I was a massive fan of the old Planet of the Apes movies – they had some great stories, great characters and were all carried off in a highly imaginative format. It was with some trepidation, therefore, that I awaited the release of the new big bucks Hollywood version that has just seen ... Read review
Tim Burton's "re-imagining" ofPlanet of the Apesis about one thing above all else: monkey ... more
movement. But for most filmgoers, whether fans of the 1967 original or not, thats simply not enough. Thematically the story of an outsider in a society that doesn...
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In the year 2029, interstellar reconnaissance missions are relegated to chimpanzee pilots ... more
from the space station OBERON in deep space. On one such mission, a chimp loses communication and vanishes from the radar. Fearless astronaut Leo Davidson launche...
Tim Burton's "re-imagining" ofPlanet of the Apesis about one thing above all else: monkey ... more
movement. But for most filmgoers, whether fans of the 1967 original or not, thats simply not enough. Thematically the story of an outsider in a society that doesn...
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In the year 2029 interstellar reconnaissance missions are relegated to chimpanzee pilots ... more
from the Space Station Oberon in deep space. On such a mission a chimp loses communication and vanishes from the radar. Fearless astronaut Leo Davidson launches ...
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For so many reasons, there couldn't be any composer better suited than Danny Elfman to ... more
score a new version of Planet of the Apes. Firstly he comes from a background of explorations in percussion. Hints of that self-education made the best of such works as Mission: Impossible and Men In Black. Now comes the most thunderous, bone-rattling collection of stick bashing in his (and possibly anybody's) cinematic career. There may be a large orchestra with an oversized brass section at work here, but it's the endless barrage of live or sampled percussive tracks you'll find yourself strumming fingers to. Depicting the primitive jungle with lots of drumming is a filmic tradition, but in Elfman's hands this is no earthly jungle. The sheer volume of layered noise in "The Hunt" is overwhelmingly exhilarating. Electronic overlays propel this material into the future. This suits not only the film's timeframe but also the commercial need that results in Paul Oakenfold's "Rule the Planet Remix" which is tacked on last. After Elfman's "Main Title Deconstruction" though, there's no doubt who's the rhythmic A-list Kong of the jungle. --Paul Tonks
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Planet Of The Apes [1968]:Astronaut Taylor (Heston) crash lands on a distant planet ruled ... more
by apes who use a primitive race of humans for experimentation and sport. Soon Taylor finds himself among the hunted, his life in the hands of a benevolent chimpanzee scientist (McDowall). Winner of an Honorary Academy Award for Outstanding Make-up Achievement and Nominated for two Oscars, (1968 Best Costume Design and Best Original Score) Planet of the Apes is grand entertainment from its visually arresting beginning to the chilling last moment. Planet Of The Apes [2001]:In the year 2029, interstellar reconnaissance missions are relegated to chimpanzee pilots from the space station Oberon in deep space. On one such mission, a chimp loses communication and vanishes from the radar. Fearless astronaut Leo Davidson launches a rescue mission and, following a malfunction, lands on a jungle-like planet not unlike the earth. To Leo's astonishment, English-speaking apes and primitive humans inhabit the planet. Following his capture by the apes and subsequent escape, Leo assembles a small band of defiant humans and empathetic apes in an attempt to re-establish contact with Oberon, but his focus changes following an unexpected discovery. Armed with this new information, Leo leads a rebellion against an overpowering ape force that will result in freedom or complete annihilation.
Production Year: 1979 - Science Fiction - Director: Ridley Scott - Original Language: English - Classification: 18 years and over - Starring: Sigourney Weaver, John Hurt, Tom Skerritt, Harry Dean Stanton, Ian Holm, Yaphet Kotto, Veronica Cartwright
Production Year: 2007 - Science Fiction - Director: Francis Lawrence - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Alice Braga, Charlie Tahan, Dash Mihok, Will Smith, Salli Richardson, Willow Smith
Production Year: 2007 - Science Fiction - Director: Francis Lawrence - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Willow Smith, Dash Mihok, Will Smith, Charlie Tahan, Salli Richardson, Alice Braga
Advantages: Great film, tonnes of extras Disadvantages: Too many extras?
...massive fan of the old Planet of the Apes movies – they had some great stories, great characters and were all carried off in a highly imaginative format. It was with some trepidation, therefore, that I awaited the release of the new big bucks Hollywood version that has just seen its release on DVD and video. One of the big cinema blockbusters of 2001, the film was heralded with seemingly relentless press coverage, and interviews with the stars ... ...of history….
Planet of the Apes is unquestionably a very good movie. Filled with fantastic characters, imaginative set pieces and exciting action, I enjoyed it from start to finish. Technically, the film is also very advanced – at times, you could forget that the talking apes weren’t really real – and the plot twists and turns in such a way that it keeps you guessing right up until the end. So much time and ... more
I was a massive fan of the old Planet of the Apes movies – they had some great stories, great characters and were all carried off in a highly imaginative format. It was with some trepidation, therefore, that I awaited the release of the new big bucks Hollywood version that has just seen its release on DVD and video. One of the big cinema blockbusters of 2001, the film was heralded with seemingly relentless press coverage, and interviews with the stars were on nearly every single TV show for a period of about two months. The DVD release has been advertised with similar pomp – this is the “future of DVD” apparently.
Set in the year 2029, the film opens on the space station OBERON, where reconnaissance missions are being undertaken by highly trained chimpanzee pilots – all under the watchful eyes of a team of US astronauts. On an exploratory mission into a fierce electro-magnetic storm, one such chimp loses communication with the control centre, and disappears from the radar. One of the astronauts (Leo Davidson) launches a rescue mission in a separate craft, only to find himself caught up in the storm. His craft malfunctions, and he crash lands on a jungle-like planet. It is not long before he runs into the locals – a tribe of persecuted humans, who are being hunted and captured by English-speaking apes. Following his own capture, Leo is astonished by the civilisation that he encounters – but quickly gets caught up in a struggle for survival against the evil ape, General Thade. His only aim is escape- but he may end changing the course of history….
Planet of the Apes is unquestionably a very good movie. Filled with fantastic characters, imaginative set pieces and exciting action, I enjoyed it from start to finish. Technically, the film is also very advanced – at times, you could forget that the talking apes weren’t really real – and the plot twists and turns in such a way that it keeps you guessing right up until the end. So much time and attention has been put into making this film that you cannot fail to enjoy it.
The plot is well constructed, if not slightly predictable, and enables the film to move along at a suitably brisk pace. I particularly liked the recurring irony of the role reversal portrayed between man and apes – a key theme throughout the film that shifts its sensitivities from the apes to the humans and then back again several times throughout. Planet is not just a dumb action movie – there is plenty of action, but the filmmakers have worked hard to put something relatively sensible together, and there is a lot of social commentary being made here. As an analogy of the human race, the ape society is suitably apt – the children are rude and spoilt, the military is power-hungry, and the businessmen are greedy and unscrupulous. There are a number of key plot twists during the movie, although (at the risk of sounding cocky) I had pretty much figured them out right from the start of the film – the ending is excellent though, and I have to say that I didn’t quite see that one coming.
As a film directed by Tim Burton, you would expect a range of suitably dark and mysterious settings, and to a certain extent, you won’t be disappointed with this film. The best sequences are those set in the main ape mountain inhabitant, where Burton’s gothic tastes are evident. I enjoyed the blend of modern and primitive styles enjoyed by the apes – their sophisticated tastes and vanities all contrast heavily with their strange movements and aggressive instincts, and there are a number of comical touches to lift the mood. Once the action shifts from the mountain, however, the Burton influences all but disappear, and the film moves into a rather uninspiring desert setting that would be more at home in a George Lucas movie. The special effects are all very competent too – the space station scenes, as well as the battle scenes on the planet are all impressive enough, although the night-time settings in the apes’ mountain lair were comparatively undemanding.
The apes are consistently excellent – the quality and innovation of the make up designers is breathtaking. As you are introduced to the main ape characters, you cannot fail to be impressed by the different ape species represented, all with their own characteristics. Whereas the apes in the original movies were all fairly generic, the apes in this version can clearly be identified as chimpanzees, gorillas, orang-utans and more. The apes’ movements are all skilfully choreographed whilst walking, but the acrobatic scenes are even more impressive, with visually flawless sequences of the apes leaping, climbing and even riding horses. I was slightly disappointed with Helena Bonham-Carter’s make-up design – in an effort to make her look more flatteringly feminine, I decided that she actually ended up looking like a cross between Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.
The film has a fine cast of actors, all of whom perform extremely well. Mark Wahlberg goes on to prove that those dodgy pop music days are well behind him, with a charismatic performance as the stranded astronaut Leo Davidson. Tim Roth’s General Thade is one of the best villain performances I have seen in a long time – from his voice, to his facial expressions, Thade is relentlessly sinister from start to finish, and genuinely frightening. Bonham-Carter’s character is also very strong, with a unique twist on the role of a female love interest for Leo – her portrayal of the compassionate and intelligent, yet feisty Senator’s daughter Ari is very compelling. Kris Kristofferson crops up as a beaten-up old man (he’s good at those isn’t he?) and even Charlton Heston pops up briefly as the dying father of General Thade. My favourite character had to be the tradesman Limbo, whose role added some (often, much needed) light relief.
Perhaps the most incredible thing about this DVD package is the volume of extras. The DVD is retailing in a two disc set that features no less than thirteen hours of additional features – combined with the film’s running time of two hours, that’s nearly fifteen hours of entertainment. The value for money is therefore unquestionable – although I’m not sure that the 13-hour claim is totally true. The extras include the following:
Audio commentaries by Tim Burton and Danny Elfman that can be played whilst the movie is running. An enhanced viewing mode that will take you behind the scenes, whilst you watch the film. Four split screen videos 8 documentaries (known as featurettes). The insight into the film making process is fascinating – the make-up, choreography, wardrobe, score and screen tests are all shown in considerable detail. 5 extended scenes – none of which were terribly interesting. Multi-angle scene comparisons – you’re supposed to get the feel of sitting in the Director’s chair. Infinitely fiddly with the remote control – and ultimately very dull. A Paul Oakenfold music video – which is really just clips from the film, set to an Oakenfold remix. Trailers Crew and Cast profiles Stills Galleries
To be honest, the volume of extras was far more than I would ever want to view (I hired the film, rather than purchased) and I rather felt that the extras were excessive. The menu structure is quite good, with a battle ape pointing at various options, from which you then select what you want – although this makes navigation rather time-consuming. The documentaries do enable the viewer to appreciate the time and effort that went into the film – and some of them are quite entertaining in their own right.
As an entertainment package, a night in with this DVD set should be very satisfying. Planet of the Apes is an engaging, highly enjoyable film – and is suitable for most tastes. The extras (although probably too much for one night) are certainly worth a browse.
Advantages: Roth, the special FX Disadvantages: Wahlberg
...but in the brand new Planet Of The Apes movie, as General Thade, Tim Roth is so absolutely, unspeakably evil that you'll have nightmares about him. It may be the make up, or the bandy legged gait, or even the way he leaps onto the back of his horse, but whatever it is, Thade is the most fearsome epitome of evil since the black clad Darth Vader. Even before seeing the film, the ads and the trailers hinted darkly at the thoroughgoing badness of it ... ...as far as the new Planet Of The Apes film is concerned. It's the latest in an exceedingly lengthy line of darkly macabre films from the masterpiece of sinister darkness, Tim Burton, but it's much more a rip roaring adventure film than a follow up to Batman, apart from Roth's fiend from Hell. In fact, it doesn't strike you immediately as a standard offering from Burton. The first two Batman films, The Nightmare Before Christmas and Sleepy Hollow were ...
dave27 11.09.2001 (20.10.2001)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Planet Of The Apes (DVD)
Advantages: Some good effects - well paced Disadvantages: Predictable and generally average story
...the classic movie (and series) Planet of the Apes. With 21st century special effects and an excellent cast could this latest version of the movie dwarf the success of the original?
My first impressions were that the production and direction of the movie were very good. The storyline developed slowly giving the audience a chance to settle down and become acquainted with the main character.
As the suspense built and the main character (and his ... ...astronaut crash lands on a planet in the future. Much to his dismay and disbelief, Apes rule this planet. A trader in Human slaves captures him, but with the help of a sympathetic Ape (played by the delectable Helen Bonham-Carter) and an old warrior Gorilla, he manages to escape and organize the release of all the slaves in town.
They move towards a place which is somewhat like an Elephants graveyard – it is a sacred place and is forbidden ...
Simoncook1 05.08.2002
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Planet Of The Apes (DVD)
...this is one area where Planet of The Apes shines. The ape makeup is absolutely staggering when coupled with the performances of the 'ape' actors. Amazingly lifelike, the work of Rick Baker just can't be faulted. The CGi element is all present and correct (indeed what film these days would be complete without the binary influence) and looks as flawless as ever but my good woman did point a problem (eek!) - Wouldn't it be nice to have a real crowd ... ...make the quintessential summer blockbuster, Planet of The Apes will undoubtedly make money. Is it a good film though? Well it depends what you're after. Those seeking another slice of 60's 'statement' will be sorely disappointed (and indeed they should be), but look at it as a film in it's own right and becomes better. Burton's reputation remains intact and it's a good way to spend 2 hours (I'm adding 20 minutes on for trailers).
Violent and gruesome ...
TheNeil 22.08.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Planet Of The Apes (DVD)
Advantages: Tim Burton directs it Disadvantages: The script
...with the plot. For me Planet of the Apes was not as good as I had heard it was nor was it as bad as I expected, it had most of the ingredients which worked brilliantly, it was just the little things that shattered the illusion and ruined the film. Overall I say go and see it as it is not what you expect, and it is one of those films you have to see.
Always appreciate comments ...
willgould 28.08.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Planet Of The Apes (DVD)
Advantages: Better makeup and effects than the original. Disadvantages: Awful story. Bad ending. Weak acting. Generic. Pointless.
...TBL! to a project called Planet Of The Apes. And we threw in a few freebies - poseable British actors (Tim Roth, Helena Bonham Carter), an unusual leading man (Mark Wahlberg) and a cameo girlfriend (Lisa Marie)! Not to mention the obligatory Danny Elfman soundtrack!
TBL was given some old material, which he cleverly adjusted in such a way to parallel, but not actually better, the original Planet Of The Apes! Watch as he uses your favourite clichés ... ...man could land on a planet where apes talk and humans talk too! Why shouldn’t they? That’s where the original went wrong. So, Mark Wahlberg hijacks a space pod to rescue his chimp buddy from a nasty swirly purple space thing! When Mark gets sucked into the same swirly thing, his pod is spat out onto a jungle planet where men & women run free and talking apes ride horses and capture them! Don’t you just LOVE it already?
You think ...
peppersinclaire 04.09.2001 (10.09.2001)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Planet Of The Apes (DVD)
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Advantages: All 5 films immortalised on DVD Disadvantages: Effects are dreadful.
It's a madhouse!!! A madhouse!!!, I do like my classic sci-fi films and none are better than the original 1967 version of Planet of the apes. The original film was based on an idea from the French novel by Pierre Boulle, and was the start of a theme that would span for five films. When I heard they were releasing a box set of the original films with the upcoming release of the 2001 remake I had my order put in before you can say a short word very fast.
For the princely sum of £45, I received my box set through the post and marvelled at it beauty. Six disks contained in a fold out box. The five original films and an extra disk of behind the scenes and interviews. So I set myself down for the night, put the first disk into my DVD player and this is what happened next:
Planet of the Apes (1967)
When Colonel George Taylor (Charlton ...
Advantages: One of the best ever sci-fi scripts Disadvantages: Don't look at the ape masks at the back of the scenes!
I think that I was very affected by films as a child. For many of my early years I had a recurring nightmare of being chased through a corn field by marauding gorillas....it was horrible. I can now recognise that this was all due to watching this amazing film at such an early age.
Considering this film was made in 1968 it was very well made indeed and stands the test of time well. Ok...so some of the ape masks (particularly in the background) are not brilliant, but you soon forgive that.
The opening sequence of this great film I really loved. I really enjoy space craft of any kind and the ship they have travelled in is reminiscent of the late and great concorde...all pointy and fast looking.
What I love more about this film than anything is the number of times Charlton Heston tries to escape, but he is always caught...learn your ...
Advantages: A really great film Disadvantages: none
The Planet of the Apes has long been a favourite film of mine, I think it has similar merits to the book 1984. It seems to me that science fiction has a way of showing the nature of mankind in a way no other genre can. The Planet of the Apes is not a film about a planet of apes but a film about the human race, and how arrogant, xenophobic and callous we are or can be.
Staring Charlton Heston as ‘Taylor’, it was made in 1968, and is around 108 minutes long. In the film we see how the human race is considered to be a sub-class, and how man is used for target practice, is experimented on, studied, examined, dissected and generally treated like an animal a fairly worthless commodity, which shows us how we treat animals from their point of view.
Three astronauts land on a strange planet, after travelling across the land ...
seagulls-lost-horizon 23.06.2001 (08.08.2001)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Planet Of The Apes (DVD)
A remake of the classic story in which Leo, an astronaut lands on a planet which is inhabited by very intelligent apes. On this planet humans are enslaved as the apes are the dominant race... Can Leo lead the humans in an uprising in order to free themselves?
Remake Of
Planet Of The Apes ( 1968 United States of America ), Planet Of The Apes ( 1968 United States of America ), Planet Of The Apes ( 1968 United States of America ), Planet Of The Apes ( 1968 United States of America ), Planet Of The Apes ( 1968 United States of America )
Release details
DVD Region
DVD
Studio(s)
20th Century Fox Home Entertainment; Deluxe Video Service - Fox
Release date
19/07/2004
No of Discs
1
Catalogue No
22080 VDVD
Barcode
5039036017688
Production Designer
Rick Heinrichs
Screenwriter
Mark Rosenthal, Lawrence Konner, William Broyles, Jr.
"...[Roth gives] a performance of gnashing wit and ferocity....The apes in PLANET OF THE APES have character....The movie is all but destined to become Burton's second hit in a row..." (Entertainment Weekly, p.39-40, 03/08/2001)
"...The key reason for Burton's preeminence is very much on display in PLANET OF THE APES, and that is his exceptional visual gift..." (Los Angeles Times, p.1, 27/07/2001)
"...This remake of PLANET shows a sparkling guile....The jokes and scares build to a lovely touch....Mr. Wahlberg has mastered the fine art of underplaying..." (New York Times, p.E1, 27/07/2001)
"...These creatures snarl, swing from trees and bare their teeth with startling authenticity, and each one looks different. Baker's work is monumental..." (Rolling Stone, p.131-2, 30/08/2001)
"...Rick Baker's ape makeup creations are wonderfully varied...and represent a definite leap beyond what was possible 33 years ago..." (Variety, p.17-22, 30/07/2001)
DVD Description
In remaking this classic sci-fi horror film, director Tim Burton takes on a whopping challenge and succeeds. Astronaut Leo Davidson (Mark Wahlberg) is part of a space station crew that, in the year 2029, is conducting experiments in training genetically engineered chimps to perform complex away missions. When Leo's chimp disappears into a worm hole, Leo unadvisedly goes after him, ending up in a parallel world in which the monkeys are the keepers and humans are traded and caged like animals. It's a horrifying place, and the whole atmosphere, colored by Burton's direction and Rick Baker's incredible special effects makeup, is charged with terror. Leo becomes a heroic figure in the eyes of his defeated human brethren, and he puts his trust--and his hope for escape--in Ari (Helena Bonham Carter), a forward-thinking ape who believes in human rights. But Leo has formidable opponents in Thade (Tim Roth) and Attar (Michael Clark Duncan), two power-hungry, testosterone-charged apes who wish to rid the planet of humans altogether. This excellent rendition of PLANET OF THE APES is more than just a remake: it includes intense physicality on the part of the actors, complex mythology lacing the story, chilling philosophical realizations, and an amazing cameo by original APES star Charlton Heston. The combination of those complex parts make for a riveting viewing experience.
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