Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom [Special Edition] [DVD] [1984]

The most underrated film of the franchise, INDIANA JONES AND THE TEMPLE OF DOOM is actually superior in terms of action than LAST CRUSADE. Technically a prequel, the film is much darker in tone than it's predecessor, but nonetheless is an exciting entry in the Indiana Jones Trilogy. Night club action, mine car chases and the thrilling climax on a perilous rope bridge, the set-pieces are some of the most memorable in the trilogy. Set before RAIDERS, Harrison Ford is great in one of his best movie roles, Indiana Jones, obtainer of rare antiquities. And this time, it's Shankara stones for the looting, and while the story isn't as original as it's predecessor, it provides some great comic book-style action. Although directed by Spielberg, George Lucas is the creator of Indiana Jones, and this is one of Spielberg's most impersonal films. However there are some nice homages to JAWS and the "Just shoot 'em" gag from RAIDERS. The opening Busby Berkley inspired number "Anything Goes" sums up the pace for the whole film, where the characters go from one action set-piece to the next, with little space for a breather. The female lead Kate Kapshaw (Willie Scott) is not as spunky as Marion Ravenwood, but she's handles being a love interest for Indy and comic relief rather well. There is a notable lack of meaty villians, with Mola Ram not reaching the excellent "Bad guy" heights of Belloq, but hey, he's still nasty enough. Determined not to make Indy a cardboard character, this one explores Indy's dark side and audience limitations. However despite the change in tone for TOD, there are many laughs to be had and some clever in-jokes, the best of which is the nightclub where Willie sings: Club Obi Wan. Genius. Addmitedly, in some scenes taste goes out the window in favour of revolting animal delacacies and human sacrafice. After all, this was the film that started the PG:13 rating for films that were too violent for a simple PG. But what most critics fail to realise is that it's comic book violence, making it not as bad. John William's tonal score is darker than his previous efforts like E.T, but it's still one of his best. And minor carping aside, they don't make action films like this anymore, where the characters aren't crowded out by a barrage of CGI (THE MUMMY). To put it simply, the action, mine car chases, one-liners and monkey brains all combine to make a really fun action film. And while it dosn't reach the excellent heights of RAIDERS, it's still one amazing adventure.

I'm glad I waited for the original three to come out on Blu Ray/Digital Copy as individual releases, because I can't think of a single person that wants to see Crystal Skull. At $15 each, you get a great-looking film with an iTunes-compatible digital download. My 10-year-old likes TOD best out of the three, but also digs the "national socialist" face melt from ROTLA (Best Buy won't let me use the four-letter acronym, even if I'm actually talking about the real people). Great value for three great films.

A great restoration of the DVD original. Spielberg keeps the integrity of the film while remastering it. Lots of Blu Rays from older films are not remastered but converted to Blu Ray formant.. Digital Copy is a bonus. iTunes had an issue with this but has corrected the glitches in the video. A must see classic film. Just get it. Everyone loves this movie. Don't spoil it by reading reviews. Just trust Indiana Jones franchise is a winner and every movie is as good as the last.

The Indiana Jones series is one of my favorite Spielberg action/fantasy movies! The blu-ray brings new life to something I started watching on VHS back in the 80's. It almost seems like it was filmed this year and it's such a timeless classic. Definitely a film that touches on a wide range of human emotions. It was really ahead of it's time with the theories of the grail,it's german ties and the Ancient Alien theories! Awesome entertainment!

Even though this is looked at as the weaker of the first three, it's still a great movie and a great Indiana jones film. It is the darkest of the three in terms of subject matter but it still has a fun nature to it. The only thing that detracts from the movie is the female lead who will get under your skin and the depiction of Indian culture

Sure, it's "different" and more dark then the other movies, but that's because it is more of a comic book -style movie. And the only movie in the series to use the classic Indy font for the title. And it has my favorite scene from the entire series; when Indy & Short Round are trapped in the spike room and Willie has to save the. Love this movie!!

Great movie, very enjoyable. I recommend purchasing.

To be fair this is a sequel in name only but that does not change the fact that this is a good movie. Its definitely much darker than the previous film and that can be a turnoff for people, but this film still fits the mold of what an IJ movie looks like.