Plot: What’s it about?
Is it the crack of the whip? Is it the dusty fedora? Is it that Steven Spielberg and George Lucas built a movie around the old serials they saw as kids? Who knows. But back in 1981 we were treated to one of the all-time great films with Raiders of the Lost Ark. It cemented the status of Harrison Ford as a leading man (this came after Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back) and showed that a hero could carry something other than a gun (though he did as well). While the world of archeology might not be as action-packed as the filmmakers make it out to be, the franchise has showed that with a sly wit (and a great script), that this sort of thing could be…fun! The first three films spanned the 80’s and we’d have to wait nearly twenty years for the next installment. Unfortunately that installment was Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. The less said about that, the better. Flash forward another fifteen years and we’ve got the final installment. Was it worth the wait?
Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) is an aging professor who seems nearly too content with his life. His classes are boring and he’s nearly as disinterested as his students. However, things change when he’s visited by his goddaughter, Helena (Phoebe Waller-Bridge). Indy and her father, Basis (Toby Jones), managed to procure the Archimedes’ Dial – something invented by the man himself. Helena wants it as does Jürgen Voller (Mads Mikkelsen), a Nazi who hopes to use its power to rewrite history in favor of the Germans. Naturally Indiana Jones has no intention of this happening. And we set off on a globetrotting mission that tries to find Indy and Helena getting along as they attempt to outwit Voller.
I remember asking my parents about this movie (they go to theaters whereas I wait for them to arrive on disc) and my Mother said “It was good, but it was just like all the other ones.” And, truthfully, she was right. But there’s the old saying that “if it ain’t broke…” And I’ve got to tip my hat to Harrison Ford who, at nearly 80 years old when this was filmed, did a pretty damn good job. My Dad, as of this writing, is 75 and he doesn’t get around nearly as well as Ford does. Couple all a good script with James Mangold’s direction and the result is much better than I expected. I still prefer the original trio (yes, even Temple of Doom) over these last two installments, but this one could have been a lot worse. If you’re a fan of the genre or the franchise – this is a fitting end.
Video: How’s it look?
The Indiana Jones films all have different, yet oddly similar, looks to them. Granted, with this franchise there’s globetrotting galore (think James Bond), and we’re treated to some very picturesque views of New York city and more. Of course, I’d be remiss if we didn’t talk about the CGI “de aging” of Harrison Ford’s iconic character. It’s not done a lot, but I was pretty impressed at how good natural it looked. This brings him back to what I’d say is an early 90’s Ford. At any rate, detail is tack sharp and it shows every wrinkle in the actor’s face. Hey, I hope I’m doing that good when I’m his age. Contrast and colors are spot on. Let’s face it – it’s an Indiana Jones movie. Anything less than perfect won’t be tolerated.
Audio: How’s it sound?
I’ve always liked two things about these films: the way the guns sound and the sound it makes when Indiana Jones hits someone. We all know that neither sound like that in real life, but it’s OK to imagine isn’t it? I got off track. At any rate, the included Dolby Atmos track is, simply, amazing. These films have always had great sound and score’s (those who are really into John Williams score can watch the movie with it. I have no idea why someone would do this, but that’s not my place). Vocals sound great – Harrison Ford’s deep, grizzled voice is something we’ll always associate with the actor. Directional effects are all over the place. C’mon, we know the drill. It’s a Dolby Atmos soundtrack on an Indiana Jones movie – would we expect any less?
Supplements: What are the extras?
- The Making of Indiana Jones and The Dial of Destiny – A five-part documentary that encompasses just about everything we’d want and need to know about this fifth and final installment.
- Chapter 1 – Prologue –Harrison Ford leaps back into action as Indiana Jones! Journey to 1944 as this featurette reveals the filmmakers, characters, stunts, locations, and incredible visual effects that make up the thrilling opening of Dial of Destiny!
- Chapter 2 – New York – Blast off to adventure as James Mangold showcases the re-creation of 1969 Manhattan for the Moon Parade chase. This featurette spotlights Helena (Phoebe Waller-Bridge) as John Williams conducts his beautiful new theme for this compelling character.
- Chapter 3 – Morocco – The man in the hat is back! Explore Morocco as this featurette breaks down the white-knuckle stunts of the medina tuk-tuk chase and hotel brawl. Meet Teddy (Ethann Isidore), Indy’s precocious new ally in the hunt for the dial!
- Chapter 4 – Sicily – Meet Renaldo (Antonio Banderas) as he guides our heroes on a perilous underwater treasure hunt! Catch up with Harrison Ford and Phoebe Waller-Bridge on location in Sicily and explore the caverns, traps, and bugs surrounding Archimedes’ tomb!
- Chapter 5 – Finale – This featurette breaks down the thrilling climax to the Indiana Jones series. Cast and filmmakers James Mangold, Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall, John Williams, Steven Spielberg, and Harrison Ford bid farewell to one of the greatest heroes of all time.
- Isolated Score – For those that are interested you can listen to John Williams’ iconic music on an isolated track as you watch the film.
The Bottom Line
I’m of the mindset that they should have stopped with Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. But they don’t run those decisions by me. I’d like to forget Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, and my expectations for this one were quite low. It seemed forced. But you know what – it wasn’t. It wasn’t the best, but I’d put it on par with the first or third. James Mangold’s direction coupled with a great script and, of course, Harrison Ford, is a fitting end to this franchise. The disc is spot on perfect from a technical standpoint.
