VIDEO VIEW ‘Jurassic World’ reignites series’ appeal
As every movie fan must know by now, “Jurassic World” is a monster hit.
The PG-13 picture, which is the fourth title in the “trilogy” and directed by Colin Trevorrow, enjoyed an earth-shaking $511.8 million on its opening weekend, making it, according to theatlantic.com, the “highest-grossing global opening of all time.”
Any fan of the first three installments — 1993’s “Jurassic Park,” 1997’s “The Lost World: Jurassic Park,” both directed by Steven Spielberg, and 2001’s “Jurassic Park III,” directed by Joe Johnston — seeking a blast from the past have an opportunity to view the films thanks to remastered versions of the original titles that have landed in video outlets.
In addition, stores have received numerous Hasbro toys tied into “Jurassic World.”
Those with the superior Blu-ray Disc technology are particularly lucky, since “Jurassic Park: Ultimate Trilogy” (for the most-recent price, go to amazon.com) offers all three titles in digitally remastered versions with 7.1 audio. The extras include interviews with Spielberg and Johnston, “Return to Jurassic Park” (a six-part making-of documentary), deleted scenes and much more.
(A DVD version without the Blu-ray image is available for $49.99, and all disc prices are full retail as listed by amazon.com and may be discounted. The titles are also available via digital download.)
“Jurassic Park,” “The Lost World: Jurassic Park” and “Jurassic Park III” are also available individually. Each retails for $14.99 on DVD, while the original is $29.99 on Blu-ray and $19.99 on Blu-ray for the second and third installment.
The good news for fans is they’ll have no trouble seeing the original and its two sequels at home. Those dinosaur epics should keep them happy through the holiday season when “Jurassic World” seems poised to come out for gift-giving.
And toy-store shelves are already bulging with “Jurassic World” merchandise.
The items from Hasbro (with all prices suggested retail) include:
n “Jurassic World” Indominus rex dinosaur featuring chomping action and color-morphing skin. ($34.99)
n “Jurassic World” basic figure assortment featuring dinosaurs with either chomping jaws or thrashing tails, each sold separately. ($9.99)
n “Jurassic World” Hero Mashers Dino assortment featuring characters (each sold separately) such as a Dimorphodon, Raptor, Ankylosaurus and more. ($9.99)
n “Jurassic World” Raptor Assortment with three of the most popular raptors — Charlie, Delta and Echo — from the film, each sold separately. ($9.99)
n And according to a news release from Bender/Helper Impact Public Relations, other items are available, and in the fall, “Jurassic World” Tyrannosaurus Rex Lockdown playset with a human figure and a catapult net launcher to try to take down the creature, will be in stores.
Additional items coming this summer include toys, games, puzzles, sporting goods, diecast vehicles, costumes, umbrellas, footwear, fruit snacks, backpacks, tote bags, lunch kits, sleepwear, loungewear, electronics, food, personal care (such as first aid bandage kits) and tie-in books.
There’s plenty of dinosaur action and home viewing until “Jurassic World” debuts in video stores and reignites dinosaur fever.
New arrivals
The following titles either have been or soon will be released (with all dates subject to change):
“Bank Shot,” with George C. Scott and Joanna Cassidy in a PG-rated crime comedy (1974) about a plan to steal an entire bank building.
“The Fisher King,” with Jeff Bridges and Robin Williams in an R-rated tale (1991) about a former shock jock and a homeless man who embark on a quest together. The acclaimed title, directed by Monty Python troupe member Terry Gilliam, is part of the prestigious Criterion Collection.
“Harry in Your Pocket,” with James Coburn, Trish Van Devere and Michael Sarrazin in a PG-rated tale (1973) about a pickpocket teaching the illegal skill of working in nimble-fingered teams.
“Dog Soldiers,” with Sean Pertwee in director Neil Marshall’s R-rated British import (2002) about soldiers who encounter werewolves during a war-games exercise.
“The Mean Season,” with Kurt Russell and Mariel Hemingway in an R-rated thriller (1985) about a reporter whose stories bring him into contact with a killer.
“Needful Things,” with Ed Harris and Max Von Sydow in an R-rated adaptation (1993) of the Stephen King book in which townspeople turn on each other after a stranger moves into the area.
“Stone Cold,” with Brian Bosworth and Lance Henriksen in the R-rated cult favorite (1991) about a cop pressured by the FBI to infiltrate a violent biker gang.
“The Thing with Two Heads,” with Roosevelt Grier and Ray Milland in a PG-rated exploitation film (1972) about a racist brain surgeon who has a deteriorating body and pays to have his head transplanted on another body.