouf, Karen Allen, Ray Winstone
Studio: Paramount
Category: DVD
This item is no longer available
Avg. Customer Rating:  218 reviews
Sales Rank: 44
Languages: English (Original Language), German (Original Language), Russian (Original Language)
Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Media: Blu-ray
ASIN: B00168OINA
Theatrical Release Date: May 22, 2008
Release Date: October 14, 2008 (In 47 Days)
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Amazon.com
Nearly 20 years after riding his last Crusade, Harrison Ford makes a welcome return as archaeologist/relic hunter Indiana Jones in Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, an action-packed fourth installment that's, in a nutshell, less memorable than the first three but great nostalgia for fans of the series. Producer George Lucas and screenwriter David Koepp (War of the Worlds) set the film during the cold war, as the Soviets--replacing Nazis as Indy's villains of choice and led by a sword-wielding Cate Blanchett with black bob and sunglasses--are in pursuit of a crystal skull, which has mystical powers related to a city of gold. After escaping from them in a spectacular opening action sequence, Indy is coerced to head to Peru at the behest of a young greaser (Shia LaBeouf) whose friend--and Indy's colleague--Professor Oxley (John Hurt) has been captured for his knowledge of the skull's whereabouts. Whatever secrets the skull holds are tertiary; its reveal is the weakest part of the movie, as the CGI effects that inevitably accompany it feel jarring next to the boulder-rolling world of Indy audiences knew and loved. There's plenty of comedy, delightful stunts--ants play a deadly role here--and the return of Raiders love interest Karen Allen as Marion Ravenwood, once shrill but now softened, giving her ex-love bemused glances and eye-rolls as he huffs his way to save the day. Which brings us to Ford: bullwhip still in hand, he's a little creakier, a lot grayer, but still twice the action hero of anyone in film today. With all the anticipation and hype leading up to the film's release, perhaps no reunion is sweeter than that of Ford with the role that fits him as snugly as that fedora hat. --Ellen A. Kim
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| Customer Reviews: Read 213 more reviews...
 Time to hang up the hat Indy! August 27, 2008
4 out of 6 found this review helpful
Horrible movie. I can't express how much I disliked this movie. I've never left a movie feeling really angry, this one I did. It had a lot of promise, but it was just horrible. The story and script were terrible (aliens? Definitely killed this franchise). I feel bad that such a caliber actress like Cate Blanchett has a film like this on her resume. Shia LaBeouf is an over-rated actor who was a bore to watch on the screen. Harrison Ford just came off as an aging actor trying to hold on to his glory days. Time to move on from Indiana. While the older films were great, this one was nothing but a let down and it just goes to show that it's sometimes best to let things stay in the past where they belong. I guess since Steven Spielberg and George Lucas knew that they had an audience that would come to the movie regardless of what the story is they decided to just make a film with a flimsy script and add in a horrible character (LaBeouf).
 Not funny as the previous ones. Most of the stunts have been done before. August 26, 2008
1 out of 3 found this review helpful
I prefer the old Indiana Jones. This movie is not as funny as those. Most of the stunts have been done before.
 Indiana Jones and the 50's Paranoia! August 25, 2008
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
A few spoilers! You've been warned! For just the 2 disc DVD info, check the last few paragraphs.
It's been over 20 years since Indiana Jones has been in theaters. We've had a great TV show and countless comics and other goods since then. Does Indy 4 live up to the original trilogy? For the most part, yes! More so then the Star Wars prequels did. This ain't the 30's no more, it's the 50's! What's most important about the Indy films though are it's themes. Indy 4 keeps the tradition with it's underlying themes and does a fantastic job to boot. Raiders was about believing. Doom was about trusting. And Crusade was about obsessions. Indy 4 is about letting go of the past. Indy 4 is about new life
During a scene early on, Indy is looking over two photo's. One of his late father Henry Jones, and one of his late friend Marcus Brody. This is when Indy 4 shows it's heart. Indy says "You reach a point in your life where life stops giving you things and starts taking them away." This theme is handled quite well throughout the film. With his old flame Marion representing his past, and her (And maybe his) son Mutt representing what he lost. It all wraps up beautifully in the end during Indy/Marion's wedding. Indy has finally let go, and Indy is starting a new life.
I can only think of two major negatives for this film. So I'll get those right out of the way. The Screenplay was lacking. It's hard to imagine that Lucas, Spielberg and co. waited 20 years for the perfect screenplay. The character of Mac was, IMO, a very useless character. More so then Sallah in Last Crusade. Difference is Sallah was an enjoyable, likable guy. The second problem was John Williams score. Or maybe I should say lack off. Each Indy film before this has had a very distinctive theme. The Raiders march, Temple Of Doom theme, and the motorcycle chase in Last Crusade. Sitting here, I can't really think of a main tune for Crystal Skull.
So thats really all I can think of. The rest of the movie was more enjoyable then almost everything else this year. Now obviously from my user name, I love Raiders Of The Lost Ark. Raiders will always be my favorite film in terms of plain old pure entertainment. Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull did the best it can without being a copy cat of the first 3.
The opening of the film did a great job setting the mood. A drag race between the all American 50's teen, and a Russian military convoy. Remind you of anything? Obviously the Cold War undertones play a huge part in Indy 4. I'm not going to say "learn your history kids". But when you're the only one who knows who "Ike" is, there might be a problem.
Indy of course gets into trouble with the Russians. He's forced to escape using a questionable method. Now since I enjoy the pulp action aspect of Indiana Jones, this scene didn't bother me. It got it's point across. Things aren't built like they used to be... We get another riveting action scene near the end. Which again, is one of the best action scenes this year. Second only to The Dark Knight.
Eventually Indy meets the motorcycle riding, "wild one" Mutt. What follows is an amazing action scene with zero CGI. Mutt and Indy riding a motorcycle being pursued by a couple of goons. You'll see some classic stunt work. It's easily the most-fun scene of any film I've seen this year. No blood, no guts, just great entertainment.
Eventually Indy and Mutt travel to Peru. Now here's where one of the problems show up. I was not at all convinced they were in Peru. I've been to Peru (Thanks to the opening of Raiders which sparked my interest in the beautiful country) and in Indy it looked more like Mexico. Remember in Raiders, and the amazing wide shots of Cairo? None of those are here sadly. It's a small complaint, but a complaint none the less.
We see a remarkable image of Indiana Jones and the... We'll, lets just say the 50's theme really shows it's colors here. Some will be turned off. I for one loved it. Indiana Jones is pulp in the same aspect as Doc Savage. He's fought spirits, Heart ripping Hindu cults, met 1000 year old knights, and now this. Some younger fans who grew up with Last Crusade will say this doesn't belong in Indiana Jones. But lets not forget. Indy fought Vlad the Impaler and his Vampire minions in 1918. See the Young Indy series for that reference. I might also add that Indy 4 referenced the TV show. It was a nice moment for the fans.
So you get my drift for the film. Watch it for yourself and decide. I've grown up watching VHS' of Indy, and this was a welcome return to form. It wasn't as great as the previous 3 IMO, but it was pretty close. The originals are over 20 years old. I've had over 20 years to plant those images into my head. Here's hoping a few images from Skull join those in the coming years. Indiana Jones has always been a fascinating character. Through the Young Indy TV show, up to the newest film. It has always been a pleasure to follow his life. I just hope this isn't the end.
So, whats on the 2 disc DVD? A 6-part Production Diary which includes: Making Kingdom of the Crystal Skull documentary (includes Shooting Begins: New Mexico, Back to School: New Haven, Connecticut, Welcome to the Jungle: Hilo, Hawaii, On-Set Action, Exploring Akator and Wrapping Up!) Another 6 featurettes: Warrior Makeup, The Crystal Skulls, Iconic Props, The Effects of Indy, Adventures in Post Production and Closing. 3 Pre-Visualization Sequence featurettes: Area 51 Escape, Jungle Chase and Ants Attack. And finally, 5 image galleries: The Art Department, Stan Winston Studio, Production Photographs, Portraits, and Behind-the-Scenes Photographs.
Sadly no commentary. Which is expected from Spielberg. But I was hoping Lucas would chime in. It's a loaded DVD to say the least. Hopefully the Blu-ray sells great so we can see the originals on Blu-ray too.
The film: 7/10. A welcome return to a classic adventure. No quick cuts like a Michael Bay film, and no needless blood and gore. This is pure and fun entertainment.
The DVD. 9/10. Filled with a ton of "making of", but lacking a commentary for the fans.
Worse than Temple of Doom August 24, 2008
3 out of 5 found this review helpful
To be honest this was one of the worst sequels I've ever seen. It was a true letdown because I've been a fan of Indy since I can remember. Raiders was fantastic, Temple was so-so, and Last Crusade was perfect. But this, this was pretty sucky. One thing I just couldn't get over was the aliens. Aliens shouldn't be in Indiana Jones. I think George Lucas got his franchises mixed up. Second is Indy having a son. Don't get me wrong I thought Shia Lebeouf was great, but his character was unnecessary. Now I did like Indy taking on Commies, that was one of the few good things about it. Harrison Ford really let me down.
 Where's Mulder and Scully? August 23, 2008
2 out of 3 found this review helpful
I would have given this movie four stars if it had a more suitable ending for Indiana Jones fare. I was expecting to see Mulder and Scully from the X-Files running on the other side of the temple at the end. Seems to me that Lucas could have done much better with the script after all this time. Harrison Ford was great as usual and the supporting cast did a decent job. If you're an Indiana Jones fan you will like this but it will leave you a little dissapointed in the end, just a little.
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