Peter Jackson's - King Kong - 2005 DVD Review Naomi Watts Jack Black Peter Jackson King Kong 2005 DVD Review Naomi Watts Jack Black

Directed by Peter Jackson
USA 2005

As a reviewer who does not generally delve into this territory of film (the modern CGI-infused epic) I am still quite susceptible to the enormity of such a grand spectacle. After some of the more adventurous and aggressive scenes its hard not to whisper 'Wow' to yourself.

We all know the story - so it's just a matter of how it is pulled off and if anything exceptional is added (or deleted). For many reasons I love the original version of this film, but distinct marks of originality must be awarded to director Jackson (et all) for such a bombastic re-telling. There are some nice touches added. Perhaps the characterizations are a little ham-fisted at times but people are generally going to see this film to watch a very big ape - not how adept Jack Black is at playing a huckster. The special effects are as good as I could want (I'm quite sure I'll have nightmares). The tussle with the dinosaurs is probably the high point and the action is caked on in extensive layers. I'd have loved to brandish this film for its lack of originality but it extends far beyond simply adept - it's a roller coaster ride that quickly consumes the three hours in an ever building pace. Peter Jackson's 'King Kong' is no work of art and time will be its greatest judge but the film is an amazing experience nonetheless. I can't imagine anyone watching this to be expecting anything more than it offers. Yes, I recommend.

Gary W. Tooze

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Theatrical Release: December 5th, 2005

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DVD Review: Universal (2-disc Special Edition) - Region 1 - NTSC

DVD Box Cover		CLICK to order from:
Distribution	Universal Studios - Region 1 - NTSC
Runtime	3:07:06
Video	2.35:1 Aspect Ratio Average Bitrate: 5.57 mb/s NTSC 720x480 29.97 f/s
	NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes.
Bitrate:
Audio	English (Dolby Digital 5.1)
Subtitles	English, Spanish, French, None
Features	Release Information: Studio: Universal Studios Aspect Ratio: Original Aspect Ratio 2.35:1 Edition Details: • The Volkswagen Touareg & King Kong • Wish You Were Here Disc 2 • Special Introduction by Peter Jackson • Post-Production Diaries: Director Peter Jackson takes you on an unforgettable journey revealing virtually every aspect of post-production with nearly three hours of exclusive behind the scenes footage. • Kong's New York, 1933 - 1930s New York comes alive in this fascinating piece that explores vaudeville, the skyscraper boom, the construction of the Empire State building and more. • Skull Island: A Natural History - Travel to treacherous Skull Island with Peter Jackson and his crew DVD Release Date: March 28th, 2006 Double Slim Keep Case inside cardboard slipcover Chapters: 50

Comments:

I watched this on a 42" plasma and it looked excellent - I really have nothing to add to the screen captures - colors are perhaps a shade pastel and slightly muted to bring up the 30's feel - contrast shows deep blacks and the overall clarity is state-of-the-art crisp. Subtitles are exceptionally done and the audio sounded quite good on my system although some Home Theater fanatics may gripe about a lack of DTS - they may have a point considering it is a 2005 blockbuster release, but it may be the compromise to get the entire 3 hour film on one side of a DVD.

I like the DVD-authoring - the film started for me as I slid the disc in - no painful host of unrelated trailers but I do find it rather tasteless about the whole Volkswagen Touareg thing ('official vehicle of King Kong') - how blatant.

The extras on disc 2 are extensive - Jackson is very good onscreen and you can feel his enthusiasm for the project. Some directors are exceptionally good at these immense budget and films that require such extensive co-ordination. He certainly has all his 'ducks in line' as is revealed by the included 3 hour featurette. Even the Skull Island supplement was quite intriguing especially for those highly keen on the films history.

Gary W. Tooze

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