FILM: Raiders of the Lost Ark

[JoeinAR 1,957]

We walked into the IMAX theatre expecting very few fans in attendance. After all it was the first showing of the day.

It was empty when we arrived, the a few more people showed up, then a few more, a trickle became a flow, the flow a torrent. The auditorium was soon nearly full.

We snagged our favorite seats. We were dead center in the reclining seats.

The doors closes and the previews started, the Hobbit, eh, Skyfall, looks good, Oz, the Great and Powerful, looks fun. And then the Paramount Logo appeared. It was the old 80's version, the the title appeared, Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark, NO.

It was RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK.

The music of the film which I avoided the last several weeks was warm and familiar. The picture was stunning, the sound was spectacular.

The crowd cheered at the title. The love in the theatre was powerful. 31 years melted away. It was not 2012 anymore. It wasn't 1936 either. It was 1981, and we, the crowd, were in our comfort zone.

We weren't just watching any movie, we weren't watching just an ordinary classic. The was one of those rare films that approaches perfection to the Nth degree.

I cannot tell you how many times I saw Raiders in the theatre back in the day. I can tell you that I probably never sat there an enjoyed it with such love and affection. I was wrapped in the warmth of John Williams' glorious score. I sat there in pure astonishment at how much like Jaws Raiders of the Lost Ark is. After the failure of 1941 Spielberg went back to the basics. You can see the efficiency and just how lean Raiders is. Steven's direction is pinpoint. He skill placing the pieces in proper order. The storytelling is so tight and crisp. There is little waste. The movie is a marvel in this day and age. There is NO CGI, and yet everything works. The effects are just as wonderful today as they were back in the year it came out.

I marveled at the cinematography. Like I've said about TOD, Raiders plays with shadows. Spielberg uses the shadows for wonderful effect, in the scene with the US officials and later when Marian realizes that Indy has arrived.

When we arrived at theatre it was early, Dave said we don't need popcorn. I said we are about to watch the ultimate popcorn movie.

We have to have popcorn. After it was over Dave agreed.

It's a testament to Spielberg and his crew that they have given movie fans a near perfect piece of film entertainment. Thank you sir.

On a side note those of you who have never seen the movie at the theatre I urge you to find this film if possible.

It's an experience you will cherish.

[russds 8]

Nice review. I agree people should really see it. It looks and sounds great. Curious where and when did you see it? I was hoping for a large crowd, but unfortunately only about 50-100 or so. I was at the 7pm showing in long beach, a pretty popular theater.

[Xander Harris 9,673]

Definitely going.

Big questions to get out of the way:

1. Is the reflection there when Indy falls next to the snake?

2. Is the car going off the cliff CGI?

[russds 8]

I was curious about these too.

1. I didn't see the glass.

2. Definitely the original matte version.

[Andy 7,728]

I went in full Indy costume. Got a lot of smiles and compliments. And a free poster print. Perfect movie.

[JoeinAR 1,957]

Definitely going.

Big questions to get out of the way:

1. Is the reflection there when Indy falls next to the snake?

2. Is the car going off the cliff CGI?

If you read my review I cleary stated no CGI

[Andy 7,728]

I could see the snake reflection with Marion, but not Indy.

[SF1_freeze 138]

I want that to happen in Europe too

[Xander Harris 9,673]

You guys got Jaws reissued this Summer. I don't know why, but you did.

People are mentioning how the spider part at the beginning looks blurry. It's not a big deal. That said, I feel like I'm the only one who's ever even watched the movie since the blur has been there since I had it on VHS.

[Jilal 681]

I want that to happen in Europe too

In-deed.

[indy4 160]

I just got back from a showing, and I loved it. I may be going again on Monday.

There were like 10 people at most in my theatre.

[Datameister 2,586]

A local theater is doing a marathon of all four films soon. If I can get the day off, I would love to go. I doubt I'd survive all four, but the price would be worth it for Raiders alone. As you said, Joey, it is very nearly a perfect film, and I hope I get to enjoy it with an equally enthusiastic audience. I'm slightly reminded of a public showing of BTTF I attended a few years back. So fun to see a great classic with a bunch of people who appreciate it as much as you do.