The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones: Volume One

I can still remember the first time I saw Raiders of the Lost Ark. It was just after my birthday in June, and I had some time to kill on a weekday afternoon. I didn’t recall seeing a lot of hype, and it seemed no one knew just how huge the film was going to be. My expectations were not really high. The film looked interesting, and I was just looking to escape for a couple of hours. By the time I left that theater, I felt a little bit like Indiana Jones himself having made some grand discovery. I had to tell my friends. I even managed to drag a friend who hadn’t liked a movie since 1972 to see it with me the very next day. Of course, the film was followed by The Temple Of Doom, and my faith in old Indy Jones was shaken somewhat. Along came The Last Crusade, and I was born again into the world that was Indiana Jones. All of us are now gearing up for a fourth film after what seems like decades, because it has been. However, the decades have not been a complete Indiana Jones blackout. For a short time Indiana Jones could be found in the most unlikely of places… network television. Enter The Adventures Of Young Indiana Jones.

    Like most folks I was skeptical. Could Indy be played by anyone other than Harrison Ford? What about those pesky network budgets and censors? As the series played out I made another discovery. Indiana Jones was now an American icon. He was our James Bond, and just as 007 had survived many incarnations, so too could Indy. As long as the actor remained faithful to the part and the production lived up to tradition, Indy could live far beyond Harrison Ford. As Temple Of Doom proved, even with Ford, quality is never certain. The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones was certainly different, but I have to say that I did experience some of that spirit of high adventure I did back in June of 1981.

    A couple of things you need to know about this set. First the name change. The original series was called The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles. The reason this set is not a traditional season set is because it does not present episodes in the order they were aired. The reason for the name change is that this is not exactly the old television series either. Each film in the set is made up of two episodes from the series blended into one new interwoven adventure. This was done some time ago when this material was first released on VHS years ago. The format takes a little getting used to, but the edits are carefully done and, for the most part, these newer versions run pretty smoothly.

    Indiana Jones is portrayed by two actors here. Some of the shows depict Indy at ages 8-10 and feature Corey Carrier. The kid’s a little too cute, but I found he has the mannerisms down pretty well for such a young actor. Most of the time Indy is played by Sean Patrick Flannery, who doesn’t have the same flare River Phoenix had as a young Indy in The Last Crusade. He’s not always as assertive as we’ve come to expect from our Indy, but he does manage to get himself into a lot of jams. This series ends up involving Indy in many historical events that, while it stretches credibility beyond belief, offers some very interesting backdrops for adventure. The series was shot in locations all over the globe, from Africa to Europe and here in the United States. The show always attempted to educate by including many references in each episode. The time period settings were always very well done, particularly considering the budget restrictions. Many of the shows are more mystery than archeology, again expanding the types of adventures Indy can have. There are the expected romantic leads that are played out in true Indy fashion. Lloyd Owen played Indy’s father Henry Jones, but man, I think Sean Connery spoiled that part for anyone who might attempt to come after him. The fact remains that the spirit of Indiana Jones lives in these episodes, remarkably more than you would expect from a television series and other actors in the Indy role. The pace is a bit slower for an Indy adventure with a lot more talking heads. Even the attempts to bring in so many historical figures get stretched a bit, but the effort is a good one and long overdue in getting the DVD treatment.

Video

Each episode of the series is presented in its original broadcast full frame format. I would have loved to see these things wide, and sources tell me they were filmed in such a way that wide presentations are entirely possible. For now we have these versions, and except for the format, they are rather nice presentations just the same. Colors are vivid when need be and appropriately subdued when called for. There is at times some grain that is easily forgiven. Black levels are rather nice, particularly for television transfers. I could find no significant print flaws or compression artifact. Bit rates almost never fall below a solid 5 mbps. Now the bonus features are a different story. Some of this footage goes back to the beginning of the 20^th century and is by necessity quite rough in every aspect. Take the “better to have rough footage than nothing at all” attitude here, and you’ll be fine.

Audio

The Dolby Digital 2.0 track here is pretty much a utility effort. There’s nothing wrong with it, but it never really shines. The Indy overtures come through fine but with none of the largesse and brilliance an Indy adventure deserves. Dialog is clear and easy to understand, and frankly, I think that was the only intent with this release. Likely the VHS mixes were used, so anything more was not originally considered. Consider this typical 1990’s broadcast quality. Nothing more. Nothing less.

Special Features

All I can say is WOW! This 12 disc set is packed with stuff. If it were packed any tighter it would likely explode on the shelves. The documentaries are newly created pieces just for this release.

I will break down each disc for you and talk about this wealth of extras in some detail.

Disc 1:

Episode: My First Adventure: This film combines the episodes Curse of the Jackal and Tangiers 1908. Young Indy is in Egypt with T.E. Lawrence and a mummy and a not so mummified body to contend with. Indy gets taken by slavers and taken to a slave market.

Archeology: Unearthing Our Past: Of course, there are clips here of Harrison Ford from Raiders of the Lost Ark as this 20 minute feature looks at the scientific study of archaeology. You’ll see some honest comparisons with Hollywood’s version and the field work as performed by the real deals. A few notable scientists offer what is basically an overview of the study. Some sweet footage of actual digs further enhances the piece.

Howard Carter and the Tomb of Tutankhamen: Few archaeological finds have been as dramatic as the discovery of King Tut’s tomb. The find single-handedly propelled the field to the fore and influenced many a young boy to enter the field. I was one of those youngsters who read Carter’s journals with nail biting suspense, dreaming of mummies and ancient Egyptian curses. It’s hard to believe that before this discovery Tut was an obscure child king very few outside the field had even heard of. Now his name is synonymous with Egyptology and Archaeology. Learn why in this 22 minute real life adventure story.

Colonel Lawrence’s War: T.E. Lawrence and Arabia: Who hasn’t heard of the mythical Lawrence of Arabia? Lawrence’s love for Arabia has been the subject of near legendary literature and speculation. This 36 minute documentary attempts to separate the myth from the man as it examines the historical background surrounding Lawrence’s Arabia. The Arab revolution against the Ottoman Empire is the setting that Lawrence is placed within, and it is here that the writer would attempt to lead in a leadership vacuum.

From Slavery To Freedom: This half hour piece examines the historical institution of slavery. While most of us are familiar with the American incarnation, slavery has a history that goes back beyond the Greeks and Romans, and it meant different things to different peoples.

Disc 2:

Passion For Life: This film combines the episodes British East Africa 1909 and Paris 1908. Indy meets Teddy Roosevelt and Norman Rockwell as he journeys from Kenya to Paris. It’s fine art and illegal game preserves.

Disc 3:

Theodore Roosevelt and The American Century: If ever there was a man larger than life it was Teddy Roosevelt, who, after being shot in the chest, delivered a speech before going to the hospital. He was the first U.S. President to fly while in office and the first to visit outside the United States as President. This is pretty much a chronology of the man from birth to death.

Ecology: The Pulse Of The Planet: One might expect this piece to be preachy, and it is, but not so much that it isn’t worth watching. Here we get a look at the environmental movement through history. If you look beyond the sermons, there is a ton of information packed into this 24 minutes.

American Dreams – Norman Rockwell and The Saturday Evening Post: Norman Rockwell captured the American lifestyle on Saturday Evening Post covers for decades. His work came to be known as a stereotype of the American landscape. It endures today, offering a stylistic look at a simpler time. This 24 minutes is a nice look at the man, his work, and the legacy it is today.

Art Rebellion – The Making of the Modern: This rather dry piece examines the modern Impressionist art form. Plenty of names and paintings left me a bit numb. However, if art is your thing, you’ll get a large dose of this painting style here.

Braque and Picasso: A Collaboration: Another art piece that put me to sleep. Again, if you’re fans, I’m sure there’s a lot to love here.

Disc 4:

The Perils Of Cupid: This film combines the episodes Vienna 1908 and Florence 1908. Here Indy runs into Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung to help him with a lovesick heart. It doesn’t help he’s fallen for the daughter of Archduke Ferdinand, who is about to make history on a global scale.

Disc 5:

Giacomo Puccini: It’s no secret that the heart of the opera is in the Italian composers and singers. Puccini only did 12 operas, but his La Boheme has become one of the most popular of all time. Say, didn’t Lewis have tickets to that one when he was busted in Trading Places? Opera talking heads literally explode with their praise. A couple of these women look like 1960’s teen girls who’ve just seen the Beatles play on Ed Sullivan.

It’s Opera: No kidding. This half hour attempts to explain exactly what opera is. Trust me, you’ll know it when you hear it. If you’re not a fan, this 30 minutes is as tragic as most of the characters that populate these things. Hey, when they started talking about famous Sopranos they didn’t even mention Tony, and nobody got clipped. Go figure!

The Archduke’s Last Journey – End of An Era: We all know the significance of the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand. His death would be the spark to ignite the powder keg of extreme nationalism and a complicated web of alliances that was Europe. This 21 minutes focuses more on the life and not the famous death.

Powder Keg – Europe 1900-1914: The years leading up to World War I were actually some of the most peaceful Europe had known up until that time. Just under the surface, however, tensions were never higher. The near certainty of a war that would claim 8 million souls was not yet ready to surface. This half hour guides us through these perilous times that were at any given moment ready to explode.

Sigmund Freud – Exploring The Unconscious: Freud was and still is a rather controversial figure, but no one can deny the impact he had on what was once a fledging field of study. His terminology invades our own culture, and his methods are standard procedure in therapy sessions around the world today. This 24 minutes explores the man that would change forever how we think about ourselves.

Carl Jung – The Journey of the Self: Jung’s classification of personalities has invaded every aspect of our lives. Educators attempt to create curriculum to meet the various learning styles. Employers use tests to find out what kind of people prospective employees might be. Many companies use these concepts to create team building exercises in an attempt to increase productivity. Learn about the man who started it all in this half hour presentation.

Disc 6:

Travels With Father: This film incorporates the original two part episode of the same name together. As a runaway in Russia, Indy meets Tolstoy. After their adventures, Indy gets back with his father and travels to Athens for some pop and son time.

Speaking Truth – The Life of Leo Tolstoy: Tolstoy is, of course, renowned for the epic novel War and Peace. His life is one of incredible changes, both in his personal sphere and the entire Russian Empire. This journey combines these two elements to demonstrate how they each influenced the other.

Unquiet Voices – Russian Writers and the State: The history of Russian literature and the government is an uneasy one to be sure. Russian people turned to these writers for hope and inspiration. This 25 minute look explores some of the most influential writers from the late 1800’s and beyond.

Ancient Questions – Philosophy and Our Search For Meaning: What is the meaning of life? Every Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Universe fan knows the answer to the question is 42. The answer is simple. The question, on the other hand is a whole other matter. Philosophy is the study of these questions that have no clear answers. How can you flunk a philosophy exam, I wonder. Some of these profound musings are explored here, along with some of the better known musers. They don’t, however, touch upon the Blu-ray/HD-DVD question

Disc 7:

Journey of Radiance: This film combines the episodes Benares 1910 and China 1910. Indy travels to India and China in a religious journey followed by a bout of typhoid fever. A big Mom Jones outing.

Jiddu Krishnamuqui – The Reluctant Messiah: Groomed as a savior from childhood, he turned against his destiny. Instead he attempted to preach self-reliance and wean his people from the need of leaders. In the end he could not truly escape his destiny as the people followed him anyway. Examine this contradiction of lives in a 26 minute biography.

Annie Besant – An Unlikely Rebel: The Industrial Revolution in England was infamous for its exploitation and abuse of its unskilled laborers. Writers like Charles Dickens wrote countless pieces calling for the end of child labor. The advocate for woman laborers was Annie Besant. Her uneasy life was dedicated to creating better and safer working conditions against an unstoppable industrial machine. For 27 minutes you’ll have a chance to get to know her and her cause like you never have before.

Medicine In The Middle Kingdom: Traditional Chinese medicine is practiced today all over the world. From acupuncture to herbs and spices, this alternative form of medicine has found a niche that continues to grow in the most modern societies and facilities. This 27 minute feature examines some of these traditional healing modes and the science being discovered that supports them.

Eastern Spirituality – The Road To Enlightenment: When the Beatles made their famous pilgrimage to India, they introduced an unsuspecting teenage world to Eastern spirituality. In the 1960’s most of the Eastern religions were still very much a mystery. Today these beliefs are growing faster than any others. This half hour presentation looks at these traditions and compares and contrasts them to Western beliefs we are often more comfortable with.

Disc 8

Spring Break Adventure: This film combines the episodes Princeton 1916 and part 2 of The Curse of the Jackal. Indy falls for yet another girl, this one the daughter of writer Edward L. Stratemeyer and later Thomas Edison. After playing a game of German Spies and Saboteurs, Indy is captured by the Mexican Rebel Pancho Villa, leading to a meeting with a young unknown George Patton.

Disc 9:

Thomas Edison – Lighting Up The World: No one has more US patents than Thomas Edison. From electric lights to the phonograph and the motion picture, hardly an hour of our waking lives is untouched directly by his inventions. This is a quite enlightening feature that while it focuses on the light bulb, looks at Edison himself and his many contributions to our lives.

Invention and Innovation – What’s Behind a Good Idea: They say necessity is the mother of invention. I can still sing the schoolhouse rock song. For 26 minutes, amaze yourself at the swift pace of 20^th century innovation and discovery.

The Mystery of Edward Stratemeyer: The writer took the children’s book out of the ages of primers and senseless cuteness and created a genre fit for the adolescents. Tom Swift, Nancy Drew, and The Hardy Boys are all creations of Stratemeyer under various pen names. Collectively he’s written more best selling books than anyone in history. You just might not have ever known his name. Now learn all about this pioneer who paved the way for such creations as Harry Potter today.

Wanted Dead or Alive – Pancho Villa and the American Invasion of Mexico: This Mexican revolutionary went from cult hero to brutal butcher in the short history of the Mexican Revolution. He is known today in The United States more for his massacre of a New Mexico town than his struggles against oppression Villa is a complicated historical figure. This 28 minute feature attempts to bring the man and his times into focus.

General John J. Pershing and His American Army: It’s how we Americans always like to think of ourselves. If it weren’t true, someone would have had to make it up. It’s the final years of World War I and Europe is almost lost. It’s doubtful they will be able to hold out for much longer when along come Pershing and the Americans coming over the hill that was the Atlantic Ocean to save the day. His impact on modernizing the American Armed Forces is Academy textbook stuff. See for yourself in this nearly half hour feature.

George S. Patton – American Achilles: Most of us think of George C Scott standing in front of a huge American flag spitting out those tough guy phrases and calling on his troops to reach higher and go further. Patton might not have been quite that image, and he certainly didn’t play well with others. Still, when the chips were down, he proved to be the most talented military strategist in modern history. This is 30 minutes of blood and guts like you haven’t seen before.

Disc 10:

Love’s Sweet Song: This film combines the episodes Ireland 1916 and London 1916. Another Indy romance takes center stage. Indy meets Winston Churchill, gets involved in England’s struggle for women’s rights, and ends up around one of the bloodiest moments in the long violent history of the Irish independence movement.

Disc 11:

Easter Rising – The Poet’s Rebellion: It was Easter 1916 in Dublin when rebels commandeered a post office, calling for Irish independence. While the uprising failed, the movement was now in the hands of experienced wordsmiths. This 26 minutes looks at Ireland’s struggle to be free from Britain and the poets who inspired a nation.

The Passions of William Butler Yates: Yates may not have led a rebellion, but his words and vision were as much a part of Ireland as pubs and shamrocks. This 27 minute biography reveals many sides of a rather complicated man.

Sean O’Casey vs. Ireland: This Irish playwright was a controversial man indeed. His plays incited violence, making him a dangerous man and a target. What compelled this man to write as he did? This 25 minute look attempts to answer the question.

Ireland – The Power of the Poets: It wasn’t only the independence movement that led to violent times in Ireland. There has been a centuries old religious battle as well. Protestants and Catholics have waged one of the bloodiest wars, rivaling those in the Middle East. The violence has been often cloaked in pretty lines and almost Greek tragic theater. This 26 minute documentary attempts to examine how poetry has helped to define Ireland’s struggles dominating a violent culture.

Winston Churchill – The Lion’s Roar: One of the larger features at nearly 34 minutes, this piece centers on a man who was at the center of the second World War. Once written off as a washed up politician, Churchill would regain dominance over British politics. This piece shows how tragic circumstances often create greatness. Did the times create Churchill, or was he a man made for the times? The rise and fall and rise of Winston Churchill is an interesting story, told well here.

Demanding The Vote – The Pankhursts and British Suffrage: This 27 minute feature covers the women’s suffrage movement in Britain. You’ll meet the Pankhurst family, a mother and two daughters who gave up everything to gain the vote for women in Britain. Each suffered great loss because of their fight.

Fighting For The Vote – Women’s Suffrage in America: This half hour documentary brings the suffrage movement back here to The United States. Here you’ll meet some of the influential characters who fought for the right to vote for women in this country. From Seneca Falls to women in power, this feature covers it all.

Disc 12:

Historical Lecture – The Promise of Progress: This 41 minute talk by Professor H.W. Brand is in essence an overview of the 20^th Century. Brand teaches history at the University of Texas in Austin. He attempts to put the century in perspective. There’s plenty of archive footage and a certain amount of overlap with the previous documentaries. It is at times dry and should really be considered a summary of all you have seen throughout the series.

There are some interactive timelines and a game, but I had a lot of trouble getting them to work on two different PC’s. On one the DVD-ROM elements froze up my system more than once. Frankly, none of this stuff seems worth the trouble. You get plenty of value from the documentaries and episodes.

Final Thoughts

I have to say that the tremendous collection of documentaries alone is worth the price of this set. Never in the history of TV on DVD has a set contained so much rich material. These are not cheap quick nods to history, but rather are loaded with vintage footage and photography that make them a worthy historical videography to any student of history. Some of them, particularly the art pieces, were a tad boring to me, but it’s easily forgiven for what all is there. I could have simply listed these extras and considered my job done. Instead I decided to spend time with each feature so that you might fully appreciate all you’re getting in this set. Certainly I would have liked some more behind the scenes stuff, but I suspect that’s coming by the third and final collection. One thing is for certain with a fourth Harrison Ford Indy film coming next spring and two more packed sets of these Young Indiana Jones stories: there’s a long ride ahead for Indy fans. This is going to be a fast Indiana Jones year, so “just hold on”.