King Kong [Blu-ray]
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Movie Reviews of King Kong [Blu-ray]
Movie Review: A Beastly good time
Summary: 5 Stars
It will be interesting to see if this is the film for Blu-Ray that the industry hoped "The Dark Knight" would be - the one that will make those who are still on the fence about purchasing a Blu-Ray player run out and buy, buy, buy. The way things are right now, I doubt any movie is going to give that kind of jolt, but if it's possible, "King Kong" might be the one to do it.
First, I'd like to comment on all the questions about which versions are contained on the disc. The copy I received (from Amazon - pre-ordered and shipped on 21 January) had a sticker on the outside packaging that plainly stated both versions were on the disc (Both extended and theatrical). Plus, as soon as the disc loaded, a screen came on allowing the viewer to highlight which version they'd like to watch. Not wanting to miss a thing, we watched the extended cut the first time out, but I'm sure that when we watch it again, it'll be the theatrical version. This is a loooong movie. By the time it was ending, I could tell the kids were almost about to lose interest.
Just a quick note about family viewing: This movie is rated PG-13 for a good reason. It is extremely intense at times, and there are several scenes where people are killed. The scenes aren't horrifically graphic, thankfully, but the manner in which many of them are killed are certainly horrific. I did preview this movie before I let the young'uns watch, but I started second guessing myself about half way through. If you have sensitive viewers, I would definitely recommend previewing it before unleashing it on them. It's certainly intense. I decided that for us, this one was ok, but I still won't let them watch "The Dark Knight".
Now, a word about the Blu-Ray - Fantastic. Unbelievable. It's hard for me to envision how a picture could look any better, but that's what everybody thought when regular DVD's first came out. We watched it using a Samsung BD-P2500 1080p Blu-ray Disc Player, and had absolutely no trouble viewing it at all. The only problem we did have was while watching the extended cut, there was a 'bonus view' icon in the top left hand corner. I could not figure out how to get rid of the icon. Once the film was over, I started it over in the theatrical mode, and the icon was gone. I'm guessing that this is an operator malfunction instead of a disc problem. I hope so anyway - I'd hate to think someone did that on purpose.
The 'U-control' feature allows the viewer to enable other interactive features while viewing, but we didn't explore that area at all, and frankly, I'm not likely to. The 'bonus view' that I mentioned before, once enabled, will bring up a PIP screen during play and show some behind the scenes footage concurrently with the film, but once again, we were really only interested in the movie. I mention these things just for those who might care.
There are over a thousand reviews for the regular DVD release of this film, so I wanted to concentrate on the Blu-Ray portion as much as possible. I will say that this is a very entertaining film - maybe not brain candy - but exciting and enjoyable in a blockbuster sort of way. It does not condescend or patronize, and a few silly moment aside (and what's a silly moment or two in a movie about a 25 foot tall ape between friends, anyway?), I'd recommend this to anyone that I thought could handle the intensity. Terrific effects, and regardless of their status, relatively unobtrusive acting. I'd call it a 4.5, but the darn thing's more fun than a barrel full of monkeys, so I'm rounding up.
Movie Review: King Kong... Yankee Doodle Kong
Summary: 5 Stars
King Kong: 8 out of 10: Peter Jackson's Kong is a long love letter to the original movie that surprisingly turns into that rarest of crowd pleasers. A movie that both men and their gals will like. Like Titanic, Kong has enough action to keep boys of all ages happy and a romance (complete with tragic ending) to get the ladies crying.
And what a romance. Kong and Naomi Watts light up the screen with that most famous of dysfunctional cross species parings. And while you may be mumbling Stockholm Syndrome at the beginning (Not to mention whiplash, jeez Jackson turn down the rag doll physics on the Naomi Watts CGI effect. The way Kong flings her around she should end the film in a body cast) the romance seems to win even the cynics (yours truly) at the end.
The rest of the cast is also top notch with Jack Black playing an Orson Wells style director so well it is almost freighting. Speaking of frightening many people wondered aloud how Jackson would handle the racist caricature (by today standards) of the island natives especially considering the whole disturbing white wizard versus the "dark forces" subtext of the LOTR films. Not to worry the embarrassing stereotypes of happy dancing black people are mocked in the Kong stage show putting that embarrassing Hollywood episode to rest.
Instead the residents of Skull Island are some of the scariest people ever put on film. Pushing the PG-13 rating to the limit they put the can back in cannibal. It's nice to see natives bashing skulls, going into voodoo trances and kidnapping white woman they invoke the much happier stereotype of the true island savage. Hell they are scarier than the ape.
Possible racial insensitivity aside Kong is far from perfect. While the special effects are overall top notch there are seams. For example when people run with the dinosaurs the limit of the green screen seems to show through (And could we get a moratorium on velociraptors in movies. They are really getting cliché and being a relatively new paleontological find really don't fit in a thirties era Kong movie. Yes I know that isn't logical but they kind of seem modern as if a character had a cell phone).
The other real problem is length. This feels like the directors cut. With an easy 30 minutes of film that could (and probably should) end up on the cutting room floor. We spend so much time in various Kong free Broadway theaters one might mistake this for a Yankee Doodle Dandy remake. All that said great action scary islanders and tragic romance make King Kong a winner.
Movie Review: A Masterpiece
Summary: 5 Stars
I, like almost everyone else, watched the original King Kong on tv while growing up and enjoyed it greatly. I still marvel at what they were able to accomplish in this film way back in 1933. However while I admire the orginal Kong, I absolutely love Peter Jackson's remake and consider it a masterpiece.
First of all, this is a film that must be seen on a big screen. I saw it twice in the movies and watched the blu-ray today on my 52 inch tv. It still loses something although the picture and sound are crystal clear.
I love everything about this film from the incredible job Jackson and the Production Designers did in recreating 1932 New York City to the masterful job the special effects technicians did on Kong and the incredible emotions that they were able to show on his face. The action scenes are incredible especially a wild Brontasaurus stampede, a battle between Kong (while holding Naomi Watts in his hand) and 3 Tyranasaurus Rexes and the final confrontation between Kong at the top of the Empire State Building and about 10 World War 1 byplanes. (The high-up shot of Kong falling off the building with several planes flying high above him was so beautifully done that it actually made me queasy while watching it in the movies.) The three leads are excellent: Naomi Watts, absolutely lovely as Ann Darrow and boy can she run, Adrien Brody, not exactly your average leading-man, but very good as Jack Driscoll and Jack Black, an actor that I don't usually care for, perfect as Carl Denham. (Perhaps since Denham is basically a despicable character in this film, the fact that I do not like Jack Black made this perfect casting.)
The additional scenes on this blu-ray are excellent and never should have been cut: a vicious triceratops attack and a terrific and scary scene involving a vicious underwater creature picking the men off as they are rafting through the jungle. (I can't imagine how much hard work went into this sequence, only for it to be cut.) The music for this film by James Newton Howard is excellent, the Oscar winning special effects almost beyond belief.
This film did not do all that well during its Christmas release, it was soundly beaten by the first "Narnia" movie. Thats too bad because I consider it to be a masterpiece and can't imagine how difficult it must have been to make. But then again Peter Jackson had plenty of experience making difficult films since he made this one right after completing the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, 3 epic films that I look forward to seeing released on blu-ray also.
Movie Review: This is how you do a remake
Summary: 5 Stars
Peter Jackson's remake of the 1933 King Kong is exactly how to do a remake. This movie keeps to the spirit of the original, whilst including state of the art special effects and exciting action scenes. Jackson didn't try to add any silly plot twists or change the setting to 2005, but rather set out to remake the original film as it stood. He deserves a lot of credit for resisting the urge to "improve" the basic plot structure and settings of the original King Kong.
The only significant change Jackson made to the plot arch of the original is that Ann Darrow is no longer a vapid blonde yelling her head off, but rather an empathetic, subtle person who is genuinely moved by Kong's pain. This makes the movie much more emotionally sophisticated and interesting than its predecessor - and one of the few times when a remake truly does improve upon the original.
And what a remake. I thought the casting, effects, and soundtrack were great in setting the mood (Naomi Watts was perfect as the new Ann Darrow). The native Skull Islanders were absolutely creepy - a far cry from the silly natives in the 1933 version. Best of all, Kong himself looks superb, both realistic and empathetic. I nearly cried when he died.
Sure, the plot is contrived and it's filled with "Hollywood moments" of unrealistically impeccable timing. But at the end of the day, like its predecessor, this movie is about finding wonder in the world (or the movies). King Kong shows the epic struggle between the exotic, capitalism, and modern society - on unfortunately in which the exotic Kong meets his demise.
My only criticism of the movie is that sometimes the action can become too drawn out - one epic battle after another, after another... All of them are very well done and will get your adrenaline pumping. It might be too much for some people though. I love watching this movie once every few years, but could never watch it much more than that.
The best thing I can say about this movie is that it makes the original obsolete - Jackson's remake captures everything great about the original, while updating the special effects and filling it with an even better cast. Bravo!
Movie Review: This KONG is the KING of remakes! Blu-Ray review.
Summary: 5 Stars
I am hard pressed to think of any greater remake of a classic film! Peter Jackson pays homage to the original blockbuster film KING KONG of 1933. So many scenes, down to the nuances are remade to perfection in this classic. The acting is fantastic and the action is unbelievable. Some of the greatest CGI work of our time is done in this film. You will believe this 25' ape is living and breathing on screen with Naomi Watts. If you have never seen the original, it is a story of a filmaker that sets sail for a prehistoric island. This place where civilized man has yet to step foot, where mysterious wonders await. When the damsel in distress is captured she is offered up to Kong as a sacrifice. The crew saves her and captures the beast for display and profit. Soon Kong is loose and recaptures the fair maiden. This leads to one of film's alltime great moments as Kong battles bi-planes at the top of the Empire State Building!
King Kong is a classic and Peter Jackson's love for it, is on full display. The movie is long as it should be. Great storytelling should never take shortcuts! A must own for any movie lover!
NOW FOR MY BLU RAY THOUGHTS: Universal does it again! The picture and sound are breathtakingly beautiful. This disc gives you both the theatrical and extended versions. Please watch the extended, it is so worth it. Unfortunately there are no special features. This is upsetting for someone who has the 3 disc extended edition. FINAL THOUGHTS: Even with the lack of special features, this is a must own blu-ray. Demo caliber disc. ABSOLUTELY UPGRADE!