The initial Indiana Jones trilogy (particularly
Raiders of the Lost Ark) from the 1980s have always held a special
interest for me as they were one of the first movie moments I shared
with my two sons.
These three original films and the more recent
entry in the franchise were very much Boys-Own adventures. They
combined cliff-hanging suspense with exotic locations and outstanding
special effects.
But each film also had its own unique story,
humour and tone.
While a swarm of other classic films in the genre
have now been resurrected in 3D formats (Titanic, Star Wars,
etc), the producers of Raiders of the Lost Ark have elected to take
another approach by re-releasing it in as a new 4K digital presentation
in 5.1 surround sound.
4K is a resolution standard in digital
cinematography which has a resolution of approximately 4,000 pixels!
Melbourne's Astor Theatre (which you can save from
closure by signing
this petition) is currently presenting, in
conjunction with Paramount Pictures, an exclusive Australian re-release
season for the very first time in Australia.
Raiders of the Lost Ark was first released in
Australia on 13 August
1981. It introduced archaeologist Dr. Henry (Indiana) Jones, played by
Harrison Ford, as he embarks on a mission to find a lost artefact in
the South American jungle.
Indy is then hired by the US
Government to hunt down the mythological Ark of the Covenant, an item
containing the tablets of the Ten Commandments. But he must also ensure
that the Nazis don't get their hands on it!
While most avid movie
buffs may already possess this and the other films in the series on DVD
or Blu-Ray, it is a real pleasure to re-visit this classic film on the
BIG SCREEN with crystal clear visuals and sound.
The iconic John
Williams theme and score sets the mood for the action that follows,
while Steven Spielberg's expert direction creates the atmosphere for
fast paced sequences that keep you on the edge of your seat
throughout.
Spielberg is a genius in the use of light and
shadow (particularly in the canteen and Well of Souls sequences) and is
not afraid to inject humour at key points (like when Indy guns down the
swordsman in the market place).
While not necessarily having the same wow-factor
as the recently re-released Titantic
in 3D, a visit to one of Melbourne's oldest cinemas
to see Raiders of the Lost Ark 4K is certainly an enjoyable experience
and quite honestly, the only way it should be viewed!
4.5 out
of 5
Raiders Of
The Lost Ark Australian release: Screening for a
Strictly Limited Engagement - Sunday July 1st until Saturday July 7th,
2012 Official
Site:Raiders Of The Lost Ark Cast: Harrison Ford, Karen Allen Director: Steven Spielberg
