Many cinephiles maintain a “top-three-movie-list,” but I operate with a “top-four-movie-list.” Each of the four films holds the top position as they represent distinct genres and evoke unique emotions. My list includes Jaws (1975), Superman – The Movie (1978), Star Wars Episode IV A New Hope (1977), and Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981). The presence of Steven Spielberg twice on this list is deliberate; he remains my favorite director.
I recall watching Raiders of the Lost Ark at a young age, no older than six or seven. The climactic scene (spoiler alert) involving the melting of the Nazis left a lasting impression, not as a source of fear, but as a point of fascination. This experience solidified my passion for cinema. Initially, I viewed the film on a well-worn VHS tape recorded from SVT. As viewing technology and media quality advanced over the years, this year, marking the 40th anniversary, I acquired all four films in a definitive UltraHD edition: the Indiana Jones 4-Movie Collection.
I watched the films sequentially, beginning with Raiders of the Lost Ark (Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark). Immediately, it became apparent that this viewing would be exceptional. The picture quality is stunning, and the transfer appears flawless. I believe that the film has never looked better, even during its original theatrical release. The audio is presented in Dolby Atmos, and the improvement is significant. The sound possesses a distinct timbre, enhancing the experience without feeling artificial or detached from the original. One minor observation: the enhanced picture quality reveals details not previously noticed. For instance, the cave set now appears less authentic, and certain sequences exhibit studio origins more clearly. It was somewhat surprising to perceive new aspects of a film I have seen countless times.
The film’s narrative remains compelling, despite some instances of questionable execution, such as Marion’s somewhat unconvincing fight sequences where she seems to miss her targets. However, the practical effects and stunt work are as impressive now as they were originally, and the film remains an exceptional adventure from beginning to end.
Following the success of Raiders of the Lost Ark, a sequel was inevitable. Three years later, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom debuted. In this installment, Spielberg seemingly aimed to outdo his previous work. While the second film features several memorable scenes, such as the heart removal ritual and the now controversial dinner scene, it ultimately falls short. Marion’s resourceful character is replaced by a stereotypical damsel in distress (who later became Spielberg’s wife), and Salah’s engaging presence is supplanted by an irritating child character. The humor occasionally descends into childishness, such as Indy’s clumsy search for a secret passage. The sequel achieved popularity but also faced criticism, even from Spielberg himself.
In 1989, the third installment arrived. Few film series can claim that their third entry is the best. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade stands as a near-perfect film, achieving a balanced blend of humor, action, and emotional depth. Sean Connery delivers a flawless performance as Indiana Jones’s father, and his on-screen chemistry with Harrison Ford is impeccable. The third film concludes with their iconic ride into the sunset, providing a fitting conclusion to the series.
However, the story did not end there. After considerable speculation, a fourth film was announced. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull premiered in 2008. Initial reports suggested that the film would maintain the practical effects and stunt work of its predecessors, avoiding excessive CGI. I recall my disappointment upon seeing a CGI gopher during the Paramount logo sequence. The filmmakers failed to uphold their promise. The fourth film is laden with unconvincing CGI and greenscreen effects. The narrative feels incomplete and disjointed, culminating in a weak and unsatisfying resolution. Upon revisiting the film, it was not as disastrous as I remembered. Some redeeming qualities include Marion’s return and several well-executed action sequences.
The most remarkable aspect of the Indiana Jones 4-Movie Collection UHD edition is the vibrant HDR color palette. These films, ranging from 13 to 40 years in age, appear as though they were recently produced. The sunset colors in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, for instance, are breathtaking. The films exhibit deep blacks and an absence of visual artifacts, meriting high praise. The Dolby Atmos sound enhances the audio experience across all four films, modernizing the soundscape while preserving the films’ original essence.
The collection includes a wealth of supplemental material. In addition to over thirty minutes of documentaries for each film, there are mini-documentaries and classic documentaries from the films’ original releases, providing hours of entertainment for enthusiasts. It is worth noting that the Blu-ray disc containing the extra material is identical to that included with the Indiana Jones Blu-ray box set.
In conclusion, this collection deserves high marks. While the fourth film may be my least favorite, its shortcomings do not significantly detract from the overall quality of the set. I recommend experiencing Indiana Jones’s adventures in the best possible format: 4K, newly restored with Dolby Atmos in a home theater setting.
Footnote: This review is based on the CDON-exclusive Indiana Jones box. A standard edition will be available at all retailers beginning June 25.
