From Deseret News archives:

'Kong Diaries,' 'Godzilla' among DVD releases

Published: Thursday, Dec. 15, 2005 1:57 p.m. MST
 |  E-MAIL | PRINT | FONT + - 
A wide variety of shows have landed on DVD this week, including an elaborate promotional box set for the new "King Kong" movie, a vintage Danny Kaye musical and the latest "Godzilla" picture.

"King Kong: Peter Jackson's Production Diaries" (Universal, 2005, not rated, $39.98, two discs). This is unique, to say the least, two discs in a huge box that doesn't misrepresent what it is — 54 video-diary entries that put the viewer on the set of the new "King Kong" remake. (These videos initially appeared on a fan Web site.) www.KongIsKing.net

This result is a cross between those making-of featurettes that are on most DVDs today, and a reality series akin to "Project Greenlight" . . . except with a much bigger budget. The latter is especially true when writer/director Peter Jackson, on the last few days of shooting, is shown to be so exhausted that he brings in a couple of writer/director friends to take over the shoot for a few hours each whenever Jackson falls asleep.

Fascinating stuff for movie buffs and for the legion of post-"Lord of the Rings" Jackson fans.

Story continues below
Extras: Widescreen, 54 production diaries, introductions by Jackson, featurettes, subtitle options (English, French, Spanish), chapters; 52-page illustrated book on the film, four art prints.

"The Five Pennies" (Paramount, 1959, not rated, $14.99). Danny Kaye plays musician Red Nichols (from Ogden, Utah) in this sentimental, occasionally funny fictionalized biography. A dramatic change of pace for Kaye at the time, and he's very good. Tuesday Weld plays his young daughter; Louis Armstrong steals the show whenever he's onscreen. There aren't many Kaye films on DVD, so let's hope this begins a trend.

Extras: Widescreen, optional English subtitles, chapters.

"Godzilla: Final Wars" (Sony, 2004, PG-13, $24.96). This big-budget "Godzilla" film is said to be the last . . . yeah, right. This 50th anniversary effort includes a bevy of "Godzilla" co-monsters — everyone from Rodan to Mothra to Ghidrah shows up to destroy famous cities around the globe. Directed in frenzied 21st century style, with a bit of "Matrix" thrown in, but still campy, silly fun for "Godzilla" buffs.

Extras: Widescreen, making-of featurette, language options (English, French), subtitle options (English, French), chapters.

Comments

You can be the first to comment on this story.

Image
Pierre Vinet, Universal

Peter Jackson works with Naomi Watts on the set of "King Kong" as captured in his production diaries.

previousnext

Latest comments

Gibby's Mapleton subdivision OK'd

You think there's only one Utah County correspondent? Hardy is probably just...

Heaps, Ross to BYU in January

Yeah, I totally agree. George was clearly not open, but Max Hall made a great...

Jazz must juggle full roster

I have said this for the last couple weeks. As much as I criticize Jerry,...

How does he feel about the Utah fans?

...if games are on The Mtn. For those of us with HDTV's, the SD broadcasts...

You guys are forgetting that Mollee is from Utah too - Orem, Utah - which is...

Football forecast as predicted

Here are some easy predictions for next year: The y will start the season...

But they can cut Social Security and medicare for the elderly with not a bit...

Unless SWA has changed its policy you have to use the ticket within 12 of the...

Gee, there's a shocker: movie dazzles with the eyes, but falls short with...

Advertisements