DVD Planet of the Apes (Full Screen 35th Anniversary Edition)
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 |
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Review(s): DVD Planet of the Apes (Full Screen 35th Anniversary Edition) | |
| An essential classic of sci-fi cinema |  |
"Planet of the Apes," directed by Franklin J. Schaffner, tells the story of an astronaut named Taylor (played by Charlton Heston), who lands on a planet where talking apes rule and human beings are mute savages. Taylor struggles to survive and uncover the secrets of this strange world.POTA is truly one of the seminal classics of sci-fi cinema: it gave birth to a genuine franchise (sequels, TV series, a high profile remake, etc.). But the film truly stands on its own as a complete and compelling piece of art. It's a rousing blend of sci-fi adventure and social satire, supported by an intelligent script and superb performances. It's full of iconic images and unforgettable lines. Every element in the film is crafted with care and intelligence: costume design, sets, etc. The stunning visuals are perfectly complemented by Jerry Goldsmith's eerie, unearthly score. All these elements come together to create a world both oddly familiar and truly alien. Heston is perfect as the sarcastic, misanthropic Taylor, who wonders if something better than man exists in the universe. He has great chemistry with his "simianized" costars; his verbal sparring with Maurice Evans (as imperious orangutan Dr. Zaius) has real bite. Roddy McDowall and Kim Hunter provide the film's warm heart as chimpanzees Cornelius and Zira. POTA is a true classic: one of those films you can watch again and again, savoring every memorable moment. The film offers memorable perspectives on science, religion, authoritarianism, the nature of humankind, and the quest for truth. After all these years, POTA still packs a real punch.
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| Apes Revisited | |
Planet Of The Apes is a true science fiction classic. Now, for the film's 35th anniversary, the latest DVD release combines extras from the past and some rare stuff to celebrate the occasion.The Film-When Colonel George Taylor (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. The film disc has two audio commementaries. I have to say, I was disappointed in the first track. This commentary with actors Roddy McDowall, Natalie Trundy, and Kim Hunter, producer Richard Zanuck, and make-up artist John Chambers may sound like it would be good. It really isn't though. Even with all of those participants, the actual talk time only amounted to about 25-30 minutes And most of the comments will be repeated elsewhere on the second disc anyway. Can anyone say padded...Better realized, is the second track with comments by composer Jerry Goldsmith, discussing his landmark score. An added treat is hearing the entire score in Dolby 2.0. The text commentary by Eric Greene, author of Planet of the Apes as American Myth, is pretty good too. Filled with nice little tid-bits of analysis that's quite interesting and fun. The second disc features the great full length AMC documentary called Behind The Planet Of The Apes. The program was originally released separately on DVD by Image Entertainment This 126 minute program takes you through the entire Planet of the Apes phenomenon as of 98 anyway. Hosted by the late Roddy McDowall. We are there, film by film, from production meetings to make-up sessions, then right onto the movie set to see the actual filming. Hear exclusive interviews with stars Charlton Heston and Kim Hunter, see rare archival photos, and view never-before-seen footage. Then see how the Apes saga reached beyond the original visionary films, creating a franchise that includes television and books. This is the most comprehensive history of Planet of the Apes ever created. The other extras include The Planet of the Apes National Association of Theater Owners presentation (1967), The Planet of the Apes featurette (1968), "A Look Behind The Planet of the Apes" (1972), Behind the Planet of the Apes promo (1998), The Planet of the Apes makeup test with Edward G. Robinson (1966), dailies and outtakes (1967), and 20 minutes worth of Roddy McDowall's personal home movies. There's also plenty of vintage publicity material, like, the original theatrical trailers, film reviews from 1968, and the theatrical posters. The gallery section contains the original sketches by costume designer Morton Haack and stills gallery. As if that were not enough, you will also take a look the merchandising of Apes with a vintage MEGO toy commercial, that's a real hoot, as well as other various ape collectibles. Topping off the set is a DVD-ROM Planet of the Apes Timeline and an Easter egg for all hunters to find. Aside from the needless 30 minute audio commentary track gaffe, I still think it's a five star effort, just the same. I'm glad the 35th Anniversary Edition is here, making for what will hopfully be, the definative edition
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| a brilliant classic | |
With its excellent performances and tight, smart script written by Rod Serling and Michael Wilson (based on the book by Pierre Boulle), this is a film that stays fresh and interesting even with repeated viewings. Released the same year as "2001: A Space Odyssey", both films are at the top of my "super sci-fi" list, and stack up against the best of what has been released in recent years, which relies more than ever on special effects to tell the story; the effects in "Planet of the Apes" are minimal, and it's the latex make-up that is the marvel, and garnered John Chambers a Special Award at the Oscars for his work, which allows the ape characters full freedom of facial expressions. Oscar nominations went for costume design, and the marvelous score by Jerry Goldsmith.
The cinematography by Leon Shamroy is also fantastic, and I love the aerial descent that starts the film.Charlton Heston as the astronaut who lands in an "upside down world", and Kim Hunter and Roddy McDowall as free thinking scientists are superb, and in smaller roles, Maurice Evans, James Whitmore and James Daly terrific as authority figures in the ape colony.
This film had four sequels, a TV series and a cartoon series, as well as a multitude of merchandise from plastic figurines to bubble gum cards, but the original stays pristine and untarnished by its often silly spin-offs, and is a one-of-a-kind classic.
What this film has, that one can appreciate even when one knows what it is, is that rare thing...a great ending. Very few films leave one with a satisfied feeling at their close, but this one is unique, brilliantly filmed, and like a perfect dessert after a good meal.
Total running time is 112 minutes.
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