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Clint Eastwood fired the original director, Philip Kaufman(The Right Stuff), and took over the reins of this project himself. He may have had a point: this brutal, thoughtful western, a near-tragedy about a Civil War veteran whose past comes looking for him, is probably Eastwood's most mature frontier drama prior to the Oscar winningUnforgiven. Hoping to build a quiet life in a cooperative community of settlers, Eastwood's Wales blames himself when his enemies attack the homestead, and he has to revert to his warrior instincts to help fend off the threat. The jittery intensity of Sondra Locke (who would be Mrs. Eastwood, at least for a while), and the screen-filling charisma of the late Chief Dan George harmonize beautifully with Eastwood, who had finally figured out how to add depth and texture to his stock-in-trade Man of Steel persona. This one may be too short on action to satisfy fans of Eastwood'sDirty Harry films, or of the Italian westerns he made with Sergio Leone, but it's an honorable effort.--David Chute ... Read more

Reviews (68)

One of the best westerns ever made.....
I have seen this western many times on tape and my copy of the movie had started to lose its luster. When I heard it was coming on DVD, I knew I would see the film as Clint Eastwood intended it.

As far as a film is concerned, it is a very good tale of revenge and devotion to friends. Eastwood is great as the title character and the film has some very good supporting performances. The exteriors where the film was shot are beautiful and are just as good on DVD as in reality.

The DVD is a great, inexpensive version of a great Western. The 16:9 widescreen version of the film highlights the colors and tones that were filmed by Eastwood. The color is good as well as the Dolby 5.1 Surround Soundtrack. There is also a French soundtrack (which is very humorous when Eastwood utters the best line of the film, "You going to pull them pistols or whistle Dixie"). The disc also contains trailers to many other Westerns as well as the trailer for Outlaw Josey Wales.

You should not miss this great DVD. The price is right and the movie is one of Eastwood's best. This is one of the better looking westerns that I have in my DVD collection. If you love great westerns and movies about the American Civil War, you will love this DVD!

Deserves 10 stars!
What can you say about Clint Eastwood's westerns except, great! His movies (acting and directing)changed the whole look and feel of this genre. This is definitely my favorite western, heck it's probably my favorite movie...period. Josey Wales is based on the novel by Forrest Carter, "Gone to Texas". After reading the book Clint knew he had to make the movie and he did an excellent job of capturing the spirit of the novel. The DVD transfer is very good. It was like watching it for the first time when I saw the DVD after the VHS version. This is what westerns are supposed to be so... "are you gonna get this video or whistle Dixie"? BUY IT!

Eastwood has the union army surrounded

Director: Clint Eastwood
Format: ColorRated:
Studio: Warner Studios
Video Release Date: September 2, 2003

Cast:

Clint Eastwood ... Josey Wales
Chief Dan George ... Lone Watie
Sondra Locke ... Laura Lee
Bill McKinney ... Terrill
John Vernon ... Fletcher
Paula Trueman ... Grandma Sarah
Sam Bottoms ... Jamie
Geraldine Keams ... Little Moonlight
Woodrow Parfrey ... Carpetbagger
Joyce Jameson ... Rose
Sheb Wooley ... Travis Cobb
Royal Dano ... Ten Spot
Matt Clark ... Kelly
John Verros ... Chato
Will Sampson ... Ten Bears
William O'Connell ... Sim Carstairs
John Quade ... Comanchero Leader
Frank Schofield ... Senator Lane
Buck Kartalian ... Shopkeeper
Len Lesser ... Abe
Doug McGrath ... Lige
John Russell ... Bloody Bill Anderson
Charles Tyner ... Zukie Limmer
Bruce M. Fischer ... Yoke
John Mitchum ... Al
John Davis Chandler ... First Bounty Hunter
Tom Roy Lowe ... Second Bounty Hunter
Clay Tanner ... First Texas Ranger
Robert F. Hoy ... Second Texas Ranger
Madeline T. Holmes ... Grannie Hawkins
Erik Holland ... Union Army Sergeant
Cissy Wellman ... Josey's Wife
Faye Hamblin ... Grandpa Samuel
Danny Green ... Lemuel
Kyle Eastwood ... Josey's Son
Richard Farnsworth ... Comanchero

Josie Wales' family was murdered and his home burned by union redlegs, so he joins Bill Fletcher's border raiders on the confederate side of the war and does his share of getting even. When Fletcher turns in his men for money (except Wales) and they are all killed, Wales becomes an outlaw on the run from union authorities. They hunt him clear into Mexico, where things come to a head. Josie Wales single handedly surrounds the entire union army and the Indian nations.

This is a good story, well acted by all concerned, and very well directed by Eastwood, as are all of his films.

Joseph (Joe) Pierre

author of Handguns and Freedom...their care and maintenance
and other books

Josey Wales - Fastest gunslinger in the West!
Clint Eastwood's movie, The Outlaw Josey Wales, is a classic in the Western genre. This movie is one of the best Western movies that I have ever seen.

The story of the movie goes like this. Josey Wales(Clint Eastwood) is a peaceful farmer in Missouri with a family in the middle of the Civil War. One day some Union Soldiers burn down his house (with his son in it) and kidnap his wife. Angry and Furious, Josey Wales joins some confederate guerillas and fights hard. When Confederacy surrenders, Josey Wales refuses and heads west. He travels to Texas and along the way picks up odd group: couple of Native Americans, an Old Grandmother, a beautiful woman and two servants. At the same time they are chased by Union soldiers.

I will not reveal the story further. However, what makes this movie a classic is the depth and dimension to the characters and superb action.

The character of Josey Wales is really complex. He turns from a peaceful farmer to a tobacco chewing, hell raising, gunslinger. However his humane side is seen through his hard attitude at times. He saves a native american girl from couple of scoundrels. He also saves travelers from another group of bandits. At the same time, he is a tobacco spitting hard man. Josey Wales spits on everything, from a scorpio to a union officer. The other characters are not as intensely developed, which is understandable since Josey Wales is the primary focus of the movie.

The action in the movie is just amazing. I will summarize three great scenes which will make you, the reader, want to just watch the movie. In first scene Josey Wales is carrying food and confronted by four soldiers... In another one Josey Wales(and his six-shooter) all by himself is up against 10-15 bandits...In the last one, Josey Wales and his Six-shooter, go toe-to-toe against tens of horse-riding soldiers...

I will leave the action for you to watch.

Also this movie is directed by Eastwood himself. He is as good as a director as he is as an actor.

FYI: This movie is based on the book "Gone to Texas".

Classic Clint!
If you could only watch two of Clint Eastwood's westerns, "The Outlaw Josey Wales" and "Unforgiven" would by my choices!

Chief Dan George and Clint have a chemistry that adds humor and depth to the main story line of revenge, retribution, and a journey for justice. Sandra Locke, with her doe-eyed innocence, adds a little gentle feminity to the picture.

The movie is exciting, suspenseful and rewarding. No one is better as a wronged-man-evening-the-score than Clint Eastwood and this is one of his most memorable roles. ... Read more

Description

Peter loves his next door neighbor Erica and, on the advice of his uncle, decides to camp out on her front lawn for the entire summer, or until she agrees to go out with him. ... Read more

Reviews (24)

Will Power
I've seen a lot of teenage movies, and this was the best. It's my new favorite movie. There are some really funny parts in this film and the whole thing is done really well. It's the best movie that nobody has seen. Sure some of the sexual references are numerous and sometimes disturbing, but it all adds to the fantastic ambiance. Jocks really are jerks, as shown, and somehow they always seem to get the girls. Kids with thick framed glasses are coming back and we want the girls, even if we have to spend months living on their front yards. This movie is just too good

a refreshingly honest teen comedy
I hate to bring up such manipulative teen romantic comedies as "10 things I hate about you", "She's all that", "Varsity Blues", "Down to you", "Boys and Girls", "Loser", and any other movie starring Freddie Prinze Jr that I have forgotten, but those films are under the impression that everyone in High School is a model, everyone drives around in sports cars, everyone carries a cell phone, and everyone speaks as if just out of Shakespearean times. "8 days a week", does not. Our hero is NOT beautiful, in fact, he is a genuine loser. Of course Keri Russell is beautiful, but yet she is not the everyday person, she is the object of the loser's affection. What I really liked about this movie is it's honesty in proving that nice guys do finish last. Even though it was a bit raunchy that doesn't detract from the movies charm and honesty about life and teenage love. Even though this film had only a limited theatrical release and was essentially straight to video with no big Hollywood models/actors, this proves to be the most genuinly sweet and honest teen romance out there.

Sigh
It was ok, but that was about it. As I think many people have said, it's for those who really like Keri Russel, but didn't test
her acting ability at all.

Oh, and it can be bought on DVD out of the UK at blackstar, and
maybe amazon.co.uk for those of you with multizoning.

Must See
You may overlook this film, thinking that it's your average everyday teen flick..... If you pass up a chance to watch "8 Days a Week", you are doing yourself a huge injustice. Not only is it brimming over with completely original and witty humor, it offers a different perspective on the people who surround us everyday, making you think twice before judging another's actions. Wonderfully written and executed, "8 Days a Week" is a must see for all ages.

INCREDIBLE
This is my new Favorite Movie. If you like this you'll probably also enjoy 100 girls. If you enjoy 100 Girls you'll probably also enjoy this. PLEASE COME TO DVD. ... Read more

Reviews (24)

Gymkata- 80's Cult Classic
GYMKATA starring gymnast Kurt is not the best action-adventure film, and Kurt Thomas isn't the greatest actor in the world, but the last half hour of the film is worth its weight in gold. A small third world nation, Parmistan, teetering on the edge of going towards communism, stages an athletic contest to see which country would best represent their presence there. Kurt Thomas as Jonathan Cabot is chosen to represent the U.S. in the contest. It is a deadly obstacle course in which in which the natural elements as well as human intervention are the obstacles. Kurt Thomas' athletic gymnastic abilities are the highpoint of the film in which gymnastics and martial arts are fused together as a form of self defense ...hence the name "gymkata". The style is reminiscent of comic book super hero fighting and Kurt Thomas pulls it off convincingly. The film is a little slow in te beginning trying to establish the characters, the situation in Parmistan, as well as a tiny romance between the Jonathan Cabot (Thomas) and Princess Rubali (Tetchie Agbayani). However, the meat of the film is when the deadly contest/obstacle course starts. The climax and best part of the film is at the end of the obstacle course athletes must go through a strange village filled with violent, psychopathic peasants bent on killing any stranger who comes through the village. They swarm towards their prey like zombies with pitchforks, hatchets, and other farm handtools. This is when Kurt Thomas turns on his gymkata fighting skills and it is a very tense and exciting piece of film making. Overall, an entertaining film made at the time when martial arts films were at a decline.

Classic Crud
When I was growing up, it seemed like every other movie on cable television was either called Iron Eagle or Gymkata. I had no use for Iron Eagle. Sorry. Gymkata, however, was a altogether different story. I must have seen this movie a few hundred times between grades 10-12--generally at three in the morning, stumbling in, stumbling out--less of a choice, more of a compromise. As if the pay channels didn't milk the Gymkata cash cow dry, local stations decided to make it their duty to keep it in heavy rotation on a weekly basis. The only movie that came close in its domination of b-string broadcasting was the 1972 classic, Gargoyles. But I digress. Gymkata is about a martial artist (Kurt Thomas) who loses his military papa (Eric Lawson). He goes to a small fictional nation that encompasses every cliché relating to villains from the 1980's. There's intrigue, a great feast, and more intrigue. There's an exotic princess who, to this day, still looks pretty good. The best part of the movie is the game of death--mostly because there isn't a great deal of dialog. As other reviews have mentioned, the asylum/village has some classic moments (the cackling woman comes to mind). Long story short, an olympic wannabe offers up a textbook example of why his acting career went nowhere. Of course, who am I to judge? I have yet to make a single movie about ninjas or good cops gone bad.

One last question: Why isn't this movie on DVD?

Unintentionally hysterical
Kurt Thomas as a gymnast turned lethal martial artist? Only in Hollywood! The idea only works if every time Thomas gets into a fight there just happens to be a piece of gymnastic equipment nearby (parallel bars, pommel horse, etc.) and of course the bad guys attack one at a time, but I guess that's just a martial arts movie tradition. The acting is brutal, the plot could've been thought up by a ten year-old, and there's a village of insane killers. Put it all together and it all adds up to a hilarious movie.

Lousy But Fun
As a serious film, this one is a real dud. However, as a piece of hilariously inept production, it's a real winner. The plot is ludicrous, and the acting is equally poor. Still, some of the scenes are rather good, particularly the bizarre sequence which takes place in the village of the lunatics. Of course, the greatest lunatics are the people who produced this silly little film. No stars for quality, but 2 stars for pure comedy value.

Gymkata is a low-rate film second to none
What can one say about Gymkata?

If you want to see the worst action film ever committed to vinyl, you couldn't go wrong here. The plot is a laugher, the acting is worst, and everything else in the film falls somewhere between the two.

However, this film is so bad it will probably become a cult favorite in the years to come. It makes Ed Wood Jr look like Steven Spielberg. Simply put, Gymkata has no equals when it comes to low-rate films. That's why it should be ported to DVD and every person who likes films SHOULD have a copy of this movie. But I feel the distributor should PAY the viewer to take a tape or disc of this film off their hands, instead of the other way around.

Gymkata will make you laugh more than most comedies. The action scenes are predictable, unrealistic, etc...And look for some good flubs, too. Although the characters are supposed to be native to some remote areas of Asia/Europe, the blond antagonist often reveals a strong New York City accent. Hysterical! And watch closely how nervous that same guy looks riding a horse - obviously a first timer. You will laugh so hard you'll cry.

... Read more

Reviews (7)

Cigar smokin', beer drinkin', womanizing Elvis
Stay Away, Joe was filmed in the beautiful Sedona, Az area circa
1968. The aesthetic value of enjoying this unspoiled scenery is
worth the price of admission or price of the video.
A departure from the previous Elvis formula movie...Elvis drinks
beer, smokes cigars, puts the moves on every women he sees, regardless if she is spoken for or not. Oddly enough, Elvis
does not "get the girl." in the end.
Stay Away, Joe is totally slapstick, silly, outrageously camp.
The indian stereotypes are politcially incorrect by today's standards. But both whiteman and indians are portrayed as boozing, brawling buffoons.
This is perhaps the worst editing I ever saw in a film. Fight
scenes and dance scenes and at time the music soundtrack is
uneven and incongruous. Burgess Meredith portrays Elvis' indian
father and is without a doubt the worst makeup job ever fimed.
His makeup looks like it was applied with a putty knife.
Surprisingly Elvis sings only 4 songs. "Stay Away" set to the tune of "Greenselves" starts with the opening credits with an
aerial view of Sedona and beautiful redrock formations. Another
is "All I Needed Was This Rain" a slow tempo blusey number positions Elvis out in a rainstorm with four canine companions.
And "Dominique" a silly little ditty set to a suggestive seductive romp up the canyon, where two women wear Elvis out.
All in all a pretty silly, low budget and poorly edited film.
The humor is arcane, inane and most certainly dated. But dated to a much simpler time in America when humor was less sophisticated, uncomplicated and unchallenged by the ethical and moral morass of today. Buy it if you are an Elvis fan.

"Stay Away, Joe"-Alot Of Fun!
"Stay Away, Joe" is actually very entertaining, and you can say how watching grass grow is more entertaining, and how it made you sick and made you want to throw up and how the Colonel ruined Elvis' career, etc., etc. but for alot of people, this movie was very funny and entertaining, and Elvis seemed to have alot of fun making this film, in part because it was the first movie of his in a long time that didn't stick strictly to the typical formula. The Indian stereotypes are not really that hard to bear, considering this IS a comedy and not an out-and-out attempt to undermine Indians at all. To me, it was just in keeping with the whole comedy feel of the movie. The white people were just as dumb, and I felt like no one in the movie was all that intelligent, no matter what race they may have been.
It had a good cast, consisting of Burgess Meredith(as Elvis' Dad, Charlie Lightcloud), Katy Jurado(Elvis' half-Mexican, half-Indian stepmother), Thomas Gomez(as "Grandpa" Lightcloud, who prefers to be called Chief Lightcloud)and of course, Elvis(as Joe Lightcloud, who returns to his reservation after never finding anything for him in the city life.) All these characterizations are hilarious: the not-so-bright but likable Dad, the stubborn, image conscious Mother, the eternal curmudgeon Grandfather who wants to stay with the traditional ways, and the trying hard, but never quite accomplishing what he wants to, but it doesn't really matter because he has the charm to create whatever deception he wants to young man. Any person who hates slapstick and physical comedy, this movie is not for them, but any undignified person like me will enjoy it highly.
There is really not much music to speak of, but of the few songs in the movie, the most memorable song in the movie is "Stay Away", set to the tune of "Greensleeves", and also features some fine duet guitar work, which also features the great Jerry Reed. Surprising and interesting is the appearance of "Sonny" West(of Memphis Mafia fame)in the movie, who has few moments, but they are all memorable. For college professors, this may not be as intellectually stimulating as they want it to be, but it is alot of fun, which is highly recommended and should be highly enjoyable for anyone.

Don't stay away from Joe.
Elvis is the only person that keeps this movie alive. It's not one of his best, but it's still entertaining. All Elvis movies are nice to watch simply because of Elvis. Without him, there's no picture. Elvis really cuts loose in the fight scenes, and really shows how tough and strong he is. I always enjoy watching these fight scenes. Don't knock "Stay Away Joe", people. It's not one his best films, but it's still pretty cool to watch.

Of Elvis' 33 movies, this one's the worst
You should be paid handsomely if you can get through this movie without falling asleep or throwing up. I find watching grass grow to be a lot more entertaining than Stay Away Joe, which is remarkable considering I'm a huge fan of Elvis, his corny movies, and a couple of the girls in this movie. Quentin Dean (In the Heat of the Night) is a total sweet potato...but she nor Elvis can make up for how horrible this movie is.

It was a struggle for me to watch this movie, and to be honest, I can't even say for sure if I made it all the way through to the movie's end. It gets no worse than this.

They Threw Away The Boilerplate and Still Made a Bomb
If you watch the original trailor or listen to the songs from this movie you can't imagine that it could be so bad - the primary reason is that Native Americans are portrayed in the most stereotypical way possible. This is amazing in light of Elvis' Pacer character from "Flaming Star" eight years before, which received formal recognition as a positive portrayal. The film also has a very low budget look. For Elvis historians, it's possible to view it as a step closer to the '68 TV Special and re-emerged credibility. ... Read more

Reviews (24)

A Most Accurate Depiction of the Civil War and the Old West
Hollywood couldn't make a movie like Josey Wales today. In an age of political correctness, sappy westerns, and revisionist history, I find this movie a refreshing break from modern "reality." It is a classic, and one of the few movies that I own and watch more than once.

The realistic representation, references to actual historical figures, interwoven irony, and tightly knit dialogue make this movie a pleasure even for those prone to analyzing small details.

I grew up in the South and still remember my grandparents describing life during the Civil War in much the same terms that Josey Wales experiences it. The vast majority of Southerners were dirt-poor farmers who had never even seen a plantation, much less owned slaves, and I can't help but regard The Outlaw Josey Wales as a cinematic vindication of the wrongs they suffered at the hands of looting and pillaging murderers like W.T. Sherman.

A couple of interesting side notes that will enrich your viewing of Josey Wales: Clint Eastwood's son in the movie is his son in real life; Lone Watie was a chief in real life; Sondra Lock went on to become Clint Eastwood's wife in real life.

Classic Eastwood, Classic Western, Classic Movie
In recent years, Clint Eastwood's "The Outlaw Josey Wales" has been elevated to a higher plain than it occupied when released in summer 1976. Praised by a handful of critics, the film did well at the box-office but really acquired a following through no less than six highly rated airings on NBC, ABC, and CBS. Now it's often considered Eastwood's finest hour as director and star, even surpassing his Oscar winning "Unforgiven" in some eyes. Among its fans was the late Orson Welles who praised it as one of the finest Westerns ever made, and praised Eastwood as a director worthy of notice long before it was fashionable to do so. In 1996, Eastwood's fifth film as a director was even recognized by the Library of Congress when it was added to the National Film Registry, that collection of films deemed historically, artistically, and/or sociologically important and deserving of protection from tampering by anyone but the original director.

At first glance, I found it overlong and meandering, enlivened only occasionally by some trademark Eastwood gunplay. But if it's a little short on the action for which Eastwood made his name, repeated viewings make it clear that there is much more happening beneath the surface. The Outlaw Josey Wales is very much a film about community and trying to find a place in one. Josey Wales is an outlaw only because he avenged the death of his family at the hands of murderous Union soldiers. Now a hunted man, this peaceful farmer is an Angel of Death wandering the west in search of vengeance but also a place to call home. Its scope is much bigger than the revenge tale at its center, and the film represents an important step in Eastwood's maturation as a director.

Beautifully photographed, splendidly acted (especially by John Vernon), and capably directed, "The Outlaw Josey Wales" is one of Eastwood's finest hours (although "Unforgiven" is superior in my book), and one of the finest hours for the western, as well.

"I RECKON SO."
LEAVE THE WINING 'UNFORGIVEN' ON THE SHELF AND BUY THIS ONE.
EASTWOOD HAS NEVER BEEN BETTER IN FRONT OF OR BEHIND THE CAMERA.
WALES (EASTWOOD) IS A MISSOURI DIRT FARMER RAIDED BY RED LEGS UNION TROOPS AT THE END OF THE CIVIL WAR. AS A RESULT HE BURIES HIS WIFE AND CHILD AND SETS OUT WITH CONFEDERATE IRREGULARS TO "SET THINGS ARIGHT."
AND THAT HE DOES EARNING A REPUTATION AS A FEARED PISTOLERO IN THE PROCESS. ALONG THE WAY HE IS FORCED TO ACCEPT A RAG TAG FAMILY OF LONERS AND LOOSERS.
HE IS FREQUENTLY CHALLENGED AND SYSTEMATICLY BLASTS THE BAD GUYS
PUNCTUATING HIS KILLS WITH TOBACCO SPITTLE ON THE CORPSES FOREHEADS. WHEN A PARTNER REGRETS NOT BEING ABLE TO BURY THE BAD GUYS, JOSEY QUIPS IN TRUE LACONIC FASHION "BUZZARDS GOTTA EAT, SAME AS WORMS.'
THE DIALOGUE SELLS THIS SHOW. THE CHIEF VILLIAN YANKEE WHO IS CHARGED WITH TRAKING THE OUTLAW REMARKS TO HIS MEN (REFERRING TO WALES) "NOT A HARD MAN TO TRACK, LEAVES DEAD MEN WHERE EVER HE GOES." WALES CONCLUDES HIS EPIC MISSION BY FINALLY KILLING HIS ARCH RIVAL 'RED LEGS TERRELL' THEREBY AVENGING HIS LONG DEAD FAMILY.
THE FILM IS NOT WITHOUT HUMOR THANKS TO 'LONE WATIE' AN OUTCAST ELDERLY INDIAN WHO LIGHTENS THE DRAMATIC LOAD WITH TIDBITS OF WIT AND WISDOM. WHEN WALES ASKS WATIE IF HE HAS ANY THING TO EAT.
THE OLD WARRIOR REPLIES AS HE HOLDS UP A COLORFUL STONE "JUST THIS PIECE OF ROCK CANDY, BUT ITS NOT FOR EATIN....JUST FOR LOOKIN THROUGH."
WATIE ENCOURAGES WALES BY INSISTING THAT HE "ENDEAVOR TO PERSEVEARE."

WALES DOES SO AND SLOWLY REDISCOVERS HIS LOST EMOTIONS AND IN THE END WE ARE LED TO BELIEVE ALL WILL BE WELL.

GOOD WESTERN ENTERTAINMENT?

AS JOSEY WOULD SAY "I RECKON SO."

Simply the Best
This is the best Western of all time, bar none.

GREAT!
i love this movie i have seen lots of of clints movies (yes and some R ones but just 2) this is the best! ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Many early science fiction films are now, quite inadvertently (and in most cases undeservedly), objects of camp attention: we laugh at the silly makeup, tin-can special effects, and the naive "high-tech" dialogue. Planet of the Apes is no such film. Its intelligent script, frightening costuming, and savagely effective conclusion (which needs no big-budget special effects to augment its impact) remain both potent and relevant. When Colonel George Taylor (the fabulous Charlton Heston) crash lands his spacecraft on what seems to be an unfamiliar planet, he is captured and held prisoner by a dominant race of hyperrational, articulate apes. However, the ape community is riven with internal dissention, centered in no small part on its policy toward humans, who, on this planet, are treated as mindless animals. Befriended and ultimately assisted by the more liberal simians, Taylor escapes--only to find a more terrifying obstacle confronting his return home. Heavy-handed object lessons abound--the ubiquity of generational warfare, the inflexibility of dogma, the cruelty of prejudice--and the didactic fingerprints of Rod Serling are very much in evidence here. But director Franklin Schaffner has a dark, pop-apocalyptic sci-fi vision all his own, and time has not dulled the monumental emotional impact of the film's climactic payoff shot. If you don't know what I'm talking about here, you owe it to yourself to check out this stone classic, and even if you do, see it with fresh eyes; and don't be surprised if you get the chills all over again... and again... and again. --Miles Bethany ... Read more

Reviews (173)

"A planet where apes evolved from men...?"
Grade "A" sci-fi movie. This was Charlton Heston in his prime - before "Midway", "Earthquake", and "Gray Lady Down"... and after the great ones "Ben Hur", "Touch Of Evil", and "Ten Commandments". An Oscar winner for John Chambers' monkey make-up. Along with Heston (Col. George Talyor), Roddy McDowall (Cornelius), Kim Hunter (Zira), Maurice Evans (Zaius), and the mute love interest Linda Harrison (Nova) all give outstanding supporting roles. Released in February 1968, this movie was way ahead of it's time. A great idea with apes ruling the planet that man once ruled... how clever to take an idea so simple and turn it upside down. The final scene (filmed at Zuma Beach, CA) is defined as "classic"... and even tho there is no big bang or special effects extravaganza, the last 5 minutes of this movie will leave you with your mouth agape. With all the hub-bub over the new (2001) Tim Burton "reimagination" of this film (which in my opinion was a huge let down)... I would have thought this particular DVD would've had more to offer in the way of extra goodies... not so. This DVD will give you the 112 minute film in necessary widescreen format, a photo gallery, & trailer(s). No interviews, deleted scenes or behind the scenes simian stuff at all. Too bad. This is a great movie and essential in most any library of classic films.

Get your stinking paws off me, you damned dirty ape!
When Franklin J. Schaffner's brilliant science-fiction masterpiece was released to audiences in 1968, the world was still in a sense of uncertainty at just what the future would hold in store. With Cold War paranoia still running high in the United States, PLANET OF THE APES ingeniously incorporated the fears of society with the popular concept of space exploration to come up with a film that's still relevant now more than ever. Politics aside, the original PLANET OF THE APES also makes for very entertaining viewing and its timeless appeal is just as enjoyable and fun now as it was over thirty years ago!

The movie starts off with a rather somber and understated prologue with four astronauts going into deep hibernation. Their spaceship crash-lands on a planet some two thousand years into the future, where apes have evolved into the dominant species and the humans are regarded as the animals. To reveal any more about the plot would be unfair, but it's important to note that the intelligent screenplay (co-written by none other than Twilight Zone host/writer Ron Serling) raises some very provocative issues about society, religion, science and law. The absolutely brilliant ending has since become the stuff of legends, and remains one of the instantly-recognizable images in popular culture.

Charlton Heston gives a magnificent and absolutely convincing performance as astronaut George Taylor, and would go on to become a mainstay in post-apocalyptic movies, such as BENEATH THE PLANET OF THE APES, THE OMEGA MAN, and SOYLENT GREEN. Roddy McDowall and Kim Hunter give excellent performances as apes Cornelius and Zira, and Maurice Evans plays his ape protagonist, Dr. Zaius, with just the right amount of contempt to make it work wonderfully! The acting is top notch, the direction is marvelous, and the special effects on the apes are fantastic!

The Digitally Mastered DVD from Twentieth Century Fox is a thing of beauty, and an absolute joy for fans of this film. The film is presented is an absolutely gorgeous 2.35:1 Widescreen format (which is its original aspect ratio). Bonus features include an excellent photo gallery and a series of theatrical trailers for every single one of the films in the series (a nice touch). Essential!

ape
in this one some astronauts are in suspended animation.they come out and go down to some strange planet.charelston heston is in it.whos he?guess that was before my time.the kids will think the apes are funny.i cant tell if its low budget because all those old movies look low budget.it is the best of the set which has many many sequels.it is also better than the tim burton version.the very last scene is very well acted and one of my favorite scenes ever.thee are some chicks about but its hard to tell that they are as sexy as they are through all the grime and dirt from the forest world they live in.its an excellent film.

a brilliant classic
With its excellent performances and tight, smart script written by Rod Serling and Michael Wilson (based on the book by Pierre Boulle), this is a film that stays fresh and interesting even with repeated viewings. Released the same year as "2001: A Space Odyssey", both films are at the top of my "super sci-fi" list, and stack up against the best of what has been released in recent years, which relies more than ever on special effects to tell the story; the effects in "Planet of the Apes" are minimal, and it's the latex make-up that is the marvel, and garnered John Chambers a Special Award at the Oscars for his work, which allows the ape characters full freedom of facial expressions. Oscar nominations went for costume design, and the marvelous score by Jerry Goldsmith.
The cinematography by Leon Shamroy is also fantastic, and I love the aerial descent that starts the film.

Charlton Heston as the astronaut who lands in an "upside down world", and Kim Hunter and Roddy McDowall as free thinking scientists are superb, and in smaller roles, Maurice Evans, James Whitmore and James Daly terrific as authority figures in the ape colony.
This film had four sequels, a TV series and a cartoon series, as well as a multitude of merchandise from plastic figurines to bubble gum cards, but the original stays pristine and untarnished by its often silly spin-offs, and is a one-of-a-kind classic.
What this film has, that one can appreciate even when one knows what it is, is that rare thing...a great ending. Very few films leave one with a satisfied feeling at their close, but this one is unique, brilliantly filmed, and like a perfect dessert after a good meal.
Total running time is 112 minutes.

A fundamental sci fi movie
In the authority chain, you may distinguish the clear diference between the apes too.
One spacial navy suddenly falls in a hole time and it's carried hundred years after. The landing in a unknown planet, carries to these man and it shows them a world ruled by apes who dictate its own rules and have established the official story.
The man is under them in the evolutive chain. The men have lost his speaking capacity and they only make gutural sounds. Their state is something less than pitiful.

George Taylor is wounded in his throat and that's why he can not articulate even a single word.
The dramatic sequences in the same point he pronounces the first word,(Do you remember the miracle worker and the wild child?) creates a true revolution among the ape scientist. This behavior are against the rules. The law is the law.(The island of Dr. Moreau)
And so, Taylor is involved in a constant fight for surviving. His friends can not help him anymore , one is dead and the other suffered a lobotomy.
The dramatic ideas exchange between Taylor and the master science of the ape comunity include hilarious bits and obviously undeniable conflicts between the science and the faith. Forget all you learned about Darwin and please watch the mirror image. All the concepts are reverted and so the anguish and the poor human condition is less than zero.
Finally our hero ¿wins? and he can carry Nova his only possibilitie for sow the next human seed generational, but he will find out the astonishing revelation.
Since its release, this film involved just once more the fever for new concepts and ideas. Fahrenheit 451 (1967) and 2001 was released the same year and the world was in a decisive turning point. The man conquers the moon and the screen must be part of this decisive event.
So the people turns back over Asimov, Bradbury, Boulle, Stanoslav Lem and will read over and will find out new universes, bitter nightmares spacials. In a very close state the fifties had a coommon behavior. The ancient films of sci fi were released, and others were remade.We had to expect four years for Solaris directed by Tarkovski in 1972.
In this sense, you can not forget the political behavior in many countries in that age. There were many dictators all around the world , and the figure of the ape was a clear methapor of them.
Undoubtly, you may be find the film , thirty years after, a little bit aged, but the dramatic implications that a nuclear conflict involves, still feed the imagination of many people.
Charlton Heston was a true icon of rthe anti hero in the fifties (with his religious films) and in the sixties (with historical roles), then he would make another war films but keeping always that undeniable majesty for make prevailing the truth, no matter what's the prize you pay.
Sensational direction of Franklin Schaffner and arresting sequences, like the human chase and the scape from the jail (or the concentration camps) .
Another cult movie and the best of its following entries. ... Read more

Reviews (41)

Three Little Words
Unfortunately, this movie came out at a time when a lot of very funny comedies were on the horizon (Heartbreakers, American Pie 2, Freddy Got Fingered, etc.), so, it didn't review as well as it would have. While it was not as over-the-top as American Pie 2, it does rank right up there. I didn't give it five stars because at times it seems to drag. All editorial and press reviews aside, this was a very good movie. At times, I would find myself almost coughing from laughing so hard.

Here's a synopsis: The movie begins with a group of friends who are very disillusioned, they are afraid of commitment and want to remain "Tomcats" forever. They all place money into a high-yield mutual fund in the mid-90's and thinking that it wouldn't be that big of deal leave it there to collect interest. Flash-forward to present day, the pot is now almost half a million dollars and there are only two unmarried guys left, Kyle (Gary Busey) and Michael (Jerry O'Connell). While at their friend's wedding in Las Vegas, Michael gets in trouble at the craps table to the tune over 50 thousand dollars. He hatches a plan to fix up Kyle (who is filthy rich and pretty much has a different girl every night), with a former bridesmaid at his friend's wedding all those years ago, Natalie (played hilariously by Shannon Elizabeth). What follows are some of the most disgusting, degrading, and downright depraved scenes that I've seen to date (...). See this movie if you're a fan of gross-out comedy, or if you're just looking for a good laugh.

Wretched In Every Possible Way
This movie fails in every possible way a comedy can:

The characters are so repellent and unfunny that you don't care what happens to them.
The story barely exists after 20 minutes.
The "gags" are torturously lame, especially the scene involving a hospital cafeteria and David Ogden Stiers.

Growing up in the 80's, we sat through a lot of horrible comedies aimed at the all-important teen male audience only to hear, "Well, that sucked but at least we got to see (hot actress name here) naked."
TOMCATS doesn't even deliver on that.

What's the point?

Um, anyone for balls?
No matter how many times I watch this movie, it never gets "tiring"!

A pretty good storyline features a host of hilarious moments .... if you ask me, this movie is about typical guys, their dislike of marriage, and the need for cash! In amongst this are some moments, you will never forget .... chasing the testical, throwing the dice, and well, I have to say it - the chick in the back seat of the car and Kyle ..... this is hilariously funny (maybe to the point of disgusting?) ... and of course the 'pretty' funny bachelors party scene ... also deserves a mention!

This is one of the best comedies I have seen in ages and ages, and for all you girls out there, this is not only for the guys! It should be taken in the "tone" that it's set in (it's a comedy and not serious) .... and you should sit back and enjoy the ride! ...... and, if you can't find it funny then it will at least gross you out in parts - enough that you will have to laugh anyways (not so bad if you ask me)!

Either way, you definitely shouldn't miss this one!

3 words
Rude Crude Funny

If you don't like raunchy comedies, than don't bother. However, if you like movies such as There's Something About Mary or American Wedding, than you will like this movie.

This guy has such bad luck with every female he meets.
A group of male pals are at the wedding of a friend. When he gets married, Jerry O'Connell, (as "Michael") and the rest of the men agree to never get married, be single and be a "Tomcat". Horatio Sanz (as "Steve") agrees too, but the next thing they know, he gets married too. Michael and Steve are still friends. Everytime Michael meets a woman, bad luck happens and he gets in trouble with thugs or the law. He's a innocent as can be. Horatio Sanz (NBC's Saturday Night Live) is hilarious and a delight in this film. Billy Hufsey plays a "Pit Boss". ... Read more

Reviews (24)

Will Power
I've seen a lot of teenage movies, and this was the best. It's my new favorite movie. There are some really funny parts in this film and the whole thing is done really well. It's the best movie that nobody has seen. Sure some of the sexual references are numerous and sometimes disturbing, but it all adds to the fantastic ambiance. Jocks really are jerks, as shown, and somehow they always seem to get the girls. Kids with thick framed glasses are coming back and we want the girls, even if we have to spend months living on their front yards. This movie is just too good

a refreshingly honest teen comedy
I hate to bring up such manipulative teen romantic comedies as "10 things I hate about you", "She's all that", "Varsity Blues", "Down to you", "Boys and Girls", "Loser", and any other movie starring Freddie Prinze Jr that I have forgotten, but those films are under the impression that everyone in High School is a model, everyone drives around in sports cars, everyone carries a cell phone, and everyone speaks as if just out of Shakespearean times. "8 days a week", does not. Our hero is NOT beautiful, in fact, he is a genuine loser. Of course Keri Russell is beautiful, but yet she is not the everyday person, she is the object of the loser's affection. What I really liked about this movie is it's honesty in proving that nice guys do finish last. Even though it was a bit raunchy that doesn't detract from the movies charm and honesty about life and teenage love. Even though this film had only a limited theatrical release and was essentially straight to video with no big Hollywood models/actors, this proves to be the most genuinly sweet and honest teen romance out there.

Sigh
It was ok, but that was about it. As I think many people have said, it's for those who really like Keri Russel, but didn't test
her acting ability at all.

Oh, and it can be bought on DVD out of the UK at blackstar, and
maybe amazon.co.uk for those of you with multizoning.

Must See
You may overlook this film, thinking that it's your average everyday teen flick..... If you pass up a chance to watch "8 Days a Week", you are doing yourself a huge injustice. Not only is it brimming over with completely original and witty humor, it offers a different perspective on the people who surround us everyday, making you think twice before judging another's actions. Wonderfully written and executed, "8 Days a Week" is a must see for all ages.

INCREDIBLE
This is my new Favorite Movie. If you like this you'll probably also enjoy 100 girls. If you enjoy 100 Girls you'll probably also enjoy this. PLEASE COME TO DVD. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Josh Kirby
I love this video. It has brilliant acting and special effects included. Especially Corbin Allred (Josh Kirby) I thought his portrail of a time warrior was excellent, he should be in more programmes. I thought Prism was really good, it looked so effective. I would rate this as a top video, except that some of the scenes didn't quite fit together. All in all-EXCELLENT. ANGEL STRATFORD ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Clint Eastwood fired the original director, Philip Kaufman (The Right Stuff), and took over the reins of this project himself. He may have had a point: this brutal, thoughtful western, a near-tragedy about a Civil War veteran whose past comes looking for him, is probably Eastwood's most mature frontier drama prior to the Oscar winning Unforgiven. Hoping to build a quiet life in a cooperative community of settlers, Eastwood's Wales blames himself when his enemies attack the homestead, and he has to revert to his warrior instincts to help fend off the threat. The jittery intensity of Sondra Locke (who would be Mrs. Eastwood, at least for a while), and the screen-filling charisma of the late Chief Dan George harmonize beautifully with Eastwood, who had finally figured out how to add depth and texture to his stock-in-trade Man of Steel persona. This one may be too short on action to satisfy fans of Eastwood's Dirty Harry films, or of the Italian westerns he made with Sergio Leone, but it's an honorable effort.--David Chute ... Read more

Reviews (68)

One of the best westerns ever made.....
I have seen this western many times on tape and my copy of the movie had started to lose its luster. When I heard it was coming on DVD, I knew I would see the film as Clint Eastwood intended it.

As far as a film is concerned, it is a very good tale of revenge and devotion to friends. Eastwood is great as the title character and the film has some very good supporting performances. The exteriors where the film was shot are beautiful and are just as good on DVD as in reality.

The DVD is a great, inexpensive version of a great Western. The 16:9 widescreen version of the film highlights the colors and tones that were filmed by Eastwood. The color is good as well as the Dolby 5.1 Surround Soundtrack. There is also a French soundtrack (which is very humorous when Eastwood utters the best line of the film, "You going to pull them pistols or whistle Dixie"). The disc also contains trailers to many other Westerns as well as the trailer for Outlaw Josey Wales.

You should not miss this great DVD. The price is right and the movie is one of Eastwood's best. This is one of the better looking westerns that I have in my DVD collection. If you love great westerns and movies about the American Civil War, you will love this DVD!

Deserves 10 stars!
What can you say about Clint Eastwood's westerns except, great! His movies (acting and directing)changed the whole look and feel of this genre. This is definitely my favorite western, heck it's probably my favorite movie...period. Josey Wales is based on the novel by Forrest Carter, "Gone to Texas". After reading the book Clint knew he had to make the movie and he did an excellent job of capturing the spirit of the novel. The DVD transfer is very good. It was like watching it for the first time when I saw the DVD after the VHS version. This is what westerns are supposed to be so... "are you gonna get this video or whistle Dixie"? BUY IT!

Eastwood has the union army surrounded

Director: Clint Eastwood
Format: ColorRated:
Studio: Warner Studios
Video Release Date: September 2, 2003

Cast:

Clint Eastwood ... Josey Wales
Chief Dan George ... Lone Watie
Sondra Locke ... Laura Lee
Bill McKinney ... Terrill
John Vernon ... Fletcher
Paula Trueman ... Grandma Sarah
Sam Bottoms ... Jamie
Geraldine Keams ... Little Moonlight
Woodrow Parfrey ... Carpetbagger
Joyce Jameson ... Rose
Sheb Wooley ... Travis Cobb
Royal Dano ... Ten Spot
Matt Clark ... Kelly
John Verros ... Chato
Will Sampson ... Ten Bears
William O'Connell ... Sim Carstairs
John Quade ... Comanchero Leader
Frank Schofield ... Senator Lane
Buck Kartalian ... Shopkeeper
Len Lesser ... Abe
Doug McGrath ... Lige
John Russell ... Bloody Bill Anderson
Charles Tyner ... Zukie Limmer
Bruce M. Fischer ... Yoke
John Mitchum ... Al
John Davis Chandler ... First Bounty Hunter
Tom Roy Lowe ... Second Bounty Hunter
Clay Tanner ... First Texas Ranger
Robert F. Hoy ... Second Texas Ranger
Madeline T. Holmes ... Grannie Hawkins
Erik Holland ... Union Army Sergeant
Cissy Wellman ... Josey's Wife
Faye Hamblin ... Grandpa Samuel
Danny Green ... Lemuel
Kyle Eastwood ... Josey's Son
Richard Farnsworth ... Comanchero

Josie Wales' family was murdered and his home burned by union redlegs, so he joins Bill Fletcher's border raiders on the confederate side of the war and does his share of getting even. When Fletcher turns in his men for money (except Wales) and they are all killed, Wales becomes an outlaw on the run from union authorities. They hunt him clear into Mexico, where things come to a head. Josie Wales single handedly surrounds the entire union army and the Indian nations.

This is a good story, well acted by all concerned, and very well directed by Eastwood, as are all of his films.

Joseph (Joe) Pierre

author of Handguns and Freedom...their care and maintenance
and other books

Josey Wales - Fastest gunslinger in the West!
Clint Eastwood's movie, The Outlaw Josey Wales, is a classic in the Western genre. This movie is one of the best Western movies that I have ever seen.

The story of the movie goes like this. Josey Wales(Clint Eastwood) is a peaceful farmer in Missouri with a family in the middle of the Civil War. One day some Union Soldiers burn down his house (with his son in it) and kidnap his wife. Angry and Furious, Josey Wales joins some confederate guerillas and fights hard. When Confederacy surrenders, Josey Wales refuses and heads west. He travels to Texas and along the way picks up odd group: couple of Native Americans, an Old Grandmother, a beautiful woman and two servants. At the same time they are chased by Union soldiers.

I will not reveal the story further. However, what makes this movie a classic is the depth and dimension to the characters and superb action.

The character of Josey Wales is really complex. He turns from a peaceful farmer to a tobacco chewing, hell raising, gunslinger. However his humane side is seen through his hard attitude at times. He saves a native american girl from couple of scoundrels. He also saves travelers from another group of bandits. At the same time, he is a tobacco spitting hard man. Josey Wales spits on everything, from a scorpio to a union officer. The other characters are not as intensely developed, which is understandable since Josey Wales is the primary focus of the movie.

The action in the movie is just amazing. I will summarize three great scenes which will make you, the reader, want to just watch the movie. In first scene Josey Wales is carrying food and confronted by four soldiers... In another one Josey Wales(and his six-shooter) all by himself is up against 10-15 bandits...In the last one, Josey Wales and his Six-shooter, go toe-to-toe against tens of horse-riding soldiers...

I will leave the action for you to watch.

Also this movie is directed by Eastwood himself. He is as good as a director as he is as an actor.

FYI: This movie is based on the book "Gone to Texas".

Classic Clint!
If you could only watch two of Clint Eastwood's westerns, "The Outlaw Josey Wales" and "Unforgiven" would by my choices!

Chief Dan George and Clint have a chemistry that adds humor and depth to the main story line of revenge, retribution, and a journey for justice. Sandra Locke, with her doe-eyed innocence, adds a little gentle feminity to the picture.

The movie is exciting, suspenseful and rewarding. No one is better as a wronged-man-evening-the-score than Clint Eastwood and this is one of his most memorable roles. ... Read more

Reviews (24)

An Ape Revelutionary and His Human Collaborators
Of all the Planet of The Apes films, this was the most exciting to watch. Ceasar (Roddy McDowall) with the aid of Armando( Ricardo Montablan) and Mr. McDonald (Hari Rhodes) plans, organizes and leads a revolt against the human regime led by Beck (Don Murray). Mr. McDonald , the only African-American in the film, plays an influential role in saving Ceasar's life and saving the lives of the captured humans.

The Apes Are... Dare I Say It... Revolting!
Back in the 70s, if you wanted to show the future, you filmed in a brand new shopping mall. Or Century City, which looks like a community college in "Conquest of the Planet of the Apes," the fourth film in that time-tripping monkey movie series.

In this one, Roddy McDowall plays Caesar, the son of Cornelius, the character he played in the first and third movies. Caesar's human mentor Armando (Ricardo Montalban) takes him to the big city. Unfortunately, the big city is where Caesar's fellow apes slave for The Man, represented here by Governor Breck (Don Taylor).

Revolution ensues, which gives rise to the apes' rule over the humans. And not a moment too soon, because before it turns scary-violent, "Conquest" is by turns preachy, unintentionally funny (Caesar gets naked and hides himself in a cage of extras wearing terrible ape suits apparently on loan from "Gilligan's Island") and tedious (the conditioning scenes go on and on). The final image, with a blazing building in the background, remains chilling, but overall, one film too many in this series. And yet there would be another...

Most Disturbing Entry in the APES Saga
This is the fourth "Planet of the Apes" movie and one of the best in many as it is violent and disturbing. One scene in particular of an ape being tortured by electric shock is almost unbearable to watch. The film documents how the apes led by Caesar (portrayed by Roddy McDowall) rebel against the humans and ultimately begin their takeover of the planet. Don Murray as the maniacal Fascist Breck is brilliant in an energetic and demented performance. Hari Rhodes as the sympathetic MacDonald is very convincing but he is unable to convince Breck of the inevitable. Ricardo Montalban returns as Armando the beloved circus owner. J. Lee Thompson's direction is impressive in what may look like another hokey sequel but in reality the film is a metaphor of mans' infinite capacity for cruelty.

One of the series best
What could be cooler than an ape running down the street with an M16? This "futuristic" setting was extremely well done. The story was great and aside from the original (the best), the climiax will leave you in awe. The whole series rocks, even the new version (2001) You can't go wrong by owning all of these movies, and the Tv series on DVD. Go Ape!

The best of them all!
This film has been overlooked, even though it is the best of all next to the original. It has a an excellent story which leads up to the downfall of makind to the apes. It is one of the best because it explains alot of the questions that we the viewers have watching the frist 3. How did mankind fall to the apes? Who was the ape that lead them? etc. Although it seems to be slightly altered from the original history of the original film. My favorite part of this film, is the main character Caesar. He smart, strong and the king of the apes. It so interesting how he lead the apes out of slavery. This is the best ape film of all. In the words of Caesar, "Long live the king!" ... Read more

Reviews (173)

"A planet where apes evolved from men...?"
Grade "A" sci-fi movie. This was Charlton Heston in his prime - before "Midway", "Earthquake", and "Gray Lady Down"... and after the great ones "Ben Hur", "Touch Of Evil", and "Ten Commandments". An Oscar winner for John Chambers' monkey make-up. Along with Heston (Col. George Talyor), Roddy McDowall (Cornelius), Kim Hunter (Zira), Maurice Evans (Zaius), and the mute love interest Linda Harrison (Nova) all give outstanding supporting roles. Released in February 1968, this movie was way ahead of it's time. A great idea with apes ruling the planet that man once ruled... how clever to take an idea so simple and turn it upside down. The final scene (filmed at Zuma Beach, CA) is defined as "classic"... and even tho there is no big bang or special effects extravaganza, the last 5 minutes of this movie will leave you with your mouth agape. With all the hub-bub over the new (2001) Tim Burton "reimagination" of this film (which in my opinion was a huge let down)... I would have thought this particular DVD would've had more to offer in the way of extra goodies... not so. This DVD will give you the 112 minute film in necessary widescreen format, a photo gallery, & trailer(s). No interviews, deleted scenes or behind the scenes simian stuff at all. Too bad. This is a great movie and essential in most any library of classic films.

Get your stinking paws off me, you damned dirty ape!
When Franklin J. Schaffner's brilliant science-fiction masterpiece was released to audiences in 1968, the world was still in a sense of uncertainty at just what the future would hold in store. With Cold War paranoia still running high in the United States, PLANET OF THE APES ingeniously incorporated the fears of society with the popular concept of space exploration to come up with a film that's still relevant now more than ever. Politics aside, the original PLANET OF THE APES also makes for very entertaining viewing and its timeless appeal is just as enjoyable and fun now as it was over thirty years ago!

The movie starts off with a rather somber and understated prologue with four astronauts going into deep hibernation. Their spaceship crash-lands on a planet some two thousand years into the future, where apes have evolved into the dominant species and the humans are regarded as the animals. To reveal any more about the plot would be unfair, but it's important to note that the intelligent screenplay (co-written by none other than Twilight Zone host/writer Ron Serling) raises some very provocative issues about society, religion, science and law. The absolutely brilliant ending has since become the stuff of legends, and remains one of the instantly-recognizable images in popular culture.

Charlton Heston gives a magnificent and absolutely convincing performance as astronaut George Taylor, and would go on to become a mainstay in post-apocalyptic movies, such as BENEATH THE PLANET OF THE APES, THE OMEGA MAN, and SOYLENT GREEN. Roddy McDowall and Kim Hunter give excellent performances as apes Cornelius and Zira, and Maurice Evans plays his ape protagonist, Dr. Zaius, with just the right amount of contempt to make it work wonderfully! The acting is top notch, the direction is marvelous, and the special effects on the apes are fantastic!

The Digitally Mastered DVD from Twentieth Century Fox is a thing of beauty, and an absolute joy for fans of this film. The film is presented is an absolutely gorgeous 2.35:1 Widescreen format (which is its original aspect ratio). Bonus features include an excellent photo gallery and a series of theatrical trailers for every single one of the films in the series (a nice touch). Essential!

ape
in this one some astronauts are in suspended animation.they come out and go down to some strange planet.charelston heston is in it.whos he?guess that was before my time.the kids will think the apes are funny.i cant tell if its low budget because all those old movies look low budget.it is the best of the set which has many many sequels.it is also better than the tim burton version.the very last scene is very well acted and one of my favorite scenes ever.thee are some chicks about but its hard to tell that they are as sexy as they are through all the grime and dirt from the forest world they live in.its an excellent film.

a brilliant classic
With its excellent performances and tight, smart script written by Rod Serling and Michael Wilson (based on the book by Pierre Boulle), this is a film that stays fresh and interesting even with repeated viewings. Released the same year as "2001: A Space Odyssey", both films are at the top of my "super sci-fi" list, and stack up against the best of what has been released in recent years, which relies more than ever on special effects to tell the story; the effects in "Planet of the Apes" are minimal, and it's the latex make-up that is the marvel, and garnered John Chambers a Special Award at the Oscars for his work, which allows the ape characters full freedom of facial expressions. Oscar nominations went for costume design, and the marvelous score by Jerry Goldsmith.
The cinematography by Leon Shamroy is also fantastic, and I love the aerial descent that starts the film.

Charlton Heston as the astronaut who lands in an "upside down world", and Kim Hunter and Roddy McDowall as free thinking scientists are superb, and in smaller roles, Maurice Evans, James Whitmore and James Daly terrific as authority figures in the ape colony.
This film had four sequels, a TV series and a cartoon series, as well as a multitude of merchandise from plastic figurines to bubble gum cards, but the original stays pristine and untarnished by its often silly spin-offs, and is a one-of-a-kind classic.
What this film has, that one can appreciate even when one knows what it is, is that rare thing...a great ending. Very few films leave one with a satisfied feeling at their close, but this one is unique, brilliantly filmed, and like a perfect dessert after a good meal.
Total running time is 112 minutes.

A fundamental sci fi movie
In the authority chain, you may distinguish the clear diference between the apes too.
One spacial navy suddenly falls in a hole time and it's carried hundred years after. The landing in a unknown planet, carries to these man and it shows them a world ruled by apes who dictate its own rules and have established the official story.
The man is under them in the evolutive chain. The men have lost his speaking capacity and they only make gutural sounds. Their state is something less than pitiful.

George Taylor is wounded in his throat and that's why he can not articulate even a single word.
The dramatic sequences in the same point he pronounces the first word,(Do you remember the miracle worker and the wild child?) creates a true revolution among the ape scientist. This behavior are against the rules. The law is the law.(The island of Dr. Moreau)
And so, Taylor is involved in a constant fight for surviving. His friends can not help him anymore , one is dead and the other suffered a lobotomy.
The dramatic ideas exchange between Taylor and the master science of the ape comunity include hilarious bits and obviously undeniable conflicts between the science and the faith. Forget all you learned about Darwin and please watch the mirror image. All the concepts are reverted and so the anguish and the poor human condition is less than zero.
Finally our hero ¿wins? and he can carry Nova his only possibilitie for sow the next human seed generational, but he will find out the astonishing revelation.
Since its release, this film involved just once more the fever for new concepts and ideas. Fahrenheit 451 (1967) and 2001 was released the same year and the world was in a decisive turning point. The man conquers the moon and the screen must be part of this decisive event.
So the people turns back over Asimov, Bradbury, Boulle, Stanoslav Lem and will read over and will find out new universes, bitter nightmares spacials. In a very close state the fifties had a coommon behavior. The ancient films of sci fi were released, and others were remade.We had to expect four years for Solaris directed by Tarkovski in 1972.
In this sense, you can not forget the political behavior in many countries in that age. There were many dictators all around the world , and the figure of the ape was a clear methapor of them.
Undoubtly, you may be find the film , thirty years after, a little bit aged, but the dramatic implications that a nuclear conflict involves, still feed the imagination of many people.
Charlton Heston was a true icon of rthe anti hero in the fifties (with his religious films) and in the sixties (with historical roles), then he would make another war films but keeping always that undeniable majesty for make prevailing the truth, no matter what's the prize you pay.
Sensational direction of Franklin Schaffner and arresting sequences, like the human chase and the scape from the jail (or the concentration camps) .
Another cult movie and the best of its following entries. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Clint Eastwood fired the original director, Philip Kaufman (The Right Stuff), and took over the reins of this project himself. He may have had a point: this brutal, thoughtful western, a near-tragedy about a Civil War veteran whose past comes looking for him, is probably Eastwood's most mature frontier drama prior to the Oscar winning Unforgiven. Hoping to build a quiet life in a cooperative community of settlers, Eastwood's Wales blames himself when his enemies attack the homestead, and he has to revert to his warrior instincts to help fend off the threat. The jittery intensity of Sondra Locke (who would be Mrs. Eastwood, at least for a while), and the screen-filling charisma of the late Chief Dan George harmonize beautifully with Eastwood, who had finally figured out how to add depth and texture to his stock-in-trade Man of Steel persona. This one may be too short on action to satisfy fans of Eastwood's Dirty Harry films, or of the Italian westerns he made with Sergio Leone, but it's an honorable effort.--David Chute ... Read more

Reviews (24)

A Most Accurate Depiction of the Civil War and the Old West
Hollywood couldn't make a movie like Josey Wales today. In an age of political correctness, sappy westerns, and revisionist history, I find this movie a refreshing break from modern "reality." It is a classic, and one of the few movies that I own and watch more than once.

The realistic representation, references to actual historical figures, interwoven irony, and tightly knit dialogue make this movie a pleasure even for those prone to analyzing small details.

I grew up in the South and still remember my grandparents describing life during the Civil War in much the same terms that Josey Wales experiences it. The vast majority of Southerners were dirt-poor farmers who had never even seen a plantation, much less owned slaves, and I can't help but regard The Outlaw Josey Wales as a cinematic vindication of the wrongs they suffered at the hands of looting and pillaging murderers like W.T. Sherman.

A couple of interesting side notes that will enrich your viewing of Josey Wales: Clint Eastwood's son in the movie is his son in real life; Lone Watie was a chief in real life; Sondra Lock went on to become Clint Eastwood's wife in real life.

Classic Eastwood, Classic Western, Classic Movie
In recent years, Clint Eastwood's "The Outlaw Josey Wales" has been elevated to a higher plain than it occupied when released in summer 1976. Praised by a handful of critics, the film did well at the box-office but really acquired a following through no less than six highly rated airings on NBC, ABC, and CBS. Now it's often considered Eastwood's finest hour as director and star, even surpassing his Oscar winning "Unforgiven" in some eyes. Among its fans was the late Orson Welles who praised it as one of the finest Westerns ever made, and praised Eastwood as a director worthy of notice long before it was fashionable to do so. In 1996, Eastwood's fifth film as a director was even recognized by the Library of Congress when it was added to the National Film Registry, that collection of films deemed historically, artistically, and/or sociologically important and deserving of protection from tampering by anyone but the original director.

At first glance, I found it overlong and meandering, enlivened only occasionally by some trademark Eastwood gunplay. But if it's a little short on the action for which Eastwood made his name, repeated viewings make it clear that there is much more happening beneath the surface. The Outlaw Josey Wales is very much a film about community and trying to find a place in one. Josey Wales is an outlaw only because he avenged the death of his family at the hands of murderous Union soldiers. Now a hunted man, this peaceful farmer is an Angel of Death wandering the west in search of vengeance but also a place to call home. Its scope is much bigger than the revenge tale at its center, and the film represents an important step in Eastwood's maturation as a director.

Beautifully photographed, splendidly acted (especially by John Vernon), and capably directed, "The Outlaw Josey Wales" is one of Eastwood's finest hours (although "Unforgiven" is superior in my book), and one of the finest hours for the western, as well.

"I RECKON SO."
LEAVE THE WINING 'UNFORGIVEN' ON THE SHELF AND BUY THIS ONE.
EASTWOOD HAS NEVER BEEN BETTER IN FRONT OF OR BEHIND THE CAMERA.
WALES (EASTWOOD) IS A MISSOURI DIRT FARMER RAIDED BY RED LEGS UNION TROOPS AT THE END OF THE CIVIL WAR. AS A RESULT HE BURIES HIS WIFE AND CHILD AND SETS OUT WITH CONFEDERATE IRREGULARS TO "SET THINGS ARIGHT."
AND THAT HE DOES EARNING A REPUTATION AS A FEARED PISTOLERO IN THE PROCESS. ALONG THE WAY HE IS FORCED TO ACCEPT A RAG TAG FAMILY OF LONERS AND LOOSERS.
HE IS FREQUENTLY CHALLENGED AND SYSTEMATICLY BLASTS THE BAD GUYS
PUNCTUATING HIS KILLS WITH TOBACCO SPITTLE ON THE CORPSES FOREHEADS. WHEN A PARTNER REGRETS NOT BEING ABLE TO BURY THE BAD GUYS, JOSEY QUIPS IN TRUE LACONIC FASHION "BUZZARDS GOTTA EAT, SAME AS WORMS.'
THE DIALOGUE SELLS THIS SHOW. THE CHIEF VILLIAN YANKEE WHO IS CHARGED WITH TRAKING THE OUTLAW REMARKS TO HIS MEN (REFERRING TO WALES) "NOT A HARD MAN TO TRACK, LEAVES DEAD MEN WHERE EVER HE GOES." WALES CONCLUDES HIS EPIC MISSION BY FINALLY KILLING HIS ARCH RIVAL 'RED LEGS TERRELL' THEREBY AVENGING HIS LONG DEAD FAMILY.
THE FILM IS NOT WITHOUT HUMOR THANKS TO 'LONE WATIE' AN OUTCAST ELDERLY INDIAN WHO LIGHTENS THE DRAMATIC LOAD WITH TIDBITS OF WIT AND WISDOM. WHEN WALES ASKS WATIE IF HE HAS ANY THING TO EAT.
THE OLD WARRIOR REPLIES AS HE HOLDS UP A COLORFUL STONE "JUST THIS PIECE OF ROCK CANDY, BUT ITS NOT FOR EATIN....JUST FOR LOOKIN THROUGH."
WATIE ENCOURAGES WALES BY INSISTING THAT HE "ENDEAVOR TO PERSEVEARE."

WALES DOES SO AND SLOWLY REDISCOVERS HIS LOST EMOTIONS AND IN THE END WE ARE LED TO BELIEVE ALL WILL BE WELL.

GOOD WESTERN ENTERTAINMENT?

AS JOSEY WOULD SAY "I RECKON SO."

Simply the Best
This is the best Western of all time, bar none.

GREAT!
i love this movie i have seen lots of of clints movies (yes and some R ones but just 2) this is the best! ... Read more

Reviews (24)

An Ape Revelutionary and His Human Collaborators
Of all the Planet of The Apes films, this was the most exciting to watch. Ceasar (Roddy McDowall) with the aid of Armando( Ricardo Montablan) and Mr. McDonald (Hari Rhodes) plans, organizes and leads a revolt against the human regime led by Beck (Don Murray). Mr. McDonald , the only African-American in the film, plays an influential role in saving Ceasar's life and saving the lives of the captured humans.

The Apes Are... Dare I Say It... Revolting!
Back in the 70s, if you wanted to show the future, you filmed in a brand new shopping mall. Or Century City, which looks like a community college in "Conquest of the Planet of the Apes," the fourth film in that time-tripping monkey movie series.

In this one, Roddy McDowall plays Caesar, the