Planet Of The Apes DVD

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 ...
...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 ... Read review

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 ... Read review

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 ... Read review

Advantages: See review
Disadvantages: See review

...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 ... Read review

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 ... Read review

Advantages: Funny as a funny thing! The kids love it!
Disadvantages: None

...The usual Dreamworks mix of fun for the children and the odd bit of disguised humour for older folks. The penguins are great as are the great little takes on American Beauty and Planet of the Apes. The film could maybe have been developed a bit more but I guess the story is naturally kept short by Alex's need to eat. The extras on the DVD are quite fun, although the how to draw Madagascar characters section is a bit difficult for the little ones. The "outtakes" are funny but they don't seem to have taken the time to deliberately make any like they did in Shrek. Overall, great fun and great value as the children will want to watch it over and over again.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: A really great family movie
Disadvantages: None

..., but the birth of DVD and the multitude of special editions brings the whole thing back to us again. The Planet Of The Apes stands out against the four following movies simply for me as what I describe to be the horror of it. Although aimed at a family audience I find this first movie to be fairly horrific. The upside down world not being the biggest part of it, but the feeling of desolation, and complete lack of hope that surrounds the travellers. There are truly chilling moments in the movie, which I always think of when I cast my mind over the movie the chief ones being: The hunting of humans, the first sight of scarecrows used to separate the Apes world with that of the so called forbidden zone, the lobotomy of one of Taylors fellow travellers, not forgetting the nasty shock at the end of the movie; for those that had not already figured out... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

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 Heston... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful