George of the Jungle

Amazon.com

Not even the executives at Disney could have predicted the runaway success of this live-action movie inspired by Jay Ward's goofy 1960s cartoon character. Not only did George make a killing at the box office, but Disney's marketing wizards turned it into one of their best-selling videos. It's hard to begrudge the movie's success, even if this is the kind of mindless entertainment that caters to the lowest common denominator. In any case, it's obvious that kids love this movie, in which the idiotic George (Brendan Fraser) repeatedly swings into trees and attracts the attention of a lovely jungle explorer (Leslie Mann) who decides to call off her engagement to a wealthy snob (Thomas Hayden Church) in favor of the vine-swinging hunk with an elephant named Shep (that thinks it's a dog) and an ape named Ape (with a proper Brit voice provided by John Cleese). Filled with slapstick gags and some funny special effects, the movie can be a bit of a trial for adults, but it's a hilarious treat for its intended audience. --Jeff Shannon

Description

Disney presents the smash hit comedy that families and critics everywhere went bananas over! Deep in the heart of the African jungle, a baby named George, the sole survivor of a plane crash, is raised by gorillas. George grows up to be a buff and lovable klutz (ENCINO MAN'S Brendan Fraser) who has a rain forest full of animal friends -- like Tookie, his big-beaked messenger, Ape, a talking gorilla who's smarter than your average rocket scientist, and Shep, a gray-haired peanut-loving pooch of an elephant! When poachers mess with George's pals, the King Of Swing swings into action. But before you can say, "Watch out for that tree," George comes face-to-bark with a few vine-covered obstacles! You'll go wild for this "wonderfully wacky comedy" that People Magazine calls "impossible to resist!"

Customer Reviews:

Campy fun.......2007-05-25

This is one of those movies that doesn't take itself seriously, and can laugh at itself with you. There are a few moments when the fifth wall comes down, as in when the narrator directly interacts with the characters, or the characters address the viewer directly. Lots of slap stick. Good music. And a very buff and handsome Brendan Frasier. As others have noted, there are no extras on the DVD, just the movie. Still, it's a lot of fun to own and pop in the DVD player on those afternoons when you just need some lighthearted laughs and a storybook happy ending.

Great movie.......2007-05-16

Saw this in theatres back in the day, had the VHS so I had to upgrade to DVD

Geroge of the Jungle.......2007-05-09

The recurring theme of the human raised by animals of the jungle. George of the Jungle is a comic striation of that. Funny and enjoyable.

Quick.......2007-01-22

My experience was great, I purchased this DVD on Dec 21 and recieved it Dec 22. Definately recommend!!!!

George of the Jungle.......2007-01-04

My son loves this movie. It took a while to find it, but it was well worth the effort.

Average customer rating:

OUSTANDING - but long as heck
Visually stunning HD DVD with a so-so plot.
Excellent Showcase for HD-DVD
Higher Definition on Low Quality
The Bigger they are. . . . The harder they . . . well, you know!

King Kong (HD-DVD)
Starring: Adrien Brody , Kyle Chandler , Thomas Kretschmann , Naomi Watts , and Jack Black
Director: Peter Jackson
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: HD DVD

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ASIN: B000ICM5VW
Release Date: 2006-11-14

Customer Reviews:

OUSTANDING - but long as heck.......2007-09-13

This is really two movies in one if you ask me, there is the original King Kong in New York but then there was the addition of were he came from in the beginning.

This movie was probably the longest I've watched in many years but well worth the time invested. They managed to keep you on the edge in many parts while relaxing a little in others. My family actually stayed awake through the whole thing, this is a first in a long time as well. For a new version of a classic it really did the original justice and then some. It could have been easily split into 2 parts but was well worth leaving it as one as well.

Even though it's long I'm sure I'll be glad to watch this a few more times, though I'll have to make sure that I only do so on days that I know I will have the 3+ hour to sit around and do nothing. I think this a good bi-yearly video.

VIDEO QUALITY was just remarkably outstanding throughout the entire film! I don't think there was one scene that was not simply outstanding as far as quality goes.

Visually stunning HD DVD with a so-so plot........2007-08-14

This HD DVD is arguably the king of HD DVD demo material right now. The colors are sharp and vibrant, and the film is crystal clear. The audio is just as good. The only reason I took a star off is because the actual movie script is decent at best. Adrian Brody does a pretty good job, but overall the movie's plot is average. Luckily, I bought this movie for the stunning visual experience, so I'm not disappointed.

Excellent Showcase for HD-DVD.......2007-07-06

This is, by far, the best picture quality I have ever seen in HD. I have a half-dozen HD-DVDs and this one is clearly the best looking. Now I know why Microsoft packed this title in with the Xbox360 add-on drive. If you want to see what your HDTV can really do, check out this movie on HD-DVD. All I could say throughout watching this was "wow!". Every shot is ultra-sharp, no compression artifacts at all. Great colors, especially on the sky shots. Basically some of the most amazing footage I've ever seen.

I've never seen the movie before (not even the original) and I totally loved it. The whole production is top-notch. I didn't find it to be long at all. Jackson took as long as was necessary to tell the story properly. In fact, more movies should be 3 hours long. Despite what other people are saying about the CG effects, it is really only even barely noticeable on the stampede scene. Most people don't even realize how much special effects are used in the movie. Do you think King Kong is a man in a suit? Do you think Peter Jackson traveled back in time to film on location in new york city? Pretty much the whole movie is using some 3d graphics and green screen work. And it looks absolutely fabulous in HD.

Bottomline, this is an excellent showcase for HD-DVD. It is worth picking up just to see how good an HD-DVD can be on your HDTV. Highly recommended.

Higher Definition on Low Quality.......2007-06-01

The WETA folks must have took the year off when they were working on King Kong because this movie looks horrible in HD. The compositing errors and weak green screen work are only highlighted by the HD DVD's quality.

The Bigger they are. . . . The harder they . . . well, you know!.......2007-04-22

This movie is good.... The people on the island were more interesting than anything. King Kong did look cool and a little sense of sadness with his face expression and everything. I bought the HD DVD because they said this movie was amazing on it! Well, I must say that this HD DVD rocks! The clarity and clearness of the picture. Uhm, wow! The color of the pictures so alive! Uhm, wow! Even lol Jack Black look pretty good on HD. Uhm, another wow is the Actors. If you love the movie KING KONG, but the HD, you won't be disappointed. Can we be honest for a moment? I dont even care for the movie, but HD is AWESOME when it comes to the Big Black Kong of this movie! BUY IT! Atleast just for the HD! I give HIGH props for the picture of the Definition of this movie!

Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back (Dimension Collector's Series)

Average customer rating:

come on lunchbox, we're going to hollywood!
Kevin Smith....
great
Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back.
That's what the internet is for. Slandering others anonymously. Stopping the flick isn't gonna stop that.

Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back (Dimension Collector's Series)
Starring: Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back , Diedrich Bader , Jason Biggs , George Carlin , and Matt Damon
Director: Kevin Smith
Manufacturer: Dimension
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00003CY67
Release Date: 2002-02-26

Amazon.com

With sidesplitting dialogue and rampant profanity, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back reunites Kevin Smith's dynamic duo in supreme lowbrow style. It's the fifth comedy in Smith's celebrated New Jersey "trilogy." Here Quick-Stop potheads Jay (Jason Mewes) and Silent Bob (Smith) wreak vengeance on Hollywood, where Miramax is making a "Bluntman & Chronic" feature inspired by J. and S.B., but without their permission. En route from Jersey to La La Land, Jay and his "hetero life mate" encounter sexy jewel thieves (including the delightful Shannon Elizabeth), a precocious orangutan, a dimwit wildlife marshal (Will Ferrell), and a nonstop parade of in-jokes, harmless (yet controversial) gay jokes, and splendid celebrity cameos. While gently biting the Miramax hand that feeds him, and paying affectionate homage to the Star Wars saga, Smith sheds all inhibitions to give Jay and Silent Bob a stellar sendoff that's nasty, sassy, and undeniably hilarious. --Jeff Shannon

Description

Packed with stars including Ben Affleck (GOOD WILL HUNTING), Chris Rock (NURSE BETTY), Shannon Elizabeth (AMERICAN PIE), Jason Lee (ALMOST FAMOUS), and more, this wildly irreverent comedy is actor/director Kevin Smith's hilarious finale to the adventures of Jay and Silent Bob that began in CLERKS and ran through MALLRATS, CHASING AMY, and DOGMA! When best buddies Jay (Jason Mewes) and Silent Bob (Smith) discover that a major motion picture is being based on their likenesses, they head for Hollywood to claim the big movie money they deserve. But when the dopey duo learn that they've been cut out of the cash, they set out to sabotage the flick at all costs! Featuring a host of celebrity cameos set to a hot hit soundtrack, Jay and Silent Bob's raucous cross country road trip is a crash course in the rules of the road with a nonstop assortment of outrageous characters that will have you laughing out loud!

Customer Reviews:

come on lunchbox, we're going to hollywood!.......2007-09-13

4 movies later, Jay and Silent Bob have the leading role!

Originally supposed to be Kevin Smith's last movie, this had a much higher budget than any of his other films (Clerks $27,000. Mallrats 4M. Chasing Amy $250,000. Dogma 8M)

There is a movie comming out based on Jay and Silent Bob's comic book alter egos, Bluntman and Chronic. they need to go to Hollywood and stop the movie from being made to stop people from bashing them on the internet.

hitching from New Jersey to Hollywood, you're guaranteed to see some interesting faces. this movie is full of big names. Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Chris Rock, Will Farrel, Jason Biggs, Jason Lee, James Van der Beek(er somethin like that) Shannon Elizabeth, Wes Craven, and others.

Strike Back is much less dialogue heavy than Kevin Smiths other movies. this may be a good or bad thing depending on your perspective. i kind of wish there were more drawn out conversations. still, this is just as great as anything else in the chronicles.

Kevin Smith...........2007-05-26

Is the man. If you do not like any of his work (humor) then you should not watch this movie. However, if you can seperate yourself from the type of humor he writes, then you can enjoy the slapshot, twisted, backwards humor he brings to this particular type of movie (series of movies) he has written and acted in. However, most anyone could find something to complain about if you take it too seriously.
I love his work!!!! Clerks II (Two-Disc Widescreen Edition)Clerks (Collector's Series)Dogma (Special Edition)Mallrats (10th Anniversary Extended Edition)Chasing Amy - Criterion Collection

great.......2007-05-22

this is a great and funny movie, but since a lot of the jokes are inside jokes, you should definetley pick up kevins other movies first, clerks , chasing amy , mallrats, and dogma, which all feature jay and silent bob

Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back........2007-01-05

A great film, All-star cast. A fun trip in the life of two great men from the East coast JERESY REWLZ!!! If you liked Mall Rats or Clerks you'll love this movie!

That's what the internet is for. Slandering others anonymously. Stopping the flick isn't gonna stop that. .......2006-12-17

Kevin Smith proved with J.S.B.S.B. that he is no longer just a glorified independent film maker. In past films, Kevin Smith seemed to have a limited appeal, mostly among arm-chair directors (such as myself)who had become jaded with the Hollywood film industry, but with his slap-stick-like middle finger to the movie industry he seems to have branched out and struck a note with the "MTV audience" (10 to 16 year olds). Smith's grade-school humor, delivered mostly by Jay, is nothing new to previous movies, but with the focus on Jay & Silent Bob this humor became more evident AND more inviting to a younger audience.

Nonetheless, Smith has not alienated his core audience who are, "...over and underweight guys who can't get laid." (See Holden McNeil in "Chasing Amy"). The simple visual affects, as in his past movies, are FAR overshadowed by the fantastic dialogue he writes which has Hollywood stars chomping at the bit to deliver. If anything, the only disappointment was a very thin plot. But as he did in Mallrats, for what J.S.B.S.B. is lacking in plot, Smith sure as hell made up for it in laughs.

This movie junkie gives "Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back" a 5 out of 5.. And if you don't like that then you can get the F#@k out.

Average customer rating:

King Kong sized absurdity
She Never Gets Whiplash
Pretty exciting movie
Do away with the ice pond and it's 5 stars
One of the biggest disappointments of the decade.

King Kong (Widescreen Edition)
Starring: Adrien Brody , Kyle Chandler , Thomas Kretschmann , Naomi Watts , and Jack Black
Director: Peter Jackson
Manufacturer: Universal
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00005JO20
Release Date: 2006-03-28

Amazon.com

Movies don't come any bigger than Peter Jackson's King Kong, a three-hour remake of the 1933 classic that marries breathtaking visual prowess with a surprising emotional depth. Expanding on the original story of the blonde beauty and the beast who falls for her, Jackson creates a movie spectacle that matches his Lord of the Rings films and even at times evokes their fantasy world while celebrating the glory of '30s Hollywood. Naomi Watts stars as Ann Darrow, a vaudeville actress down on her luck in Depression-era New York until manic filmmaker Carl Denham (a game but miscast Jack Black) entices her with a lead role. Dazzled by the genius of screenwriter Jack Driscoll (Adrien Brody), Ann boards the tramp steamer S.S. Venture, which she--and most of the wary crew--believes is headed for Singapore. Denham, however, is in search of the mythic Skull Island, hoping to capture its wonders on film and make a fortune. What he didn't count on were some scary natives who find that the comely Darrow looks like prime sacrifice material for a mysterious giant creature....

There's no point in rehashing the entire plot, as every movie aficionado is more than familiar with the trajectory of King Kong; the challenge facing Jackson, his screenwriters, and the phenomenal visual-effects team was to breathe new life into an old, familiar story. To that degree, they achieve what could be best called a qualified success. Though they've assembled a crackerjack supporting cast, including Thomas Kretschmann as the Venture's hard-bitten captain and young Jamie Bell as a plucky crewman, the first third of the movie is rather labored, with too much minute detail given over to sumptuous re-creations of '30s New York and the unexciting initial leg of the Venture's sea voyage. However, once the film finds its way to Skull Island (which bears more than a passing resemblance to LOTR's Mordor), Kong turns into a dazzling movie triumph, by turns terrifying and awe-inspiring. The choreography and execution of the action set pieces--including one involving Kong and a trio of Tyrannosaurus Rexes, as well as another that could be charitably described as a bug-phobic's nightmare--is nothing short of landmark filmmaking, and a certain Mr. Spielberg should watch his back, as Kong trumps most anything that has come before it.

Despite the visual challenges of King Kong, the movie's most difficult hurdle is the budding romance between Ann and her simian soulmate. Happily, this is where Jackson unqualifiedly triumphs, as this unorthodox love story is tenderly and humorously drawn, by turns sympathetic and wondrous. Watts, whose accessibility balances out her almost otherworldly loveliness, works wonders with mere glances, and Andy Serkis, who digitally embodies Kong here much as he did Gollum in the LOTR films, breathes vibrant life into the giant star of the film without ever overplaying any emotions. The final, tragic act of the film, set mostly atop the Empire State Building, is where Kong earns its place in movie history as a work that celebrates both the technical and emotional heights that film can reach. --Mark Englehart

Description

Academy Award-winning director Peter Jackson (The Lord of the Rings Trilogy) brings his sweeping cinematic vision to King Kong. Naomi Watts, Jack Black and Adrien Brody star in this spectacular film filled with heart-pounding action, terrifying creatures and groundbreaking special effects unlike anything you've seen before! Get ready for breathtaking action in this thrilling epic adventure about a legendary gorilla captured on a treacherous island and brought to civilization, where he faces the ultimate fight for survival. Experience the movie that critics are hailing as a "rousing, exciting cinematic adventure!" (Scott Mantz, Access Hollywood)

Customer Reviews:

King Kong sized absurdity.......2007-08-27

It's strange, but looking at the reviews this movie seems to be a love/hate movie. I can't imagine what makes it so polarizing. I found it cringe-worthy.

My biggest gripes: nearly every action scene is cartoonish. A stampeding horde of brontosauruses not only can't outrun humans... it runs with them, over top them, without stepping on anyone. For several minutes. The same problem happens with the rest of the crazy dinosaur/island creatures... they don't seem to adhere to any principle of physics and motion, but gnash and crash and fall down all over the place while magically avoiding the main characters.

Another problem is the love story. Why would a woman care about a freaking monkey? One that has eaten human sacrifices for decades, and that destroys everything whenever he feels like cutting lose. She doesn't recognize that part of him, just that he's a big sweet monkey who has love in his heart too. Awwww. Not only that she doesn't just seem to like him as a friend. She seems to want to marry him. A 30 foot tall, man eating monkey. Of course, that's the original story, but they failed to help explain it any better.

One more gripe: Jack Black. Great guy, very funny. He screws up this movie because it's not a comedy. Sorry Jack but you don't belong in a dramatic action movie where everyone's waiting for you to crack jokes. He doesn't crack any, by the way, but there's the problem. He's not one of those guys who acts well outside his comedy, and as an important personality in this film it's almost embarrassing to watch him have no dramatic presence.

The one good thing is the visuals (for the most part, sometimes the CG feels disconnected from the actors), there's a lot of beauty shoved into some scenes.

She Never Gets Whiplash.......2007-08-26

Even after suspending disbelief to get into this movie's world, you have to keep on going. How she keeps from breaking her neck, or even getting whiplash, is amazing. Why can't Kong get around the wall with all of his amazing abilities? What do the natives do for a living -- that is, when they aren't offering people who drop by to Kong? Farm? Do embroidery? (And the scenes with them doing a sort of drugged dance was really worth a chuckle.) All that said, it's entertaining. And most of the unbelievable (in the movie's own world) stuff is in a way fun to see. So I gave it 3 stars. It's worth about $6 to see. (I'm very glad Peter Jackson was more careful with the Lord of the Rings movies.)

Pretty exciting movie.......2007-08-23

I have seen the original and thought it was good but to me it seemed ancient and not 'classic'. Perhaps I am too young to see it that way. But at least I have seen the movie, on more than 1 occassion. Anyway, I love Peter Jackson and I loved this film. Yes, it was a tad overlong but I dont mind long movies as long as they keep my interest. The effects and acting were wonderful and amazing. Peter Jackson and his Weta team are genuises in that department. In this, I actually felt sypathy when King died, as opposed to the original where I felt nothing. Naomi Watts is quickly becoming my favorite actress. She can truly do anything. Kong Himself was by far some of the best effects in film history. There is no way anybody can complain about that. I saw it in the theaters and it was an awesome experience. That is probably the best way to see this, on a very big screen.

Do away with the ice pond and it's 5 stars.......2007-08-22

This film delivers what it is suppose to deliver: FUN. This isn't serious drama, this is cartoon type fun. Jack Black was terrific as Carl Denham, Adrien Brody was okay as the hero and Naomi Watts was great as Ann, the beauty loved by the beast. That said, the star of this film is the giant ape and a wonderful job they did bring the beast to life. I did not care for the scene on the frozen pond in New York. That really was dull and contrived, but the rest of the movie moved along well and it did not seem three hours long. The supporting actors were also very good, including the cameraman, the captain and of course the male movie star. Was it better than the original? Well, I loved the original and I was prepared to be disapointed by a remake. I was not however. If only all remakes could live up to this standard.

One of the biggest disappointments of the decade........2007-08-21

It certainly seemed like a recipe for a winner to have modern CGI special effects in support of a remake of the classic story and an obviously talented and capable director at the helm. What was produced was a movie that actually increased my appreciation of the 1976 version. When it starts out in New York it is really slow, slow, without anything really required, most of it could have been cut out. Then on the island it gets ridiculous, as they get involved with stampeding dinosaurs tumbling down the cliff, and swinging Tyrannosaurs; everything that should have been so much better than the SFX-scarce 76 version was orchestrated so poorly and with so little inspiration, that you start wondering how much longer it can go on. Finally they return to more silliness back in New York, with the ape himself sliding on the ice with the girl. Apart from the problem of making Kong merely a scaled-up silverback gorilla, who shows all the subtlety and charm of a...gorilla, you can't wait for pilots to get on with it and kill the poor thing so the movie will end. Long, long, and nothing of note. Who could have believed that this would be such a lousy film. Perhaps to be loved only by great Kong fans who want to believe this is a treasure. A great testament to the all the problems with Hollywood films today.

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

Average customer rating:

Say Again ??
Planet of the Apes
The Original Sci-Fi Series
Hard to rate a mixed bag, but these films are fun nevertheless
The Greatest SC-FI Saga Before Star Wars

Planet of the Apes - The Legacy Collection (Planet of the Apes [1968] / Beneath the / Escape from the / Conquest of the / Battle for the)
Starring: Roddy McDowall , Kim Hunter , Bradford Dillman , Natalie Trundy , and Eric Braeden
Director: Don Taylor , Ted Post , and J. Lee Thompson
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000E6ESEY
Release Date: 2006-03-28

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.

King Kong - Extended Cut (Three-Disc Deluxe Edition)

Average customer rating:

King Kong sized absurdity
She Never Gets Whiplash
Pretty exciting movie
Do away with the ice pond and it's 5 stars
One of the biggest disappointments of the decade.

King Kong - Extended Cut (Three-Disc Deluxe Edition)
Starring: Peter Jackson
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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The extended version of Peter Jackson's King Kong adds 13 minutes to the running time--fortunately those 13 minutes include two dynamic action scenes and no material has been added to the movie's belabored set-up, which tries to give depth to these quintessentially b-movie characters with a clumsy patchwork of melodrama and in-jokes. But once movie-maker Carl Denham (Jack Black, School of Rock) and his crew finally arrive at Skull Island, the movie kicks into gear with spectacular action, technical wizardry, and genuine feeling. Though Kong seems crafted to dazzle the eye on the giant screen, the overlong structure improves when you can take an intermission at will. At home, each scene can be approached on its own terms, be it the insanely choreographed battle between Kong and three T. Rexes or the subtle and multi-layered interplay between Ann Darrow (Naomi Watts, Mulholland Drive) and Kong (played, through motion-capture technology, by Andy Serkis, who previously played the similarly animated Gollum in Jackson's Lord of the Rings). The addition of a rampaging ceratops and an underwater race with what the movie's crew dubbed a "piranhadon" not only add more eye candy, but provide some valuable moments of character development. But in the end, that's frosting on the cake; when the movie's weaknesses and strengths are weighed, the emotional power of the fantastical relationship between a woman and a giant ape is a real cinematic achievement. --Bret Fetzer

Customer Reviews:

King Kong sized absurdity.......2007-08-27

She Never Gets Whiplash.......2007-08-26

Pretty exciting movie.......2007-08-23

Do away with the ice pond and it's 5 stars.......2007-08-22

One of the biggest disappointments of the decade........2007-08-21

Average customer rating:

JOOOOOOE
Love is blind
Mighty Joe Young
Not anything to go ape over.
EXCELLENT REMAKE BETTER THAN THE ORIGINAL

Mighty Joe Young
Starring: Bill Paxton , Charlize Theron , Rade Serbedzija , Regina King , and Peter Firth
Director: Ron Underwood
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: 6305320950
Release Date: 1999-03-23

Amazon.com

Charlize Theron is the latest stunning blonde to be hanging around some big ape in a Hollywood movie, this one a remake of the 1949 semi-classic with echoes of the superior King Kong. Theron plays the daugher of an American researcher killed by poachers in Africa. The baby gorilla left in her care grows up to become a hugely tall and broad specimen named Joe, living in the mountains as a mostly unseen legend among people who live there. Along comes an eco-minded emissary (Bill Paxton) from a California sanctuary, who talks the jungle girl into providing safe haven for Joe at the L.A. facility. The transition is not without discomfort, but everything is aggravated via a conspiracy of poachers to get Joe into their own greedy hands. Director Ron Underwood (City Slickers) uses a combination of special-effects techniques to give Joe life and personality, and he succeeds quite effectively. The requisite giant-ape-goes-amok scenes are all in place--a couple of them pretty intense--as is a conclusion that finds the simian hero performing a stunning feat of escalation. Underwood attempts to give a little modern spin to some classic Hollywood conventions regarding wild hearts lost in civilization, and the results are pretty agreeable family fare. --Tom Keogh

Description

In the classic tradition of heroic Disney adventures comes the extraordinary MIGHTY JOE YOUNG -- a thrilling story full of excitement, friendship, courage, and heart. The legendary Joe, a playful, smart fifteen-foot-tall gorilla, and his lifelong best friend Jill Young (Charlize Theron) have grown up together in the remote mountains of Central Africa. When Joe's peaceful existence is shattered by poachers, Jill and zoologist Gregg O'Hara (Bill Paxton) rescue their innocent friend and move him to the safety of an animal conservancy in California. But Joe's safety is short-lived. No longer a myth, his notoriety makes him a target for an enemy from his past -- a ruthless hunter who will do anything to capture the Mighty Joe. From the moment you meet him to his incredible display of courage, Mighty Joe Young will fill your eyes with wonder and your heart with magic.

Customer Reviews:

JOOOOOOE.......2007-08-31

I loved this move, an still amazed how they made it seem Joe was really there. If only......................

Love is blind.......2007-07-23

I was amazingly touched by this warm and and tender Love story, and how love has no boundaries. This is one of my all time favorite movies. I could watch it over and over again. This remake is extremely beautifully filmed and Charlize Theron is amazing.

Mighty Joe Young.......2007-05-09

this is an absolute good movie, some thrills and chills but nothing beats the heartwarming connection between the girl and the gorilla.

Not anything to go ape over........2007-05-07

Believe it or not the only reason I bought Mighty Joe Young
was to see a cameo scene with Ray Harryhaussen in it and Terry
Moore, who played husband and wife. Who are they? Well Miss Moore
was the original lead in the 1949 Mighty Joe Young B&W version and
Ray Harryhaussen was the assistant to Willis O'Brien in the special
effects department....and went on to do his own astounding FX in 7th Voyage of Sinbad and Earth vs The Flying Saucers and many many more.
Now as far as the new version of MJY...it seemed to stick to the
original quite well...even to the scene where Joe saves the child.
Definitely Disneyfied, but nothing surprising as far as plot. I admit
the special effects did impress me, especially when was in the
streets confronting humanity. This would probably be a great addition
for youngsters who believe in a bond between humans and monkeys.

EXCELLENT REMAKE BETTER THAN THE ORIGINAL.......2007-03-25

I am a huge Harryhausen fan and an old monster movie lover! So it is hard for me to say that they did a great job on this remake! The effects are incredible and Charlize Theron in perfectly cast(and she's HOT!) The DVD transfer is very good and there are some interesting extras. One of the best remakes ever!

The Tarzan Collection Starring Johnny Weissmuller (Tarzan the Ape Man / Escapes / and His Mate / Finds a Son / Secret Treasure / New York Adventure)

Average customer rating:

D McLaughlin
Escartment
Tarzan Collection
Tarzan the Ape Man
The Tarzan Collection Starring Johnny Weissmuller (Tarzan the Ape Man / Escapes / and His Mate / Finds a Son / Secret Treasure /

The Tarzan Collection Starring Johnny Weissmuller (Tarzan the Ape Man / Escapes / and His Mate / Finds a Son / Secret Treasure / New York Adventure)
Starring: Johnny Weissmuller
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0001NBLYA
Release Date: 2004-06-08

Amazon.com

Many actors have slipped on a loincloth and swung from a jungle vine, but nobody reached the treetops of Tarzania quite like Johnny Weissmuller, the Olympic swimmer. And Tarzan's greatest Jane was Maureen O'Sullivan, who moved into T's treehouse for six films at MGM, all collected in this splendid boxed set. It is possible to find these films hokey... but only if you have absolutely no feeling for the magic of early-sound pictures, or no joy in the gee-whiz, Saturday-matinee wonder of Tarzan's prelapsarian lifestyle. To say nothing of the surprisingly overt running theme of (implied) hot jungle sex.

Tarzan, the Ape Man (1932), made with the blessings of Tarzan creator Edgar Rice Burroughs, establishes the basics of the series (and uses extra Africa footage MGM had compiled for Trader Horn). There'd been many Tarzans before, but Weissmuller's buff bod and innocent charm won over audiences. Tarzan and His Mate is generally considered the best of the lot; it is also the sexiest, especially after the restoration of a hotsy-totsy nude swimming scene. The formula still works in Tarzan Escapes, which brings Jane's cousins out for a visit to the Mutia Escarpment, with its elephant-powered elevator for Tarzan's pad. (Always keep in mind that this is Africa of kiddie imagination, not the real deal.)

Tarzan Finds a Son! introduces Johnny Sheffield as Boy, and stirs up the nest. Things were getting rote by the time of Tarzan's Secret Treasure, and the jungle is left behind entirely for Tarzan's New York Adventure, which has some fun stunts. Also included in the boxed set is the documentary Tarzan: Silver Screen King of the Jungle, which is a fine overview not just of the MGM Tarzan series but of its predecessors (though it does not mention the fact that Weissmuller went on to crank out more Tarzan pictures at RKO). It does delve into the mystery of just what the heck "ungawa" means. --Robert Horton

Description

TARZAN THE APE MAN TARZAN AND HIS MATE TARZAN ESCAPES TARZAN FINDS A SON! TARZAN'S SECRET TREASURE TARZAN'S NEW YORK ADVENTURE

Customer Reviews:

D McLaughlin.......2007-08-23

The Tarzan Collection Starring Johnny Weissmuller (Tarzan the Ape Man / Escapes / and His Mate / Finds a Son / Secret Treasure / New York Adventure)
I have truely enjoyed these DVD's. The quality is excellent and great packaging.

Escartment.......2007-06-20

The kids were silent!
Totaly into seeing Tarzan, Jane and Boy.
We got it for ourself, ended up being a hit.
These first six are the ultimate Tarzan.
Jane gets better in each one.
Cheata is a riot!
Put it up on a bedsheet using a projector at the campground, had a croud show up.
JW is Tarzan like SC is 007

Tarzan Collection.......2007-05-13

I love the Tarzan collection, it takes me back to when I was a kid and was watching them for the first time. The quality of the films are excellent. From the first "umgawa" to the last "Tarzan yell", they are truly a joy to watch. I'm so glad I purchased them and have them on disc to sit down and watch anytime I want. I also urge people that don't know, to research Johnny Weissmuller,and see what a great athlete he really was. Thanks Amazon, for offering such a great collection!!!!

Tarzan the Ape Man.......2007-04-12

I brought this for my mom, she love Johnny Weissmuller. My mom feels that no one did it better then him being Tarzan. We she received the movies I became her favorite Child!

The Tarzan Collection Starring Johnny Weissmuller (Tarzan the Ape Man / Escapes / and His Mate / Finds a Son / Secret Treasure /.......2007-04-11

Arrived in good condition.

Average customer rating:

The original is truly the best
Not wuite what I expected, but still very good.
One of the Most Influential Films of All Time
Jackson does it better
The Most Awesome Thriller Of All Time!

King Kong (1933) (Single-Disc Edition)
Starring: Robert Armstrong , Roscoe Ates , Reginald Barlow , Lynton Brent , and Bruce Cabot
Manufacturer: Turner Home Ent
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Cabot, Bruce | ( C ) | Actors &a