Planet of the Apes - The Legacy Collection (Planet of the Apes [1968] / Beneath the / Escape from the / Conquest of the / Battle for the)

Description

Disk 1: *Planet of the Apes ('68)

Disk 2: *Escape from the Planet of the Apes

Disk 3: *Conquest for the Planet of the Apes

Disk 4: *Battle for the Planet of the Apes

Disk 5: *Beneath the Planet of the Apes

Disk 6: *Behind the Planet of the Apes (bonus disc) *Documentary ?Behind the Planet of the Apes? *Planet of the Apes trailer *Beneath the Planet of the Apes trailer *Escape from the Planet of the Apes trailer *Conquest of the Planet of the Apes trailer *Battle for the Planet of the Apes trailer *Planet of the Apes Cross Promotion trailer *TV Spot for Behind the Planet of the Apes *Fox Interactive Presents: Behind the Scenes of the Planet of the Apes game

Customer Reviews:

Say Again ??.......2007-08-13

First and foremost, the movies here are presented the way they should be, hence the five star rating. But let me get this straight: The "Evolution" box set released in 2000 is the same, exact thing as this "Legacy" box set---except the "Evolution" box set was done to rip people off? Is that what I'm gathering here ? The "Evolution" set was not anamorphic or had remastered sound; the "Legacy" IS anamorphic AND has remastered sound, and they were released only six years apart ? Yep. Rip-off. And I cannot believe that no one here has even mentioned that fact.

Planet of the Apes.......2007-07-26

The move is a very good movie for the days that it was produced.
The plot was very well handled throught out the move until the very last,
when you learn that it was not evolution that cuased this to happen.

By watching the remake of Planet of the Apes, you see the difference in
special effects that have been acquired throught out the years.

The Original Sci-Fi Series.......2007-07-26

Before the Terminator, before Star Wars, before Alien, there was....THE PLANET OF THE APES. Each movie plays well individually as well as a series. And if you look at the deeper messages, whether they were totally intended or not, they are just as relevant now as they were 40 years ago. We still deal with the same issues brought up in the movies, racism, bigotry, class differences, religious differences; it's all there. Not to say they don't work as just "movies"; they do. But if you are willing to scratch a tad below the surface, you will see they are talking about things that need talking about, whether it is the late 60's/early 70's or 2007.
The Behind the Scenes was also a wonderful treat. I remember watching it on AMC and kicking myself for not taping it as well as the movies when they were on that day. That was the first time in years that I had seen the movies and I re-fell in love with them. I rank them as some of the best movies of all time. But that is just one Chimpanzee's humble opinion and ask not that all you Gorilla and Orangatan types agree with me.

Hard to rate a mixed bag, but these films are fun nevertheless.......2007-06-07

Like the Airport Terminal Pack (Airport/Airport '75/Airport '77/Airport '79 - The Concord) the "Planet of the Apes" film series widely ranges in quality. ALL of them are fun enough to watch, however, the last two are extremely campy and very poorly made.

Back in the day when producers made sequels, prior to the VCR/DVD era, the films consistently earned less money with each sequel; therefore, less money was spent on each sequel as the expected turnout and revenues would be less. That is not the case today with the VCR/DVD generation wherein if people missed a film in the theaters, they could rent or purchase it later. This meant a larger audience for a film as it would have, in a sense, multiple releases: first would be the actual theater release, then the plain first edition on VCR/DVD within about six months, then followed by a "special edition" the next year, and then a "director's cut", and "special extended version" followed, and so on. This allows for a film to get a larger following; therefore, sequels and prequels have become big business. This means producers put more money into these films now than they did before to pull in not only the established fans of the film series, but also new fans who may have just caught up with the series by renting or purchasing the prior films.

With that having been said it should be no surprise at all that these films range widely in quality and effort as they were before the VCR/DVD era. Below are my ratings for each film and in the correct order of their release (the disk order is NOT correct in the package):

***** Planet of the Apes: An absolute classic sci-fi film with good special effects and set designs (even by today's standards) and solid performances by all, most notably Roddy McDowell who was in all the films and the short-lived TV series, Kim Hunter, and Maurice Evans who had to portray emotions with their voice, eyes and hand gestures moreso than other actors because of the heavy make-up they wear which is outstanding.

*** Beneath the Planet of the Apes: The effects and make-up are still very good and so is the acting, but the storyline is rather bizarre, convoluted, and just doesn't seem to fit with the Apes series real well.

****Escape From the Planet of the Apes: I loved this sequel which reverses the storyline by having the intelligent talking apes back in our present day rather than in their future world. Naturally, this saved the producers lots of money by only having to put make up on only two actors rather than many. The performances are top-notch by McDowell and Hunter who continue their roles from the first two ape films.

Both the "The Conquest of" and final entry "The Battle for the Planet of the Apes" are cinematic disasters for which I give them both **. The make up had been reduced to laughable rubber masks and the special effects consisted of terrible paintings, obvious minatures, and flimsy cardboard sets. Roddy McDowell's performance had become somewhat pedestrian in the title role by these two final films, but his voice and delivery was always pleasant to the ear. These two films do, however, continue the storyline which ends up explaining how Earth eventually became The Planet of the Apes. To me, that's an important part of any sequel and why I gave these films two stars and not one or zero.

The bonus disk on looking over the "Apes" series is hosted by McDowell, who always looked great for his age, and sadly he died shortly thereafter from cancer. This special was done to re-introduce the "Ape" films to a new generation just prior to the release of the Ape films on tape/DVD and the planned release of the remake by Tim Burton (Planet of the Apes (Special Edition) which was surprisingly original and in many ways superior to the original film with Charlten Heston who has a cameo in the remake.

In any event and in spite of the wide ranging quality of these films the entire series is worth owning and the sequels do build on each other and tell a coherent story (not counting the silly second entry into the series even though the third film still builds upon it). I highly recommend this set and the remake by Burton as well.

The Greatest SC-FI Saga Before Star Wars.......2007-04-19

Planet of the Apes is a legendary SC-FI masterpiece, that made film history & was another smash hit for the legendary Charlton Heston and thats not all, it was followed by 4 sequels spanning across time of ape's place on the planet. Planet of the Apes, Beneath the Planet of the Apes, Escape from the Planet of the Apes, Conquest of the Planet of the Apes & Battle for the Planet of the Apes" all 5 classics boxed in one legacy collection to go ape over. The films star Charlton Heston, Roddy McDowall, Kim Hunter, Linda Harrison, Ricardo Montalban, James Franciscus & Maurice Evans. If you're a SC-FI fan, this is must have collection.

Average customer rating:

My Play3 can't detect Planet of the Apes [Blu-ray] disc
A Mixed Bag, but Ultimately a Decent Addition to the Apes Saga
Wahlberg
Tim Burton At His Worst
A spectacular adventure...that some people will hate for their own reasons.

Planet of the Apes (Special Edition)
Starring: Mark Wahlberg , Tim Roth , Helena Bonham Carter , Michael Clarke Duncan , and Paul Giamatti
Director: Tim Burton
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000062XGX
Release Date: 2003-02-11

Amazon.com

Billed as a "reimagining" of the original 1968 film, Tim Burton's extraordinary Planet of the Apes constantly borders on greatness, adhering to the spirit of Pierre Boulle's original novel while exploring fresh and inventive ideas and paying honorable tribute to the '68 sci-fi classic. Burton's gifts for eccentric inspiration and visual ingenuity make this a movie that's as entertaining as it is provocative, beginning with Rick Baker's best-ever ape makeup (hand that man an Oscar®!), and continuing through the surprisingly nuanced performances and breathtaking production design. Add to all this an intelligent screenplay that turns Boulle's speculative reversal--the dominance of apes over humans--into a provocative study of civil rights and civil war. The film finally goes too far with a woefully misguided ending that pays weak homage to the original, but everything preceding that misfire is astonishingly right.

While attempting the space-pod retrieval of a chimpanzee test pilot, Major Leo Davidson (Mark Wahlberg) enters a magnetic storm that propels him into the distant future, where he crash-lands on the ape-ruled planet. Among the primitively civilized apes, treatment of enslaved humans is a divisive issue: senator's daughter Ari (Helena Bonham Carter) advocates equality while the ruthless General Thade (Tim Roth) promotes extermination. While Davidson ignites a human rebellion, this conflict is explored with admirable depth and emotion, and sharp dialogue allows Burton's exceptional cast to bring remarkable expressiveness to their embattled ape characters, most notably in the comic relief of orangutan slave trader Limbo (played to perfection by Paul Giamatti). Classic lines from the original film are cleverly reversed (including an unbilled cameo for Charlton Heston, in ape regalia as Thade's dying father), and while this tale of interspecies warfare leads to an ironic conclusion that's not altogether satisfying, it still bears the ripe fruit of a timeless what-if idea. --Jeff Shannon

Description

After a spectacular crash-landing on an uncharted planet, brash astronaut Leo Davidson (Mark Wahlberg) finds himself trapped in a savage world where talking apes dominate the human race. Desperate to find a way home, Leo must evade the invincible gorilla army led by ruthless General Thade (Tim Roth) and his most trusted warrior, Attar (Michael Clarke Duncan). Now the pulse-pounding race is on to reach a sacred temple that may hold the shocking secrets of mankind's past - and the last hope for it's salvation!

Customer Reviews:

My Play3 can't detect Planet of the Apes [Blu-ray] disc.......2007-09-10

3 star for movie
0 star for blu-ray disc because my play3 can't play it.

A Mixed Bag, but Ultimately a Decent Addition to the Apes Saga.......2007-09-06

Year of Release: 2001
Director: Tim Burton
Country: USA
Runtime: 119 minutes

THE PLOT: An astronaut (Mark Wahlberg) crashlands on a planet ruled by apes where humans are considered animals and slaves, even though they are intelligent and can speak. The astronaut soon leads the humans to revolt.

I don't think there's any question that Tim Burton really knows how to make a film look great. And so it is with this remake of "Planet of the Apes." The locations, sets, ape make-up, costumes, cast, score (Danny Elfman) and direction are all outstanding. Just as good as the original film and, in many cases, even better. Unfortunately, the overall results are a mixed bag.

WHAT DOESN'T WORK: The biggest problem with this remake is that there is no build-up of mystery. Wahlberg crashlands to the planet very early on in the story, just like in the original film. Unfortunately, as soon as he lands he's IMMEDIATELY thrust into the ape/human conflict, captured and taken to the ape city. This flashes by so quickly that the viewer could easily MISS IT ALL if s/he got up for a few minutes to get something from the kitchen!! The original took its time in this matter; Taylor (Heston) and his fellow astronauts obviously crashland in the middle of nowhere and explore the planet for a long period of time before eventually encountering the inhabitants of the planet. It's all very mysterious, and there's a lot of build-up to the ape revelation.

It's also highly unbelievable that Wahlberg would crashland right into the midst of the human/ape conflict. The planet is the size of Earth, so what are the chances that he'd land right in the middle of the fray? I suppose Burton and the writers didn't want the film to bog down once Wahlberg crashlands, but couldn't they have at least given us FIVE MINUTES of exploration time, giving the impression that Wahlberg searches for a fairly long period of time before encountering the humans and apes? As it's presented it's simply too unbelievable.

This is a major misstep; and because it happens so early in the film it strongly tempts most intelligent viewers (who naturally MUST have some reasonable amount of believability to enjoy sci-fi) to lose faith in the picture and tune out or, at least, become excessively critical of the remainder of the film.

Another problem with the picture is that I just simply failed to really get caught up in the characters and their story. There needed to be more character-defining dialogue. A well written script causes the viewer to be CAPTIVATED by the storyline. Well, I never fully got captivated.

These factors explain why I was severely let down when first viewing the film at the theater in 2001.

WHAT WORKS: Seeing the film again recently, I was braced for these flaws and willing to suspend disbelief to (try to) enjoy the story. I now conclude that there are numerous worthwhile qualties to the remake.

For one thing, although Mark Wahlberg is no Charleton Heston (Taylor was Heston's greatest role and performance IMHO), I think he does a great job as the protagonist. Helena Bonham Carter is also fabulous in the Zira-like role of Ari; she really brings Ari to life and makes her unique. And as beautiful as Linda Harrison was as Nova, Estella Warren pretty much blows her out of the water in the counterpart role of Daena. Unfortunately her character is shallow and we never get a satisfyingly good look at Estelle in all her voluptous glory. But, no matter, what we DO see is breathtaking.

Tim Roth is utterly evil as the villainous Thade. This is very much in contrast to Dr. Zaius in the original, who was actually a very noble character. Lastly, the giant Michael Clarke Duncan is magnificent as the gorilla general, Thade's "friend."

As to be expected, the ape make-up is WAY better than the original, even though I still love the job they did in the earlier film. The ape characters don't only look more like highly evolved apes compared to the original, they walk, talk, howl, grunt, jump, fight and climb more like real apes.

The ape city sets are fabulous too, albeit a bit too dark for my tastes. I find this unbelievable and verging on cartooney. I know Burton is into Goth and therefore prefers dark lighting, but it would be nice to actually SEE the wonderful sets made for the film (or perhaps he doesn't want the viewer to get too good a look and see how artificial they really are? I don't know, I'm just guessing).

I also liked all the homages to the original film -- the various lines, Linda Harrison, Charleton Heston as Thade's dying father, etc.

Although numerous people had a problem with the ending, I think they did a good job. How else better to end it? Notice how the camera mysteriously shoots from behind the "Lincoln Memorial" just like the original does with the Statue of Liberty.

FINAL ANALYSIS: Despite a couple major flaws there's a lot to appreciate in Burton's remake. It's not as good as the original or "Beneath," but it's, at least, on a par with "Escape." And it's certainly better than "Conquest" and, especially, "Battle."

The bottom line is that Tim Burton's remake of "Planet of the Apes" is a worthwhile addition to your apes film collection. For serious "Apes" fans it's even mandatory because, even though -- OVERALL -- it doesn't come close to the greatness of the original (or "Beneath"), it has numerous singular aspects that surpass it.

Wahlberg.......2007-09-02

Mark Wahlberg brings back the classic series in this updated version of Planet of the Apes. Watch for Charlton Heston. A sequel to this movie would be great. The best scene in the movie is when he finds his ship and enters the control room.

Corey Cotta, Author of All of Yesterdays Tomorrows.

Tim Burton At His Worst.......2007-08-26

I love Tim Burton's films. Edward Scissorhands, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, they're all great! But I saw this particular film and was very disappointed. It was much different than the original 60's version (but it might be more loyal to the book, which I haven't read). This movie was based mostly on fight scenes. There was plenty of action, but not much plot. I enjoyed the costumes; and Danny Elfman composed an amazing musical score, but it lacked quality in the story.

A spectacular adventure...that some people will hate for their own reasons........2007-08-06

This impressive "reimagining" of Planet of the Apes probably comes under a lot of scrutiny for various reasons: 1) it's a remake of a beloved sci-fi film that falls in somewhere between Star Trek and 2001 as one of the biggest SF landmarks of the 60s. 2) It was a big budget S.F. movie in Summer...and ever since Star Wars that has been a big money-making genre. 3) it is a Tim Burton film and Burton usually loads his films with sights and strange images that are kind of fascinating in their detail and peculiarity. 4) and finally, I think it makes some people "squirm" in their seats because of its implications.
The story begins with astronaut Mark Wahlberg on a deep space expedition that uses genetically altered monkeys (that are more intelligent than typical monkeys...but cannot talk at this point) to fly dangerous missions. The Wahlberg character has affection for the chimpanzees and primates he works with, but resents not being out there doing the actual flying. He IS a pilot after all. So he defies orders and takes a ship out into a dangerous cosmic storm/anomoly (or whatever) and ends up crashing on a planet where an ape society with talking apes rules the planet and humans are hunted, experimented on, kept for pets, and used as servants.
Tim Burton runs with that premise using ape society to hold up a mirror and show us an uncomfortable reflection of what our society might look like to an outsider. It is interesting because the apes themselves are played by excellent actors like Tim Roth, Helena Bonham Carter, and Paul Giamatti, and covered in remarkable Rick Baker make up, which in some cases I wonder if it could fool a real chimpanzee it is so convincing.
So the story follows Wahlberg from his crash landing, to his captivity in an ape city, to his escape and meeting up with other humans, to a final confrontation with an ape army that wants to crush the human rebellion he has (reluctantly) started.
It's a decent story, something that I think Tim Burton's films occassionally lack. Burton restrains his gothic sensibilities in this movie too. There are no characters that look like members of the Addamms family. In fact Mark Wahlberg's athletic astronaut may be the most "normal" hero of a Tim Burton film.
The sense of pecularity is here though. That is the whole point of Apes. Wahlberg IS an outsider because of his circumstances, NOT because he is a goth freak (like say, Edward Scissorhands). The humans who have lived under Ape rule can't help but marvel at his audacity at standing up to the apes and the apes themselves are a little awstruck at the ingenuity...and cruelty...that humans are apparently capable of.
The apes have a religion based on events that occurred in their distant past...events that hold the key to what happened to the rest of Wahlberg's deep space expedition. It is no coincidence that the homing beacon he carries points him to the heart of a sacred area for the apes where their messiah, Semos is supposed to return.
I imagine Apes will always be controversial material as long as evolution is a hot button topic for some. Or perhaps for its implications about animal rights and whether one believes animals have souls. It is provocative that way for our times. I confess there are limits to what I myself want to consider on the topic. I eat beef. I do not object to (necessary) animal testing that results in cures for disease, but I do not have the stomach to hunt animals (I have gone fishing but only as part of a group and not out of my own interest for the activity).
I think some of the criticisms of this movie come from people who squirmed in their seat due to some of these issues. So I would consider some of the very negative reviews of this film with that in mind.
For me, Science Fiction is interesting when it is provacative like this. Other films like Independence Day or Armageddon, films that are (frankly) dumb as dirt and full of contrived crowd pleasing Rambo moments are less interesting to me. However I have to admit that I like a few Rambo moments, like anyone else. Fighting and action are pretty much a staple of some sci-fi movies except for those that are really esoteric like 2001 or A.I.. In that respect Planet of the Apes strikes a very good balance for audience members like me.
Could it have been a bit better? Could the additional cliffhanger ending have been redone, left off, or explained somewhat? I guess so. But I like this movie as it stands. There is a lot to admire here once you forget all the baggage and comparisons some people like to make. I would give it 3 and a half stars, but the amazon rating system doesn't do halves...and I think rounding it up to 4 stars is not a big stretch for such an great looking, ambitious film.

Average customer rating:

lovin all my movies
"Don't look for it, Taylor, you might not like what you find."
One of my favorite movies
A CLASSIC! THE ORIGINAL STANDS ALONE!
The original 'Planet of the Apes'

Planet of the Apes
Starring: Charlton Heston , Roddy McDowall , Kim Hunter , Maurice Evans , and James Whitmore
Director: Franklin J. Schaffner
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000E6ESEO
Release Date: 2006-03-28

Amazon.com essential video

Many early science fiction films are now, quite inadvertently (and in most cases undeservedly), objects of camp attention: we laugh at the silly makeup, tin-can special effects, and the naive "high-tech" dialogue. Planet of the Apes is no such film. Its intelligent script, frightening costuming, and savagely effective conclusion (which needs no big-budget special effects to augment its impact) remain both potent and relevant. When Colonel George Taylor (the fabulous Charlton Heston) crash lands his spacecraft on what seems to be an unfamiliar planet, he is captured and held prisoner by a dominant race of hyperrational, articulate apes. However, the ape community is riven with internal dissention, centered in no small part on its policy toward humans, who, on this planet, are treated as mindless animals. Befriended and ultimately assisted by the more liberal simians, Taylor escapes--only to find a more terrifying obstacle confronting his return home. Heavy-handed object lessons abound--the ubiquity of generational warfare, the inflexibility of dogma, the cruelty of prejudice--and the didactic fingerprints of Rod Serling are very much in evidence here. But director Franklin Schaffner has a dark, pop-apocalyptic sci-fi vision all his own, and time has not dulled the monumental emotional impact of the film's climactic payoff shot. If you don't know what I'm talking about here, you owe it to yourself to check out this stone classic, and even if you do, see it with fresh eyes; and don't be surprised if you get the chills all over again... and again... and again. --Miles Bethany

Description

Charlton Heston and Roddy McDowall star in this legendary science fiction masterpiece. Astronaut Taylor (Heston) crash lands on a distant planet ruled by apes who use a primitive race of humans for experimentation and sport. Soon Taylor finds himself among the hunted, his life in the hands of a benevolent chimpanzee scientist (McDowall).

Customer Reviews:

lovin all my movies.......2007-09-13

i have never owned this movie , both were filmed at my home town of page , lake powell , arizona

"Don't look for it, Taylor, you might not like what you find." .......2007-08-13

Since most people have seen the original 1968 "Planet of the Apes" (multiple times, I might add) this review is not so much intent on introducing the film to new viewers but rather provoking people to re-discover it, as I did recently.

THE PLOT: George Taylor and two other astronauts experience some type of time warp in space and crashland on a distant planet over 2000 years in the future. They soon discover that highly evolved apes rule the planet while humans are disdained "animals."

WHAT WORKS: First of all, Charlton Heston is outstanding as the disillusioned humanity-hating Taylor. Taylor is brilliantly put in the ironic position of representing humankind to the apes. Although I love Heston in other films like "Ben-Hur" and "The Ten Commandments," I believe Taylor is his best role and performance. Heston was, incidentally, 43 years old at the time of filming. He's utterly captivating in the role and charismatic in an anti-hero sense.

The first 35 minutes of the film involve the crashland, the search over the wastelands, the discovery of primitive humans and, finally, the potent cornfield revelation of the intelligent rulers of the planet. This segment is one of my favorite parts of the film. The desert wastelands are awe-inspiring and one can't help but enjoy Taylor's amusingly pessimistic antics. This part of the film is highly mysterious in nature. Where ARE they? Why are there so few signs of life? Did Taylor hate humanity so much that he was literally willing to escape his home world? Who made the strange X-shaped scarecrows? Why can't the primitive "cavemen" speak? Who planted the crops of corn?

When the story shifts to the ape city the film takes on an entirely different vibe. There's suddenly no more mystery and the shift is so jarring that the film momentarily loses its ultra-captivating sense of awe. But, no matter, the viewer is soon engulfed in the social dynamics of the ape society.

The rough-hewn, alien-looking rock city sets are marvelous and the ape make-up is exceptional considering the time period. In fact, it holds up pretty well even to this day.

It is soon discovered that the apes have three distinct "races": The chimps are scientific, humanitarian and pacifistic; the gorillas are militaristic; and the orangutangs are the respected elders & religious leaders. The attention to detail of the ape society, and the social dynamics thereof, is nothing less than brilliant. The apes have their own distinctive walk and the actors do a spendid job depicting facial expressions through all that make-up, giving life to their characters.

The story's characters are distinctly fleshed-out and superbly performed by all involved: Nova, the animal-like cavegirl, played by the beautiful Linda Harrison. Zira (Kim Hunter) and Cornelius (Roddy McDowall), who are willing to risk everything for the sake of the truth and their ideals. Dr. Zaius (Maurice Evens), the defender of the apes' religious faith and protector of their society. Heck, even the secondary characters are great, like the chimp teenager Lucius and the gorilla jailguard Julius.

Although Dr. Zaius is portrayed as sort of a villain or antagonist, it's impossible to hate him. One ascertains that he only acts in the best interest of the apes. He's very learned and, although he doesn't know or believe everything about Taylor and humankind in general, he does know that humans were once the dominant species of the planet, ages ago, but they foolishly destroyed themselves and their great society. He knows very well that the apes have this same destructive potential so he does everything in his power to protect the community he knows and loves. Note how Cornelius and Zira regard Zaius with the utmost reverence and respect at all times, even when they are fugitives and Taylor has Zaius captive. This shows their humility and respectfulness. Also notice that, at the very end, right before Taylor and Nova depart down the shoreline on the horse, Zaius suddenly has it in his power (by way of the returning gorillas on horseback) to stop and even kill Taylor, but he DOESN'T. He lets them go. Why? I believe this reveals his good character and shows that he's not a villain at all. He knew Taylor could have easily killed him numerous times when he had the upper hand, so he mercifully returns the favor -- to an "animal" no less!

Also, consider this: Although Zaius is shown in a negative light by hindering scientific efforts to discover historical truth, the Lawgiver's scriptures that he quotes from are RIGHT -- humans ARE destructive & made a desert of parts of the planet and, for the sake of ape society, should not be allowed to "breed in great numbers." Zaius obviously feels that the apes, in general, can't handle the truth. ("You can't HANDLE the truth!!")

The climax is incredible: Taylor and Nova travel a LONG distance down the shoreline while the viewer hears eerie music on the soundtrack. Something's just not right; it's too quiet and uneventful. There's no way it's gonna end like this. And then, suddenly, the truth about the "planet of the apes" is revealed. Utterly dumbfounded, Taylor jumps off his horse and furiously pounds his fists into the surf while screaming out curses at humanity.

Lastly, the score by Jerry Goldsmith is PERFECT -- fittingly eerie and primal.

WHAT DOESN'T WORK: Sometimes the apes' mouths don't move enough when they speak and it clearly looks artificial. Also, there are a few corny elements of dialogue and the social commentary is occasionally tacky. I suppose the above "jarring shift" could also be viewed as a negative point.

FINAL ANALYSIS: I've seen "Planet of the Apes" numerous times over the years and previously saw it just two years ago. You would think that I'd "know it all" and nothing would surprise me, move me, teach me, etc. Yet, after just viewing it again, I am reminded of why this is such a great science-fiction film, even though it's forty years old. Some things I re-discovered but others I "saw" and experiecnced for the first time! Who woulda thought? I should also point out that "Planet of the Apes" is very adult-oriented (even though kids will, of course, appreciate many aspects of it). Although there is quite a bit of action, it is by no means an action flick. It's primarily a dialogue-driven sci-fi adventure. So those who need constant explosions to maintain their juvenile attention should steer clear (not that there's anything wrong with that -- heh, heh).

Lastly, this film and its sequel "Beneath the Planet of the Apes" (which is technically the only sequel in the series; the others are prequels) should be viewed as ONE long film/story. "Beneath" suffers from budget cuts, etc. but it is, in its own unique way, almost as good as "Planet."

One of my favorite movies.......2007-08-04

I first saw this movie when I was a child. I loved it then and I still love it. I have watched it on all the superstations on DISH network many times. Now I have my own copy and will watch many more times.

A CLASSIC! THE ORIGINAL STANDS ALONE!.......2007-08-01

I was lucky enough to see this at the movies when it was re-released with Beneath the Planet of the Apes 1970. It made a huge impact on me at the time and I must admit I still love it. The original is a fantastic film and it blows the remake completely out of the water! The sequels, well.......they are kind of stupid, but I can't help but like them any way! I grew up with them and when you're young you are willing to let little things go...like continuity,inane dialog and unbelievable and contrived story lines. The first film is in a class all by itself. The make-up is great for the time and I still think for the most part holds up today. The sets are cool and Roddy,Kim and the rest of the main apes play there parts to the hilt! Heston is Heston and he can make anything seems like it is real! The 2 disc set has a really nice transfer and a load of extras.

The original 'Planet of the Apes'.......2007-06-28

As with most Rod Serling stories (he co-wrote this with Michael Wilson), a fundamental twist in the nature of things opens the door to pointed social commentary. The ruling apes exhibit the same fears, ignorance and prejudice as we civilized humans, only it stings a little more when you're on the wrong end of the whip. The film is gorgeously shot and briskly paced by director Schaffner, who'd go on to do "Patton". Kudos to 20th Century Fox on the quality of the restoration, as watching this pristine DVD felt like a whole new experience. Heston as the cynical Taylor makes an appealing hero, and Roddy McDowell and Kim Hunter excel as kindly chimp couple Cornelius and Zira. That "wow" surprise ending is justly famous. Avoid the Wahlberg re-make.

Planet of the Apes - The Ultimate DVD Collection

Average customer rating:

YOU'LL GO APE! OVER THE ULTIMATE BOX SET!
Planet of the Apes - The Ultimate DVD Collection
Amazing Planet of the Apes
Ultimate DVD Box Set
Going Ape over my new Ultimate Collection

Planet of the Apes - The Ultimate DVD Collection
Starring: Roddy McDowall , Frank Capra Jr. , Don Taylor , Maurice Evans , and Richard D. Zanuck
Director: Kevin Burns (III) , David Comtois , and Thomas C. Grane
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000E6ESG2
Release Date: 2006-03-28

Amazon.com

While provoking neither the decades of spin-offs of the Star Trek franchise or the cultural staying power of the Star Wars universe, Planet of the Apes nonetheless lives in the hearts of many a Sunday afternoon TV-watcher. A high water mark for prosthetic movie magic, this primate-vs-man epic--spanning four movies, a TV series, and an animated series--was as integral to the 1970s as Led Zeppelin or muscle cars. So how to properly pay tribute to a science fiction franchise about intelligent apes roaming a post-apocalyptic earth?

In a freaking ape head boxed set, man.

It's true. 20th Century Fox packaged the entire run--movies, TV series, animated series, and the 2001 Tim Burton remake--in Caesar's head. Actually, the 14 discs are efficiently packaged in a fold-out book that slides into the bust's back. The bust is smartly dressed in green canvas, with zippers that don't actually lead to pockets. The hair is a luxurious mane that could have been wasted on at least three toupes. Put this masterpiece of DVD packaging on a shelf and watch it catch the gaze of everyone who walks into the room. Unfortunately, the set does not come with any supplemental reading material; an essay or two on the impact of Planet of the Apes would have been nice. The set is limited to 10,000 copies and comes with a numbered certificate of authenticity. For those who don't want to commit to the full ape head experience, most of the discs in this set--sans the animated series, TV show, and Tim Burton remake--can be had in the Planet of the Apes Legacy Boxset --Ryan Boudinot

Customer Reviews:

YOU'LL GO APE! OVER THE ULTIMATE BOX SET!.......2007-07-03

Wow! What a set! If you love POTA's Then you gotta have this set! All the films,TV episodes,documentaries and cartoons.....you name it,it's here! all remastered and looking great! It even comes in a very cool Caesar ape's head! The only thing they could have added is the director's cut of "Conquest". This is a must have for the ape fan!

Planet of the Apes - The Ultimate DVD Collection.......2007-06-01

Planet of the Apes - The Ultimate DVD Collection
is the ultimate it is the best planet of the apes dvd collection and roddy McDowall is the best to R.I.P RODDY MCDOWALL.

Amazing Planet of the Apes.......2007-03-22

It took about week to see all of the movies and the series, but it is worth so much more.

Ultimate DVD Box Set.......2007-02-14

This has got to be the ultimate DVD box set. Not only is every single filmed Apes project included (think about that for a moment, every single Apes project put to celluloid), not only are all the movies are anamorphic (squee), but it's all packaged in an authentic Ape head replica. Maybe you gotta be geeky, but that's just freaking awesome!

I've displayed my Ape head in the living room for the time being and I get a kick out of the jumps and creeps it gives people. Truly a set for the fans, completists and DVD collectors.

Going Ape over my new Ultimate Collection.......2006-12-27

It's as simple as this: Every Ape Movie, Episode, Cartoon, and even Burton's revisioning- All in one very cool Ape Bust.
The best part - aside from having it all in one collection - is that they restored "Battle for the Planet of the Apes." I hated the version I owned in the Legacy Box Set because they had removed the scenes about the bomb. (If you're as big a fan as I, you know the scenes I mean.) I was furious about that, because those scenes are essential to tying the whole story together. But now that they are back- I am happy as a monkey in banana cream pie.
This really is the ULTIMATE collection for the ULTIMATE apes fan.

Planet of the Apes: The Complete TV Series

Average customer rating:

Fun, but too short-lived
Better Than Expected, But . . .
A major miss-step when brought to weekly T.V.
Sadly, the series only lasted one season.
Timeless story of a world gone ape.

Planet of the Apes: The Complete TV Series
Starring: Planet of the Apes-TV Series
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000GUJZ0K
Release Date: 2006-10-03

Description

After their spacecraft travels through a time warp, two astronauts (Ron Harper, James Naughton) from 1981 crash-land back on Earth in the year 3085 - a time when intelligent apes rule and humans have been reduced to servants or pets. Captured by the apes and sentenced to death, they are saved by a curious chimpanzee name Galen (Roddy McDowall). But now all three are on the run, trying to keep one step ahead of the gorilla army led by General Urko (Mark Lenard), who is determined to kill the renegades.

Customer Reviews:

Fun, but too short-lived.......2007-06-29

I bought this DVD collection, along with The Planet of the Apes movie collection, for my husband on his b-day. We had so much fun watching it, the only sad thing is that it's 14 episodes and way to short-lived. The audio and pictures a nicely restored, we can finally toss those TV-taped episodes.

Better Than Expected, But . . ........2007-06-08

This TV entry into the highly successful "Planet of the Apes" film series is much better than one might expect. It lasted only 15 episodes, but it was good and surprisingly thought-provoking. As in the recent 2001 remake (Planet of the Apes), all the humans talk, which makes sense to me as why would we "forget" how to speak in the future when the apes take over. While I always thought that was a silly aspect to the ape film series, I must admit that it does make the apes seems even crueler when they go after humans that speak. I guess that only enhances the racism theme prevelant in all the ape films. After all, we did, sadly enough, considered African slaves to be soul-less and a less form of humans and they were capable of speech too. In fact, slaves owners only considered them "property" and not even human. Again, this concept of having all humans speak in the series and 2001 remake makes this series and that film all the more thought-provoking.

A major miss-step when brought to weekly T.V........2007-04-10

I was a big fan of the movies but even at 8 years old I could see that the series was not very good. The first mistake they made was letting all humans talk in the show(a mistake that they also made in the 2001 remake),as this makes the apes seem more cruel for hunting and killing talking animals. Even without this error the show was light on strong stories and long on poor action scenes. I know some like the show but as big a fan as i am i just can't recommend this one, even as a blast from the past.

Sadly, the series only lasted one season........2007-03-26

POTA is an excellent science fiction television series. Though I missed it when it was on network television I'm glad that I purchased the DVD set as I enjoyed every episode. Sadly, the series only lasted one season.

If you are a POTA fan, then this is a must have DVD set.

Timeless story of a world gone ape........2007-03-25

Excellent mastering of the classic 1970's TV show, Planet of the Apes. This show has aged rather well, as my preteen and teen children enjoy sitting down with me and watching an episode or two.

I am highly satisfied with this purchase.

Planet of the Apes (Widescreen Two-Disc Collector's Edition)

Average customer rating:

lovin all my movies
"Don't look for it, Taylor, you might not like what you find."
One of my favorite movies
A CLASSIC! THE ORIGINAL STANDS ALONE!
The original 'Planet of the Apes'

Planet of the Apes (Widescreen Two-Disc Collector's Edition)
Starring: Charlton Heston , Roddy McDowall , Kim Hunter , Maurice Evans , and James Whitmore
Director: Franklin J. Schaffner
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0000TPA4C
Release Date: 2004-02-03

Amazon.com essential video

Description

Rule the planet with this thrilling, action-packed "wild ride" (The Washington Post) from legendary director Tim Burton (Sleepy Hollow, Batman).

Customer Reviews:

lovin all my movies.......2007-09-13

i have never owned this movie , both were filmed at my home town of page , lake powell , arizona

"Don't look for it, Taylor, you might not like what you find." .......2007-08-13

One of my favorite movies.......2007-08-04

A CLASSIC! THE ORIGINAL STANDS ALONE!.......2007-08-01

The original 'Planet of the Apes'.......2007-06-28

Average customer rating:

My Play3 can't detect Planet of the Apes [Blu-ray] disc
A Mixed Bag, but Ultimately a Decent Addition to the Apes Saga
Wahlberg
Tim Burton At His Worst
A spectacular adventure...that some people will hate for their own reasons.

Planet of the Apes [Blu-ray]
Starring: Mark Wahlberg , and Tim Roth
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: Blu-ray

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ASIN: B000K7VHHS
Release Date: 2007-02-13

Amazon.com

Description

Customer Reviews:

My Play3 can't detect Planet of the Apes [Blu-ray] disc.......2007-09-10

3 star for movie
0 star for blu-ray disc because my play3 can't play it.

A Mixed Bag, but Ultimately a Decent Addition to the Apes Saga.......2007-09-06

Wahlberg.......2007-09-02

Tim Burton At His Worst.......2007-08-26

A spectacular adventure...that some people will hate for their own reasons........2007-08-06

Average customer rating:

unique combination

Planet of the Apes / Quest for Fire
Starring: Everett McGill , Ron Perlman , Nicholas Kadi , Rae Dawn Chong , and Gary Schwartz
Director: Jean-Jacques Annaud , and Tim Burton
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000KGGIXM
Release Date: 2006-12-05

Amazon.com

Planet of the Apes: Billed as a "reimagining" of the original 1968 film, Tim Burton's extraordinary Planet of the Apes constantly borders on greatness, adhering to the spirit of Pierre Boulle's original novel while exploring fresh and inventive ideas and paying honorable tribute to the '68 sci-fi classic. Burton's gifts for eccentric inspiration and visual ingenuity make this a movie that's as entertaining as it is provocative, beginning with Rick Baker's best-ever ape makeup (hand that man an Oscar®!), and continuing through the surprisingly nuanced performances and breathtaking production design. Add to all this an intelligent screenplay that turns Boulle's speculative reversal--the dominance of apes over humans--into a provocative study of civil rights and civil war. The film finally goes too far with a woefully misguided ending that pays weak homage to the original, but everything preceding that misfire is astonishingly right.