Indiana Jones is finally making his way to DVD.
After much wrangling over logistics and control, a four-disc set will be released by Paramount Home Entertainment on Nov. 4.
George Lucas, director Steven Spielberg and star Harrison Ford participate extensively in the collection, which includes "Raiders of the Lost Ark," "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom" and "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade." The fourth disc contains approximately four hours of supplemental features produced especially for the collection.
Like Paramount's three-film "Godfather Collection" on DVD, "The Adventures of Indiana Jones: The Complete DVD Movie Collection" will be available only as a set.
Collection could become the biggest-selling DVD movie series until Lucas decides to release the original "Star Wars" trilogy. It's anticipated to be available for approximately $50 in the U.S., though Par won't release a set price for retailers.
Package will be released simultaneously in 20 of the world's largest markets Nov. 4 and in Japan Nov. 7. Paramount, Lucas, Spielberg and Ford are all expected to return to their respective roles for a fourth Indiana Jones movie now being written.
The THX digitally remastered films, each restored by noted preservationists Lowry Digital Images, will be available in both widescreen and fullscreen versions with new Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtracks.
"If you ever (visit) Indiana Jones fan sites and see what their expectations are, I think we will fully meet those expectations and go beyond that," Lucasfilm veep of marketing Jim Ward said.
The supplemental features will contain new interviews with Spielberg, Lucas and Ford, along with other members of the cast and crew. Rumored to be on the disc are a group of deleted scenes from the three films, including one from the original "Raiders" featuring an extended fight with the Cairo swordsman, whom Indiana famously shoots in the theatrical version.
"During the development of this terrific DVD collection, we discovered that the appeal of the Indiana Jones property has never been stronger around the world and that the Indiana Jones boxed set is the most anticipated DVD release of the year," said Thomas Lesinski, world president of Paramount Home Entertainment. (As reported by VARIETY)
E-MAIL AUTHOR
