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Apes Part 4: Escape From The Planet Of The Apes
List Price: Unknown [Buy now and save at Amazon]
"Escape From The Planet Of The Apes" is the thirty...er, I mean third film in the series, and the second sequel taken from the 1968 original. I have to give the creators credit for thinking up a continuance of the last film; this time, we find two apes from the planet, Cornelious and Zira, going through time and landing on Earth in the past.
The basic idea is presented in an interesting way. Now, the humans are asking the questions of these "talking apes". At first humans question the intentions of the creatures, but after a while they become celebrities. Of course, behind-the-scenes, high-ranking officials believe that they have the right to wipe out the apes (and their new child) in the attempt to change the future offered in the first film.
I liked this film more than the second picture, but not hugely more. It moves along at a brisk clip, and I thought the questions posed by the characters were more interesting and thought-provoking than those that happened during the second film. The performances from both the humans and the "apes" are excellent, and the make-up effects are still strong in this film. The writing is smart and the characters are fully-realized. A good film that moves quickly and is very entertaining after a bit of a slow start.
The DVD
VIDEO: Out of the first three films which I've watched so far, this is the most impressive transfer I've seen from the set. Again, like the rest of the films, "Escape" is offered in a non-anamorphic transfer that is THX approved. Sharpness is excellent, and detail is strong as well. Clarity is consistently good, and even dimly lit images seem well-defined and particularly clear for a film as old as this one is.
Problems aren't terribly distracting. The film doesn't show too much signs of wear, with the exception of a few minor speckles and marks on the print used. Grain is slight in a couple of scenes, but this isn't anything too noticable. There is a slight bit of edge enhancement, but it's fairly minor.
Colors are mainly pretty subdued throughout the film, but there are the occasional bold colors that are pleasing; they look nicely saturated and not faded. Black level is solid, and flesh tones are accurate. This is a good transfer that, although flawed at times, provides an enjoyable viewing experience.
SOUND: The film's original mono soundtrack is included, and although limited, it certainly sounds very smooth and natural. There isn't a whole lot to it, but it goes by without any distortion and doesn't sound too noticably harsh. Jerry Goldsmith's score sounds fine; although limited, it doesn't sound thin. Dialogue is clean sounding and easily heard, as well.
MENUS:: The menus are still animated on this edition, but aren't quite as elaborate as the menus for the first two efforts in the series.
EXTRAS: Not a whole lot: trailers for all of the "Apes" films as well as a promotional trailer for the set. Also included is a small cast/crew bio set, but no photo gallery like the first two discs. A web-link is also included.
Final Thoughts: Another good looking presentation and I was entertained by the film. ONLY AVAILABLE AS PART OF THE "EVOLUTION" BOX SET. NOT SOLD AS A SINGLE FILM.
The basic idea is presented in an interesting way. Now, the humans are asking the questions of these "talking apes". At first humans question the intentions of the creatures, but after a while they become celebrities. Of course, behind-the-scenes, high-ranking officials believe that they have the right to wipe out the apes (and their new child) in the attempt to change the future offered in the first film.
I liked this film more than the second picture, but not hugely more. It moves along at a brisk clip, and I thought the questions posed by the characters were more interesting and thought-provoking than those that happened during the second film. The performances from both the humans and the "apes" are excellent, and the make-up effects are still strong in this film. The writing is smart and the characters are fully-realized. A good film that moves quickly and is very entertaining after a bit of a slow start.
The DVD
VIDEO: Out of the first three films which I've watched so far, this is the most impressive transfer I've seen from the set. Again, like the rest of the films, "Escape" is offered in a non-anamorphic transfer that is THX approved. Sharpness is excellent, and detail is strong as well. Clarity is consistently good, and even dimly lit images seem well-defined and particularly clear for a film as old as this one is.
Problems aren't terribly distracting. The film doesn't show too much signs of wear, with the exception of a few minor speckles and marks on the print used. Grain is slight in a couple of scenes, but this isn't anything too noticable. There is a slight bit of edge enhancement, but it's fairly minor.
Colors are mainly pretty subdued throughout the film, but there are the occasional bold colors that are pleasing; they look nicely saturated and not faded. Black level is solid, and flesh tones are accurate. This is a good transfer that, although flawed at times, provides an enjoyable viewing experience.
SOUND: The film's original mono soundtrack is included, and although limited, it certainly sounds very smooth and natural. There isn't a whole lot to it, but it goes by without any distortion and doesn't sound too noticably harsh. Jerry Goldsmith's score sounds fine; although limited, it doesn't sound thin. Dialogue is clean sounding and easily heard, as well.
MENUS:: The menus are still animated on this edition, but aren't quite as elaborate as the menus for the first two efforts in the series.
EXTRAS: Not a whole lot: trailers for all of the "Apes" films as well as a promotional trailer for the set. Also included is a small cast/crew bio set, but no photo gallery like the first two discs. A web-link is also included.
Final Thoughts: Another good looking presentation and I was entertained by the film. ONLY AVAILABLE AS PART OF THE "EVOLUTION" BOX SET. NOT SOLD AS A SINGLE FILM.
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