Behind the Planet of the Apes (1998)
Roddy McDowall takes you, film by film, from production meetings to make-up sessions, then right onto the movie set to see the actual filming of the science fiction masterpiece. The most comprehensive history of Planet of the Apes ever created, this fascinating 127-minute documentary explores one of the most imaginative and influential series in movie history.
Watch Trailer
Cast
Similar titles
Reviews
Truly Dreadful Film
Memorable, crazy movie
brilliant actors, brilliant editing
One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.
This has to be the best movie franchise documentary I've seen in many years.When I rented this DVD from the library yesterday, I thought it was only about the making of 'THE ORIGINAL' 1968 "Planet of the Apes" movie...but, it's much, much more than that.This brings you through the ORIGINAL 1968 "Planet of the Apes" movie, but, also through the entire "Planet of the Apes" movie trilogy -1. "Planet of the Apes" (1968);2. "Beneath the Planet of the Apes" (1970);3. "Escape from the Planet of the Apes" (1971);4. "Conquest of the Planet of the Apes: (1972);and,5. "Battle for the Planet of the Apes" (1973);The documentary also focuses on the live-action television series -"Planet of the Apes" (1974);and, the animated television series -"Return to the Planet of the Apes" (1975)...as well as the merchandising of the toys and accessories children my age once had but later sold for pennies in a 1980-1990 tag sale and is now worth a small fortune on eBay!?!?If "Star Trek" fans are called 'Trekkies,' it's only fair that "Planet of the Apes" fans are called 'Apeies!?!?' I suppose I'm both! :)This is a MONUMENTAL DOCUMENTARY that highlights one of the greatest movie franchises of all time! Whether you're familiar with and like "The Planet of the Apes" in any way, shape, or, form; or, you're a newcomer who's interested in seeing what it's all about...this documentary is exactly for you! :)
The original Planet of the Apes has always been one of my favorite movies. This two-hour making-of, behind-the-scenes documentary is a must for any fan of the movie. I've seen it three times now and I never get tired of the stories of the make-up, casting decisions, and screenplay rewrites. It's truly fascinating. Considering that Planet of the Apes was made in 1968, I'm always amazed that there was so much film footage available in 1998 for this documentary. My favorite clips have to be those of the make-up transformations of the cast.Say what you will about the man, but Roddy McDowall has always been one of my favorite actors. He was a solid and natural choice to narrate this film and I'm glad he agreed to do it. Other than Beneath the Planet of the Apes, he was there and offers good insights into how these movies were made.
This is a pretty good making-of documentary, insofar as it includes a lot of clips and a pretty good feeling for how and why everything was done. The thing about it that made me laugh, however, was how much they overstated the value of the series. While I will admit that the many sequels may have set an unfortunate precedent, I feel the films themselves weren't quite as important as the writers of this documentary would have us believe.
During one of the Sci-Fi channel's many "Planet of the Apes" marathons, I caught this little making-of special that covers the various "Apes" movies. I thought it was an intriguing look at the first movie franchise to really milk the cow dry. Good narration by the late Roddy McDowall, good film series (the first three, anyway...), worth a watch if this happens to pop up on TV again.