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People often ask me what my favorite movies are, which is never an easy question, but what remains even harder is listening to their pondering one of my answers with the question, "Why is that one of them?" Such is the case with "Planet of the Apes," the 1968 classic science fiction film that has become a milestone in moviemaking. As I am not an avid fan of the genre, it bewilders people to learn that such a film ranks so highly in my opinion. But this is no ordinary science fiction film we're talking about, either. ***

Despite numerous sequels, a short-lived television series, and a modern reenvisioning of the film that might as well be a different movie all its own, the first and most appealing "Apes" film captures everything that is great about film in a single two hours of pure, unmitigated brilliance. From its psychedelic opening sequence to the final, hard-hitting shot, the movie works a silent spell on its audience that remains with the mind long after the experience has ended. It's nuanced plot provokes thought and consideration, and its smart sense of reversal is simply stunning. ***

The movie is based on the novel by Pierre Boulle, beginning with astronaut Colonel George Taylor making preparations for a sleep that, to him and the other three members of his crew, will last a few mere hours as their space ship travels thousands of light years into space, leaving Earth behind for a new planet on which to begin a new civilization. They soon find themselves on a barren, seemingly uninhabited planet, with the sole female of the crew deceased and three days supply of food and water for the remaining three astronauts. ***

Their trek across the desert terrain leads them to an oasis, flowing with fresh water and inhabited by humans, who are seized and taken as prisoners by the dominant apes that rule the planet. Taylor is also captured, taken to their colony, where he discovers that apes have taken on the role of Earthly humans, and humans are the lesser species. He makes impressions on all who encounter him, from Dr Zira (Kim Hunter), the animal researcher who is perplexed by his intelligence and speech capabilities, to the high council, whose ignorance causes them extreme fear in the face of the new arrival. ***

But rather than just provide simple answers to the question of where Taylor has landed, the film examines more thought-provoking issues, from the harsh treatment and prejudice of the humans by the apes, to the ways in which science is viewed by the apes, whose government and belief system are much like that of humans on Earth. Dr. Zira and her fiance, Cornelius (Roddy McDowall), provide arguments for the existence of Taylor on their planet that also carry small clues as to what the movie is building up to, while also enforcing the film's theme of ignorance in the assembly's unwillingness to accept their theories. ***

As we try to decipher the many twists and clues provided us by the characters, the movie is at work diverting us from the big picture, keeping us at bay. Even still, it is the film's final shot that remains the most effective, and sells the film on everything its plot argues. It's a revelation that makes clear all that we have been pondering during the course of the story, but it is also a cold look at the possible future that lies ahead if man continues on his current path. This warning is no less meaningful today as it was then, and it proves that "Planet of the Apes" is one of the most effective science fictions films ever made. ***

The casting department scored big points in acquiring Charlton Heston for the lead role. As Taylor, Heston is the actor we have come to know and love, hitting us with a performance full of power and true emotion, something many actors of today fail to possess. Heston successfully conveys the wide variety of emotions needed to pull his character off. ***

It must also be said that this is one of the most visually arresting films ever made. The opening shots just before the craft crashes into the sea are complex and mind-blowing, setting up the tone of unease that will palpitate throughout the film. The setting fits the material entirely, evoking the harshness of the planet with its parched desert and dry, arid appearance. ***

To call "Planet of the Apes" a strictly science fiction film is unjust, as there is more to its story. There is a meaningful lesson to be learned from its unfolding events, which carry with them universal truths that will remain recognizable by the future generations who see it. Its production and cast are remarkable, but what remains its most effective aspect is its ability to mystify the audience, leading us to believe one thing until we realize its something entirely different.

Released back in 1998 in a non-anamorphic transfer, "Planet of the Apes" was a DVD that was good without actually being the best. Now having been remastered to take advantage of the anamorphic enhancement, the movie looks better than ever. The 2.35:1 widescreen ratio still has a terrific use of color and excellent saturation, even for a dated movie. Fleshtones are accurate, and blacks remain pretty solid throughout, while contrast and shadow detail are far less flat than most older movies put onto the DVD format. Clarity is the biggest improvement here due to the anamorphic process, with better detail, sharper, cleaner edges that lack an abundance of halos, and a source print that gets by with very few blemishes and minor grain. Finally, this movie has received the remaster it deserves. ***

Also admirable but less enthralling than the image is the inclusion of a newly-mastered DTS 5.1 track, which is a case of "Thanks, but no thanks" here. To be honest, there's no difference between it and the Dolby Digital 5.1 mix included as well: both don't make very much use of the overall soundfield, and each exhibits a front-heavy feel, even when it comes to things like sound effects and score. The source material sounds dated and harsh in places, and dialogue is discernable but pretty hollow. This was a nice try, but "Planet of the Apes" was a mono movie, and mono it shall most likely remain.

Drawing on elements from the previous "Planet of the Apes" box set and other sources, this new 35th Anniversary re-release of the original "Apes" film on DVD should appeal to those of you out there who prefer to have all your goodies in one basket... or one two-disc special edition DVD. For the most part the extras are worth their weight, with an uneven mixture of good and mediocre, the former of which thankfully tipping the balance. ***

Following the commentaries we move on to Disc Two, which kicks off with a variety of material both vintage and fresh. Starting things off in the "Exploring the Apes" section is the AMC cable documentary "Behind the Planet of the Apes," a two-hour in-depth glimpse at the making of classic sci-fi that ranks as one of the best retrospective pieces I've seen in quite some time. This one not only covers the original film, but the four that followed it, leaving the 2001 remake out of the picture. There are a number of interviews with the cast and crew to be found here, and the comprehensive collection of facts and trivia is certainly worth looking into. Also in this section one can find three promotional featurettes that came out at and around the time of the film's release. There is also an expansive collection of making-of footage taken during the production, ranging from home movies made by Roddy McDowell, to makeup tests, dailies, and outtakes. Any diehard buff of the Apes films will find this material engrossing. ***

Then we progress to the remaining sections of the disc, which mainly focus on promotional material for the film. There are theatrical trailers for this and the other four Apes films, as well as two text reviews and a poster montage that features domestic and foreign advertising posters. Then we have a number of photo montages and galleries, including actor/ape comparison stills, production and publicity stills, concept art sketches, and a look at Apes merchandise and collectibles. And if you pop the disc into your DVD-ROM drive, you'll be able to access "Planet of the Apes Chronology," which looks at the history of the movies and their impact.