May
13, 2008 — REVIEWS OF THE NEW 3-DISC INDIANA JONES DVD ADVENTURE COLLECTION
Lucasfilm and Paramount just released the 3-DVD box set INDIANA JONES THE ADVENTURE COLLECTION today, but INDY 4 ADVENTURE has our complete review of the box set now! Read our in-depth coverage of all three classic Indy films — RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK, INDIANA JONES AND THE TEMPLE OF DOOM and INDIANA JONES AND THE LAST CRUSADE — plus our extended reviews of each discs all-new Bonus Features, including all new interviews with Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, Harrison Ford and the entire INDY production family.
You'll also read about new sneak previews and interviews with the cast and crew of INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL, recorded specifically for this new DVD box set!
READ OUR INDIANA JONES AND THE RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK REVIEW HERE
READ OUR INDIANA JONES AND TEMPLE OF DOOM REVIEW HERE
READ OUR INDIANA JONES AND THE LAST CRUSADE REVIEW HERE
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February
14, 2008 UPDATE — SPECULATION ON THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL TRAILER
Read our INDY 4 ADVENTURE Blog speculation study of the KOTCS trailer, looking in-depth at the action scenes, character revelations and breakdowns of the quick-edit surprises found in the video clip.
February
14, 2008 — REVIEW OF THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL TRAILER
As timely as a valentine, the trailer for INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL debuted this morning on ABC's Good Morning America, and now is available online for viewing at IndianaJones.com as well as in theaters attached to Paramount's THE SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES opening today.
My initial review of the KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL trailer (some MILD SPOILER ALERT in effect):
THE LOOK — director Steven Spielberg and cinematographer Janusz Kaminski appear to have done a fine job recapturing the visual style and lighting of the previous three films, perhaps in some ways most resembling RAIDERS and TEMPLE OF DOOM more than LAST CRUSADE. Reports stated both worked hard to achieve that creative goal and from these short clips, they succeeded. Well done!
THE SCRIPT — surprisingly, the earlier leaked descriptions of this trailer which even I had tremendous doubts about their accuracy held up to be somewhat true. . . although the action descriptions were so incomplete and poorly worded, the leak didn't do this trailer justice.
While the second batch of leaked title card texts were accurate, the recollection of whomever sneaked a look at the trailer was quite incomplete. The actual, final trailer itself plays clearly, makes sense in setting up the general story without giving the plot away, and recaptures the heroic (and occasionally comic) nature of the INDY film series.
THE LENGTH — With a running time of approximately 1:45, the KOTCS trailer is a bit shorter than I expected
but not drastically so. Still, in some ways it looks and feels much like a teaser instead of a full-throttle pre-release trailer — a hybrid between the two is probably most accurate. Why? I noticed the trailer visits relatively few main locations, as far as we can guess at this point: most of the action is in the supposed 'Area 51' warehouse where Indy may or may not re-encounter the Ark of the Covenant. Also, little of the action is shown in the South American jungles except for the very end of the trailer with a couple of effects shots at the exterior of a yet-unknown temple or monolithic structure.
Such emphasis on a relatively few scenes usually happen in teasers since much of the film hasn't been shot yet and so isn't available to show in a full-length trailer. Agent Spalko (Cate Blanchett) isn't really introduced and barely speaks, Marion appears briefly but gets no word in edgewise, and Shia LaBeouf makes a short unintroduced appearance: all also more common traits of a teaser rather than the usual complete trailer. Most important 'omission': any reference at all to the Crystal Skulls from the title, an oddity which had me doubting the leaked trailer description from the start. I can't help but wonder if this trailer is actually an expanded teaser which was created but never shown to audiences as "promised" by George Lucas last fall to appear in theaters by November/December? We'll see.
SUMMARY —
I think this trailer serves KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL well... except we still know so little about the film that it's hard to judge just how effective it is as a marketing tool. I certainly enjoyed watching it (the leaked video looked like crap, as one would expect) and seeing the trailer in its full online glory is a much better insight into the film! I'll give Paramount and Steven Spielberg credit: they have kept a very tight lid on this fourth Indiana Jones story, and my fedora is off to them for further refusing to spill the beans in this new trailer. The humor is there, the iconic hero is there, the action is there, and yes the gray hair is there (as it is for me too, by now!), and this trailer will definitely whet the appetites of eager fans primed to join Dr. Jones' latest adventure this May. As of today, surprisingly it still may be the case of 'never before have so many seen so much and still known so little' about a major franchise film, but that might prove to be the secret of the CRYSTAL SKULL's power at box offices this summer!
More on this and all developing INDY 4 news when it happens.
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February
11, 2008 — OFFICIAL DETAILS ON THE DEBUT OF THE KOTCS TRAILER THIS THURSDAY
Official word from IndianaJones.com today that the trailer for KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL debuts exclusively this Thursday morning between 8-9 am on ABC's Good Morning America program, then it will become available online at the official INDY site, Yahoo! Movies and in theaters attached to Paramount's THE SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES.
Keep in mind that the 8-9am air time is in the Eastern time zone for American audiences, so those of you farther west will actuall be able to view the KOTCS trailer online earlier than you can watch it on television — how much earlier depends on how much farther west you live from the east coast. So, cancel your plans to stay awake until midnight on Valentine's Day just to watch the trailer — instead set your alarm clocks for an early morning on Thursday, then enjoy a romantic evening with your favorite adventurer (or adventuress!) that night. This is where the fun begins!
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February
10, 2008 — WEEK IN REVIEW: SWORDS, SKULLS AND ICONIC COSTUME VIDEO
 Well, I take a little time away from I4A and the news updates the for INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL start hopping!
Yet another photo surfaced of Agent Irina Spalko (Cate Blanchett) in an apparent interrogation scene from the film. There's some potential spoiler info to be seen in the picture, so take this link to view the full-size image and read more details about it.
Also the official INDY site debuted a new behind-the-scenes video just before the weekend, celebrating Indy's iconic fedora Hat and Jacket.
Steven Spielberg, Harrison Ford and costume designer Bernie Pollack discuss the famous look and how it's been keenly adapted across all four films since RAIDERS. Keep a sharp eye open for a few quick new glimpses from Indy in action amid a mysterious water-filled cavern and more on-set intrigue.
More images surfaced, reported to be a design of the Crystal Skull itself, which may confirm some plot speculation running rampant for the last few months. They also generated controversy to the point where the hosting sites were asked (ordered?) to remove the pics. I saw the photo when it surfaced but decided not to post it because, if official, it was just too spoiler-heavy — and just as well since the studio stepped in to protect their film.
If you saw it, then you know that little bit more about Indy's next adventure now... or at least, think you know. Fans definitely will learn a lot more from the official source as the trailer for KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL debuts this Thursday! The trailer will be shown in theaters with Paramount's THE SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES, and also premiere on the official Indiana Jones website. TV ads tonight also indicate we'll get our first look at the trailer on ABC's Good Morning America program Thursday morning — though the promo sounds like the show may debut clips from the trailer, but possibly not the entire trailer itself. Only time will tell. More INDY updates as they arrive!
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February
1, 2008 — A THIRD NEW PUBLICITY PHOTO REVEALS INDY AND THE WAREHOUSE OF CRATES
 The publicity photos just keep on coming this week as we receive this new and somewhat revealing shot, published as an exclusive earlier today at the MTV Movie Blog. This new shot fills in another piece of the plot puzzle for INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL, depicting Indy standing atop a small mountain of very familiar-looking stencilled wooden crates stored in a warehouse. Sound familiar, RAIDERS fans?
Doctor Jones definitely looks engaged in a bit of contemporary archeology, searching through these "secret"-stamped crates. While rumors (all unconfirmed) suggest that the U.S. Government's own covert 'Well of Souls' storehouse may be located farther west than the supposed Washington DC-adjacent storage for the Ark of the Covenant, this new photo clearly implies this stash existing in place and untouched for quite a while, given the cobwebs seen at Indy's feet.
Indy's expression looks like one of his trademark grins mixing defiance and disdain, perhaps directed at his nemesis Agent Spalko, if indeed she shares the scene. INDY 4 ADVENTURE speculates that this new third shot is related to yesterday's pointed confrontation between Indy and Spalko, given his similarly dissheveled appearance. View the full-size image here to speculate and judge for yourself!
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January
31, 2008 —
SECOND PROMISED PUBLICITY PHOTO OF AGENT SPALKO UNSHEATHED
EmpireOnline.com has now published their second exclusive publicity pic from LFL and Paramount showing a tense moment between Agent Spalko and Indy from INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL. Doctor Jones is definitely in a bind, held captive and at the business end of Spalko's sword amid a squad of what's rumored to be her Russian soldiers infiltrating a base in American military uniforms.
Click the image for larger photo in new window
If Empire's first photo is the precedent, a clearer un-scanned image of this photo will be available on the official Indiana Jones website soon. I4A will update with a higher quality photo when available.
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January
30, 2008 —
NEW PUBLICITY PHOTO SHOWS INDY ARMED FOR ACTION
EmpireOnline.com got an exclusive image to debut from LFL and Paramount showing another publicity photo from INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL. While the image itself shows nothing new — since the upcoming LEGO set had a plastic mini-RPG in Indy's hands, it does deliver our first look at Indy, Marion and Mutt together in action. Looks like they've commandeered a Russian truck or transport, judging from the color scheme of the vehicle. UPDATE: the official release of this photo is now available by clicking the link below.
Click the image for larger photo in new window
Empire promises this image printed full-size in their upcoming issue on sale Friday, PLUS another brand new image of Cate Blanchett as Agent Irina Spalko. The British mag also spoke with producer Frank Marshall who offered more insights into KOTCS post-production:
"This picture is locked. Steven's pretty much done editing. And we're going into the phase with John Williams where he starts scoring the movie. He's really writing now and then we'll start scoring in February".
Taking this with Spielberg's earlier comment that he was entirely pleased with the main unit footage and planned no reshoots, it sounds like editing KOTCS has gone remarkably smoothly. Next up, iconic composer John Williams to put that thrilling INDY touch to the film with his new orchestral score.
Meanwhile we're still awaiting the rumored trailer which might appear on February 14th, so stay tuned fans!
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January
18, 2008 —
NEW KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL BEHIND THE SCENES VIDEO
In a realtively busy Indy news day,
IndianaJones.com revealed a new behind-the-scenes featurette from production on INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL — this new video taking fans on a tour on the set of Indy's house. Production Designer Guy Hendrix Dyas hosts the 1:15 minute clip, stating that Indy's 'new' house will be intentionally reminiscent of his home seen in RAIDERS, but updated in style to fit the 1950s era and decorated with collected artifacts from Indy's ensuing adventures since LAST CRUSADE. Take the link and watch this new featurette to see where Indy keeps his iconic hat and whip when he's having a less adventurous day.
IN OTHER NEWS . . .
LUCASFILM AND PARAMOUNT PLAN A KOTCS TRAILER VALENTINE GIFT TO FANS
As reported earlier at our INDY 4 ADVENTURE Blog, reports from Chud.com indicate that we might finally get a full-length trailer for INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL just in time for Valentine's Day!
The semi-official news says the KOTCS trailer will debut at 12:01am Friday, February 15th both in theaters and online at IndianaJones.com, with a tease preview of the trailer shown on Entertainment Tonight the night of the 14th. A slightly conflicting aspect of the report stated the trailer will open in theaters on the 14th as well — an odd Thursday start date — but it's likely that the trailer could begin showing at any midnight screenings late that Thursday night.
It's nearly certain the KOTCS trailer will be attached to Paramount's release of THE SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES, which opens that same weekend in theaters. But given how 'late' a start the INDY 4 trailer is getting with this date, a shade over three months from the film's May 22nd release, it's quite possible the trailer will appear before other films opening or playing that same mid-February weekend.
I think (but can't prove) there's still an outside chance that a brief 'teaser' commercial might air during the Super Bowl on February 3rd — perhaps as a preview to whet the appetite of fans for the full-throttle trailer two weeks later. Maybe since a teaser never made it into theaters in November/December 2007, it might have been held in reserve for display to the massive NFL audience during the big game. The odds against this theory are rather high, admittedly, but IF Lucasfilm/Paramount had any teaser-showing plans left, a Super Bowl buy would likely be their last worthwhile chance before the full trailer arrives on the 14th.
Stay tuned for more breaking KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL news when it happens, fans!
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January
15, 2008 —
NEW KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL PUBLICITY PHOTO RELEASED
IndianaJones.com revealed a new publicity photo from INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL. Visit the INDY 4 ADVENTURE Photo Gallery to obtain the full-size image featuring actors Ray Winstone, Shia LaBeouf and Harrison Ford, then read one possible analysis of this picture at the INDY 4 ADVENTURE Blog on MySpace and share your own thoughts on what this new image might represent from the upcoming feature film!
Visit INDY 4 ADVENTURE Downloads to get this image for your computer desktop, too!
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January
14, 2008 —
NEW KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL DOWNLOADS NOW ONLINE
Visit the INDY 4 ADVENTURE Downloads exhibit to view and obtain four new wallpaper and buddy icon designs from INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL. Based on promotion stills from the film and the teaser poster artwork, add these new artifacts to your desktop and gear up for this May's most anticipated adventure!
 
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January
2, 2008 —
VANITY FAIR EXCLUSIVE INDY 4 PHOTOS AND ARTICLE REVELATIONS
Once again Vanity Fair magazine and photographer Annie Liebowitz got their exclusive on-set interviews and photo shoot with an upcoming George Lucas film is their 'Keys to the Kingdom' winter mega-preview of INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL. While the article itself isn't heavy on spoilers, it's a solid read (with plenty of Lucas/Spielberg history thrown in) and will spawn more plot speculation to be sure. But it's Liebowitz's photos which are causing the biggest stir, and will contain enough spoiler elements that I will offer jumps to them here, here and here in case you're shying away from images.
I'll get into a more lengthy discussion of the article later, but read it yourselves and enjoy the photos for now.
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December
31, 2007 —
YEAR-END INDY 4 'KINGDOM' PHOTOS AND COMIC BOOK ART
As INDY 4 ADVENTURE crates up our 2007 coverage of INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL for the archives, here are a few last-minute additions from fellow Indy fans and associates around the net:
The fine site HarrisonFordWeb.com posted four exclusive pics reportedly taken on Universal Studios' soundtrage sets of INDY 4. Lots of temple ruin structures which look awesome but don't necessarily reveal tons of spoiler info, but if you're avoiding any spoilers, then I'll only present small preview images here. Take the link above to HFW to see larger size images — they're a good site you should visit anyway!
Another great Indy fan as well as a talented, successful artist, Steve Anderson, released a higher-resolution image of his cover art for the upcoming Dark Horse comic adaptation of KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL. Steve's excellent work has been featured on many INDY and STAR WARS publications plus tons of other genre/sci-fi titles, so you'll recognize his style quickly. Be sure to check out Steve's design website too.
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December
21, 2007 —
DOES COVER ART FOR MAKING OF INDY BOOK REVEAL AGENT SPALKO?
Earlier today, StarWars.com revealed the front and back cover art for next year's behind-the-scenes book The Complete Making Of Indiana Jones by J.W. Rinzler, which will cover the production of all four films in the series including INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL.
Note below what could be the first photo of Cate Blanchett as Soviet Agent Irina Spalko, apparently standing next to Steven Spielberg on-location, and another shot of Shia LaBeouf on his motorcycle. It would certainly make marketing sense to include photos from INDY 4 on the back cover of this four-film documentary, with Cate and Shia being the two newest stars in the franchise. If indeed that is Cate as Spalko, she certainly looks like the dark and dangerous, formidable foe of Indy — and perhaps quite the vixen too!
Random House/Del Rey will release J.W. Rinzler's in-depth making-of book on May 22, 2208 — the same day KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL bursts into theaters. |
December
10, 2007 —
KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL TEASER POSTER RELEASED
Get the newly release teaser poster now in INDY 4 ADVENTURE Downloads! It's another Drew Struzan design of Indy with his iconic hat and whip, an ominous fiery crystal skull glowing large behind him. Looks very reminiscent of the early film series, blending the style of the RAIDERS poster but with the saturated colors of the TEMPLE OF DOOM poster. Check it out now for yourself!
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December
9, 2007 —
CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE JONES KIND? I4A DOESN'T THINK SO
Check out Part One of INDY 4 ADVENTURE's new article which brings the recent wild plot rumors down to Earth for a reality check, and speculates on the facts we know about INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL today. The clues are out there with more arriving each week — read our article to separate fact from fiction, then join the discussion with your own comments and opinions.
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December
7, 2007 —
PRODUCER FRANK MARSHALL CONFIRMS INDY 4 CHARACTER ROLES
A semi-spoiler alert is in effect, read on at your own discretion, fans. . .
In an MTV News interview, producer Frank Marshall has revealed more details on three key new characters in the upcoming INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL. Sort of.
First, he confirms that Cate Blanchett does indeed play Indy's new foe in the next adventure:
"Well, Cate [Blanchett] is just spectacular, one of the finest actresses working today. She went from '[The Curious Case of] Benjamin Button' to playing the villainess in 'Indiana Jones,' so she's up for anything," Marshall enthused, confirming speculation that the Oscar winner joined the cast as Indy's main adversary. "She makes a great villain. She had a really fun time."
Next, Ray Winstone plays what might be described as the anti-Belloq to Harrison Ford's Professor Jones:
"Ray Winstone, he came from 'Beowulf' to this," Marshall continued, describing Winstone's character, Mac, as a sort of cross between villain Belloq and friend Sallah. "He plays an archaeologist competitor to Indy. Friend and competitor."
Lastly, Marshall gave this short confirmation about Indy's cohort:
"And Jim Broadbent? He plays a Yale colleague of Dr. Jones' that "sort of replaces Marcus Brody," Marshall said.
While it's quite interesting to note the timing of this reveal by producer Frank Marshall, his interview really doesn't provide more info beyond confirming what most fans already suspected about these three roles. We still have no names for these characters except Mac, just an official (and welcome) statement on how they will fit into this new plot.
What might be more revealing about this secret-ending spill with MTV News is the timing of it all. With other recent word in ComingSoon.net's interview with Marshall that an INDY 4 teaser poster will be revealed this month (just as THE DARK KNIGHT teaser hit the internet), might... and I repeat... might a surprise teaser trailer appear in theaters sometime soon?
Are the arriving poster and character announcements laying the groundwork for a promotional 'sneak attack' stepping up the film's profile a few notches?
Pull your hats down tight, fans, because this ride could shift into a higher gear sooner than you think!
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December
5, 2007 —
THE SCRIBE OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL DESCRIBES "THRILLING" NEW FILM
Screenwriter David Koepp has spoken up about his task scripting INDIANA
JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL in a new MTV.com interview. While he remained silent as a tomb on plot details, of course, the scribe offered this brief comment about what he's seen of Indiana Jones' newest adventure so far: “I’ve seen some footage and it’s really thrilling,” Koepp exclaimed. “When you first see Harrison Ford back in Indy garb — it’s just really cool.”
After so many previously rejected scripts by writers such as Frank Darabont, and under enormous pressure to deliver a new-yet-classic installment in the daring archeologist's cinematic saga, Koepp describes his mission succinctly: “You’ve just got to hope to God you don’t screw up.”
Not only did his script have to please creative principals George Lucas, Steven Spielberg and
Harrison Ford, Koepp's tale must please millions of worldwide fans — and perhaps most difficultly of all, it must measure up to the series' cinematic high-water mark, RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK. A tough task indeed, as proven by the ghosts of many failed attempts to follow-up on Indy's adventures, last revisited back in 1989!
David Koepp offers this vague but insightful barometer of what fans can expect next May: “I hope it’s along the lines of the first one,” he said. “It’s certainly not as dark as the second one and it’s certainly not as humor driven as the third one. Hopefully it will have its own place [but] it’s closest to [’Raiders’].”
But will the filmmakers find a way to paint themselves out of a creative corner and repeat the storytelling success of RAIDERS without replicating it directly? We'll learn much more about the answer to that cliffhanging question when (eventually) we get to see our first teaser/trailer in theaters — hopefully sooner than later.
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December
4, 2007 — LONG LOST INDIANA JONES COMICS TO BE UNEARTHED IN FEBRUARY
 Three of Indiana Jones' comics adventures, long out-of-print, will be rediscovered by fans early next year in the Indiana Jones Omnibus I by Dark Horse. According to the DH press release:
This February, Indiana Jones is back in a massive volume recounting three of the most important discoveries in the career of the twentieth century's most adventurous archaeologist! Containing the long-out-of-print stories, "Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis," "Thunder in the Orient," and "Indiana Jones and the Arms of Gold," this substantial anthology follows the intrepid Dr. Jones as he travels from Africa to Asia and nearly everywhere in between in a race against the Nazis for the world's greatest treasures.
From lost cities, to ancient temples, to artifacts of legendary power, Indy will stop at nothing to preserve these prizes from the grasp of Adolf Hitler's evil minions. With INDIANA
JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL in theaters in May 2008, now's the best time to catch up or brush up on the story, and the Indiana Jones Omnibus I is the perfect starting point.
The first three adaptations in the Indy comics series will retail for $24.95 in stores sometime in February 2008. A comic adaptation of INDIANA
JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL will publish in May 2008 timed with the film's release, and beginning an all-new Indiana Jones comics series.
If nothing else, fans can count on plenty of new Indy reading material by February! This huge 352-page collection is available for pre-order via DarkHorse.com.
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December
2, 2007 —
NEW INDY 4 ADVENTURE BLOG: NO TRAILER UNTIL 2008?!
Check out the INDY 4 ADVENTURE Blog to read my recap of internet rumors suggesting we may not see an INDIANA
JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL trailer in theaters until February of next year.
Then join in on the discussion with your comments and speculation: will Paramount 'sneak' a teaser trailer into theaters during the holiday season, or are we truly in for a big-screen promotional black-out until 2008? I welcome you fans to subscribe to the INDY 4 ADVENTURE Blog on MySpace to interact with other fans and have the latest I4A news delivered to you as it happens!
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November
27, 2007 —
NEW PICTURES OF HARRISON FORD AND SHIA LaBEOUF FROM INDY 4
 Credit to AICN for the scoop: whip on over to the I4A Photo Gallery for three new pictures from INDIANA
JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL as teased to the left.
These new photos (from an unknown source, perhaps leaked) give fans their best look yet at actors Harrison Ford and Shia LaBeouf in character from the film. The story make take place in the 1950s, but aside from being a little grayer, Indiana Jones hasn't changed much at all since his last adventure!
View these three images now in Photos.
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November
16, 2007 —
JOHN WILLIAMS LOOKING AHEAD TO SCORING INDY 4
If reports from the end of September held true, composer John Williams should be back to work on his original score for INDIANA
JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL after his upcoming concert appearances with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra next weekend. While we have no direct reports on his progress, here's a 2003 quote from Williams on his eagerness and expectations for composing a fourth film score in the INDIANA JONES film series, as interviewed on the Bonus Material disc from The Adventures of Indiana Jones Complete DVD Movie Collection:
"It would be wonderful because it would be an opportunity to take another romp through the imaginations of George and Steven particularly, and their writers. But for me the experience of doing the trilogy of Indiana Jones has been an important one in the overall stretch of what I've done in film. It was a joyous experience doing this, it always is with George and Steven. And the fact that it's music that I can still play in concerts, and that other people still will do that from time to time, is enormously gratifying to me — that people remember it on its musical legs, so to speak, which is, I have to say, the result of the happy coincidence that people remember these films so well. They've been a very important experience for me, and i look forward very much to revisiting all of this in INDIANA JONES 4. I think it will be a very exciting thing to do and a very pleasurable one, certainly."
Of course when John Williams made these comments four years ago, the prospect of INDY 4 was only rumor as the project languished in script development limbo, but I4A has no doubt that now the film has completed main unit production, Williams just as excited and pleased with the creative opportunity before him as he anticipated years ago.
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November 12, 2007 — INDIANA JONES AND THE ARBITRATION OF SCRIPT CREDITS
In an interview at MTV Movies Blog, screenwriter Frank Darabont (THE MIST) offered some intriguing comments and insights about his involvement — and eventual lack thereof — in the final shooting script for INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL.
Darabont admits he hasn't read the final script . . . yet. But when he does, he anticipates the Writers Guild will likely arbitrate official story and script credits for the final result. “I keep hearing from people who are near the production and they keep saying, ‘You know, they’re using more of your ideas here than you may have thought',” says Darabont.
The scribe also touches on his non-credit in developing one important plot point which may be a spoiler for some readers, so I'll leave it for you to discover at the link above. In any case,
Frank Darabont remains just as much of an enthusiastic Indy fan as ever: “I know Steven Spielberg is not going to disappoint us. He’s going to make a great movie,” Darabont praised. “As a fan, I’m keeping my fingers crossed. I hope it turns out great.” Only time and the final screen credits will determine how Professor Jones and writer Darabont faced off with Guild arbitrators.
IN OTHER NEWS . . . PLASTIC TOY BLOCKS HELP BUILD THE RUMOR MILL ABOUT INDY 4 ACTION
That's right, the Lego website Brickset lists four upcoming toy sets themed around the story of INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL. I'll hide the information which may include mild spoilers for those of you not paying particularly close attention to the filming location photos released a couple months ago: the four INDY LEGO sets boast title descriptions of [highlight to read]Temple of the Crystal Skull, Jungle Duel, River Chase and Jungle Cutter.
No real earth-shattering spoilers there, but officially merchandised confirmation of story elements we've heard about during production.
How does the saying go? And a child shall lead them...
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November 11, 2007 —
"YOU'RE MY GOOD FRIEND" - JOIN THE INDY 4 ADVENTURE ON MY SPACE
 Today the Official INDY 4 ADVENTURE MySpace page made its debut, and we're already gathering a good group of new friends and longtime Indiana Jones fans!
For all you fans who kindly follow this website and meet other movie fanatics on MySpace, I welcome you to add the INDY 4 ADVENTURE on MySpace to your friend list today.
From here on I will be breaking the latest news I learn about INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL first on the INDY 4 ADVENTURE blog!
Subscribe to the I4A blog to get new photos, videos, downloads and hot headlines as they happen.
Of course I'll still be posting all the latest KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL news here on the INDY 4 ADVENTURE website, but I'll be posting blog links first to broadcast word to as many fans as possible faster than a cracking whip.
Please visit the Official INDY 4 ADVENTURE MySpace page soon and join the adventure — it's going to be a wild ride until May 2008, so hang on to your hats!
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November 3, 2007 —
A TREASURE OF INDIANA JONES WALLPAPER DESIGNS UNCOVERED!
 The recent update at the Official Indiana Jones site yielded a treasure trove of brand new computer wallpaper designs for INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL.
Visit our INDY 4 ADVENTURE Download museum to view and obtain these rare artifacts, celebrating the iconic and exciting moments from all of Indy's previous cinematic adventures: RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK, TEMPLE OF DOOM and THE LAST CRUSADE.
More new wallpaper designs are yet to be revealed, including THE ADVENTURES OF YOUNG INDIANA JONES and much more! Meanwhile,
choose wisely and enjoy...
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November 2, 2007 —
MEET THE POWER PRODUCING COUPLE BEHIND INDY 4
 Time magazine offers this brief online profile and interview of Frank Marshall and Kathleen Kennedy, the producer and co-executive producer of INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL.
The duo, longtime collaborative partners of Steven Spielberg and George Lucas, have produced dozens of top films including all four INDIANA JONES films, the BACK TOT HE FUTURE series, and recently finished the BOURNE spy trilogy with Matt Damon. Get to know this cinematic couple a bit better in their Time interview, and learn how they happily, successfully take on the role of 'parent' to nurture this blockbuster hits.
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October 31, 2007 — IS THE REPORTED DESCRIPTION OF AN INDY 4 TRAILER REAL OR FAKE?
Speculative rumors are making the rounds this Halloween about a supposed description of a yet-unseen trailer for INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL, but is it a trick or a treat? Here's a link to the description, for those wishing to avoid potential (even potentially fake) spoilers.
Our first impression upon reading this trailer description? It looks like a fan creation and not official.
First, the shot and dialog selections seem quite disjointed as described. Either such a film clip compilation is incomplete, or the description of it is, because there is very poor flow between shots and dialog. The actual trailer for INDY 4 should and would play much more smoothly, developing a better teaser of the story than this description.
Also, this text reads like the length of a teaser trailer (usually quite short, around 60-90 seconds), but it includes nothing but completed shots from the film — dialogue, action, and particularly special effects shots which would have barely begun in post-production yet. As a rule, teaser trailers feature very few 'finished' shots from the film, especially a film which just wrapped production two weeks ago. It's unlikely so much footage from the film would be ready to include in a teaser trailer this early. On the flip side, this description reads too short to be a full-length theatrical trailer, which would include so many finished shots, and we know that Paramount will release a teaser trailer long before we see a full-length theatrical trailer on the big screen. Also, the official release date of the film has already been announced, so why would a trailer for the film end announcing only the year?
Finally, this description seems too much about the plot to be an official teaser. All it addresses is the issue of Indy going after the secret of crystal skull; it makes no reference to the new plot point in the film series about Shia LaBeouf's character, nor his relationship to Indy. That would seem to be a major point that any INDY 4 trailer would include just to introduce or at least tease with audiences. Instead, this text describes a series of rather generic shots which any fan could suppose from what we know about INDY 4 today: no reference to which new characters Jim Broadbent or Cate Blanchett play, only their supposed function in the rumored story.
INDY 4 ADVENTURE is willing to keep an open mind if and when new evidence or confirmation arises, but for now this reported trailer description looks like a early Halloween trick to us! Stay tuned for more actual INDY 4 news when it happens. |
October 17, 2007 —
INDY 4 WRAPS: AIRPORT VIDEO, PHOTOS AND LATEST UPDATES
Aside from any future additional pick-up shooting, main unit production wrapped on INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL in Fresno, California. Watch the production wrap video as cast and crew toast to their accomplishment, completing the return of Indiana Jones.
The folks at IndianaJones.Moviechronicles got footage of 1950s-era planes and cars still on-set at the local Chandler Airport, with one building signage dressed as "Aeropuerto Internacional de Ciudad de México."
LateUpdate.com also got more video scoops of Harrison Ford and George Lucas between shots on the airfield, plus more photo stills.
view.
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October 7, 2007 —
GEORGE LUCAS VOWS 'CRYSTAL SKULL' WILL MEASURE UP TO 'RAIDERS'
At the recent American Film Institute's 40th Anniversary filmfest in Hollywood, MTV News quoted George Lucas who assured fans that INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL will be the best in the series since RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK started the boulder rolling in 1981.
Comparing the new film's treasured objects to TEMPLE OF DOOM's Sankara stones and LAST CRUSADE's Holy Grail, Lucas said "I think this is actually better, it's up there with the Ark of the Covenant." The creator/executive producer of the INDY series infers that the reality of — or at least the theory behind — the crystal's powers make his new story so strong. "The skulls themselves are real and a lot of the stuff in the movie is real, just like in the other movies," Lucas continued. "We don't base it on a lot of phony-baloney stuff. It's all based on at least true mythology that exists today that ... a certain amount of the population actually believes in."
So what supernatural powers will Indiana Jones face questing for these crystal skulls? Lucas will hint but not tell: "There's several different kinds of skulls, several different kinds of theories, several myths that are surrounding them," Lucas said, clearly delighted by his secret knowledge. "So, you just have to put all the pieces together, look it up and figure out which one it is. Or just wait until the movie comes out, which is so much easier."
That sounds like an invitation, so let the speculation begin! Meanwhile take the link above to MTV News to watch video clips of this red carpet interview with George Lucas.
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October 9, 2007 —
CATE BLANCHETT INTERVIEW EXCERPTS: LIKE INDY FOR CHOCOLATE
 Actress Cate Blanchett is having a busy year in movies, playing Elizabeth I of England and Bob Dylan of the 1960s. She spoke about both roles in addition to her work in INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL in an MTV Movie News interview.
Naturally she kept mum on the plot of INDY 4 — a welcome break for the production whose had more than its share of spoiler revelations lately — though she does make a joke about the plot. Blanchett did share her personal favorite of the franchise in relation to her appearance in the 4th installment: "I have a soft spot for the first one because I adore Karen Allen. This one is a big bar of chocolate and you want to eat the whole thing. I'm really looking forward to this slotting into the boxed set."
When asked how she thought the new chapter would match the prior films, Cate added, "That's really hard to say, isn't it? I did feel on the first day [like], "I know the iconography of this." When they were setting up the shot and I was walking into the frame, it felt familiar and strange at the same time."
While filming continues for another couple weeks with Harrison Ford and director Steven Spielberg, Ms. Blanchett wrapped her role this past Saturday. Visit the link above to read the full Cate Blanchett interview.
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> EDITOR'S NOTE —
ON THE SUBJECT OF PLOT SPOILERS AND RUMOR REPORTING <
Even the tamest of Indy fans are thoroughly aware of the recent problems with recent plot leaks and the outright theft of production materials for INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL. Too many sites perpetuating unauthorized plot spoilers across the internet within minutes of first reports have director Steven Spielberg frustrated if not outraged.
I'm restating that it is my policy at FilmEdge.net and the INDY 4 ADVENTURE not to publish blatantly leaked plot material and spoilers which I feel will ruin the average readers' moviegoing experience when INDY 4 opens next summer.
This is why I chose not to publish here the story of the loose-lipped film extra
who spouted off about confidential on-set scenes, revealing (potentially) at least one major plot point.
I'm glad to report official news of INDY 4, and
will gladly enjoy some educated-guess speculation based on confirmed reports and news. That's the fun of awaiting the Most Anticipated Film of 2008, according to a recent MovieTickets.com poll. But this site is the INDY 4 ADVENTURE, not SPOILERS OF THE LOST ARK.
I created this website for film fans, and it's made by a film fan. So I'll do my best to bring you fans the latest breaking news without giving it all away before the film even has a chance to open. If you want pure, unadulterated plot spoilers, there are plenty of other website who deal exclusively in that agenda. But if you still want to enjoy INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL next May, I hope you'll join me and the INDY 4 ADVENTURE as we make this thrilling journey together. As always, thanks for your support and comments.
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September
27, 2007 —
'MAKING OF' INDIANA JONES BOOK, 'CRYSTAL SKULL' NOVEL ON THE HORIZON
StarWars.com announced that Del Rey Books will publish two tie-in books for INDIANA
JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL which opens May 22, 2008!
Best-selling author James Rollins
(Black Order, Map of Bones, Sandstorm) will pen the novelization of Indy's fourth cinematic adventure, continuing the movie tie-in relationship between Del Rey and Lucasfilm that reaches back to the very first Star Wars and Indiana Jones novels.
Another epic publication, THE MAKING OF INDIANA JONES by Laurent Bouzereau and J. W. Rinzler, will spand the entire film series with "a behind-the-scenes look at the people, places, technology, and events that went into the creation of all four Indiana Jones movies, beginning with the classic Raiders of the Lost Ark and culminating with an up-close-and-personal look at the brand-new blockbuster."
No publication date is yet announced for either book, but they should appear on book store shelves around the time of the film's May release. The
INDY 4 ADVENTURE will post all the details here when available.
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September
22, 2007 —
JOHN WILLIAMS TO START SCORING 'CRYSTAL SKULL' IN OCTOBER
In an interview with Columbus, Ohio's The Other Paper, award-winning composer and longtime musical collaborator of Steven Spielberg and George Lucas, John Williams, said his work on the score for INDIANA
JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL begins in just a couple weeks!
When reporter Jordan Gentile asked about Williams' next project, the lauded musician replied, "Well, I just actually put pen down on a viola concerto. And I will be doing a week for the New York Philharmonic here, and then I’ll be coming out to Columbus for one day and I’ll be looking forward to meeting the orchestra. I think they’ll be great. And then I’ll be home in California the first of October to start on the next Indiana Jones."
When asked if or how much new music would be created for the film's score, Williams was unable to comment for at least for two more weeks. This could imply that when he returns to California in October to begin his INDY 4 score, a more official and informative announcement might be made, either by Williams or Lucasfilm/Spielberg.
So hold onto your potatoes, INDY 4 ADVENTURE will keep our ears tuned for more score news when it happens. Meanwhile, take the link above and read the full interview with John Williams, in which he reveals that he isn't a movie buff at all, nor does he listen to much classical music! Two seemingly contradictory traits for a man most consider one of the most popular film score creators of this generation, but intriguing insights into a complex and talented mind.
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 September
17, 2007 —
INDIANA JONES 'CRYSTAL SKULL' SHIRT READY TO SHIP THIS WEEK
StarWarsShop.com now offers the first official merchandise item from INDIANA
JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL —
this new t-shirt design featuring the film title art and Indiana
Jones brand logo.
This item is currently on sale in pre-orders, but will be available
to ship on September 19th. Shirt sizes range from small
to XXL, all priced at $16.99 before applicable tax and handling.
This ringer shirt design is an exclusive offer from StarWarsShop.com
and available in white only.
Don't wait, crack that whip and be among the first to wear this INDY 4 shirt proudly as you count
down the days until next May's release. It will make a
stylish and official addition to any fan's wardrobe or collection,
so check it out today!
September 14, 2007 — RUMORS (ONLY) ON A POSSIBLE 'CRYSTAL
SKULL' TRAILER DATE
Though recently they break as much genuine movie
news as they get bent publishing errors, AICN posted this tidbit which has a decent chance of being correct
based on general experience: we might see a teaser trailer for INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL appearing on theaters screens in mid-November.
Paramount Pictures releases a major holiday-season title, Robert
Zemeckis' BEOWULF, on November 16th and studios often attach
high-profile teasers of future films to current tentpole films
as they open — though this rule certainly allows for many
exceptions. Still BEOWULF could draw much of INDY
4's desired audiences and the interstudio branding
between the films makes the prospect easy to fulfill in practice.
Also, the timing of the release fits the usual window of teaser
trailer releases, roughly six months out from the premiere date.
More encouraging, and quite likely to be true by default, is
word from the source that John Williams is currently working
on new music cues for the trailer. If this comes about,
audience might be hearing score samples of new Indiana Jones
themes later this fall — a thrill fans haven't enjoyed
in nearly two decades! Stay tuned for more news here at I4A.
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September 9, 2007 —
BREAKING NEWS: SHIA LA BEOUF REVEALS
OFFICIAL TITLE FOR INDY 4
At the MTV Video Music Awards, INDY
4 star Shia LaBeouf revealed to the world the
full official title of this new adventure: it's INDIANA
JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL.
LaBeouf announced the title at the VMAs, broadcast live from
Las Vegas on Sunday night, ending the speculation and guessing
game created recently when six leaked title possibilities had
been registered with the MPAA and claimed anonymously as web
domains.
With this title announcement, also confirmed on the official
Indiana Jones website, we're expecting new material releases
in the near future, perhaps including an official titled teaser
poster and more.
Side note: many other INDY websites had reported and linked
to a supposed "official teaser trailer" for INDY
4 which used the title "City of Gods"
— Sunday night's announcement is exactly why I never linked
to that trailer which obviously was unofficial and a fan product.
Stay tuned to the INDY
4 ADVENTURE for official, confirmed news
as it happens!
UPDATE: WATCH THE VIDEO OF SHIA LA BEOUF'S ANNOUNCEMENT
Visit MTV
Movie News to watch the short clip of Shia LaBeouf announcing
the official title of INDY 4 live
at the 2007 VMAs from Las Vegas on Sunday night.
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September 4, 2007 —
DIGGING UP INDY 4 LOCATION AND PROP PHOTOS
 The
devoted and longtime Indiana Jones fans at Harrison
Ford Web posted great sets of exclusive INDY
4 photos over the holiday weekend. One of
their board members contributed several pics of Egyptian-style
statues and sarcophogi being reserved for the "GENRE"
project, a codename often used to indicated the INDY
4 production.
HFW also boasts an extensive photo gallery of current studio
locations and sets, including several high-altitude overviews
of this summer's filming at Kulaniapia Falls in Hawaii.
Various production military-type vehicles are shown, along with
camera trucks and vehicles.
Several video cap images from the Universal backlot show various
sets dressed for filming as well. Be sure to check out
HFW's treasure trove of photos!
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August 15, 2007 —
INDY 4's SHIA LaBEOUF SIGNS ON FOR NEW SPIELBERG PRODUCTION
Jeffrey Jolson at Hollywood
Today reports that INDY 4 co-star
Shia LaBeouf has signed on to star in the upcoming DreamWorks
production EAGLE EYE, a thriller by D.J. Caruso, who also directed
DISTURBIA with LaBeouf for co-exec producer Steven Spielberg.
A synopsis of the story based on Spielberg's original idea,
says "LaBeouf will play a young man whose brother dies
under mysterious circumstances — and then he and his mother
are framed as terrorists." The film is slated for
an October 2008 release, and may be one of many Spielberg-led
projects for LaBeouf, if indeed he also signs on for a possible
TRANSFORMERS 2 sequel to the $300-million summer hit.
Of course, only time will tell if Shia LaBeouf will continue
on with any future Indiana Jones-inspired films ahead.
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August 10, 2007 —
"INDIANA JONES AND THE..." — SIX POSSIBLE TITLES
FOR INDY 4?
Slashfilm.com
nabbed an intriguing spy report scoop which — while unconfirmed
— might hold the actual film title for INDY
4. As always, here at I4A
I recommend caution putting too much stock in such reports,
but the story is interesting enough to pass along to you fans.
Slashfilm says their contact delivered a Title Registration
report from the MPAA, which lists six 'chapter' film titles
reserved for use by Lucasfilm Ltd., described as:
Indiana Jones and the City of Gods
Indiana Jones and the Destroyer of Worlds
Indiana Jones and the Fourth Corner of the Earth
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
Indiana Jones and the Lost City of Gold
Indiana Jones and the Quest for the Covenant
At least two variants of these titles — City of Gods
and Kingdom of the Crystal Skull — have been
grist for the online rumor mill for quite a while. Do
either's presence on the list lend them credibility as the potentially
official title, or were both included as red herrings?
A quick archeological dig through the internet domain records
for these titles yielded interesting but most inconclusive results:
The latter five titles were all registered as internet domains
just yesterday, August 9th, 2007, by CSC Corporate
Domains, offering self-described "expert global domain
name management for corporations, law firms and IP professionals."
The City of Gods domain was registered at GoDaddy
way back on March 24th by a presumed domain-parking service.
This is proof of nothing, really, but intriguing that the other
five reported titles were apparently all registered the same
day, and so recently before this MPAA title registration story
appeared.
Reportedly, any of these titles are considered cleared for the
registrant at the end of business August 24th if no challenge
has been issued against their use. Check out Slashfilm.com
to read their full report as a tip of your fedora for their
scoop.
NEW VIDEO FEATURETTE ON 'REUNITING THE FAMILY'
FOR INDY 4
Visit the I4A
Video Vault to see the new featurette
in which Steven Spielberg, Harrison Ford, Frank Marshall, Kathleen
Kennedy and George Lucas reminisce about making the previous
trilogy and what it means to reunite for INDY 4.
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July 28, 2007 — OFFICIAL INDIANA JONES
WEBSITE GETS A MASSIVE '4' UPDATE
As Steven Spielberg, Harrison Ford, Ray Winstone and Shia
LaBeouf introduced Karen Allen to us at Comic Con as the
newest confirmed INDY 4 cast member,
fans everywhere got their own treat as the Official
Indiana Jones website unveiled its completely new design
and content!
 In
addition to Karen Allen's announcement, fans now can watch
the Comic Con video debuting her surprise appearance —
along with Spielberg having a laugh by silently mouthing
the supposed chapter name of INDY 4.
New photos of the cast and director
also were added to IJ.com, along with four new desktop wallpaper
designs available for downloading to your computer.
But that's not all of Dr. Jones's "property"
now available: his crate also includes a new production
mini-documentary previewing more on-set and on-location
footage. The un-narrated shots include director Spielberg
and screenwriter David Keopp discussing a Yale classroom
scene, Harrison Ford prepping to teach his archaeology students
a lesson, and sharp eyes will catch a glimpse of a portrait
honoring Marcus Brody, Indiana's old teaching and adventure
buddy played in the three prior films by the late actor
Denholm Elliott.
The video action quickly shifts to the streets around Yale
as Shia LaBeouf, in full 1950s leather ensemble, speeds
along on his motorcycle. A quick fade out lands viewers
in the jungles of South America — here played by the
island of Hawaii in the recent July location shoots.
As Steven Spielberg put it in his Comic Con video greeting:
I'm just extraordinarily pleased to be able to tell
you that, after 18 years,we actually have completed 25 days
of shooting. I never thought this day would come where I
can actually be able to sit here and say we're finally making
another Indiana Jones movie. But it's thrilling and we're
having a great time. For the last 10 or 12 or 13 years,
I've made a lot of different kinds of movies, many of them
films that I really passionately needed to make, sort of
for myself. But this picture, I promise you, I'm making
for you guys and girls. This is really all for you and for
all the fans of the series.
Stay tuned for more updates on INDY 4
production news here at the INDY
4 ADVENTURE!
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