Raiders Of The Lost Ark (4K Digital Re-Release)

Review by David Woodward

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