1941. If you haven't watched it in awhile, watch it again. It really was a good movie, especially with all the proper scenes in place, so to speak. The soundtrack is ridiculously underappreciated. I wanna say that it was John Williams' personal favorite. Or was it Spielberg's favorite? Hmmm...too tired and too lazy to look up...anyway, keep up the great work...👍🏻
My youngest son, now age 9, became obsessed with this film at only 2 years old. He would watch it all the time. He would take ribbons from my craft supplies and make whips. For Christmas that year, we bought him the hat, whip, satchel and a stick horse from Amazon. I think that was his favorite Christmas ever. He wore that hat everywhere, every day, all day. He wore it to church, the store, the park. Everywhere we went, he was Indiana Jones. About a year and a half ago we were able to take him and his brothers to our local theater when they were showing Raiders of the Lost Ark for retro movie night. He could not have been more excited! Was definitely a highlight for all of them.
Diana Psotka can’t wait until he grows older lol I’m curious if he’ll still be as big of a fan as he is now. I was like that when I was very young too and I’m still a gigantic fan and I’m 16 now
Well... I think ur son would like the adventures of young Indiana Jones.... and if he ever into reading their a whole series of books about his further adventures and comics... with video games.. here to your son's sense of adventure, and tell to give uncharted a try.... he will be not disappointed... From one fan to another
One of the best films ever made. Back in the good old days when people weren't afraid to make family adventures that had the potential to scare the shit out of you.
nobody is scared of that lol have u seen some of the films and shows made for children these days? they tackle pretty heavy themes and ideas and have pretty tragic things that happen. i think ur just lookin at it thru rose colored glasses saying things like "the good old days." also think about it, today is gonna be someone elses golden days in a couple decades...
@@kg7219 Nothing from modern studios will EVER be considered as influential, well made, or classic like this film. Everything today is made off a communist assembly line, pandering to far lefties and gender benders, with absolutely no substance or staying power.
This movie stands the test of time because of its storytelling. Everything, from the effects to the soundtrack to the "traveling map" to the characters and their implied history all blends and works together. It does what great stories do: imply that the world in which the story takes place is vast and interesting and full of fascinating people. It also knows when to take a break from the action and slow things down. People actually just sit and talk from time to time, and not always about great philosophical stuff or plot points. It's a great story told well, and that's why it endures.
It also endures because it's a great story told with sincerity and conviction, makes you believe that these fantastic events are REAL. A lot of that is Lawrence Kasdan's masterful structure and dialogue, but a lot of it is Spielberg. He's a director who doesn't judge whether a movie is "popcorn entertainment" or whether it is "serious historical drama"--he just believes in the story and strives for realism so you believe in it too.
celestialfilms I would go for plausibility more than “realism” as a term. Nothing in cinema is or can be real, but events that are fantastic can be believed in if (provided we can suspend that disbelief) we can imagine that if these events were happening, then this is how they would occur. A good example is Alien. There are no deep space mining ships and no alien life forms that have acid for blood, and we all understand this implicitly as part of science ‘fiction’. But when the fictional events are portrayed in such a way that it makes you think “if there really WERE spaceships, and aliens and people fighting to survive against insurmountable odds, then this is exactly how it would play out”, then you have plausibility in the story. The audience will invest. On the other hand, Prometheus is a waste of time because you can’t believe in any of the characterisation and the motivation to do what they’re doing. It’s pretty, high budget, boring horseshit. EDIT - so yes, you’re right! I just think the term “realism” is often conflated with graphic portrayal of events in films these days. Like “Oh wow, that war film was so REALISTIC! I could see all the blood and explosions!” Which doesn’t help the film ultimately in terms of story and audience involvement with the narrative.
A story I would like to share. Back in the early 90's in Australia, McDonalds had a meal deal where if you bought a big mac special meal, you would get your choice of one of the three Indiana Jones VHS tape to own. I remember how I was not a big fan of Raiders back then and so when my dad went into the city for business reasons (We lived in a small country town that did not have Macca's) I asked him to get me the meal and 'The Last Crusade'. I remember being insistent as I did not like Raiders as much and Crusade was still fresh in my mind. My dad said "Okay" Came back later that night with a copy of 'Raiders of the Lost Ark' I complained and as a 9 year old asked "Why?" My dad told me "Because this is the best film. The first one will always be the best." I treasured that tape for many years and only lost it after we moved to another country. My dad was right and I always think of him when I think of this movie.
Spitfire Mark1A I remember how big Raiders was back in the early 80s in Australia and I remember seeing it back then at around 5 years old. I think it was a bit scary (The snake pit put me off) and I could not enjoy the film at the time. Watching it again 5-7 years later after my dad bought me a copy of it, I could really enjoy it at the older age and I now grow fonder of this film with every year that goes by and now is one of my most treasured films from my childhood.
***** That's a bold statement. No offence, but how could Kingdom be better than 'Temple'? (Which I assume you put at number 4) I mean 'Temple' had Short Round. Short Round for heavens sake! Ha ha.
They're willing to spend five times more on production because tickets cost like five times more now - and people keep paying it. I mean, I don't. I don't go to the theater anymore because why would I pay a ridiculous asking price to see a movie one time with a bunch of other dickbags in the room who might pull out their phone and ruin the experience for me when for the same money I could probably just buy my own copy of the movie and watch it as many times as I want in the comfort of home with perfect sound on an excellent monitor with no interruptions? But people still pay the ticket price for whatever reason, so budgets will rise to meet what people are willing to pay.
When I first saw this movie I was eight years old. I'll always remember how my best friend at the time covered his eyes during the whole "Opening the arc" scene because Indy said so. :D
3:01 Oliver, one of the things I always look forward to when I watch one of your videos are the custom Trailers you put together for the movie you feature in the video. They have a classic style that’s sorely missed in Hollywood these days. No over the top loud orchestral stings and no excessively fast cuts and “strobe light” style editing, no chain smoking narrator. Just footage and dialogue from the movie. You have a talent.
@@OliverHarper 😂😄😂 You are hilarious. I have to say Oliver, you have some of the best in-depth retrospective reviews on classics movies on youtube. You seem very intuitive, which I really like. I can relate. I'm a visual artist who has done filmmaking so I can definitely feel things you have to say in almost all of your videos. Great job.
So here's where I share a little story about my getting a temp job on Skywalker Ranch earlier this year. I was working for Edutopia, the George Lucas Educational Foundation, which is based on the Ranch in Marin County. I was hired prior to Christmas, so I was lucky enough to be invited to the company Christmas party, which happens to be in George Lucas' home every year. I was quietly inwardly fangirling as I walked into his main front hallway & admired a handmade maquette of Jabba the Hutt in a display case, the one that looks a little melted that you see in all the behind-the-scenes docs. I was so surprised that I was seeing this in person that I started backing up, & bumped into the OTHER display case behind me, which held... The Hat, The Whip, The Headpiece from the Staff of Ra & The Idol from the opening scene of Raiders! It was all I could do to keep my professional composure & make small talk with other employees! I came back & admired these several more times before my job ended
And let me say, Oliver, this is one of your best pieces EVER. I have watched every single video you've done and this one is absolutely LAVISHED with love. Thanks for doing the film justice.
Love this film, but yeah; Last Crusade is just pure magic. I kinda find that Raiders and Crusade are - and bare with me here - a pulp action serial version of the Old and New Testament. Doubtful that such a thing was the intention. In fact it most certainly isn't, but I find it fascinating that both use Christian iconography, and that Raiders ends with Judgment and punishment while Last Crusade ends with reconciliation with the Father. A stretch, but a fun one for me. Has more subtext than Crystal bastard Skulls.
I never loved Raiders that much, please don't kill me, I still think it's a fantastic 9/10 movie, but I never was that eager to rematch it, unlike last crusade witch is always one of my favourite movies of all time (somewhere in my top 20?)
This movie MADE my childhood. My dad rented the pinball machine when i was 8 and i was OBSESSED with it. Later that year at a garage sale, some guy was selling the trilogy on vhs for $2. I BEGGED my mom to buy them for me and i watched them with my dad. Every time i recognized a line from the pinball machine i shrieked with delight. Raiders of the lost Ark is LEGENDARY. I adore it. Only wish i had anyone my age to talk to about it lmao
Hands down my favorite film of all time, with Empire Strikes Back coming close second. I’ve seen it over 150x, lost count after that. First saw it as an 8 year old. I can still quote the entire movie start to finish.
What a great year 1981 was for movies: I was 12, Time Bandits came out, which from the moment I saw it has remained one of my all-time favorites; then my dad told me about this thing called Raiders of the Lost Ark. I was kind of reluctant because the name (for whatever reason) sounded odd to my 12-year-old ears, but I was as absolutely blown away as when I'd seen the first Star Wars. Raiders is still arguably the best adventure movie ever made.
Looking back, I see how lucky we were to be in that Goldilocks age range when George and Steven were tearing up the silver screen. A magical time that will never happen again. I just kept going to the movies never realizing that the freight train of great movies would last for just a little while. I'm almost certain I would be a different person today if I hadn't grown up when these movies were made.
I was also 12 when I saw this in the theater. I had not heard of the movie, but went because my friends were going. I was blown away. Poltergeist was also awesome. I also loved The Lost Boys, a wonderful celebration of youth & vampires.
I have to say, I really love your videos and "Retrospectives". I think they are probably the best of that type of genre. Informative and good pacing. They don't feel slow or rushed like what can usually happen.
I was born in 1969, and I can vouch for the fact that in 1978-1982, the Atari 2600 was absolute magic. The graphics were simple and primitive but there really wasn't anything better BEFORE the 2600; it wasn't till the Colecovision came out that we started to think that it might be possible for home consoles to come close to the visual impact and complexity of arcade games.
I just sent this like and your great little mention to Retroblasting on facebook. They liked and shared it right away. Cheers again on another great retrospective Oliver. I reckon you have got one of the best channels when it comes to reviews, retrospectives and commentaries.
the most comprehensive discussion of one of my favorite movie of all time, thank you for taking the time to produce it. I learned so much I never knew about this classic.
Seriously, I can just keep and keep on watching your retrospectives! Your soothing voice, the script, and the accommodating visuals - it all just works!!! Thank you for hours of entertainment and enlightenment! :D
While in retrospect this is a superb movie. As a child, I loved Temple of doom. and last Crusade is the best of the three this was a great movie to start a wonderful franchise.
Oliver, was really delighted when i saw this in my feed. I have always admired the way you not only review the film, but also give in-depth information about the behind the scenes processes ever since i first stumbled upon your Spider-man review. This review's quality is again true to form. Thoroughly enjoyed it and made me excited for the next one to come. Great job as always, keep it up!
Last week I came across your videos for the first time watching a retrospective of "Ghostbusters", and I was very impressed with your analysis as well as the editing you do in every video. It's brilliant! Thank you for putting a lot of care and passion into "Raiders of the Lost Ark". Your video has inspired me to watch it yet again! I first saw it in the cinemas in Australia when I was 10, and remember scenes like the snake pit and the later section where the Ark's powers turn against Belloq and the Nazis were extremely memorable and frightening to a sensitive 10-year-old at the time. I'm glad that Indiana Jones was played by Harrison Ford and not some of the other actors you've mentioned might have had the role instead. EDIT: The scene where Indiana Jones took out his gun and shot a man rather than use his whip because he was tired and couldn't be bothered actually was not in the script initially. It was supposed to be a whip scene but Harrison Ford had some sort of stomach bug and didn't feel well at the time when they got to that section, so he improvised the scene and reached for his gun. Spielberg particularly liked this, found it amusing, and kept it in the movie and now it's become part of the humorous canon for Indiana Jones.
I had a hunch that you would come up with a superb retrospective/review worthy of an iconic film like _Raiders of the Lost Ark_, and you did not disappoint. Yet another great video of possibly my favourite film, and when it came out on Blu-Ray in 2012 the sterling job that had been done on remastering the film gave it a whole new lease of life.
Really great Review - thanks. :) For me "Raiders of the lost Ark" is the start of the best adventure filmseries ever and personally I think that "Last Crusade" is the best one in the whole trilogy.
No way - Raiders had way more ocation shoots, Last Crusade had a bunch of awful looking studio sets - like the cheapo plastic cave they end up in. In the opening scene of Raiders Indy is actually filmed flying in a biplane. In crusade it's a lameo studio shot in front of a green-screen and wind machine. The Nazi's in Raiders seemed more believable - whereas in the Last Crusade they're more 'Allo Allo' comedy Nazis. And that climactic scene with the old knight and the plastic set? No comparison the epic arc-opening scene from Raiders.
Have been waiting patiently for this review, as usual it was worth the wait. Thanks for all the hard work that goes into these, I love the channel and tell as many people as I can about it.
Once again Oliver, you have job an incredible job! I am only 18 years old and have been watching your reviews since i was 16, so entertaining and brilliantly put together! Please never stop creating these masterpieces!! 10/10 as always :)
Thanks for reviewing Oliver, as always, concise and in-depth coverage. I've introduced my film buff friends to your channel and they love it. :) This was the movie that introduced me to the adventure genre as a kid, and one of my favorite films to this day.
This is a bloody good analysis, Oliver. I agree with your views totally, and you've added a few points I never thought of, but are very true (how the film was loved by us as kids, but we never 'got' it in the same was a Star Wars etc)
Germany was on the world stage during the 36 Olympics and the Amerikadeutscher Volksbund, or German American Bund was started in 1936. Germany was being watched.
Do it. Ive been watching these retrospectives for years now and they really add to the tapestry that is my film universe. thus the reason i give a bit back on patreon.
Evan T there are many, many great films I truly treasure but have to agree with you. This is the only 10. I’ve never gotten over the fantastic rush I got as a 10yr old seeing this in the theater. Went back two more times, then wore out VHS tapes for years. The only other film I’d rank near 10 is The Milagro Beanfield War.
You and Decker Shado are two youtubers/reviewers that deserve so much more attention and success. You both make long detailed reviews. You with more detail and him with more comedy. Keep up the great work! I wish you both great success and love your work!
I love Raiders of the Lost Ark but my absolute favorite Indy film is indeed The Last Crusade of because it's probably because the story of the Holy Grail and even the relationship between Indy and his father because He's played by Sean Connery the original James Bond. and it's the best in the series,
And there was me thinking, “the only thing Oliver left out was the fly!” then, right at the very end! And in it goes! Brilliant. Have a framed poster of it, the film not the fly, in my house. It’s a poster that was in John Cleese’s collection and sold off - it’s an original 1980s cinema poster that was exhibited and now framed. I treasure it as I do this film. Just flawless, as was Oliver’s retrospective.
The sound effects of Indy punching someone and firing his pistol are two of the all time greats. Up there with Clint Eastwood punching someone and American muscle cars screeching round corners at deceptively low speeds.
This is my favorite movie ever. I saw this in theaters well over 20 times. Recently, my fiance & I got to see it on the big screen once again & it was like I was ten years old all over. Thanks for the great review, you know how to cover all the bases & make it special.
The Last Crusade (which I saw in theaters while in high school) had a huge impact on me and my goals in life. To speak foriegn languages and understand foriegn cultures. I was dead set on doing study abroad programs once I got to college (anywhere in French-speaking Africa was my goal) and in my mind I was trying to be like Indiana Jones.
The 'Making Of' docs on the Indy DVDs were excellent. Absolutely packed with interesting info and anecdotes from the cast and crew. I always remember learning about them having to take down all the TV ariels for the shot seen at 33:31 as back then, it wasn't possible to simply 'airbrush' them out!
Did you know that ILM VFX supervisor Dennis Muren is actually the guy looking from behind the newspaper on the plane and not the actor? Apparently the actor was unavailable for this scene, so Dennis was used as a double :)
Something that still blows my mind was that this was all masterfully filmed in the span of just 73 days. 73 DAYS. ALL THAT. That's some serious dedication and time management skills. However, I understand that the time constraints were necessary to appease or convince studio executives to greenlight the project.
Fantastic work Oliver. This was a very happy trip down memory lane. Raiders is one of my all time favorite movies. I saw it in the theater as a kid in 1981 and loved it, until the end scared the holy shit out of 7 year old me!
Fantastic review Oliver. I wouldn't let them cover me in spiders either, I'd have to politely decline that role lol. Tom Seleck as Indie? Do you think he'd of kept the Magnum tash? hahaha. I recently managed to grab the original trilogy dvd boxset from a carboot sale for the grand total of 50p.. best 50p I've probably ever spent.
Retrospective ideas? Last of the mohicans Muholland Drive Cocoon Batteries not included Point Break Brazil LA Confidential 1941 Platoon The Shining Love your work Ollie, I will spread the word to film fans about your channel because you need more subs
Excellent work! This is one of my top 5 favorite films of all-time, I know a lot about the making of it but I learned some things here so thank you for that. Have you ever seen the shot for shot remake those kids in Mississippi made during the '80s? It's wonderful.
Yeah, I saw them in Seattle back in June for the double feature. :) That was a lot of fun! I'm really excited to see their future stuff. It sounded like they were working on some cool things.
Love your insight, I was an adult and my boy was 3- he loved it and all the ones after! Actually at 35 he took both my VHS tapes and my DVD’S and got me the Aliens DVD’s when he moved! He loved Indiana Jones when he was young and still does!
The age gap between Harrison Ford and Karen Allen is pretty horrifying. According to the Indiana Jones Wiki, it's the same in-universe. Nothing is said about their age gap in the film itself, however.
Marion: "I was a child! I was in love! It was wrong and you knew it!" Indy: "You knew what you were doin'." It really is a flawless film in my eyes. I'm not sure how anyone can prefer Last Crusade over Raiders. The editing was odd and turning Sallah and Brody into clowns just pulled me right out of the film.
Get the Indiana Jones Blu-ray set here goo.gl/ie1TYe
Get the Raiders Soundtrack here goo.gl/MmmAFS
I've been watching your reviews for almost a month! One of the most addicting videos on UA-cam! Thank you so much!
Can you please do " Close Encounters of the third kind "?
Oliver, didn't Spielberg say Jaws was his most unpleasant movie making experience?
Oliver Harper
Harrison: Rather be Jones instead of Solo
Hamil: Rather be Joker instead of Skywalker
1941. If you haven't watched it in awhile, watch it again. It really was a good movie, especially with all the proper scenes in place, so to speak. The soundtrack is ridiculously underappreciated. I wanna say that it was John Williams' personal favorite. Or was it Spielberg's favorite? Hmmm...too tired and too lazy to look up...anyway, keep up the great work...👍🏻
My youngest son, now age 9, became obsessed with this film at only 2 years old. He would watch it all the time. He would take ribbons from my craft supplies and make whips. For Christmas that year, we bought him the hat, whip, satchel and a stick horse from Amazon. I think that was his favorite Christmas ever. He wore that hat everywhere, every day, all day. He wore it to church, the store, the park. Everywhere we went, he was Indiana Jones. About a year and a half ago we were able to take him and his brothers to our local theater when they were showing Raiders of the Lost Ark for retro movie night. He could not have been more excited! Was definitely a highlight for all of them.
Diana Psotka can’t wait until he grows older lol I’m curious if he’ll still be as big of a fan as he is now. I was like that when I was very young too and I’m still a gigantic fan and I’m 16 now
I'm sure this movie isnt suited for 2 year olds :D
Christmas is magic when kids with imaginations get items of interest. For both kids and parents.
Well... I think ur son would like the adventures of young Indiana Jones.... and if he ever into reading their a whole series of books about his further adventures and comics... with video games.. here to your son's sense of adventure, and tell to give uncharted a try.... he will be not disappointed...
From one fan to another
You are a great mother
First he inspires Chewbacca, then Indiana Jones. George Lucas' dog should get a writing credit.
Dogs never get enough credit. They are heavenly!
Deffinitely, that Husky was the true creative force behind Lucas
It shows up in the Last Crusade into, but that's not justified enough for him, he deserves a statue in front of Elstre Studios.
A quote from "Astro Zombie" (with a Misfits user icon) and another from "Sid Vicious"... I sense an accidental theme going on here.
I think the dog owned shares of LucasFilm
And ILM.
One of the best films ever made. Back in the good old days when people weren't afraid to make family adventures that had the potential to scare the shit out of you.
Just keep your eyes shut at the end ghosts
nobody is scared of that lol have u seen some of the films and shows made for children these days? they tackle pretty heavy themes and ideas and have pretty tragic things that happen. i think ur just lookin at it thru rose colored glasses saying things like "the good old days." also think about it, today is gonna be someone elses golden days in a couple decades...
@@kg7219 Name one modern kids film that does it
@@tastycookiechip I haven't seen it, but I heard new Dr Strange film is freaky for kids.
@@kg7219 Nothing from modern studios will EVER be considered as influential, well made, or classic like this film. Everything today is made off a communist assembly line, pandering to far lefties and gender benders, with absolutely no substance or staying power.
This movie stands the test of time because of its storytelling. Everything, from the effects to the soundtrack to the "traveling map" to the characters and their implied history all blends and works together. It does what great stories do: imply that the world in which the story takes place is vast and interesting and full of fascinating people. It also knows when to take a break from the action and slow things down. People actually just sit and talk from time to time, and not always about great philosophical stuff or plot points. It's a great story told well, and that's why it endures.
It also endures because it's a great story told with sincerity and conviction, makes you believe that these fantastic events are REAL. A lot of that is Lawrence Kasdan's masterful structure and dialogue, but a lot of it is Spielberg. He's a director who doesn't judge whether a movie is "popcorn entertainment" or whether it is "serious historical drama"--he just believes in the story and strives for realism so you believe in it too.
celestialfilms I would go for plausibility more than “realism” as a term. Nothing in cinema is or can be real, but events that are fantastic can be believed in if (provided we can suspend that disbelief) we can imagine that if these events were happening, then this is how they would occur.
A good example is Alien. There are no deep space mining ships and no alien life forms that have acid for blood, and we all understand this implicitly as part of science ‘fiction’. But when the fictional events are portrayed in such a way that it makes you think “if there really WERE spaceships, and aliens and people fighting to survive against insurmountable odds, then this is exactly how it would play out”, then you have plausibility in the story. The audience will invest. On the other hand, Prometheus is a waste of time because you can’t believe in any of the characterisation and the motivation to do what they’re doing. It’s pretty, high budget, boring horseshit. EDIT - so yes, you’re right! I just think the term “realism” is often conflated with graphic portrayal of events in films these days. Like “Oh wow, that war film was so REALISTIC! I could see all the blood and explosions!” Which doesn’t help the film ultimately in terms of story and audience involvement with the narrative.
A story I would like to share. Back in the early 90's in Australia, McDonalds had a meal deal where if you bought a big mac special meal, you would get your choice of one of the three Indiana Jones VHS tape to own. I remember how I was not a big fan of Raiders back then and so when my dad went into the city for business reasons (We lived in a small country town that did not have Macca's) I asked him to get me the meal and 'The Last Crusade'. I remember being insistent as I did not like Raiders as much and Crusade was still fresh in my mind. My dad said "Okay" Came back later that night with a copy of 'Raiders of the Lost Ark' I complained and as a 9 year old asked "Why?" My dad told me "Because this is the best film. The first one will always be the best." I treasured that tape for many years and only lost it after we moved to another country. My dad was right and I always think of him when I think of this movie.
Spitfire Mark1A I remember how big Raiders was back in the early 80s in Australia and I remember seeing it back then at around 5 years old. I think it was a bit scary (The snake pit put me off) and I could not enjoy the film at the time. Watching it again 5-7 years later after my dad bought me a copy of it, I could really enjoy it at the older age and I now grow fonder of this film with every year that goes by and now is one of my most treasured films from my childhood.
***** That's a bold statement. No offence, but how could Kingdom be better than 'Temple'? (Which I assume you put at number 4) I mean 'Temple' had Short Round. Short Round for heavens sake! Ha ha.
great memory of u and your Dad
+gutz1981 Thanks for sharing. Your Dad set you straight.
+gutz1981 Thanks for sharing. Your Dad set you straight.
It's amazing back then they were hesitant on 40 million for production, but today they throw 200 million at shit
Potatro tatro you mean £120 million not £ 120 thousand.
They're willing to spend five times more on production because tickets cost like five times more now - and people keep paying it.
I mean, I don't. I don't go to the theater anymore because why would I pay a ridiculous asking price to see a movie one time with a bunch of other dickbags in the room who might pull out their phone and ruin the experience for me when for the same money I could probably just buy my own copy of the movie and watch it as many times as I want in the comfort of home with perfect sound on an excellent monitor with no interruptions?
But people still pay the ticket price for whatever reason, so budgets will rise to meet what people are willing to pay.
@Michael Lam Robert
@Michael Lam Yup!
Inflation dude
When I first saw this movie I was eight years old. I'll always remember how my best friend at the time covered his eyes during the whole "Opening the arc" scene because Indy said so. :D
3:01 Oliver, one of the things I always look forward to when I watch one of your videos are the custom Trailers you put together for the movie you feature in the video.
They have a classic style that’s sorely missed in Hollywood these days. No over the top loud orchestral stings and no excessively fast cuts and “strobe light” style editing, no chain smoking narrator. Just footage and dialogue from the movie. You have a talent.
Oliver, its an absolute crime you don't have more views on your videos. They're really entertaining.
Yeah its definitely a crime. I will consult my lawyer haha
THEY SURE R
@@OliverHarper 😂😄😂 You are hilarious. I have to say Oliver, you have some of the best in-depth retrospective reviews on classics movies on youtube. You seem very intuitive, which I really like. I can relate. I'm a visual artist who has done filmmaking so I can definitely feel things you have to say in almost all of your videos. Great job.
Man I love this film.
Incredible stuff Mr Harper.
You're a genius
So here's where I share a little story about my getting a temp job on Skywalker Ranch earlier this year. I was working for Edutopia, the George Lucas Educational Foundation, which is based on the Ranch in Marin County. I was hired prior to Christmas, so I was lucky enough to be invited to the company Christmas party, which happens to be in George Lucas' home every year. I was quietly inwardly fangirling as I walked into his main front hallway & admired a handmade maquette of Jabba the Hutt in a display case, the one that looks a little melted that you see in all the behind-the-scenes docs. I was so surprised that I was seeing this in person that I started backing up, & bumped into the OTHER display case behind me, which held... The Hat, The Whip, The Headpiece from the Staff of Ra & The Idol from the opening scene of Raiders! It was all I could do to keep my professional composure & make small talk with other employees! I came back & admired these several more times before my job ended
And let me say, Oliver, this is one of your best pieces EVER. I have watched every single video you've done and this one is absolutely LAVISHED with love. Thanks for doing the film justice.
Thanks for letting us know about your temp job! Lucky you! :D
I am lucky to get to watch your work, too, Oliver :D Thanks for sharing your passion for film!
Javin Gibson Were you directing that comment towards Oliver or myself? I was 9 when Raiders came out.
How awesome is that? How did you land that job?
Love this film, but yeah; Last Crusade is just pure magic. I kinda find that Raiders and Crusade are - and bare with me here - a pulp action serial version of the Old and New Testament. Doubtful that such a thing was the intention. In fact it most certainly isn't, but I find it fascinating that both use Christian iconography, and that Raiders ends with Judgment and punishment while Last Crusade ends with reconciliation with the Father. A stretch, but a fun one for me. Has more subtext than Crystal bastard Skulls.
Wow never noticed that, very interesting
I never loved Raiders that much, please don't kill me, I still think it's a fantastic 9/10 movie, but I never was that eager to rematch it, unlike last crusade witch is always one of my favourite movies of all time (somewhere in my top 20?)
+A GriffinTV i agree actually
"Crystal bastard Skulls" really made me laugh :)
+degree7 - Amen.
That opening almost brought a tear to my eye, well done ollie
Thanks buddy!
This movie MADE my childhood. My dad rented the pinball machine when i was 8 and i was OBSESSED with it. Later that year at a garage sale, some guy was selling the trilogy on vhs for $2. I BEGGED my mom to buy them for me and i watched them with my dad. Every time i recognized a line from the pinball machine i shrieked with delight. Raiders of the lost Ark is LEGENDARY. I adore it.
Only wish i had anyone my age to talk to about it lmao
Hands down my favorite film of all time, with Empire Strikes Back coming close second. I’ve seen it over 150x, lost count after that. First saw it as an 8 year old. I can still quote the entire movie start to finish.
I could’ve written this comment word for word. Nice to meet another raiders fan.
A briliant review of a briliant film that I have watched many times. Thank you Oliver.
“An army that carries the Ark before it, is invincible “
Get chills every time I see this scene.
What a great year 1981 was for movies: I was 12, Time Bandits came out, which from the moment I saw it has remained one of my all-time favorites; then my dad told me about this thing called Raiders of the Lost Ark. I was kind of reluctant because the name (for whatever reason) sounded odd to my 12-year-old ears, but I was as absolutely blown away as when I'd seen the first Star Wars. Raiders is still arguably the best adventure movie ever made.
Looking back, I see how lucky we were to be in that Goldilocks age range when George and Steven were tearing up the silver screen. A magical time that will never happen again. I just kept going to the movies never realizing that the freight train of great movies would last for just a little while. I'm almost certain I would be a different person today if I hadn't grown up when these movies were made.
I was also 12 when I saw this in the theater. I had not heard of the movie, but went because my friends were going. I was blown away. Poltergeist was also awesome. I also loved The Lost Boys, a wonderful celebration of youth & vampires.
Love Time Bandits.
Benson: "Master, I see the map!"
Evil: "Where?"
Benson: "The little one has it."
Evil: "The little one?!"
Your retrospectives are great, thank you.
Thanks Mikel!
+Oliver Harper With the upcoming movie 'Fantastic beasts and where to ind them', you should do a retrosperspective on one of the Harry Potter movies.
I have to say, I really love your videos and "Retrospectives". I think they are probably the best of that type of genre. Informative and good pacing. They don't feel slow or rushed like what can usually happen.
really impressive the amount of detail and care taken with these videos. kudos to you Oliver.
How did Raiders not win Best Picture for 1981? Chariots of Fire was boring as hell.
Zer0dog Or whether or not you have a gay, black, and/or disabled protagonist.
It was apparently decided by nazis.
@@SarumanOrthanc : Chariots of Fire was about ... a white male heterosexual Christian.
@@IndianaJoe0321 I was talking about the modern "Best Pictures" like Moonlight or Crash.
@Stimulator7 You're right, but this was good. Hell, great even. Certainly should've won Best Picture in '81 that's for sure.
I was born in 1969, and I can vouch for the fact that in 1978-1982, the Atari 2600 was absolute magic. The graphics were simple and primitive but there really wasn't anything better BEFORE the 2600; it wasn't till the Colecovision came out that we started to think that it might be possible for home consoles to come close to the visual impact and complexity of arcade games.
I just sent this like and your great little mention to Retroblasting on facebook. They liked and shared it right away. Cheers again on another great retrospective Oliver. I reckon you have got one of the best channels when it comes to reviews, retrospectives and commentaries.
Thanks very much buddy for your feedback!
the most comprehensive discussion of one of my favorite movie of all time, thank you for taking the time to produce it. I learned so much I never knew about this classic.
Willem Dafoe actually auditioned for the role of Indy back in the day. Imagine that...
cabshdun no thank you lol
Luckily it never happened and Harrison made the movie a myth
You know I’m something of a treasure hunter myself
Dafoe would have made a great Indy. Such depth.
. . . and Christopher Walken was considered for Han Solo. Imagine *_that!_*
Seriously, I can just keep and keep on watching your retrospectives! Your soothing voice, the script, and the accommodating visuals - it all just works!!! Thank you for hours of entertainment and enlightenment! :D
*You've done it again Oliver, smashing review!*
And your editing skills are really showing in these Retrospectives.
thank you sir!
While in retrospect this is a superb movie. As a child, I loved Temple of doom. and last Crusade is the best of the three this was a great movie to start a wonderful franchise.
Oliver, was really delighted when i saw this in my feed. I have always admired the way you not only review the film, but also give in-depth information about the behind the scenes processes ever since i first stumbled upon your Spider-man review. This review's quality is again true to form. Thoroughly enjoyed it and made me excited for the next one to come. Great job as always, keep it up!
Thank you very much for your feedback buddy.
I'd love to see you do the original JAWS! Another great review, Oliver!
This absolutely +1
Also, Close Encounters and 1941.
Oh my gosh, these retrospectives are amazing, I'm a huge fan now.
As always, fantastic work Oliver. Whenever you bust out a film review/retrospective, you give the whole story and background.
"It's not the years, honey. It's the mileage."
Oliver Harper tackles a Spielbergian classic!! Much appreciated for all your usual high quality work, Olly! ;)
"bad dates". Still love that line.
Last week I came across your videos for the first time watching a retrospective of "Ghostbusters", and I was very impressed with your analysis as well as the editing you do in every video. It's brilliant! Thank you for putting a lot of care and passion into "Raiders of the Lost Ark". Your video has inspired me to watch it yet again! I first saw it in the cinemas in Australia when I was 10, and remember scenes like the snake pit and the later section where the Ark's powers turn against Belloq and the Nazis were extremely memorable and frightening to a sensitive 10-year-old at the time. I'm glad that Indiana Jones was played by Harrison Ford and not some of the other actors you've mentioned might have had the role instead. EDIT: The scene where Indiana Jones took out his gun and shot a man rather than use his whip because he was tired and couldn't be bothered actually was not in the script initially. It was supposed to be a whip scene but Harrison Ford had some sort of stomach bug and didn't feel well at the time when they got to that section, so he improvised the scene and reached for his gun. Spielberg particularly liked this, found it amusing, and kept it in the movie and now it's become part of the humorous canon for Indiana Jones.
6:09 Sylvester Stallone was the original template for the character? That would have SUCKED!
Oliver. This is awesome. I've been waiting for you to do a retrospective on this one. One of my favorite films ever. Great review on it
You deserve a million subscribers
Such a great story, directing, acting and music. So many iconic moments - a landmark in cinema. Nice video as ever, Oliver!
Seriously though, great retrospective/review! All the care, research and masterful editing we've come to expect from you, Ollie!
Thank you very much!
My favourite film when I was younger, my kids then grew up with it, and now I watch it with my grandkids.
Your videos are amazing, and you deserve so much more subscribers.
I had a hunch that you would come up with a superb retrospective/review worthy of an iconic film like _Raiders of the Lost Ark_, and you did not disappoint. Yet another great video of possibly my favourite film, and when it came out on Blu-Ray in 2012 the sterling job that had been done on remastering the film gave it a whole new lease of life.
Really great Review - thanks. :)
For me "Raiders of the lost Ark" is the start of the best adventure filmseries ever and personally I think that "Last Crusade" is the best one in the whole trilogy.
Oliver the reviewer concurs with your assessment..
No way - Raiders had way more ocation shoots, Last Crusade had a bunch of awful looking studio sets - like the cheapo plastic cave they end up in. In the opening scene of Raiders Indy is actually filmed flying in a biplane. In crusade it's a lameo studio shot in front of a green-screen and wind machine. The Nazi's in Raiders seemed more believable - whereas in the Last Crusade they're more 'Allo Allo' comedy Nazis. And that climactic scene with the old knight and the plastic set? No comparison the epic arc-opening scene from Raiders.
Have been waiting patiently for this review, as usual it was worth the wait. Thanks for all the hard work that goes into these, I love the channel and tell as many people as I can about it.
wonderful review Ollie of one of the best action characters of all time!
Once again Oliver, you have job an incredible job! I am only 18 years old and have been watching your reviews since i was 16, so entertaining and brilliantly put together! Please never stop creating these masterpieces!! 10/10 as always :)
Just discovered you and subscribed. I'm addicted to your reviews! Looking forward to more! Love from the US of A!
Thanks for reviewing Oliver, as always, concise and in-depth coverage. I've introduced my film buff friends to your channel and they love it. :) This was the movie that introduced me to the adventure genre as a kid, and one of my favorite films to this day.
Thank you very much dude!
This is a bloody good analysis, Oliver. I agree with your views totally, and you've added a few points I never thought of, but are very true (how the film was loved by us as kids, but we never 'got' it in the same was a Star Wars etc)
Monumental retrospective of a flawless masterpiece! Fantastic stuff Oliver!
Germany was on the world stage during the 36 Olympics and the Amerikadeutscher Volksbund, or German American Bund was started in 1936. Germany was being watched.
I can binge watch these reviews, excellent as always.
Oliver, the Wilhelm Scream is great.
@:21:59: The soundtracks are still widely *and cheaply available* if you buy them as individual CDs, instead of the set!
The Greatest Action Movie Ever Made!!! The Original “Die Hard”’ is Number #2
Good choices!
Amazing how you never reviewed this until now. Shows just how much classic content awaits! Great retrospective, as always.
Raiders is my favorite film of all time
Yet another A+ job Oliver ! Excellently edited and nicely narrated as always 👍
absolutely great reviews. trying to watch them all. thank you!!
Thanks Lester!
Do it. Ive been watching these retrospectives for years now and they really add to the tapestry that is my film universe. thus the reason i give a bit back on patreon.
As always this was just amazing. Your retros are absolutely brilliant. Cheers!
Thanks man!
Brilliant. I've been looking forward to this one! Thanks mate.
Another great one Oliver. Best and most thorough film reviews on UA-cam!!!
Cheers buddy!
Finally! Thank you for spotlighting my favorite flick. It will NEVER be equaled! The only one I rate a perfect 10!
Evan T there are many, many great films I truly treasure but have to agree with you. This is the only 10. I’ve never gotten over the fantastic rush I got as a 10yr old seeing this in the theater. Went back two more times, then wore out VHS tapes for years. The only other film I’d rank near 10 is The Milagro Beanfield War.
You and Decker Shado are two youtubers/reviewers that deserve so much more attention and success. You both make long detailed reviews. You with more detail and him with more comedy. Keep up the great work! I wish you both great success and love your work!
I love Raiders of the Lost Ark but my absolute favorite Indy film is indeed The Last Crusade of because it's probably because the story of the Holy Grail and even the relationship between Indy and his father because He's played by Sean Connery the original James Bond. and it's the best in the series,
What's funny is that Connery is only 12 years older than Ford :-)
+Joe Digger Darth Vader is on 12 years older than Han Solo
And there was me thinking, “the only thing Oliver left out was the fly!” then, right at the very end! And in it goes! Brilliant. Have a framed poster of it, the film not the fly, in my house. It’s a poster that was in John Cleese’s collection and sold off - it’s an original 1980s cinema poster that was exhibited and now framed. I treasure it as I do this film. Just flawless, as was Oliver’s retrospective.
Gotta love the "Cairo Swordsman" action figure. Cos you know how much screen time THAT guy had haha.
Again, thank you. Wonderful job. Was pleasure to watch this.
Thanks man!
One of the greatest movies ever made.
These are so great. Another tremendous job! I could listen to you talk about movies all day.
The sound effects of Indy punching someone and firing his pistol are two of the all time greats. Up there with Clint Eastwood punching someone and American muscle cars screeching round corners at deceptively low speeds.
Absolutely 👌
These films are what created my love of history and archaeology!
Great work Oliver.
Thanks Maurice!
retrospective saved my life. so much joy everytime there's a new video. oliver you are a true PRO
"It's on the BBC Sound Effects vol. 4". As an American who's seen Father Ted I feel like Steve Rodgers in The Avengers: "I get that reference."
This is my favorite movie ever. I saw this in theaters well over 20 times. Recently, my fiance & I got to see it on the big screen once again & it was like I was ten years old all over. Thanks for the great review, you know how to cover all the bases & make it special.
The Indiana Jones movies are probably my favorite movie series (aside from the Alien movies)I hope you do a retrospective for the others. Great video.
Thank you Terese!
SAME HERE! GREAT TASTE IN MOVIES
Fantastic work, oliver!! Youre retrospectives have given me something to look foward to seeing, and they remind me why I love film.
Thanks for your feedback Alexander!
How about a Leon: The Professional review?
That has got to be one hell of an interesting story. The only movie where we see Natalie Portman smoke.
mjl1966y you don’t actually see her smoke that was in the contact she wouldn’t actually be seen with a cigarette in her mouth
One of your best videos Oliver, absolutely outstanding. Also one of the best films you've reviewed!
Cheers fella!
The Last Crusade (which I saw in theaters while in high school) had a huge impact on me and my goals in life. To speak foriegn languages and understand foriegn cultures. I was dead set on doing study abroad programs once I got to college (anywhere in French-speaking Africa was my goal) and in my mind I was trying to be like Indiana Jones.
Did you do those things? Hope you did
The 'Making Of' docs on the Indy DVDs were excellent. Absolutely packed with interesting info and anecdotes from the cast and crew. I always remember learning about them having to take down all the TV ariels for the shot seen at 33:31 as back then, it wasn't possible to simply 'airbrush' them out!
Did you know that ILM VFX supervisor Dennis Muren is actually the guy looking from behind the newspaper on the plane and not the actor? Apparently the actor was unavailable for this scene, so Dennis was used as a double :)
Something that still blows my mind was that this was all masterfully filmed in the span of just 73 days. 73 DAYS. ALL THAT. That's some serious dedication and time management skills. However, I understand that the time constraints were necessary to appease or convince studio executives to greenlight the project.
When are you going to review indiana Jones 3
Same here. Still looking forward to his view on the last crusade
Fantastic work Oliver. This was a very happy trip down memory lane. Raiders is one of my all time favorite movies. I saw it in the theater as a kid in 1981 and loved it, until the end scared the holy shit out of 7 year old me!
Fantastic review Oliver. I wouldn't let them cover me in spiders either, I'd have to politely decline that role lol.
Tom Seleck as Indie? Do you think he'd of kept the Magnum tash? hahaha.
I recently managed to grab the original trilogy dvd boxset from a carboot sale for the grand total of 50p.. best 50p I've probably ever spent.
50p? What a bargain mate!
excellent vid, and nice nod to my peeps at retroblasting! Big shouts from Pittsburgh, PA!
Retrospective ideas?
Last of the mohicans
Muholland Drive
Cocoon
Batteries not included
Point Break
Brazil
LA Confidential
1941
Platoon
The Shining
Love your work Ollie, I will spread the word to film fans about your channel because you need more subs
I'd add Tombstone, Wyatt Earp (sense a theme)
Excellent work! This is one of my top 5 favorite films of all-time, I know a lot about the making of it but I learned some things here so thank you for that. Have you ever seen the shot for shot remake those kids in Mississippi made during the '80s? It's wonderful.
Yeah, I saw them in Seattle back in June for the double feature. :) That was a lot of fun! I'm really excited to see their future stuff. It sounded like they were working on some cool things.
I love this movie an A+ but my favorite is Last Crusade My A+ movie
Love your insight, I was an adult and my boy was 3- he loved it and all the ones after! Actually at 35 he took both my VHS tapes and my DVD’S and got me the Aliens DVD’s when he moved! He loved Indiana Jones when he was young and still does!
no mention of Marion Ravenwood's age when Indy starting having a relationship with her?
The age gap between Harrison Ford and Karen Allen is pretty horrifying. According to the Indiana Jones Wiki, it's the same in-universe.
Nothing is said about their age gap in the film itself, however.
Marion: "I was a child! I was in love! It was wrong and you knew it!" Indy: "You knew what you were doin'." It really is a flawless film in my eyes. I'm not sure how anyone can prefer Last Crusade over Raiders. The editing was odd and turning Sallah and Brody into clowns just pulled me right out of the film.
She was 14 or 15 and he was either 17 or 18. Don't quote me on it. The Wiki tells you
@@Bullitt3401 Raiders may have been better but Crusade was more fun. Connery was the difference.
This reviews are amazing! Keep on with the great work
I was a bit impressed by this one. It seems like a step up from the previous reviews in terms of quality. A polished piece of work.
Thanks Oliver !!! Wonderful job this is literally a movie I can watch it anytime. one of my faves!!