The Indiana Jones Trilogy (4 DVD Box Set)

But that's just the subtext. Along the way, this knight-errant archaeologist undertakes improbable adventures (featuring spiders, snakes, rats, insects and Nazis galore), rescues damsels in distress (even when they really don't want to be rescued, such as Kate Capshaw in Temple of Doom), and still finds time to bond with his dad (Sean Connery, in one of cinema's great cameo roles as Dr Jones Sr.)

Steven Spielberg revels in Lucas's recreation of 1930s cliff-hanger serials, infusing every scene with kinetic energy and infectious enthusiasm and creating any number of iconic sequences that have become touchstones of cinematic history. Director and producer are more than ably assisted by regular composer John Williams, whose swashbuckling Korngold-inspired "Raiders" theme casts Harrison Ford as a modern-day Errol Flynn. Although a fourth movie is promised, this trilogy plays like a self-contained whole that leaves nothing wanting: from the witty dialogue and breathtaking action choreography to the near-perfect casting, this is popular movie-making at its very peak.

On the DVD: The Indiana Jones Trilogy four-disc box set, as has been widely noted, contains the slightly edited version of The Temple of Doom--1 min 6 seconds of cuts according to the BBFC--though this is exactly the same version that was originally shown in UK cinemas and released on video (missing is a bit of extra blood and gore during the heart-ripping scene). By way of compensation, the digitally remastered anamorphic 2.35:1 picture and Dolby Digital 5.1 sound for all three movies are joyfully impressive, the screen crammed full of colour and rich detail accompanied by one of Hollywood's most glorious soundtracks. The fourth bonus disc contains about three hours of additional material, most of which can be found in the new 127-minute documentary that takes the viewer chronologically through the making of the series and includes plenty of interviews and fascinating nuggets of background information. There are also independent featurettes "From the Lucasfilm Archives" on John Williams's music, the sound design, stuntwork and the special effects. There are subtitles in various European languages. --Mark Walker

Since the birth of the DVD format, I have waited for three boxed sets to be released. Back to The Future, The original Star Wars trilogy, and this. As soon as this was released, I pre-ordered my copy while trying no to drool on my keyboard. I have waited patiently for the release date always hoping that it was sooner. I mean, not only do I get three of the films that shaped my adolescence, but an extra disc of extras as well! I was in heaven.

Then it happened. I recently read a review that says the version of Temple of Doom is cut! What the f***?! You heard me it is cut! Apparently to cater for the kiddies that will get this for Christmas, they have removed bits of the film that might offend. You won't see the whole scene where the guy has his heart removed and several other bits as well.

I am an adult. Don't try and coddle me! If you really are that concerned about kids being scared, then why not release two copies? I will not be buying this because those small changes will stand out and ruin the whole experience for me. It's like having a favourite song on vinyl and the having a scratch appear. It may only be for a second or two but it stands out and irritates like a scratch on the roof of your mouth. It may only be small but it feels huge in a familiar place.

Please please please, release an adult version of these films. Remember that the kids, who watched them in the cinema during the days when you thought that the scene was necessary to the plot, are now adults who can handle it and realise that it is just a harmless bit of fantasy. My pre-order is now cancelled and will remain so until an uncut version of the films is released.


As you will remember them   October 26, 2003
87 out of 92 found this review helpful

Reading some reviews you would think that temple of Doom has been diced sliced and diluted untill it is a shadow of it's former self. Well it is the EXACT SAME as it was when it was released in the cinema. You STILL see the guy get his Heart getting ripped out as you saw it origionally NOTHING has been cut. The cut that people keep going on about is about a minute extra of blood that was cut before it was even released in Britain, America introduced the PG 13 rating just to cover it.
So if it really means that much to you get the American one.
As for me I've never seen the cut segment don't care about it and think that it cannot take away from the enjoyment of the film one little bit.
The Box set is fantastic and crystal clear quality, films are fantastic.
If you like Indiana Jones just buy and don't listen to all the talk about cuts.


Best Of The Best and then some...   October 23, 2003
J. N. Valente (Evora, Portugal)
69 out of 80 found this review helpful

Spectacular DVDs of the 3 Indiana Jones classics (including the 3rd - my least favorourite one). The extra DVD brings us sublime extra features - so "don't be stingey baby" - buy the whole collection!


Let me clear a few things up...   October 12, 2003
Simon McMahon (Chelmsford, Essex, UK)
61 out of 63 found this review helpful

I'm writing this as I feel a few people may be put off buying this superb set for all the wrong reasons. The version of Temple of Doom available in this set is the version released in this country way back in 1984... THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE. The BBFC did indeed cut 1 minute and 6 seconds from the film back then. In particular a shot of Mola Rams hand plunging into the sacrificial victims chest, shots of said victim burning as he closes with the lava and a scene of Short round getting flogged by Thugee guards.
The BBFC felt that these scenes were unsuitable for children (the target audience of the movie) and cut the scenes accordingly. Indeed the Anerican equivelant the MPAA felt the same way, Steven Spielberg came to an arrangement with them and lo and behold the PG-13 rating was introduced (it took us a few years to catch up with our own 12 rating). the BBFC offered Spielberg the option to have it passed uncut at a 15 rating. Spielberg refused and hence the cut version came into being.
Let me assure you unless you have seen the American version of this movie this DVD will the version of TOD that you love and cherish as much as I do!!! Some of the articles I have read regarding this subject seem to indicate that these cuts are new made specifically for the DVD (that includes the reviews on this site)and I just thought I'd set the record straight THEY ARE NOT! (if, like me, you want the uncut version its time to get a multi region chip!!!).
Oh and rumour has it that when the trilogy was released on video a few years back, the BBFC offered to re-rate it. Spielberg refused... (the BBFC have been very good with rerating old films recently and passing them uncut so I think this rumour may well be true).
Anyway, these films are the best in the world (and that is official by the way) cut or uncut, so sit back whack up the volume and enjoy... Adios, Sapito.... ominous rumble....


Best Box Set By Far !   November 7, 2003
Mr. T. Hope (England)
59 out of 63 found this review helpful

..having enjoyed the countless times that lovable Antique Hunter has been on the BBC..i was in heaven when i heard it was finally coming to DVD in October..in July. These countless months of waiting have paid off. It couldn't be better..again nothing is cut that we should be seeing and it is re-mastered in sight and sound.

The bonus disc is crammed full of the bonus material you would expect to find on a trilogy box set such as this.

George and Steve. Great Job.

..And now i go to finish watching this DVD boxset, the favourite in my vast collection of films.