DVD review (region 2, Blu-ray)
Directed by Franklin J. Schaffner, J. Lee Thompson
Starring Charlton Heston, Roddy McDowall, Kim Hunter
Release date 1 December 2008

A box set of the five Ape extravaganzas: Planet of the Apes, Beneath the Planet of the Apes, Escape From the Planet of the Apes, Conquest of the Planet of the Apes and Battle for the Planet of the Apes…

The ‘Apes’ movies get the Blu-ray treatment in this box set of monkey magic. The image is crisp and detailed, while the sound is up to the standard of the latest movie blockbusters. Surprisingly for films of the period, the enhanced quality doesn’t show up too many flaws in the make-up. The first two movies still look stunning, and it’s only the cheaper, later sequels that look less than impressive.

Aside from much previously released material, there are some wonderful new extras. The set comes complete with a fantastic book on the ‘Apes’ phenomenon that is worth owning in its own right: it puts paid to the theory that Star Wars kick-started movie merchandise.

A commentary track entitled ‘Science of the Apes’ offers insight into the truth behind the fiction, while a series of featurettes look at the making of the movies. Many of these are brief, but there so many of them this doesn’t really matter.

Appearing on the Blu-rays for Conquest and Battle are additional cuts, one unrated and one extended, which are hardly essential but nice for completists. A documentary entitled ‘End of an Epic: The Final Battle’ serves as both an overview of the series and an in-depth look at the final Apes movie, highlighting the filmmakers attempt at a darker ending that was ultimately thwarted by a cautious studio.

Even if you already own the movies, this is a crucial set for Ape addicts. The films have never looked better and the extras provide an honest look at the highs and lows of the series. Go ape! Jonathan Wilkins

VERDICT: 9/10
Excellent and comprehensive: there can’t possibly be anything more to add to the saga after this!