Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (Special Edition)

The special edition of the 1981 classic "Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark" reintroduces us to Henry "Indiana" Jones, professor of archeology and professional adventurer. George Lucas and Steven Spielberg created an iconic movie franchise out of what was meant to be an homage to the B-movies of the 1930's and 1940's, spawning three sequels, including 2008's "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull."

As this movie opens, a man in a fedora is leading an expedition through the jungles of 1936 Peru to an ancient temple, there to overcome a series of clever deathtraps to obtain a golden idol. This opening sequence introduces us to the familiar series elements: a quick-thinking archeologist prepared to dare much for relics; the fedora, leather jacket, and bullwhip as props; and the likelihood that any situation can turn to mayhem at any time. Jones survives the temple, only to lose the idol to a competing archeologist, and ends up running for his life from a band of dangerous natives.

When we next see Professor Jones, he is approached by a group of government agents about a Nazi plot to retrieve the long-missing Ark of the Covenant. The plot involves Jones' old mentor, Professor Abner Ravenwood, and Jones' old girlfriend, Miriam Ravenwood. Jones flies off to Nepal to find Miriam, straight into his first deadly encounter with the Nazis.

The plot takes Jones and Miriam through a series of exotic locations in Egypt, and a series of dangerous situations, each more spectacular than the last. An example is a classic sequence in which Jones battles a huge Nazi mechanic for possession of an airplane, while both dodge whirring propellers and Miriam is in danger of being burned alive by loose petrol. The stunning climax of the movie comes on a remote Greek island, where the Ark gives up its secrets at last.

Harrison Ford is perfect as Indy Jones, part professor, part hero, and very human. Karen Allen as a fiesty Miriam is an excellent foil, as she and Jones partner up to find the Ark. The competition is suitably nasty, and the thrills come fast and furious, more than enough to cover any plot holes (just how did Indy transit with the submarine to that Greek island?).

"Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark" is very highly recommended to those new to the Indy Jones series, and those looking for a refresher on the franchise. This special edition contains a number of new features, including background material on the making of the movie and the series.

We all know the 'Indy" movies, so this review is more astetic based than a storyline critique.
"Raiders" will always be the best, and offered here in a single movie purchase rather than the three disc set.
Sound is better than good, picture is great on this anamorphic widescreen [2:35:1] DVD.
It far exceeds the VHS version I previously owned.
Movie transfers done right are always a worthy purchase.
Also highly recommended to anyone with an upconvert player and a 40" or smaller LCD TV.

I took my young grandsons to see Indiana Jones and the Chrystal Skull. This is a whole
new character for the 10 year old set. They enjoyed it
so much, that I bought the previous movies for whole family to enjoy. I think this movie
is one of the best. Non stop action, villains and heroes. I thought of my own childhood and
the saturday afternoon serials at the neighborhood movie theater.

Full of all of the essential action and adventure elements, this movie is an icon in the genre. I won't go into the plot or lend my opinion on every detail, but I do want to mention one thing: Parents, beware the PG rating! It is my understanding that when this movie was first released in 1981, a PG-13 rating did not yet exist. Therefore, since the material in this movie doesn't rate an R-rating, the logical assignment was PG. Obviously, once a movie is rated, it is rated for life, because this movie in NO WAY falls into the current PG rating category. While there is little language, some of it warrants today's PG-13 rating, but the biggest issue would be the violence and gore in this film. Jump scenes abound as well as a great deal of peril and recklessness. Parents, this movie simply does not fall into the "safety" of a PG film (think: "Ice Age"). Great movie, just be forewarned that your younger ones WILL be frightened by a number of scenes.

Professor Jones is not your ordinary archaeologist - he's more of a cross between an adventurer and a grave-robber. And, if there is one thing that Indiana Jones is sure to find, it is adventure. But when he learns that a Nazi-German archaeology dig is hoping to find the ancient Ark of the Covenant, he sets off to get their first. It's a story filled with action, adventure, thrills, and chills!

This movie came out in 1981, and it is still king of its genre! The special effects are great and the action is great, keeping you on the edge of your seat. It's got snakes, Nazis, submarines, explosions, gunfire, and even a little bit of romance - who could ask for anything more?

Yep, I just recently introduced my son to the joy of watching Indiana Jones, and he liked the movie as much as I did. (It is too scary for younger viewers, so you might want to be careful with your younger children.) Yep, it's a great movie, one that is sure to be considered a classic for many years to come. My son and I both give this movie our highest recommendations!