Prepare for the ultimate adventure with this behind-the-scenes chronicle of the amazing Planet of the Apes phenomenon. Host Roddy McDowall takes you, film by film, from production meetings to make-up sessions, then right o... more »nto the movie set to see the actual filming of this science fiction masterpiece. Hear exclusive interviews with stars Charlton Heston and Kim Hunter, see rare archival photos, and view never-before-seen footage. Then see how the Apes saga reached beyond the original visionary films, creating a franchise that includes television and books. The most comprehensive history of Planet of the Apes ever created, this fascinating 127-minute documentary explores one of the most imaginative and influential series in movie history. This special two-disc set contains over two hours of extras! 319 minutes.« less
Kristie G. from FERGUSON, KY Reviewed on 11/3/2011...
My fiancees favorite movies
1 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Movie Reviews
I'm Goin' Ape With This DVD!
Eric Ericson | Venice, Florida USA | 09/02/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"About six months ago, I bought the "Planet Of The Apes" box-set with the herald "sixth" disc, "Behind The Planet Of The Apes". So why did I also buy the new 2 Disc "Behind" version recently? Because it doesn't monkey around like the original "Behind" did! This version has the two-hour retrospective like the original, but so much more too! "Apes" N.A.T.O. presentation, more behind the scenes footage, extensive photo galleries, three totally different 1960's featurettes, the full complete E.G.Robinson screen test, and last but not least, an intimate rough-cut interview by Roddy McDowell himself, and it's over AN HOUR AND A HALF LONG! Along with brand new menus, totally different from the original disc, this is a must have for any Apes fan! I'm just goin' Ape with this!"
More apes than before
i86time | California | 08/14/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"As stated before, the main feature (Behind the Planet of the Apes) is the same as that in the 30th Anniversary VHS and DVD sets, so nothing new here. But included are great extras, such as featurettes and previews (one even containing deleted footage) and the entire screen test as seen in the 'Behind ...' feature. There are also outtakes and dailies from the first film, though they contain no soundtrack so the score is played instead. All in all, some pretty darn good extras. The real treat is the full unedited Roddy McDowall interview which is almost 2 hours. The only problem with the set is that the feature which is the basis for the set was included with both the out of print and upcoming re-release of the dvd sets and by mail order from the vhs set. Thus, all the new features could have been put out on a single dvd. If the dvd set had been done right, all the extras (except maybe the full interview) could easily have been included earlier and it would have been even better. As it stands there's a great interview and over an hours worth of extras avaible nowhere else. The only reason I gave it four stars was I had to pay twice for something I already had just to get some great new stuff."
Great documentary on the series. Well done!
Alan Hummel | The Seven Seas of Rhye | 07/04/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This documentary covers the original Planet Of The Apes films and TV series' (including, briefly, the cartoon). Extremely well done. Hosted by Cornelius/Caesar/Galen himself, Roddy McDowell. This documentary tells the complete story of the films, with loads of behind the scenes information, photos, and footage. You also get to see some of the original makeup test used to sell Fox on the film (but not the ENTIRE test, as the packaging implies), as well as some promotional material, and an interview with McDowell. The interview is a mixed-bag, as there is no microphone on the person CONDUCTING the interview, so you can bately hear the questions (if at all). That minor grievance aside, this is a fantastic, 2-disc set, and I recommend this to any Planet Of The Apes fan."
The Ultimate Ape Documentary
Alan Hummel | 04/04/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This film was the documentary that revealed it all, even the make-up test with Hollywood legend Edward G. Robinson. Hosted by Roddy McDowall, this film goes behind the scenes at all five apes films, the two television series, the mass merchandising campaign, and beyond. Learn that this whole thing started with a novel that was rejected by its own author, and that Arthur Jacobs, the producer, had his wife in all but one Apes film.
Interveiws with Charlton Heston, Kim Hunter, John Chambers, Natalie Trundy, and Ricardo Montalbahn are also included. The Ultimate Ape Event!"
Good Behind the Scenes Stuff
William T. Parnell | Sherman, NY USA | 08/19/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Behind the Planet of the ApesPersonally, I find behind the scenes documentaries about how films were made to be one of the more desirable extras found on DVD's. This two disc release from Image Entertainment consists of only such a documentary (none of the "Apes" series is included) but it is a good one. The disc looks to cash in on the interest in the classic "Apes" series created by the release of Tim Burton's remake of the film that started it all. This release was first broadcast by American Movie Classics (AMC) and is hosted by the late Roddy McDowell who played "Cornelius". Included here is three plus hours of footage (in addition to the main documentary) that will be most welcome to fans of the series and a pleasant surprise to those like myself who are not that familiar with "Apes". All five films in the series are covered and trailers included for all. Also here is the 1967 North American Theatre Owners (NATO) presentation as well as a fascinating screen test featuring Charlton Heston and Edward G. Robinson, who was originally tapped to play Heston's ape nemesis, but later bowed out due to health concerns. However, only diehard fans will appreciate the uncut interview footage with MCDowell, especially since the questions he is asked are mostly inaudible.All in all, this will appeal to two groups of DVD fans-those that love the "Apes" series and those who love behind the scenes and "the making of" type documentaries. You may want to wait awhile as the price could come down after the buzz about Burton's remake wears off."