The Indy Experience.com - The Ultimate Guide to Indiana Jones!

'Emperor's Tomb' Coming To Mac!
July 30th, 2003 | Posted by Aaron

Good news for Indy Fans who use Macs! Indiana Jones and the Emperor's Tomb is coming to Mac! The company which creates all Mac games for LucasArts, Aspyr has created a page where you can pre-order your copy of Emperor's Tomb for Mac!

Here Are the System Requirements:

Mac OS:

Mac OS X 10.2.6 or higher
800 MHz PowerPC G4 or better (this may need to be revised up)
256 MB RAM
750 MB free on Disk
32 MB Radeon 7500 / GeForce 2 class 3D hardware acceleration required
64 MB Radeon 9000 / GeForce 4 Titanium or better recommended
1 GB free on Hard Disk

Indiana Jones Parody in FoxTrot Comic!
July 29th, 2003 | Posted by Aaron

The popular comic strip FoxTrot featured an Indiana Jones parody in today's strip:

Indy Trilogy on Canadian Television!
July 27th, 2003 | Posted by Aaron

Good news for Canadian Indy fans! The Canadian channel CBC is hosting Summer Movies where they will be showing Raiders of the Lost Ark Tonight at 8:00 PM. The Showing of the Trilogy will continue next Sunday, August 3rd with Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and then on August 10th with a showing of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade! Great to hear if you can get CBC!

Comic Contest Deadline Extended
July 19th, 2003 | Posted by Aaron

At the request of several artists, the Comic Contest has been extended to July 30th. So if you haven't entered, you still have time. The winners will be announced on July 31st. You can find out more about the Comic Contest here. Stay tuned!

Surprise DVD Preview @ Comic Con!
July 19th, 2003 | Posted by Aaron

From Coming Soon!: at the San Diego Comic Con International, Steve Sansweet (Lucasfilm Director of Fan Relations) came in with a surprise sneak preview of the Indiana Jones DVD!

The panel began with an unexpected preview of the upcoming Indiana Jones trilogy DVD set. Coming in November, the four-disc set includes a frame-by-frame digital remastering of each of the three films and a bonus fourth disc that contains bonus materials including new featurettes and interviews with Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, Harrison Ford, Karen Allen, Kate Capshaw and others. The films' soundtracks have also been remastered in Dolby 5.1.

That would have been something to see! You can find out more about the convention at Star Wars.com. Stay tuned for the latest in Indiana Jones DVD News!

Ford in Hotdog Magazine
July 15th, 2003 | Posted by Aaron

Stella (a.k.a. Canyon) has sent me an article from the latest issue of the Hotdog magazine talking about Harrison Ford's career. Here's part of the article:

Call him the movie star of the century. Call him the biggest box-office attraction in film history. Hell, call Harrison Ford a hero. "I don't look for heroes", he says. "I would never play a character if he was labeled a hero in advance".

All the evidence would suggest the opposite however. Han Solo, Indiana Jones, Jack Ryan they read like a who's who of movie star adventurers from the last 30 years. And it's not just great movies that have elevated these characters to such a status. When on-screen, Ford himself embodies the all-American adventurer like no one else in cinema history. The rugged good looks, the square jaw, the lop-sided grin and the mysterious scar on his chin if you were creating the ultimate movie hero, Harrison Ford would be your template.

The box-office figures weren’t bad either, as Empire soon became the second most successful film of all time. With barely a pause for breath, Ford then moved onto his next iconic screen hero – Indiana Jones. In May 1977, George Lucas went holidaying with Steven Spielberg in Hawaii, discussing future projects. The name Indiana Smith came up, an idea that Lucas had been cultivating in his head for years. Smith would be an old-fashioned hero – an archaeologist adventurer – and the film would hark back to the old Saturday movie matinees with their spectacular stunts and cliffhanger endings. By 1981, they had the title, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and the character’s name had changed from Indiana Smith to Indiana Jones (apparently it sounded too much like an old Steve McQueen character, Nevada Smith). Their next problem was finding the right man for the lead.

Lucas and Spielberg spent months looking for an actor to play Jones, eventually settling on the human handlebar moustache Tom Selleck. Fortunately for modern cinema as we know it, CBS refused to release Selleck from his Magnum contract and the filmmakers were left in dire straits. Soon after this setback, and following an early screening of The Empire Strikes Back, Spielberg turned to Lucas and said, “He’s been right under our noses.” Lucas replied “I know who you’re going to say,” and with that Ford had the part.

Raiders turned out to be a tough shoot. Ford is obviously an extremely physical actor, but Indiana’s weapon of choice was the whip – an extremely tough skill to master. As with carpentry though, Ford practically taught himself: “We had a guy come to my house for a couple of lessons in the beginning, then it was up to me to get it right.” And get it right he did – Ford was so proficient by the time shooting began that the weapon was incorporated into several extra scenes. And he didn’t just bring fancy whip tricks to the character. Ford’s Indy was both tough and vulnerable, cynical and romantic, and such interesting contradictions made the character a joy to watch. His impressive screen presence, coupled with Spielberg’s breezy direction, ensured that Raiders of the Lost Ark was hugely entertaining and yet another box-office smash.

And that, of course, was the universe that Ford returned to next. It may appear to have been a backward step, but Ford felt that he owed it to George Lucas and the fans to play Han once more. As he put it: “If I hadn’t made other movies in between, I might have felt differently about coming back, but as it stands, I’m delighted to be in on the third act.” Return of the Jedi was made in 1983, and was quickly followed by Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom in 1984. Both struck box-office gold of course, but neither film was as strong as its predecessor. Jedi features a one-dimensional Han Solo with terrible dialogue and very little to do throughout the film. Ford looks like he’s growing tired of the role and time he’s out-acted by a bunch of muppets. Temple of Doom meanwhile, although a thoroughly enjoyable film, has dark undertones of racism and brutality that simply didn’t sit right with the tone of the original.

So there he was. Five years down the line and at the end of a truly remarkable run of films. Since then, however, while the pay packets have steadily risen, the success of his films has faltered. There’s been the odd triumph, but for every Air Force One, there’s been a Sabrina. For every Fugitive, he’s made a Devil’s Own. The hits have been few and far between, and the misses have arrived with alarming regularity. Ford has desperately tried to escape the hero genre, but he’s not had much success as a romantic lead, nor has he really cut the mustard in straightforward comedy or drama. It seems that audiences only turn out for Ford when he’s an ordinary man placed in extraordinary circumstances, and it’s no coincidence that his biggest hit in the last 20 years has been Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

He may not see himself as the ultimate big screen hero, but millions of filmgoers around the world would beg to differ. As co-star Carrie Fisher told Time in 1985: “I don’t think there’s a lot that is dissimilar between the character and the person. It’s no accident that he plays a lot of heroes. “ For all his attempts to change and move on, these characters are the one’s he’ll be remembered for. And with a fourth Indiana Jones film supposedly on the way, it looks like the man who “doesn’t look for heroes” will soon be enchanting a new generation with his best-known role. In fact, just steal the tagline from that character and you can sum up the man’s career and his appeal on one simple sentence. “Adventure has a name, and that name is Harrison Ford.”

They said a few unfavorable things about Ford's other films such as Force 10 From Naverone, Hanover Street and The Frisco Kid. There you have it, You can read the full article in the latest issue of Hotdog Magazine! Thanks Canyon!

John Williams Mentions Indy IV in Interview
July 15th, 2003 | Posted by Aaron

Philadelphia Daily News interviewed John Williams today about his up coming Mann Center for the Performing Arts concert where he mentioned Indy IV:

What will your Mann program be?

A: I've chosen the "Liberty Fanfare," three pieces from "JFK," a suite from "Harry Potter," "E.T." and "Star Wars," and some music from the "Indiana Jones" films.

Q: Will there be another Indiana Jones picture?

A: Yes, the script is written. Steven and George (Lucas) talk about it every day.

Well, if you can make it to the concert I'm sure it would be something to behold! Not much in the way of Indy IV news, but still worth posting. Stay tuned!

Thanks to TheForce.net and Philadelphia Daily News.

Drew Struzan's Artwork Coming to Hardcover!
July 15th, 2003 | Posted by Aaron

The man who brought us the artwork for such films as Star Wars, Back to the Future and most importantly, Indiana Jones will be coming to hardcover! Dreamwave will be releasing a 300 page full color hardcover book featuring the work of Drew Struzan throughout the years, featuring:

Featuring a foreword by George Lucas, the book also focuses on the history of some ground-breaking posters, relates a few celebrity encounters, and offers commentary from Harrison Ford, Frank Darabont, Alice Cooper, Robert Zemekis, Jim Henson and many others who have had close encounters with this giant talent.

More information on the book will be coming soon. I can't wait to own a copy. Mr. Struzan has created work that is unmistakable, the best in the business when it comes to classic poster art and images that jump out at you.

You'll also want to check out the brand new piece of Drew Struzan Artwork:

The kind of quality artwork we come to expect from Mr. Struzan, hats off!

Thanks to Speilbergfilms.com. Visit Drew Struzan.com to learn more.

New Indiana Jones Model Kit!
July 14th, 2003 | Posted by Aaron

Andrea Miniatures of Spain has released a brand new Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade miniature model kit titled, 'The Escape'. The 1/32 (54mm) model features Indy and Henry in the German motorcycle excepting from Castle Brunwald and the Nazis. Very detailed Metal & resin model kit with motorcycle and sidecar with the two figures.

You can learn more about the model Squadron.com. The model sales for $149.97. Looks cool, we'll try to get more details later on!

Happy Birthday Harrison Ford!
July 13th, 2003 | Posted by Aaron

The man himself that's brought us classic roles like Han Solo, Jack Ryan and Indiana Jones turns 61 today! TIE.c would like to wish him a very happy birthday!

Connery Interested in Indy IV
July 13th, 2003 | Posted by Aaron

TheForce.net received info on an interview with Sean Connery last night on Access Hollywood. Here are some details:

Last night Sean Connery was interviewed on Access Hollywood. He mentioned some very interesting films he turned down: the original Matrix, and the Lord of the Rings. He said he turned both down because he didn't understand them a bit! Connery also said that he would love to do Indiana Jones 4, but has yet to see a script.

The Matrix role has got me stumped, but I'm glad to see he's interested in doing Indiana Jones IV. Stay tuned!

Thanks to TheForce.net for the news!

Marshall & Kennedy Talk Indy IV!
July 11th, 2003 | Posted by Aaron

Producer Kathleen Kennedy and Executive Producer Frank Marshall both spoke with Sci Fi Wire about Indiana Jones IV and the budget, and also touched base on the script and Connery's involvement in the project:

Producer Kathleen Kennedy told SCI FI Wire that she expects star Harrison Ford, director Steven Spielberg and producer George Lucas to defer their usual salaries in lieu of so-called "back-end points" (i.e., a percentage of the film's gross receipts) to ensure a reasonable budget for Indiana Jones IV. "First of all, they don't need [the money]," Kennedy said in an interview. "If they all want to do it, they're going to do it because they really, really want to go work together again and make another Indy movie. That would be the only motivating reason."

Executive producer Frank Marshall, meanwhile, told SCI FI Wire that screenwriter Frank Darabont is still writing the script, despite reports in June from Ford that the script was completed. "That's Harrison," Marshall said in the same interview. "He's hopeful. It's in the process of being done."

Marshall added that the filmmakers are working hard to make sure it is not just a half-hearted sequel. "It's basically the same kind of story that we had in the first three movies," he said. "It's up to us to maintain the integrity of the project. That's why it's taking a long time on the script. We want the story to be good enough."

Kennedy acknowledged Sean Connery's suggestion to Entertainment Tonight that he'd like to reprise his role as Henry Jones Sr., saying that it was a possibility. "He might show up," she said. But Marshall dismissed Connery's statement that his office had heard Spielberg would not direct. "No, Steven's doing it," Marshall said. "There's a lot of rumors out there that we've dispelled, but we haven't locked in on the script yet. It's not finished, and when it's finished, we'll go forward." Indy IV is still scheduled for a summer 2004 start and a summer 2005 release.

You know you've got a team of dedicated people when they'll do it, not for the pay, but because they want to, and it's that integrity and devotion that will make Indy IV so good! So far it's still looking good, Ford is roaring and ready to go, and Spielberg is set to direct, after hearing this, I think we can expect a heck of a film this time around. What makes me so excited is to hear that they are sticking to the old formula, they're not trying anything new and drastic, because Indy doesn't need anything new, why fix something that ain't broken? Glad to know that is the incentive behind Indy IV. Stay tuned!

Thanks to 'Carl' and Coming Soon! for the news!

DVD Bonus Feature Descriptions!
July 10th, 2003 | Posted by Aaron

TDB has posted a partial list of DVD Features with description from retail stores and has been confirmed by Paramount:

"Indiana Jones: Making the Trilogy The Lucasfilm archives were raided to give you unprecedented access to the making of the Indiana Jones trilogy. Join the cast and crew of all 3 films on an epic movie-making adventure, including all-new interviews with Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, Harrison Ford, Frank Marshall, Karen Allen, Kate Capshaw and more. Go on set and experience firsthand the rough-and-tumble world of the films' creation. Illustrated with never-before-seen footage, outtakes, screen tests, production drawings and photographs, Making the Trilogy is your first-class ticket to behind-the-scenes movie-making history.
The Light and Magic of Indiana Jones In an era before computer-generated effects existed, Industrial Light and Magic managed to bring to life the unique world of Indiana Jones by using groundbreaking techniques in special and mechanical effects. The ILM wizards reveal how they employed miniatures, matte paintings, morphing and more to make Indy's spectacular quests and supernatural adventures believable.
The Sound of Indiana Jones Academy Award-winning sound designer Ben Burtt takes us on what director Steven Spielberg describes as "an adventure in sound." Discover the crucial role that sound effects and editing play in the Indiana Jones films and learn the aural history behind some of your favorite scenes.
The Stunts of Indiana Jones Each Indiana Jones film topped its predecessor with heart-stopping, perilous stunts. The stunt crew takes you behind the scenes to witness the intense coordination required by the entire production team to make certain a death-defying scene looks convincing on film. Learn how the Indy films paid homage to the past and were pivotal to the future of movie stunts.
Original trailers Watch the original theatrical teasers and trailers for the Indiana Jones movies along with a trailer for the Indiana Jones and the Emperor's Tomb video game from LucasArts.
Exclusive DVD-ROM content Each of your Indiana Jones DVDs has the ability to unlock exclusive Indiana Jones content available only through a special DVD-ROM Web site. In addition, you can link to Indianajones.com (the official site for Indiana Jones fans) and check out the daily features and updates on Indiana Jones 4."

We can say this IS official details on the Indiana Jones Bonus Features. On top of that, Lucasfilm sent us some cool straight on shots of the DVD sleeves:

DVD Bonus Features Update!
July 9th, 2003 | Posted by Aaron

We've received an anonyms tip from someone who has viewed the DVDs and the bonus disk, and they have a few interesting things to add:

'The Adventure Continues' special doesn't mention anything new about Indy IV, there are a few interviews, but nothing we haven't already seen. It's basically a chronology of all three movies with interviews with the producers and maybe a mention of Indy IV, nothing we haven't already heard.
There will be deleted scenes, our source did not view all of them, but there is footage of the fight between Indy and the Swordsman, that we can confirm.
Our source also noted that there is very interesting footage of the filming of the bridge sequence as well as a lot of footage and content about 'Temple of Doom' that is very new and very interesting.

That's it for now, stay tuned for further updates and the latest in Indiana Jones DVD News!

Eric's Latest Column: 'Possession'
July 9th, 2003 | Posted by Aaron

This week, Eric 'Renderking' Fisk reviews 'Possession' in his latest 'Flicks to Hold You Over' Column

Marshall & Darabont Talk Indy IV!
July 8th, 2003 | Posted by Aaron

Coming Soon! posted a few quotes from Frank Darabont (Indiana Jones 4 writer) and Frank Marshall (executive producer) about Indy IV:

"I'm the world's biggest Indiana Jones fan," says Darabont, who wrote for ABC's The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles (and adapted and directed Stephen King's The Green Mile and The Shawshank Redemption). "I'll trip all over myself to work for Spielberg."

"Frank understands who the characters are," says Marshall about the writer. Shooting stars in mid-2004 for a 2005 release. Don't assume that Ford, 61, who hasn't cracked a whip since 1989's "The Last Crusade," needs to team up with a young buck for the next adventure. "We're sticking with Indy on his own," Marshall adds. "He still gets around pretty good."

This is wonderful to hear! Glad to know that the age will not be effecting Ford nor the story of Indy IV! Indy IV still looking good! Keep it here for the latest in Indy IV news!

Thanks to 'Carl' for the tip!

Spielberg Tweaking Raiders Scene?
July 5th, 2003 | Posted by Aaron

The Digital Bits reported a rumor that Steven Spielberg is going to digitally fix a scene in Raiders of the Lost Ark, for the DVD release, more specifically the scene in which Indy falls into the Well of Souls and comes face to face with a cobra. In the scene, you can see the snake's reflection in the glass separating Ford from the snake:

Word is, Spielberg is making one single change to the original Raiders of the Lost Ark (whoops... maybe that should be two, since they've also changed the name to Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark). And if this is true, the change could easily fall into the "digital cleaning and re-mastering" category. Remember that shot where Indy falls into the snake pit, and you briefly see reflections on the glass that's protecting Harrison Ford's face from the snakes? Well... our sources are telling us those reflections are being digitally removed from the shot so you can't see the glass. While there will no doubt be purists who get tweaked by this, we think most people will appreciate the fixed effect.

Should things like this be done? Is it a good idea to tamper with our favorite movies? It is Spielberg's movie, and granted it would enhance the film quality wise. Stay tuned!

More DVD Feature Durations!
July 5th, 2003 | Posted by Aaron

R2 Project posted more Indiana Jones DVD Feature durations today which included the 3-part 'making of' series for the Trilogy:

"Making of Indiana Jones Trilogy Part 1: Raiders of the Lost Ark" 50m 47s
"Making of Indiana Jones Trilogy Part 2 Temple of Doom " 41m 6s
"Making of Indiana Jones Trilogy Part 3 Last Crusade" 35m 0s
"Raiders of the Lost Ark Promotional Featurette" 9m 33s

Impressive, this bonus disk is going to be a blast, I know I'm excited! Keep it here for the latest in Indiana Jones DVD News!

Happy 4th of July!
July 4th, 2003 | Posted by Aaron

Today, Americans all over the country get out their patriotic spirit, and celebrate the day in which we got our independence, 227 years ago in 1776. I'd like to take a second to wish my fellow Americans a safe and happy Independence Day weekend.

So light up those fireworks and have a good one. God Bless America!

More DVD Features Revealed!
July 4th, 2003 | Posted by Aaron

The Digital Bits got some information on the new Indiana Jones DVD and what they've found is quite possible the kicker for this whole DVD:

Information from retailers in the U.K. indicates that extras will include several featurettes on the making of the films, the stunt work and sound effects and music mixing, along with deleted scenes, screen test footage, documentaries, something called The Adventure Continues, trailers and galleries of still photos and artwork.

'The Adventure Continues'? What does that mean? Could it be a special on how they did Last Crusade, or could it be, could it possibly be what we're all sitting on the edge of our seats about? Could it be that this is a sign, could it be? Could this possibly be an Indiana Jones 4 Teaser?! We'll let you know! Only 122 days to go! But this is certainly very tantalizing, just thinking about it. We'll keep you posted, stay tuned!

New: TIE.c Comic Contest Series!
July 3rd, 2003 | Posted by Aaron

To start off our Contests, and our Comic Contest Series, we will be giving away a copy of the very rare Issue #4 of the Marvel Indiana Jones Comics.

Be sure to visit the new Contests section and keep an eye on it, we will be featuring many more contests in the days to come! Stay tuned, and Good Luck!

Indy IV: Good News, and Bad News
July 2nd, 2003 | Posted by Aaron

Spielberg NOT Directing Indy IV?! Yep, or so says Coming Soon! and Empire Online who both reported that Sean Connery made the comment that Steven Spielberg would not be working on Indy IV:

From Coming Soon!: "All I know is that somebody called the office and said that Steven was not doing the movie. That Harrison had in fact verbally agreed to do another one. And would I be interested? But of course I would, I had a very good experience with it. Disappointed to hear that Steven wouldn't be doing it. But in the end it always gets down to how good the book is, the script is, and if it's really workable."

As Henry would say, this is intolerable! Luckily, the news is total false. Either Connery was misinformed or is playing a sick and un-humorous joke on us (highly unlikely). Coming Soon! came back with official word from Lucasfilm that the rumor is false and that Connery was in fact misinformed. So there you have it, no big deal, we're back to normal again, we can rest easy, Indy IV is still go.

Many thanks to Ryan for letting us know!

Star Wars Insider: Indy DVD Article!
July 2nd, 2003 | Posted by Aaron

Just got my latest issue of the Star Wars Insider (Issue #69 on page 8 & 9) where they feature an article about the up coming Indiana Jones DVDs. In it they feature quotes from Jim Ward, Vice President of Marketing for Lucasfilm and talk about what we can expect on the bonus fourth disc, and the improvement they have been able to do digitally for the films in their remastering project. Here is some of:

The bonus fourth disc promises exclusive new documentaries on the making of the films, featuring new interviews with the cast and crew, including Steven Spielberg, Harrison Ford, and George Lucas. When asked why this DVD released was so long in coming, Lucasfilm President of Marketing Jim Ward explained that Spielberg and Lucas had only now “found a pocket of time” to devote the kind of personal attention that the project deserves.

Further details on the bonus features were still under development at press time, but Ward hints at great treasures. “We went on our own Indiana Jones archeological dig in the Lucasfilm Archives,” he said, “and were amazed by that we found. It’s truly an embarrassment of riches, and we’re currently sorting out the material to configure the disc.”

“We knew we had to deliver the goods Indy fans wanted with a quality beyond anything they expected,” said Ward. “In addition to the films themselves, of course, this collection explores every facet of how the films were made—from stunts to visual effects to the music and sound. We take viewers around the world to explore the history behind the Indiana Jones legends.”

In addition to culling material from existing documentaries, DVD producer Lauent Bouzereau “will be doing a lot of ground-up original stuff for us,” said Ward, “but that’ll be only part of what’s on the disc.” Bouzereau is a veteran of doing behind the scenes on Lucas and Spielberg films such as American Graffiti, Jaws, and Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Even more exciting to many fans is the prospect of new interviews with Lucas, Spielberg, and Ford.

Ward went on to talk about how the digital remastering had improved the films to such great lengths: “I had no idea it could look that great,” says Ward. “We’re used to looking at DVDs of the latest Star Wars films, but these films are from the ‘80s. I was blown away by the clarity and the crispness and the color, and the sound is fantastic. Forget the bonus disc and everything else; it’s worth the price just to get these [movies] in this format.”

Very interesting article, you can find it in the August issue of the Star Wars Insider, #69, on page 8, very interesting article. I'm excited to see that there has been a lot of progress with the DVDs and that the remastering has improved the film, I can't wait to see what they've done!

Keep it here for the latest in Indiana Jones DVD news!

July 1st: Indy's 104th Birthday!
July 1st, 2003 | Posted by Aaron

Today, we celebrate the birthday of the man with the hat, Indiana Jones turns 104 this day! That's right, on July 1st 1899, Henry Jones Jr., son of Henry Jones Sr. and Anna Jones was born! And today, to celebrate Indy's birthday, or as we like to call it: Indy Day, we are release two new features today!

Interview with John Rhys-Davies An all new, TIE.c exclusive, interview with John Rhys-Davies, who portrayed Sallah in both Raiders and Last Crusade is online!
Indiana Jones' Journal This brand new feature was created by our very own fan fiction writer, Canyon, is the story of the Indiana Jones movies through the eyes of Indiana Jones in Journal form. We're releasing it in chronological order so Temple of Doom will be first then going on with Raiders and Last Crusade coming soon.

So to celebrate, go out and enjoy your Indy Day of fandom, grab your fedora and celebrate, today is Indy Day! Happy Birthday Indy!

DVD Feature Lengths
July 1st, 2003 | Posted by Aaron

Here are a few details posted by R2 Project about the Indiana Jones DVD bonus disk and the lengths of some of the features/documentaries:

"The Stunts Of Indiana Jones" 10m 52s
"The Light And Magic Of Indiana Jones" 12m 22s
"The Music Of Indiana Jones" 12m 24s

Interesting to know. Small bit of news, but there you have it! Stay tuned!