Detrás del Planeta de los Simios

This is an excellent look at how the five Planet of the Apes films as well as the television series and the animated cartoon. It also was sad too knowing that this was probably one of the last projects that Roddy McDowell worked on before he died. However, the main thing I did enjoy about this documentary was the original test footage featuring Edward G. Robinson as Zaius and a young James Brolin as Cornelius. Also, I was fascinated by some of the interesting behind the scenes tidbits that it showed. This is a great documentary about one of the most enduring film series in motion picture history.

A labor of love and a fine example of what a well done documentary should look like. AT LEAST watch the original 68' version first; watching the sequels before or after has its pros and cons (the insight of knowing the diminishing budgets of each successive sequel may increase an appreciation for them...even if you're not a POTA fan).

Some facts are condensed (and distorted) that was necessary for the sake of running time (POTA didn't get the green light till after the box office returns for 'Fantastic Voyage' proved favorable enough to convince Richard Zanuck to take a gamble on a then big budget for a sci fi outing). And the million dollar monkey masks budget was closer to half a million...but a million dollars is better publicity.

NOTE: The DVD versions have about 3 1/2 minutes more footage than the VHS & AMC broadcast versions...most notable is the religious comparisons of the ape and mutant cultures from 'Beneath...' and more summations from cast and crew toward the end.

An intelligent and well researched documentary that's filled to the brim. And thankfully, no mention of the 2001 remake as this was produced in 1998.

Interesting and informative documentary recounts the story of how Pierre Boulle's novel was adapted to the big screen, with the determined support of star Charlton Heston, and the growing cast of actors chosen like Roddy McDowall, Kim Hunter, Maurice Evans, James Whitmore, and writer Rod Serling, with director Franklin J. Schaffner, and how its surprise box-office success led to a most unexpected franchise...

Covers all five Apes films(at that time!) in an informative and entertaining way, with behind the scenes footage and trivia that fans often crave. The late Roddy McDowall hosted, and did a fine job, being so closely involved with them of course! Was first shown on AMC, then released as an extra disc on the DVD set, it is well worth watching.

I will always love these franchise retrospectives, especially when they're this meticulous and affectionate. This was a perfect way to cap off my watch-through of the original series, serving as a reminder of all of there is to love in the Apes universe.

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! :)