Back in May, as the newest Indiana Jones movie was being released, Lucasfilm was also releasing a softcover coffee table book that offered a detailed look behind the scenes of the making of all four Indy films.

As a fan of the Indiana Jones films I was thrilled when I saw this one in the bookstore. And I wasn’t disappointed.

The book is called “The Complete Making of Indiana Jones: The Definitive Story Behind All Four Films.” Even though I’ve read plenty of articles and books about these movies and seen the Making of Documentaries, this book offers lots of new information and is a terrific insight into the creative process that brought Indiana Jones to cinematic life.  

For example, did you know Steven Spielberg wanted to make a James Bond movie. But George Lucas told him he had an idea for something even better, a playboy/professor archeologist. Lucas called him “Indiana Smith.” Spielberg was hooked but asked to change the last name to Jones.

From “Raiders of the Lost Ark” (still the best film in the series, a nearly flawless, fun, action picture) through the current “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull,” the book delves into the all the production from the writing of the scripts to the eventual casting of Harrison Ford as Indy.

Here’s one of the scariest revelations in the book…you may know that Tom Selleck had won the part of Indy  but due to his commitment to a TV pilot called “Magnum PI” was not able to take the role. Spielberg wanted Harrison Ford. But Lucas resisted since Ford had already been in Lucas’ “American Graffitti,”"Star Wars,” and “Empire Strikes Back.” The scary part…David Hasselhoff was seriously considered for the part of Indy! AIGH! Can you imagine “The Hoff” as Indy? Ick.

The Indiana Jones author J.W. Rinzler also wrote another terrific making of book last year celebrating the 30th Anniversary of “Star Wars.” That book was even better as it concentrated just on the making of the one classic movie.

Both are a good read if you are a fan of either movie series. And the treasure trove of never before seen production photos are great.  

Read it then watch the movies again. It makes me appreciate these classics even more. 

*****

By the way, rumor is that “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” will be released on DVD and Blu-Ray in mid-October. The rumbling is that the other Indy films will likely not be released on Blu-ray until 2009. 

UPDATED REVIEW: FRIDAY NIGHT 

Well, I saw “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” on Friday.

It was a fun way to start a long holiday weekend.

Like my buddy Bryon (see his review below) who saw the movie at a midnight showing on Wednesday, I would rate the movie and “8″ on the Sandwich Scale. (See the previous post for the rating details.) 

It’s just fun to see Harrison Ford in the Indy gear again.

But the movie has its flaws. The script is a little confusing, there is a lull in the middle of the movie and as a friend who saw the movie remarked, the new and secondary characters in this movie just don’t measure up well or feel as well worn as the iconic Indiana Jones.

I don’t want to give away any spoilers so I won’t get into too much detail on what I perceive to be some basic issues with the script. That’s for another post sometime down the road.

My biggest disappointment is that I expected more from the villian in the piece played by Academy Award winner Cate Blanchett. I had heard she was supposed to be the baddie that would make Indy feel he had met his match.

Not even close.

Go back to the character of renegade archeologist Belloq, played by Paul Freeman in the first “Raiders of the Lost Ark” to find a worthy opponent for Indiana Jones. Belloq was Indy’s match. Because he was smarter than Indy.

It’s nice to see Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen) again too. I just wish she drove the storyline more (again, an issue with the script.) 

The homages and nods to the earlier Indy films, even a little salute to George Lucas’ “American Graffiti” and a line right out of the Star Wars movies are entertaining. 

Ultimately, if you’re an Indiana Jones fan, you gotta see this movie. The effects, the fights and the creepy bugs (this time it’s ants!) help turn this into b-movie fun.

Enjoy it!

******

I hoped to go see “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” at a midnight showing on Wednesday night. I wanted to…but the prospect of getting only a couple hours of sleep then going to work convinced my otherwise.

Far as I’m concerned, this is the first movie in a long time that I’m really excited to see!

Fortunately, my good friend and blogging correspondent, Bryon did see stay up late/early to see it! I’m even more excited to see it as he has given it an EIGHT on the “Sandwich” scale. (If you are not familiar with this blog’s “Sandwich Scale” please see the previous post!)

I’m gonna see “Indy” this weekend. I’ll post my review then! Until then enjoy and have a safe and happy Memorial Day Weekend!

My son, Ryan and I went to the Muncie midnight premiere of Indy 4. While the show wasn’t sold out, there was a packed house. I might have been the oldest person there. Ryan was quite possibly the youngest (13) in attendance. Ya, I’m a bad parent. Sue me.

On to the film-

Using the now-famous Sandwich Scale:

* If you’ve never seen an Indy film and had no idea who Henry Jones is, I give it a seven as a stand-alone movie.
* As part of the Indiana Jones series, some might give it an eight.

Portions of the movie seemed to be just going through the motions, yet there was plenty of action and some darn fine special effects. I won’t release any major spoilers, but there were nods to Sean Connery- who as I understand it- passed on the film and to Denholm Elliott who also passed…away.

It was good to see Karen Allen as Marion Ravenwood Williams.
Shia LaBeuf more than handled his role as Mutt Williams, the “Rebel Without A Fedora”.

I had a few problems with Cate Blanchett’s tired Russian accent. But that’s just me.

My son and I both enjoyed the movie. It’s definitely worth a look. Especially if you’ve seen the rest of the Indy movies. We both agreed on this ranking- best to worst:
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom

The best part of Indy 4?

No Kate Capshaw.

Thanks Bryon. Gotta comment or review of “Indiana Jones?” Use the “Sandwich Scale” to review it and I’ll post it.