Later this year, Paramount Home Media Distribution will bring The Complete Indiana Jones Collection to Blu-ray. Director Steven Spielberg's beloved adventure series stars Harrison Ford (Blade Runner) as the title character, an archaeologist and college professor whose perpetual search for rare and mysterious treasures puts him in great danger.
From Paramount's official press release:
"The man with the hat is back and looking better than ever! The world's favorite globe-trotting archaeologist is, at long last, embarking on his greatest adventure when The Complete Indiana Jones Blu-ray Collection comes to Blu-ray Disc from Lucasfilm Ltd. and Paramount Home Media Distribution. The [set] will...include all four of Indy's thrilling adventures, [including]":
The collection will mark the Blu-ray debut of the first three pictures; only Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is now available on the format.
Paramount has yet to provide a complete list of technical and supplementary details, though the studio noted in the Indiana Jones press release that the package would "us[e] the highest possible high definition picture and audio presentation along with a 'best of' collection of documentaries, interviews, featurettes, and a few new surprises."
While Paramount has not set a formal release date, The Complete Indiana Jones Blu-ray Collection "will be excavated in the fall of 2012."
keep in mind that spielberg is buddy buddy with g lucas..also keep in mind even though BOTH options were AVAILABLE spielberg CHANGED E.T., not for the better IMO...i can only hope that these will remain untouched.
I think you'll be happy to know that Spielberg has promised that he will not change Raiders (this article was old enough that there isn't any mention of the other two coming out, only Raiders, so I presume you can just go ahead and apply that thought to the others too, since it seems to be his general philosophy on the issue now after E.T. In fact, speaking of E.T., it looks like the Blu-ray may only include the 1982 version (music to your ears, I imagine). Source of all this information below:
I don't like the sounds of the "best of" the special features. Why can't this be a definitive collection of the series, so we don't have to keep the DVDs?
Surprised they've included Crystal Skull.John Hurt is a great actor but his character in that annoyed the hell out of me.They must of got majority audience feedback now that the movie sucked.They've included it for the same reason the movie was made which is to make more money.
Amazing news!! One of the most anticipated BD releases ever!! I hope PQ/AQ are spectacular!! I'm also relieved that Spielberg is not going to alter anything from this films. Can't wait!!
Great piece of news, but can't they make a set with just the first three movies? I don't care for "Kingdom of the Crystal Skull", by far the weakest of the series. Same remark for the "Jurassic Park" trilogy: they should have made the movies avalaible individually...
I wish they just released the trilogy and pretend the fourth one doesn't exist. the first three are incredibly consistent and entertaining. I tried to re-watch the fourth and I couldn't even get through 30 minutes
As much as I love Indiana Jones, and trust me, I do...as someone stated on here, it's starting at $75, which in my view is far too much. I'll wait for a major price drop, I can deal with my Complete Adventure Collection for now.
Awesome about time, cant wait for this to arrive this year, I am going to have 2 copies of part 4 though, as I have my target digi book, allready signed by Harrison Ford, Spielberg, shia, Karen Allen, John Hurt, and Cate Blanchet.
so i wont be selling that.
I just knew I'd end up owning Kingdom of the Crystal Crud, I guess it was to be suspected, the first is a masterpiece the 2nd and 3rd are thoroughly enjoyable blasts and the 4th is excrement.
"Swinging through the trees with monkeys? Really? "
Closing your eyes to avoid being melted by the Ark? Really?
Pulling a man's heart out of his chest with your bare hands? Really?
Water from the Holy Grail can heal a bullet wound? Really?
Point is, ALL of the Indiana Jones films are chock full of b.s. moments. That's what makes them so great!
I am really excited about this set, I can't wait to watch the first three films in HD! However it does suck for those of us who already own Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull on Blu-Ray, because buying this set means buying a second copy of the film on Blu-Ray. I thought that Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull was a great movie, it was one of the first movies I bought on Blu-Ray. I hope that all the Special Features from the 2003 DVD Boxset of the first three Indiana Jones films all be ported over to the Blu-Rays, and I assume that the Blu-Ray of Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull included in the set will be the current edition that is already available.
I was hoping that Spielberg and Paramount would put out two Boxsets on Blu-Ray, one with the first three films, and one with all four films.
The good news: This is finally coming out this Fall. Aw, HELL yeah!
The bad news (for those of you, myself included, who already have the fourth movie on Blu-ray): You have to double-dip on that movie to get the first 3 movies. Aw, HELL no!
Don't understand all the negativity about KOTC. I actually enjoyed it more than TOD - that was way too dark. Of course they were going to include it in the set - were people expecting Paramount to simply toss it aside...?
Sorry, but not for $75 bucks. That's $18.75 per film. Too high. If the preorder prices drops to $50 then OK.
I'm happy for #1 & 3, but 2 is so-so & 4 sucks IMO.
Middleman6573, you should change your name to Wiseman. Everything you said is so true. People always knock Crystal Skull. But its not anymore corny than the rest of them. And Temple of Doom is the worst. Common magic rocks ? The first is a classic, the rest are just entertainment.
YES!!! Perfect, now we have Jaws AND the Indy Collection for 2012 (on top of Tintin and War Horse). It's a good year for Spielberg fans. Now bring on E.T.!!! =D
I knew they'd shoehorn Crystal Skull in there even though it's already been released on Blu. Exactly why I never bought the KOTCS standalone when it came out. Indy's pretty much the last big film series to get a Blu-ray, so color me excited.
@tridon, E.T. is also coming to BD this year. Inside the To Kill a Mockingbird BD box there is an ad promoting both Jaws and E.T. on BD for later this year!! Universal should release Schindler's List on BD!!
$75 !!!!! amazon.com is nuts. $50 and not penny more plus I already have Kingdom of the Crystal Skull on bluray which i never even watched.... you know... cause it SUCKED !
And good luck to EVERYBODY, including me, trying to sell their Kingdom of the Crystal Skull... there will be a HUGE surplus of these available. Maybe the moderators should just make a "sticky" in the trading forum?
though the studio noted in the Indiana Jones press release that the package would use the highest possible high definition picture and audio presentation.
not sure what to make of that?
best possible print of what we could find?, or a thorough squeeky clean scan?
its a definite buy for any blu collector...but i would wait for black friday for a more approriate price or amazon deal that will happen for this collectors sets. its happened for all of them. aliens, lotr, etc.
I'm fully confident that the Blu-ray discs will look and sound amazing. The Lowry restoration looks great on DVD and even better on the 1080p versions available through nefarious means over the 'tubes'.
I'm just excited to finally get some DTS-HD MA action!! BWAHAHAHAHAHA!
Son of a! Just traded in my three year old unopened "Crystal Skull" DVD last week; have never even seen it. I would have sent the "Adventures of" set right along with it, but thought I might need that one for awhile. Oh well, really looking forward to Indy on Blu-ray (finally!!) even if it means getting another worthless copy of "Crystal Skull."
Somebody's gotta stand up for Temple of Doom. It's got so many classic scenes: Antidote Scuffle, Chilled Monkey Brains, "We are going to die!", Kali Ma, Minecart Chase, Child Slavers, Drawbridge Fight...
Just to counterbalance the negativity, I vastly prefer the darkness of ToD to the cheesy father/son dynamic in Last Crusade. Plus, Last Crusade stupidly insinuates that everything that made Indiana Jones the man he is happened in one afternoon: here's why he's afraid of snakes, here's why he wears a hat, here's why he uses a whip. PUH-LEAZE.
I like all four movies personally. Not all to the same degree, but I tend to be more forgiving than my blu-ray brethren. Crystal skull was better upon subsequent viewings. My preference (if anyone cares) is 1,2,3,4. Maybe it was the age I saw Temple but it's my 2nd favorite.
I do already own Crystal Skull. Looks like a family member or friend will get my extra copy once I get these. I agree the price is pretty high. I'm sure they'll eventually release them separately. I'm also sure they'll be another boxset if the 5th one ever gets off the ground.
i am happy but i just pray to god then dont messup the transfers i pray to god theres is not DNR or edge enhansment because that would just be a shame for sure i am very veyr happy tho i can get ride of the dvd version hell i might keep the dvd copys tho i love them too much lol.i loved all 4 of these films too much.
I'm really happy these are announced, and will totally get it, but really annoyed with Paramount for not providing an alternative for all the people who bought Indy 4 who are now going to be stuck with an extra copy, which we probably won't even be able to give away because anyone who's an Indy fan enough to want 4 will be getting the complete set anyway. Oh well, should've known this would happen. Still, yay, Indy 1-3 coming to BD!
Sorry, but I refuse...I will not be forced to pay for a film I don't want (and refuse to expose my BD collection to, at any price). Package the three real films together (if you have to ask which three are the "real" ones, then you're the target buyer of this "set"), or sell them separately. NO SALE.
IMDB (which represents BD buyers, as they're part of the film-rating public) (let's see if anything stands apart from the rest here):
Raiders: 8.7
Temple (my personal favorite): 7.5
Crusade: 8.3
...the heaping pile that was supposedly a "sequel" and an "addition to the series" (that no one in their right mind would spend a dime on): 6.4
Hmmmm....does anyone think that Paramount has real reason to suspect that most people would want to own the aforementioned heaping pile, and that it should therefore be forced upon anyone that wants to own any or all of the real Indiana Jones films? Hmmmm....
(In other words, you're a chump if you buy this set knowing fully well that you're being taken advantage of.)
No "Indy fan" owns the fourth "film" (the parody, as I like to refer to it). Therefore, owning two copies shouldn't be an issue. Being forced to own (or pay for, then dispose of) one copy, however, is a major issue. Tell them that this is unacceptable by cancelling your pre-order.
Joe, how do you know they're on the horizon? I bet it will be five years until they're released individually. Do you have proof to the contrary?
p.s. Good man for sticking to your principles. It's very easy to rationalize your way into shelling out your hard-earned money for that which you know you don't really want to buy (just look at "Jurassic Park Trilogy"). I want the three real films (not the parody that Paramount knows no one would buy separately in this day and age [long after the hype has passed and reality has set in]), and of course agree that individual is best (though this isn't the greatest option these days in terms of profits).
"Enjoyable," to you, doesn't mean that the majority (effectively represented by IMDB) wants to pay for a film without the option of *not* being able to do so (I'd say 6.4 [AR: 6.2] is "outwardly mediocre," as opposed to "enjoyable").
p.s. why is Alien: Resurrection's transfer so much weaker than the first two films in the set, despite the film being substantially newer?
"a 'best of' collection of documentaries" - Very glad I kept my DVD Bonus Disc before selling them and buy the Indy 4 on Blu-ray, as it is the only way to own all the special features!
I really don't know why anyone would have expected them not to include the fourth film, regardless of the merits or lack thereof of that film. This isn't the first time that a film was released individually and then again in a box. I bought "2001: A Space Odyssey" and then purchased the Kubrick box when it came out, so I have two copies of that. Such is life. This really isn't such a terrible tragedy. Anyone who bought the 4th film had to know that the full set was eventually going to be released.
But what they should do is offer an "upgrade" plan if you already have the fourth film. You would mail in the "proof of purchase" tag (or the disc) and you would get a coupon that gives you a discount on the box. That would show a respect for the consumers.
They will all eventually come out as separate releases - be patient. It makes sense for the studios to release the box first and grab the big bucks and release the separate films later. While there's always some exceptions, this has been the release pattern for most series.
And while I agree that the 4th film wasn't very good, it was terrible compared to the earlier films in the series. It wasn't necessarily terrible compared to most of the crap that shows up in theatres these days. As bad as it was, between that film and "Transformers", I'd rather watch the 4th Indy film.
I see a whole lot of rationalizing going on in your comment. I hope that works out for you.
I agree with this statement, however:
"And while I agree that the 4th film wasn't very good, it was terrible compared to the earlier films in the series"
Ding ding ding...we've found the reason why it shouldn't be forced upon people that enjoy the three real Indiana Jones films (and value *the value of* their BD collections, perceived or otherwise).
@get1080pnot720p IMBd users would have you believe that The Dark Knight is one of the top 10 movies of all time. It's meaningless.
I get that you'd rather not pay for a movie you don't like, but it makes perfect sense from the studio's perspective. As Zoet said, they'd obviously prefer you plunk down more money for the whole set than just the one or two you want. C'est la vie.
As for the transfer of Resurrection, I don't know and I don't care. That movie is garbage.
Regardless of how awful The Dark Knight is [looks like we agree there], 6.4 is a fair assessment of "Leaden Skull" (though I rated it a more appropriate 5.0/10). However, you're apparently trying to justify the studio's position (that apparently I don't seem to understand), while apparently continuing to advocate the purchase of the "collection" simply because it makes more sense for the studio to package the parody with the three films that people want to spend money on. Hint: this is a paradox.
Ummm, wait. Did you not just say that you "enjoyed" the film (AR)? Perhaps I'm confused. Didn't you say it was a worthy addition to your BD collection (in so many words)? Hmmm <<shrugs>>.
"Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is more enjoyable than Alien Resurrection, and I happily own that as part of the the Alien Anthology."
@get1080pnot720p I'm not trying to rationalize anything, just attempting to give you some perspective on your petty argument.
I didn't say I enjoyed Resurrection, just that I happily own it as part of the anthology. In the same way I'll happily own Crystal Skull as part of the Jones Collection. I'm just silly like that!
Your only arguments here are completely contradictory, and it would certainly appear that you're set on rationalizing your pre-order (believe me, I understand the need to save face). I'm squarely saying that if you spent money on this set knowing that you were forced to *buy* a film you didn't want, you've been taken. Period. El finito. (No offense...it isn't personal. Just the truth.)
Well, we can look at this way: at least you didn't buy *two* films you didn't want (as did buyers of "Jurassic Park Trilogy," a new low for BD [in my personal opinion]).
Great way to read this thread - just read the hidden comments. They're far more interesting than the 95% who are just yay'ing over Paramount screwing them by doing what we all KNEW they'd do (packaging all four films together). Hey, geniuses at Paramount! Anyone who wanted the fourth film has had a few YEARS now to have purchased it on blu-ray. The rest of us want the other films and JUST the other films. Ugh!
I love the Indiana Jones movies but already have the Crystal Skull so will wait until the price comes down a little. I am hoping for a great P/Q & A/Q!
@get1080pnot720p, Depends on how you access value. Even though I hate Alien Resurrection, I consider the Anthology a valuable addition to my collection. I'm not interesting in pretending it, or the fourth Indiana Jones film, never happened.
I mean, it's content. I'd rather KotCS be there and never watch it than purge it from the history books altogether. To pass on glorious HD versions of the trilogy just because they threw in the new one too strikes me as a weird, self-righteous attitude.
"Depends on how you access value. Even though I hate Alien Resurrection, I consider the Anthology a valuable addition to my collection. I'm not interesting in pretending it, or the fourth Indiana Jones film, never happened.
"
I don't need to pretend. It's absurd, and never happened. Best of all, I didn't buy it, so I don't need to pretend. I just need to not watch the copy I don't own. Done.
p.s. the transfer is terrible because you paid $95 to own the first two Alien films on BD, immaculate transfers and all. In your mind (Universal's mind), the third and fourth films were "bonuses," so why spend money on making them look better (lose profit)? Like it or not, that is the fact of the matter with 90% or more of the owners of that set (myself included, before I sold it and bought the first two individually).
p.p.s. the director of said film was purposefully not invited to supervise the "transfer." This is because no one cares about Alien: Resurrection and it was far cheaper to use the existing DVD transfer (but they all bought it anyway [myself included]).
No; that took place during "Last Crusade," which I won't own on BD until it's available individually or packaged only with the first two (real) films. I guess it's a one-man party (well, you have the 95% of the rest of the population that will rationalize their way into the purchase...).
I like Alien 3's music...that is all. Just an opinion. *Almost* worth owning the film (terrible transfer and all)...but not quite, as the soundtrack is available separately. I can almost respect the film, and had the film had the Lowry treatment...then maybe, just maybe...at $10, *perhaps*...I would have considered the purchase....but probably decided against it.
p.s. average IMDB of my collection: 7.13 (not that this matters...simply a product of loading my collection into blu-raystats.com). That's substantially higher than 6.2 or 6.4 (FYI).
@get1080pnot720p, I could point out some titles if you're actually interested in my opinion, but I was more illustrating the point that when you own several hundred films, it's impossible to uphold a sterling standard of quality.
No, I disagree. IMDB says my collection is equal to 7.13. For 370+ BDs, I'd say that's pretty impressive, would you not (especially as it was totally unintentional...I guess it means I have good taste in film, generally speaking)?
Correct me, but are you actually stating that the amount of titles I own means that I'm not a discerning buyer of BDs? Should I sell off the lowest 250 to equal what you'd consider "sterling?" I'm confused. Please help.
@get1080pnot720p, I don't consider IMDb a valid gauge for quality, so that statistic means nothing to me. The average price you paid per title means even less.
You've more than convinced me that you're a discerning consumer, but you're waging a holy war against Kingdom of the Crystal Skull like you don't own Journey to the Center of the Earth with Brendan Fraser.
"I don't consider IMDb a valid gauge for quality, so that statistic means nothing to me. The average price you paid per title means even less."
Ok, well what would you use to gauge the public's perception? Shall we speak of...Metacritic? Just an educated guess here, but I'd have to assume that the film is equally reviled there as well. I'm saying you're (not simply you personally, here) a chump if you bought a film you didn't really want to spend money on. I was also a chump. However, I learned my lesson, and try my hardest to help others before it's too late. Is this confusing? Oh, good one! But is that really the best you can do? Come on...I'm sure there are more laughable titles in my collection. Let me take a look (hard to remember with so many). Child's Play? Hmmm..let me keep looking. How about "The Mummy" trilogy? Oh, Brendan Fraser again...yeah, you were right.
p.s. I chose to buy that film. You bought Crystal Skull because you didn't have a choice. See the difference?
The price means that I'm also a frugal BD buyer. This means that I don't jump on pre-orders and other such nonsense that waste my hard-earned money. As all BDs eventually go for $10 or less, I wait. I suppose that patience is a notable virtue of mine...unfortunately, this isn't the case with the majority of BD buyers (so it would appear).
What are you guys talking about???!?!?!? Temple of Doom was a fine addition to the series. And I'll consider Crystal Skull simply a bonus to the boxset. Remember, buying this day 1 means $75... buying it a few months later during an Amazon sale means $40. Four films for less than $80 is a normal price point... patience, Docca Jones.
@get1080pnot720p, I fully understand the implication of your including that enlightening statistic, I'm merely saying I find it irrelevant to my point, which is that KotCS doesn't do anything to your collection that M. Night Shyamalan's The Happening didn't do first.
Lino, you've missed the point. Films that detract from collections have negative value (less than $0.00 [USD]). "Bonus" is precisely what Paramount wants you to think of "Brainless Skull" as, but in reality, it's simply a detractor that cheapens the good films in the "collection" (the other three).
Hahaha, Schmack, that's much better. You're not the first to criticize my enjoyment of a (any) Shyamalan film (and you won't be the last). I dare say I'm near a "fanboy." But not quite, because fanboys are idiots. I am not an idiot.
Since I will have no choice but to spend money on "Leaden Skull," I will be placing it on E-bay at its appropriate going rate of $4.99 (USD)...yes, free shipping...just don't expect it to play when you get it...
Well, I suppose your "Happening" point is probably agreed with by the majority. But, I confess...I "enjoy" it for some reason (dragging down my IMDB score as it does...). Also, I paid $1.99 for it (with case and artwork!) at a liquidation...I'd say it was fairly spent.
Importance = entertainment value. In my mind, that's really all there is to it. They're truly the most ultimate of ultimate popcorn flicks (there are at least 700 popcorn flicks in my collection...well, probably 200). In my mind, Temple is, by a wide margin, the most "entertaining." In other words, the size of the smile on my face is the largest, from beginning to end. It's simply priceless (well, not anymore, I guess).
Lino, Lino, Lino! Oh, what is in store for you! I can hardly wait for you to spend $90 on Jaws Anthology to sadly discover that the three Jaws "sequels" are simply...(fill in the blank here)...
Note: ____ Skull is not part of the "Indy Series." It was made to rake in money from the hapless *at the expense of* the trilogy of real Indiana Jones films. That is all.
Whoa...it just came to my attention that, for some reason, two Christopher Nolan films are in my collection...and neither of them are "Memento!" Any takers? For the love of Jesus...what was I thinking? Even 1080, it must be noted, is not always unsusceptible to unwarranted hype...
Note: neither are The Dark Knight...I prefer the good Batman v. Joker movie...
Wait...7.13 doesn't include "The Godfather" or its sequel (just got that trilogy for $25...thanks, Amazon). So, 7.15 or so, I guess. (I confess: I have blind-bought "The Godfather: Part III," and am hoping for the best. Since, so I've heard, it's a continuation of the story, it qualifies as a legitimate sequel [even if it does suck]).
Note: By this logic, ____ Skull, in fact, does *not* qualify, as it purposefully works to pretend that events from prior Indiana Jones films simply didn't happen so that millions more dollars could be raked in. Drinking from the grail, for example (dead father, old Indy [disinterested/retired/dead Sean Connery, old Harrison]])...
I just realized that "Navy Seals" is in my collection. You didn't criticize it. Was it far too obvious?
p.s. I love "Navy Seals," and am not ashamed to admit it. Charlie Sheen = winning since Navy Seals (well, probably since Platoon, but definitely since Navy Seals).
p.s. Note: "Clerks" is also in my collection (of course)...oh, the irony...
How about ROTFLACS (rolling on the floor laughing at Crystal Skull)? I don't care who shoots first, as long as the BD refuses to play properly should I feel obligated to desperately try watching it again someday because I was forced by Paramount to buy it.
Great news this is officially announced now - just have to wait and find out if the UK release will contain an uncut version of TOD or if I'll have to import the US version... *fingers crossed for the former*
I like them all, even Crystal Skull... it's still Indiana Jones, and there are great moments.
I wish they would make a box with only the 3 first though, since I already own Crystal Skull on Blu-Ray.
Can't wait anyway!
Hmmmm, from VHS copies, to DVD Copies, to Blu-ray, I sense a familiar pattern here. I will fall once again. But what's next....The 3D Adventures of Indiana Jones?!
Hmm...I wonder if I open it at the store when I pick it up, hand them back Crystal Skull with a pair of industrial strength tongs (so as not to contaminate my flesh with its putrid stench)....would they give me store credit for something else? Or whould they chase me out of the store and ban me from returning for giving them such an insult?
The Crystal Skull whiners never cease to emerge. Like clockwork, really. There's always additional comedic value whenever they think its just simply not allowed that someone else can enjoy something simply because they didn't; same with newer Star Wars installments. It's my least favorite of the four films, but that doesn't mean it isn't still a fantastic adventure flick with its own set of homages. Sorry, I'll take the 1950's B movie elements with the flying saucer and the ancient alien civilization over another christian religious artifact. My issues with it aren't the fact that there's aliens or "inter-dimensional beings", or the scene where Mutt swings around with monkeys. The latter last about thirty seconds out of a two hour movie. It's kinda hilarious to me how brief little things like that can not only ruin a movie for people, but give them the energy to whine about it for now going on four years. Get over it. My problems stem from the fact that the film went through multiple drafts before settling on David Koepp's version, which feels far too much like a Frankenstein's monster of a story. Lots of different ideas, some done much, much better with more excitement and feeling in other drafts (Frank Darabont's).
All in all, it's still a very entertaining film with a couple of my favorite action sequences that Spielberg has done in a very long time (Jungle chase, Campus chase). The fact is that people just can't get over the change of time period, the use of blending traditional practical effects with todays standards of CGI. It's not the 80's anymore, get used to it. I'm sure Indy 5 is on its way with even more (and you'll all see it after you purchase the movie you supposedly hate for the second time).
I gotta address this one gem, though, as I always laugh when I see it:
"it purposefully works to pretend that events from prior Indiana Jones films simply didn't happen so that millions more dollars could be raked in. Drinking from the grail, for example (dead father, old Indy"
For a fan of the "real" Indy films, you'd think you would have paid more attention. It's clearly stated by the knight that the power of the Grail does not extend past the seal. The knight was immortal as long as he remained there and drinking from the cup. "But, beware: the Grail cannot pass beyond the Great Seal, for that is the boundry, and the price, of immortality." Donovan's efforts were for naught.
I've been waiting for this for at least 5 years. This will finally complete by dream trilogy Blu Ray collection. BTTF, Indiana Jones and Star Wars. Awesome!