Way before Tim Burton bastardized the great Rod Serling's script to create a re-imagining for the "Planet of the Apes", there was ape fever cutting a swath around the globe. The original film spawned 4 film sequels, a TV series and even an animated series… if you can believe that. And for good reason. Despite the fact that each of the original "Planet of the Apes" films received a smaller and smaller budget (which meant only the main actors had the benefit of great prosthetics), all of the films taken as a whole offered up not only an awesome science fiction tale, but a terrific morality tale as well. Whatever weaknesses the films might have held, were put to rest anytime the late Roddy McDowell stepped into make-up and took the lead as the various incarnations of chimpanzee he took on.

Whether it be as the somewhat reserved Cornelius that of his son Caesar, McDowell was able to create believable, passionate and powerful characters out of what was perceived by those with limited intelligence as little more than a monkey suit. I can still remember going to the drive-in as a kid and sitting through all five movies in a marathon that lasted 'til dawn and relishing every moment of each film.

However, I'm not here to day to yak endlessly about the "Planet of the Apes" movie series, no. I’m here to re-visit the one, the only, the original “Planet of the Apes” which has been now released in the Blu-Ray format. Well, actually the entire 5 movie series has been released in Blu-Ray, but we only received the first one for review (insert sad face here). And as much as I’d love to spend time reviewing the film, there’s not much to say that has not already been said over the past 40 years. “Planet of the Apes” is a classic film, not just a classic piece of science fiction.

Popping in the Blu-Ray disc I wondered just what would be offered in terms of video and audio. Generally the Blu-Ray format really only shines when it comes to newer special effects films and animation. What I saw was as clear and crisp a picture as would be possible for an older film. Comparing it to the DVD that was released a few years back, there is a noticeable clarity difference in both the sound and picture. It’s not necessarily a difference worthy of replacing your old DVD, but if you don’t already own the movie, Blu-Ray is the way to go.

Where the format comes into play for a film like this is the ability to add far more special features to the disc for movies that have a lot to offer. This Blu-Ray disc offers up hours of special features that would normally take two discs to hold. For a complete listing of what is offered here, check below the review, but I would like to touch on just a few that are new to the release.

“Science of the Apes” is a pop-up feature that offers theories about the fact and fiction of the story throughout the movie. Most of the information was written by scientists and sociologists, and while interesting, did not ‘pop-up’ as often as it should have to really make it a worthwhile extra. “Evolution of the Apes” is a featurette that follows the characters as they were translated from the original novel to the screen, while “A Public Service Announcement from ANSA” is exactly as it sounds. Clever, but not incredibly so. “Impact of the Apes” focuses more on the way the story and characters were marketed over the years in order to make them part of our pop culture.”Beyond the Forbidden Zone” is another pop-up feature, only in the form of a game with trivia questions. This was kind of fun for the geek In me.

The disc also carries over several features from earlier releases including two audio commentaries, a text commentary, a making of featurette and several short film features.

“Planet of the Apes” belongs in every collection in one format or another, and if you are in the position to make a choice Blu-Ray is the way to go. Personally I’m going to save up for the full set that offers all 5 movies!

Directed by: Franklin J. Schaffner
Starring: Charlton Heston, Roddy McDowell, Kim Hunter, Maurice Evans, James Whitmore, James Daly, Linda Harrison
Extras: Science of the Apes BONUSVIEW - Scientists, anthropologists and sociologists discuss the facts and fiction of the first film, "Beyond the Forbidden Zone" Adventure Game, "A Public Service Announcement From ANSA" in HD - A mission report from the agency regarding their brave astronauts, "Evolution of the Apes"- HD featurette tracing the apes story from the original novel to the screen, "Impact of the Apes" - HD featurette on how to market a worldwide pop culture phenomenon, Commentary by Composer Jerry Goldsmith, Commentary by Actors Roddy McDowall, Natalie Trundy, Kim Hunter and Makeup Artist John Chambers, Text Commentary by Eric Greene and Author of "Planet of the Apes as American Myth", Behind the Planet of the Apes Documentary - Includes all new interactivity and timeline, Behind the Planet of the Apes Promo, Planet of the Apes Makeup Test with Edward G. Robinson, Roddy McDowall On-set Footage, Planet of the Apes Dailies and Outtakes (No Audio), Planet of the Apes NATO Presentation, Planet of the Apes Vintage Featurette, A Look Behind the Planet of the Apes
Studio: Fox
Release Date: 11/4/2008
Region 1
MPAA Rating: NR
Website

We'll give Planet of the Apes Blu-Ray a B+.