February 2008 cover.

Between them, George Lucas and Steven Spielberg have made 13 of the 100 top-grossing movies of all time. Yet they struggled for more than a decade with the upcoming fourth installment of their billion-dollar Indiana Jones franchise, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Annie Leibovitz gets exclusive access to the set, while Lucas, Spielberg, and their star, Harrison Ford, tell Jim Windolf about the long standoff over the plot, why critics and fans will be upset, and how they've updated Indy.

Vanity Fair online exclusives (all with SPOILERS!):

• Article: Keys to the Kingdom
• Q&A: Steven Spielberg
• Q&A: George Lucas
• Video: The Annie Leibovitz photo sessions

Beware for photo SPOILERS as the article and behind-the-scenes video reveal an amazing looking Cate Blanchett, in costume!

Thanks to Craig and Robert Page for the news.

Posted by Gilles V

In My Indiana Jones Crackpot Theory, a new web exclusive article, Jim Windolf explores the facts.

Here's hoping he's right!

Posted by Mitchell Hallock

If "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade," post-"The Color Purple" and post-"Empire of the Sun," was an interesting enough prospect then what can we expect of "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" beyond the satisfactions of genre and visual spectacle? What other qualities might we get to enjoy in terms of characters and theme? Will the movie go right back to first — "Raiders of the Lost Ark" — principles or is there scope for the movie to do the job expected and then find opportunities for the kind of embellishments that characterize much of the director's work over the past twenty years?

Visit SpielbergFilms.com to read the full article by James Clarke.

Posted by Gilles V

As we all know, Paramount's deal does not cover Steven Spielberg films, and so Indy 4 is being prepped for Blu-ray Disc for release sometime late this year. Apparently, Paramount is reluctant to pony up the additional cost for the disc to be certified, so it may take George Lucas to personally step in and make it happen.

Source: Blu-ray.com

Posted by Gilles V

Ray Winstone, Shia LaBeouf, and Harrison Ford in a scene from Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, which will be released on May 22, 2008, by Paramount Pictures.

© Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All rights reserved. Photo by David James

Look for Karen Allen standing right behind Shia LaBeouf. And also notice the leggs of a mysterious character hidden behind Harrison Ford!

Posted by Gilles V

Does Shia LaBeouf play Indy's son?
Fan imaginations have run wild over Paramount's Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, the first film about Ford's archaeologist-adventurer in 19 years.

Set in 1957, Crystal Skull pits Indy against the Soviets, whose number includes Cate Blanchett, Ford confirmed. Beyond that, Ford's not leaking plot details, including whether new co-star Shia LaBeouf is Indy's son or whether Ford shares any romantic moments with Blanchett.

"They remain true to their characters. There's a certain tension between the two, but not a sexual energy," Ford said cryptically of his and Blanchett's characters.

Ford also kept quiet on how Indy reunites with Karen Allen's character.

"It's great to have Karen back," Ford said. "I can't really tell you much, though. It's a little too early to be saying much more than what's already been said, and I don't want to be the one to unwrap the Christmas present."

While it remains a mystery if Ford gets to play LaBeouf's dad in the new movie, Indy himself is not reunited with his own father. Ford was disappointed that Sean Connery, who played Henry Jones Sr. in "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade," decided not to reprise the role.

The 65-year-old Ford had a wisecrack worthy of Indy about that: "As I told Sean, I'm getting old enough to play my own father, so we don't need him, anymore."

Click here to read the full article.

Posted by Mitchell Hallock

Watch the video at the official site.

Posted by Gilles V

Hope you're not planning to have any wild, Hallmark-sanctioned sex at midnight Valentine's Day, because you'll want to be refreshing the official Indiana Jones website to catch the Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull trailer at 12:01 AM Friday, February 15.

We're told that Entertainment Tonight will be teasing the trailer during the show on the 14th, and that it will launch in theatres on the 14th as well. (Which is slightly odd, since the 15th makes more sense.)

But don't get too excited yet as that is only a rumor by CHUD. Earlier rumors mention an Indiana Jones 4 trailer release during the Super Bowl on February 2, 2008.
Though yet another rumor gives strength to the Valentine's Day story. On February 14, Paramount Pictures will be releasing The Spiderwick Chronicles, a new film by Indiana Jones producers Frank Marshall and Kathleen Kennedy!

I contacted Lucasfilm in an attempt to get some answers to these new trailer rumors and received the following response:

"At this point no plans have been finalized at all regarding when the trailer will premiere."

So there we have it. The Super Bowl seems to be one option to premiere the Indy 4 trailer. Valentine's Day is another. They are all no more than rumors for now.
But one thing we can be certain of; the most anticipated Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull trailer will arrive sometime next month!

Thanks to Mitchell Hallock, Patrick and Andrew de Villiers for the heads up.

Posted by Gilles V

"This picture is locked," Marshall told us of the current progress. "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".

When asked where this movie sits tonally with the rest of the series, Marshall said: "I would say it's closest to the third one (Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade). It's all adults. I mean, you have the sidekick in Shia (LaBeouf), but you don't have a Short Round and I think the banter between the characters is as fun as it was in the third movie".

View the image and more on the upcoming Empire issue here.

Thanks to Tim Wilson, Logan, Zach Bales, Joakim Hammarström, Rob Smart, Rlean, Mike, Luuk Schmitz, JD, Jeroen Hoogakker and Arturo Olivares for their e-mails mentioning this new photo.

Posted by Mitchell Hallock

Here follow the two photos featured in the latest Empire magazine, now available in the UK and other countries.

This scanned image is still a lousy version compared to the actual photo in Empire Magazine! I will go buy Empire's latest issue the moment I can, and I would recommend everybody to do the same.

Big thanks to 'trippweeder' at The Raven for the second photo!

Posted by Gilles V

MTV: Approximately 27 years after he first exploded onto the big screen, Indy's wound up right where he started - or, rather, right where he first ended - in this exclusive photo from Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, which seems to show the world's most famous archeologist at the government warehouse from Raiders, presumably to once again find the Ark. And that, frankly, is baffling. Not from the perspective of overall narrative (cough) arc (cough) - it would be kind of cool, after all, for things to end where they began - but from a question of "how does it fit into the story of THIS movie?"

Click here to read the MTV's full article!

Thanks to Andrew de Villiers and Luuk Schmitz for the news.

Posted by Gilles V

MovieWeb has published a first photo of the actual Crystal Skull from Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull!
Comparing this photo with Drew Struzan's teaser poster, it appears to be a perfect match. So perfect this could very well be the photo Struzan used as a reference while creating the teaser poster!

Additionally , Action Figure Insider has posted a promotional flyer from Japanese company Takara Neduke, makers of necklaces and trinkets, showing upcoming 1.5 inch mini PVC figures of props, relics and treasures from Indiana Jones films. This flyer also reveals a "Crystal Skull" necklace inspired by the MacGuffin from Indiana Jones 4!

Click here to visit the Action Figure Insider site, scroll down and view the Crystal Skull SPOILER promo flyer!

Thanks to JoseLuis Baylon, RYAN OC, Guy, Mitchell Hallock and Matt Hall for the info.

Posted by Gilles V

Keep in mind that that this PG rating applies only to the Indy 4 film TRAILER in the UK!

Click here to view BBFC's Indiana Jones 4 trailer classification page.

This UK version 'PG' or Parental Guidance stands for: General viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children.

Source: BBFC

Special thanks to 'John' and Matt Hall for informing us.

Posted by Gilles V

Here is some of what he had to say:

"The dentition, vestigial nose orifice, massive eye cavities and dolichocephaly [or 'long-headed-ness,' to a layperson] put this thing into a very different class of entity," Zender said, describing the Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull centerpiece. "It looks foreign — really strange."

"Definitely not human, no doubt about it," Zender said of the skull's structure, indicating that it obviously comes from an alien culture. "It's got a mixture of the alien's mouth from those movies with Sigourney Weaver [the Alien series] and then really, really big eyes."

Zender goes on to say;

"Assuming that the filmmakers took their cue from some prevailing New Age beliefs," Zender said, "these crystal skulls are supposed to be computer-like repositories for the lost knowledge of the ages. The idea that these things have the knowledge of lost civilization or space-faring cultures or anything like that in them, that's pretty prominent."

We will all have to wait and see if the good doctor's theories and exactly what the crystal skull look like until May 22nd when Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull opens!

Source: MTV News

Posted by Mitchell Hallock

Here follows a decent scan of this new Indiana Jones 4 photo.

Very special thanks to 'aboninix' for the info and magazine scan.

Posted by Gilles V

Par will attach the first teaser for Crystal Skull to fantasy pic The Spiderwick Chronicles on Feb. 14, with the spot to hit the Web shortly thereafter.

Reason for the delay is that the film only recently wrapped, so much of the material that would go into a memorable trailer just wasn't ready until now.

Awareness and anticipation also is already high for the pic, so producers didn't feel the need to show too much too soon.

"In the case of Indiana Jones, he's such a well-known character that it's not like you have to get out there and introduce something new," said Spielberg spokesman Marvin Levy. "You tailor the campaign to the material. We also want to keep a lot of the surprises. That's part of the fun."

Visit Variety to read the full trailer article.

And stay tuned as we will let you know asap when the trailer has found its way online!

Posted by Gilles V

Mini-SPOILER ahead, but beware for a bigger rumor/SPOILER in Empire's original article!

"Am I involved in the big action set pieces? Oh yeah," he said. "He is, shall we say, very much there by name in the first half and present in the second half... I shot in Hawaii and five different Hollywood studios: Universal, Downey, Paramount, Warner and Sony. I don't think I'm allowed to tell you anymore".

Source: Empire

Posted by Gilles V

Then we hear from the man behind the costume, Bernie Pollack, who talks about the care and craftsmanship needed to making Indy's trademark fedora and leather jacket look just right. We discover the subtle nuances that have changed in all of the films with the hat and jacket and the great pressure in making it right in Indiana Jones and Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.

So take a few minutes and see why the costume folks hardwork paid off and saved Spielberg some "sleepless nights"!

Thanks to Jeroen, John Liebeskind, '5IC' and Steven for the heads up.

Posted by Mitchell Hallock

HOLLYWOOD, CA, February 11, 2008 - Paramount Pictures and Lucasfilm Ltd. officially announced today that the first teaser trailer for the highly anticipated Indiana Jones adventure Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Harrison Ford in the title role, will debut in theaters across the globe on February 14, 2008.

The trailer will air exclusively on ABC's "Good Morning America" that morning between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. Immediately thereafter, the footage will be available at the film's official site IndianaJones.com, Yahoo! Movies and in motion picture theaters.

On May 22, Indiana Jones is back in a new globe-trotting adventure, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Harrison Ford as Indy, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is a Lucasfilm Ltd. Production. The movie features an outstanding cast, including Oscar® winner Cate Blanchett, Karen Allen, Ray Winstone, John Hurt, Oscar® winner Jim Broadbent and Shia LaBeouf. Frank Marshall is the film's producer. George Lucas and Kathleen Kennedy are the executive producers. The screenplay is by David Koepp from a story by George Lucas and Jeff Nathanson.

Source: IndianaJones.com

Posted by Gilles V

Just after receiving his latest accolade, that being the "Lifetime Achievement Award" from the Visual Effects Society, Spielberg said the reluctance to complete this production was a sentiment felt not only by him, but his cast as well;

"It was awful the last day of shooting because I didn't want it to end," said Spielberg. "Harrison didn't want it to end, Karen, none of us wanted it to end. It was one of the best experiences I've ever had."

As to giving away any the secrets involved in Indy's latest adventure, Spielberg was as tight-lipped as ever, including about details surrounding this week's Indy 4 trailer.

"Well, you'll have to ask my producer Frank Marshall and he's not talking. And George Lucas, and he never talks."

To read more about Steven Spielberg and his reaction to how the visual effects have not only changed the way audiences view films, but what impact it has had on Spielberg in creating them, visit the Rotten Tomatoes website.

As if we had to remind Indy fans, their first peak at the new adventures of Indiana Jones will be when the trailer debuts this week online on the Official Indiana Jones website and in theatres with the new Paramount film, The Spiderwick Chronicles.
Here's hoping the Mr. Spielberg may not have to experience that "empty nest" feeling for Indy for too long, and that Indy may don his fedora and leather jacket even after he discovers the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull! Keep your fingers crossed!

Posted by Mitchell Hallock

Tom Burns at the website The Deadbolt takes a look at these rumored scripts in his article; Indiana Jones 4: The Scripts That Weren't. It is a fascinating trip through old script ideas like Chris Columbus's Indiana Jones and the Monkey King, Jeb Stuart's Indiana Jones and the Saucer Men from Mars, and some rumored ideas from Frank Darabont's abandoned Indiana Jones 4 script. The author looks at each plot idea and breaks it down into the good, bad and ugly.

Many of the ideas in the article may not be new to fans as they have floated around the fan circuit for years, but it is a fun read.

Take a moment and read the full article at The Deadbolt.

By the way; Steven Spielberg never commented to TheRaider.net about Chris Columbus's script. That quote from Spielberg was published in Cinefex no. 40, November 1989 (page 47, 6th paragragh to be exactly).

Posted by Mitchell Hallock

Special thanks to IndyJones.it, Steven and Luuk Schmitz for the links.

Posted by Gilles V

"My body is fine," Ford, 65, says with a laugh. "It really was not an issue."

Ford says that he has kept in shape partly because "I've been anticipating and hoping we'd have one (an Indy movie) for the past 15 years."

"I more or less kept the character warm in my head," says Ford, whose next film is the immigration drama Crossing Over, due June 13. "Although we hadn't made one in 18 years, every moment I spent in that (expletive) suit, I remembered."

Crystal will be set during the height of the Cold War in 1957, with Jones on the hunt for South American relics with supernatural powers. But Ford believes fans have always been as drawn to the spirit of the franchise as the plot.

"It's a very special kind of audience film," he says. "The film style is more in phase with the late 1950s than 2007."

Which means elaborate sets and stunts. While there will still be plenty of computer-generated effects, Ford says that Crystal is one of the most physical films he has done.

"I probably did more in this film than I did in the ones previous because there have been advances in the area of stunt technology," he says. "I was nothing but happy to get back to that kind of filmmaking."

For the full article visit the USAToday website.

Posted by Mitchell Hallock

New photos featuring Harrison Ford and Cate Blanchett with shades.

Special thanks to 'Sankara' from The Raven and JoseLuis B. for the news.

Posted by Gilles V

Paramount Pictures has revealed the first teaser trailer for director Steven Spielberg and executive producer George Lucas' Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, coming to theaters on May 22. The highly-anticipated action-adventure stars Harrison Ford, Shia LaBeouf, Cate Blanchett, Ray Winstone, Karen Allen, John Hurt and Jim Broadbent.

You can watch the teaser in High Definition QuickTime at Yahoo! or at the official IndianaJones.com.

Direct links to the High Def. QuickTime Indy 4 Teaser: 480p - 720p -1080p

You can also visit our Teaser Screenshots page containing 100 quality images from the first teaser trailer!

Posted by Gilles V

• "The [response] was through the roof," a Paramount rep tells E! News.
• "It's all a mystery surrounding Indiana Jones. That's part of the fun," adds the studio spokesman.
• "What makes this really cool is its kinda like watching your own dad kick ass, its good to have you back Indy!" writes Spamster on Ain't It Cool News, which which managed to get its hands on a bootlegged version just before the official version went live.
• "If the alien angle isn't played too heavily, and if there aren't too many one liners, this could be fun," adds AICN contributor Merrick.
• A quick Cinematical poll revealed that 59 percent of viewers thought the trailer was "awesome"; 32 percent thought it was "pretty good"; only 4 percent thought it was "not what I was expecting"; while less than 3 percent didn't like it at all or didn't know who Indiana Jones was.
• "I don't think it's going to be screwed up," George Lucas recently told last month's Vanity Fair. "I think this Indiana Jones film would be a giant hit regardless of whether the first three were there or not. This is a very funny, adventurous and exciting movie."

Check out the full article at E! News.

Posted by Mitchell Hallock

The following digital tweakings were first noticed by visitors to CHUD who noticed some odd things going on in certain shots. The fans compared the USA teaser with the international version and made the following discoveries:

• A frame-filling American flag appears in the USA version but is absent overseas.
• In the international version, many Russian guns are aimed directly at Harrison Ford and Ray Winstone.
  But in the USA version some guns have been tweaked to point down while other guns have been edited out completely. Though if you listen closely, you can still hear the sound of many guns being cocked.

Does the MPAA have rules against guns being pointed at anybody in a green-band trailer?

You can read more about these Indy 4 teaser trailer digital tweakings in articles at Ain't It Cool News and Hollywood Elsewhere.

And you can view a flash version of the International teaser trailer at Wirtualna Polska or at The Sun.

Thanks to Mitchell Hallock and Robert McGovern for the article links.

Posted by Gilles V

"It's awesome," he enthused from the set of his new film, "Eagle Eye." "I'm just as much a fan [of it] as you are."

Almost certainly more so, of course, given that he's, you know, actually starring in the movie. In fact, when I told him I watched the trailer close to fifty times last Thursday (shot by shot!), LaBeouf admitted that he couldn't watch it more than once or twice, as it got him too "excited."

Now, like the rest of us, his excitement is growing as he waits to see the whole shebang.

"I'm part of the public now. [Spielberg's] gonna do his cut, and George [Lucas] gets his cut. Now it's just the releasing pattern," he said, slightly dismayed.

"[But] I'm enjoying it like everyone else is," he added, a wide grin across his face.

Click here to read the original article. And you can also read a Indy 4 teaser trailer shot-by-shot analysis (SPOILERS!) written by the same Shawn Adler at the MTV site.
Another shot-by-shot teaser trailer analysis, written by Pablo Amor, can be found at the PopMatters website.

Posted by Gilles V

Not just wild. For LaBeouf, filming in such an iconic location was the gift that keeps on giving. No, literally. We might not know what brings Indy to the warehouse, but we know now what Shia brought from it.

"Oh I stole a bunch of stuff," he laughed. "I meant to tell you, Steve, I stole a bunch of things. So did Karen [Allen] though, so it's not my fault. It's not my fault - Karen did it too. And she's older! She knows better."

Visit MTV Movies Blog to read the full article.

And in case you're wondering, the lovely lady to Shia LaBeouf's left is Michelle Monaghan, Shia's co-star in the upcoming Thriller Eagle Eye.

Posted by Gilles V

Source: Movie Chronicles

Thanks to Colin Smith and Ed Dolista of the weekly Indy-Cast podcast available on iTunes for the heads up on this one.

Posted by Mitchell Hallock

The premiere would precede the scheduled opening for what we also call "Indy 4" on May 22. The star-studded event easily would be the centerpiece of the festival, akin to the premiere last year of Ocean's Thirteen.

I'm told that Spielberg, perhaps producer George Lucas and stars Harrison Ford, Cate Blanchett, Shia LeBeouf, Karen Allen and others would make the walk up the fabled red carpet at the Palais. Talk about sizzle! Sacre bleu!

If Kingdom of the Crystal Skull can open at Cannes on the Tuesday or Wednesday of the festival's second week, it might also provide some hold-over star power for the annual AmFAR Cinema in Cannes gala hosted by Sharon Stone up at Le Moulin de Mougins.

Visit FOXNews.com to read the original report.

Thanks to Aaron Aguiar for informing us.

Posted by Gilles V

According to a JoBlo informant, the film will not be available in digital format and the only place to view Indiana Jones 4 will be at a theater that is still able to project 35mm films.

Read the original article at JoBlo.com.

Posted by Gilles V

The studio claims that no lead actors will be featured during the additional photography on Friday, and that this shot was planned for during production, but they decided to wait until editing to see if they would actually need it. So there you have it.

Visit /film for the full article.

Thanks to Sven Spong for the heads up.

Posted by Gilles V

Cate Blanchett: "It's called Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. I play a character, a Russian character called Irina Spalko and Steven Spielberg directed it. I'm a baddie. It's so strange when it comes to that, isn't it? I'd been saying to my agent for a couple of years that I'd love to play a baddie. 'I'd really love to play a baddie.' Maybe my agent did actively seek it. Maybe that's why you have an agent, but I didn't see it coming on."

On entering Indiana Jones' world:
Cate: "I loved it. I grew up on those films and I had this surreal experience while Steven was setting up this shot at the beginning of the film with a lot of tanks and things in it. Then Indy walks into the frame and then I have to walk in after him--because he's number one on the call sheet--and I thought, 'I know the iconography of that frame backwards. I grew up on that.' So to have that moment of stepping through into the film of my childhood, the most loved film of my childhood, was quite extraordinary. It was exactly, in the best possible way, what I expected."

Visit Hollywood.com to read what Cate Blanchett had to say about working with Steven Spielberg. Additionally Hollywood.com also published a brief interview with Harrison Ford.

Posted by Gilles V

EW's Indy 4 article.

Highlights include:
-	The vibe feels right
-	Ford looks terrific
-	Cate Blanchett can work a wig
-	Spielberg's in mystical-alien territory again
-	Better booby traps

So, take a look at EW writer Steve Daly's comments about the trailer for Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull and see if you agree. The forums are open in The Raven.

Source: Entertainment Weekly March 7, 2008 issue 981

Posted by Mitchell Hallock

Don't expect any spectacular new info but Adam does describe the exterior pick up shot and talks about his brief encounter with producer Frank Marshall; who encouraged Adam to share his experience with the internet audience to make clear that it were not reshoots.

Thanks to Adam McDaniel for sharing his set report with us:

As I start writing this, it's 12:14 p.m….and I've got a big, big smile on my face.

After reading an online "leak" about the crew of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull reportedly doing some pickup shots in Pasadena this morning, I decided to throw caution to the wind and pay them a friendly (if unannounced) visit.

As any one of my friends could tell you, I wanted to work on this film very, very badly. Snowball's chance in hell, I figured, though it didn't stop me from sending in a resume. (More than once.) Or calling the production office. (Again, more than once…I even mailed them some of my original artwork.) But I digress…

It was around 7:30a.m. when I found the location, right off of Orange Grove; I knew it well, having taken it an untold number times for my frequent, almost weekly visits to South Pasadena. As I drove down a curved road, the neighborhood of many beautiful bungalow style homes and mansions, I approached two period cars and about a dozen or so crew members preparing for a shot.

Let me just blurt this out now: I'm not posting any pictures, at least until after Indy IV's release. What photos I did take aren't all that exciting…but since I gave the crew my word, I must respect the filmmakers' desire for secrecy. (Few could claim to be as big or obsessive an "Indyfan" as I, yet I also strive to be the respectful, gracious Indyfan. I don't like being the one to dish out spoilers or gossip, though I'm often among the first to read about them. When I see a film or television crew, I try to set boundaries for my curiosity, and not interfere with other peoples' work.)

The location was beautiful brick home, quite impressive in size, with at least two 50's period cars parked in its driveway. Someone told me it was probably to be the exterior of Indy's house, though he wasn't sure. (If this is the case, globetrotting professors of archeology must make fantastic money, even by 1957's standards.)

Two period cars were parked out in the street - a yellow Mercury and a green Ford, both sporting 1957 Connecticut plates. The cars - particularly the Ford, shining and in pristine condition - were truly beautiful. They were rented for the production, and their caretaker was a friendly woman named Kelly. We chatted for a few minutes, and I was amazed how nonchalant the rest of the crew was to my presence; I even exchanged some pleasantries with the two police officers guarding the scene from across the street. I was half expecting to be yelled at or thrown to the ground, Indy-style fashion…but, fortunately, this was far from the case.

I asked someone if it was OK to take pictures. At first I was told yes, provided that I refrained while the film's cameras were running. Having deliberately left my digital camera inside my car so as not to draw attention (or make quick enemies), it was only then that I went to retrieve it. As I marched back to the location, who should step out from his car but producer Frank Marshall…who's eyes immediately focused on my camera.

Stuttering and weak in the knees, I quickly assured him that I came in peace and meant no harm -- or something to that effect. He calmly smiled and said it was fine. (Thank God. Adam shall work another day.)

Thirty seconds later, as I approached the house and was ready to take closer pictures, a young member of the crew politely asked me to stop. I apologized and immediately honored his request. He thanked me and said it was still OK to watch. Fine by me I thought, hoping that I hadn't completely pissed him off.

The shot they were doing was a simple one, a horizontal tracking shot of the house, done on a small ramp for a minor lift. But I was amazed at how much work went into it - the security, production trucks, period cars, and yes, the trademark table of coffee and doughnuts. I sincerely doubt the shot will be the most memorable sight in Indy IV, but boy…I'll be giving it a little cheer when it makes its way onscreen.

Back to my car again. I retrieved a glicee print of one of my Indiana Jones illustrations, which I'd had on hand at home for some time. Why not? I thought it'd be a nice gift for someone - a gesture of thanks for bringing Indy back. I handed it to Kelly, who in turn showed it off to some of the crew. I asked if they could give it to Mr. Marshall when opportune.

Damn these are nice guys.
Damn, I wish I could have worked with them.

I dumbly stood across the street for another half hour or so, keeping quiet and taking it all in. I observed Marshall pacing the opposite sidewalk, his eyes focused on a small digital camera. It hits me: This guy's produced some of the biggest films of all time. He played the pilot of the "Flying Wing" in RAIDERS - the guy Karen Allen knocked out with blue blocks, in a cute little cameo. Marshall's also a solid director in his own right, having done an episode of FROM THE EARTH TO THE MOON, ALIVE, EIGHT BELOW, and the camp "creature feature" classic ARACHNOPHOBIA.

Marshall turns and slowly approaches me. Playtime's over, I'm thinking. Time to go home.

"Could you do me a favor?" he asks.

"Leave?" I shyly, blushingly reply.

"No, no…" he says. Then: "Do you blog?"

I immediately blurt out, "Um don't worry I swear I won't write about visiting this if you don't want me to and…"

"No, no," Marshall smiles. He then explained that there have been rumors of extensive reshoots on Indy IV, and wanted to assure me - and the fans - that this wasn't the case. If anything, Marshall said, everything on the production has gone swimmingly well, and that it's shaping into one hell of a film.

From what I saw, I don't have reason to doubt Marshall's claims. This was, as best as I could tell, merely a pickup shot and not, as had been reported, a "reshoot". I did not see one STAR WAGGONS trailer in sight; neither Spielberg nor Ford were there. (And if they were, well…my kudos to the crew for hiding them so well.)

I told Marshall how happy I was at the news of Karen Allen's return. "Yeah, she's an absolute sweetheart," he said. (Perhaps I'm paraphrasing now, but I'm trying my best to remember his words.) "Being with these guys is like being with family again." He smiled, then added, "Only now, no one's worried about the size of their paychecks."

Kelly and others spoke very kindly of Harrison Ford, stating how professional and approachable he's been to all the crew. And if the crew's treatment of me was any indication, who could possibly blame him?

Posted by Gilles V

While we have already talk about the teasers of games and trailers in Entertainment Weekly, we need to flip through the fabulous four color pages of Ciné Live and CineMania each bearing the iconic images of Indy 4 on their respective covers. First up, we have a real photo of Indiana Jones, Harrison Ford himself on the cover of Ciné Live with whip in hand and Drew Struzan's crystal skull art behind him, looking determined with his eye on the prize - so look out! Inside we have a wider look at the earlier released image of Indy walking through a South American village with Mutt walking away from him. Then perhaps the happiest captive and/or comrade in cinema history with the beaming image of the forever young Karen Allen as Marion Ravenwood, surrounded by soldiers. After facing thousands of snakes, Nazi armies and a traitorous monkey, we wouldn't expect Marion to look scared with just a few guys with guns pointed at her but we will have to wait and see what's going when the film opens in May. There is also some great stills of Shia and Cate in costume from a photo shoot. As Mutt, Shia looks like a troubled, rebellious youth ala James Dean, while Agent Spalko with sword in hand is someone you do not want to mess with.

Not to be forgotten is CineMania, featuring the "rebel with a cause" and a sword, Mutt Williams ready for the challenge on its cover.

As the days leading up to the premiere speed towards us like a runaway mine car beneath the Temple of Doom, fans can look for and at more Indy 4 images at their local bookstore... or online at TheRaider.net.

Source for the magazine images courtesy of Nibenay.com.

Posted by Mitchell Hallock

Here is what an article from The Associated Press had to say;

After premiering Feb. 14 on "Good Morning America," Lucasfilm and Viacom Inc.'s Paramount Pictures sent the trailer to the Web, plus movie theaters and TV stations around the world. Paramount estimates the trailer was seen more than 200 million times worldwide in the first week alone.

Harry Knowles, who runs the movie fan site AintItCool.com (his official title is Head Geek), says he first saw a bootleg version of the trailer online, then the official version online, and then saw it twice in theaters.

There were cheers in the theater when the familiar theme song kicked in, Knowles said, and comments on his Web site have been positive. "People generally really, really loved the trailer," he said. "Some people think it's a little more cartoonish-looking compared to the prior (films), with him whipping the lights and swinging on them and stuff. But at the same time, it seems that everyone is extremely excited that there's a new 'Indiana Jones' film. The excitement for it is palpable. It's much more aggressively anticipated than anything else that's coming out right now."

"The trailer caught on like wildfire, around the world, in all mediums," said Gerry Rich, Paramount's president of worldwide marketing, who's targeting moviegoers "from 8 to 80. The response has been sensational and it shows what technology can do when you have material that is so appealing to audiences."

Older audiences certainly remember Indy, but that's not the prime ticket-buying demographic. Thus the aggressive online campaign, which included what Paramount says is a record 4.1 million views on the Yahoo movie site in the first week and 2.6 million on the official IndianaJones.com site, the most ever for the studio.

"It looks to be THE highly anticipated movie of the summer," said Mark Mazrimas, marketing manager for independent theater chain Classic Cinemas. However, "this hasn't been on the screen for so long, (the challenge) is capturing the youth."

You can read the original article at Yahoo! or CNN.

Thanks to Tim Wilson, JAN, Ted Grevers and 'Shipwreck' for the news.

Posted by Mitchell Hallock

University engineering professor Lippold Haken's musical invention, the Continuum Fingerboard, will be used in the soundtrack of the fourth Indiana Jones movie, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.

Created by the University professor, the Continuum Fingerboard is an electronic piano keyboard that uses sensors to detect every motion of the player's fingers. In addition to pushing down notes, the player can slide his or her fingers across the instrument.

For example, sliding fingers up or down the keys can increase or decrease the volume. Sliding fingers left or right will allow for seamless transition from note to note as one could do on a violin.

"I like the Continuum keyboard because it's very expressive. It's like a wind instrument," said Mark Smart, local musician and Engineering student who plays the Continuum.

The instrument can also be programmed to have different tones or effects ranging from melodic to grungy to psychedelic. It can modify the sound to mimic different instruments such as guitar, saxophone, organ, or percussion.

"It's like playing three or four instruments at the same time. ...The range of sounds is practically infinite," Smart said.

Randy Kerber, Academy Award-nominated movie soundtrack composer, has incorporated the instrument into songs he wrote for the latest edition to the Indiana Jones tetralogy, which is set to debut May 22. The music will be performed in collaboration with John Williams, composer of the Star Wars theme song. According to the Internet Movie Database, Kerber has played and orchestrated music for numerous other box-office hits such as X-Men III, Troy and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.

According to Haken, the Continuum has been used in other movies such as War of the Worlds and Superman Returns for background ambiance. However, it was not yet been used in music for movies.

"It was used mainly for sound effects. You know alien sounds, alien voices, things like that. That's very different than using it for actual music in Indiana Jones," Haken said.

We will have to hear what all this sounds like when Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull opens on May 22nd.

Thanks to 'aboninix', Lon Mills and 'Blondie-Wan' for the article link.

Posted by Mitchell Hallock

In an interview appearing in Empire magazine, The Transformers star had this to say:

... he (Shia) constantly felt intimidated by the fans' expectations of the fourth sequel in the film series. But the Transformers star claims Ford was great at putting the rest of the cast at ease and has even likened the 65-year-old to General George Smith Patton, the leading U.S. Army general during World War Two.

LaBeouf tells British magazine Empire, "It was terrifying to join this franchise. Everything you imagine it is, is exactly what it is. You don't want to be the addition who ruined everything. And you know there's going to be so much critique, that it can be quite daunting. "But Harrison always used to say before every take, 'Alright, let's shoot this piece of s**t.' It was his way of alleviating the pressure. Another hats-off thing about Harrison is that he's the troop leader - he's General Patton; the guy leading the surge. When you're around him, you don't feel that pressure."

Patton, huh? Well at least Ford didn't slap Shia if he missed a line in front of the cameras.

Source: Contactmusic.com

Posted by Mitchell Hallock

For the last few years, Delk has been hatting as a hobby. Customers, mostly Indiana Jones fans, generally only pay for materials, shipping and handling. Delk doesn't include the price of labor.

And through the Internet, he's befriended other Indiana Jones outfitters, like England resident Peter Botright, who creates and sells the leather jackets Indy wears on film.

Delk became a part of The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull when Botright referred him to film costumer Bernie Pollack (brother of actor/director Sydney Pollack, known for films like Out of Africa, Tootsie and The Firm.)

"I've known Peter about 10 years, and he knew I had a fanbase and was spoken highly of," Delk said. "He gave Bernie my contact information, and a few days later, he called me." Pollack asked for samples, and Delk sent five.

"As soon as he got them, he called me back and said, 'You got it,'" Delk said. "He had been working with one hatter in Los Angeles who was incapable of making the hat. A lot of it had to do with the block shape I used. That sewed it up for me."

Originally entrusted with creating 36 hats, Delk made 48 before the job was finished...

"I had a hard time believing I was making the hats for the film, but once it sunk in, I basically worked without any sleep for three days to get six made so they could start filming. It generally takes about a day to make a hat. I make them exactly the way they would have been made if you went into a small hat shop back in 1930."

Read the full interview with Steve Delk at The Clarion Ledger. And visit Adventurebilt Hats site for more information on Delk his fedoras.

Thanks to Eric Solo for the heads up on the story.

Posted by Mitchell Hallock

Exclusive photo to Entertainment Weekly.

Thanks to Rezzo and Mariel for the news.

Posted by Mitchell Hallock

Read the original report at JWfan.com.

Thanks to John Fritz and Steven for the news.

Posted by Gilles V

A picture speaks a thousand words. So I don't have to write much for this, just a quick WOW! The new artwork by Drew Struzan accompanies an article on how Indiana Jones may be the solution Hollywood needs to save a sagging box office!

Read the article at USAToday.

Thanks to Ed Dolista at the Indy-Cast for the late night (or early morning in Australia) for the heads up!

Posted by Mitchell Hallock

One (1) Grand Prize winner will receive tickets for Winner and one (1) guest to attend an advance screening of the Picture in Los Angeles, California, on Sunday, May 18, 2008. Winner's guest must be eighteen (18) years of age or older.

No Purchase is necessary to enter the Sweepstakes. Eligible entrants must log into their facebook.com account and "become a fan" of the Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull Fan Profile, located at www.facebook.com/indianajones.

What are you waiting for? Go to the Facebook Indiana Jones page to read the full details on this amazing contest! I know I will be entering, my son, Spencer turns 10 on May 18th and this would make a great birthday gift for him (and me, especially since I am the one over 18 years of age... way over)!

Posted by Mitchell Hallock

It was also announced that the filmmakers are currently working on a second trailer for the film, Paramount has touted that the first was one of the most watched trailers ever. It should premiere mid-to-late April.

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is set for release May 22, 2008!

Source: IESB.net

Thanks to Rezzo and Brian for the news warning.

Posted by Mitchell Hallock

Blanchett as Spalko.

Thanks to Mar Andrew Blades for informing us.

Posted by Gilles V

Indy 4 promo sticker.

The sticker measures 18x13 inches and has no problem showing the world what the Crystal Skull looks like.

Thanks to Brandon for the photo.

Posted by Mitchell Hallock

Here's some of what Lucas had to say regarding Indy 4:

EW: How are you feeling about Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull? Feeling good?
Lucas: "Oh, yeah, we had a great time making it."

EW: Are you nervous about it in any way?
Lucas: "No, no, it's a great film. Will it beat (The Dark Knight)? I don't know. But we'll certainly give Batman a run for their money."

EW: Are you going to do another Indiana Jones movie after this one?
Lucas: "That I don't know. We do these one at a time and we do them purely for the fun of it, which means that if we've got too many other things going on — Steve (Spielberg)'s got a couple more movies, he's got Chicago Seven, he's got all this stuff backed up for years — who knows? At least I'm at a point now where I can just enjoy myself and be creative and not have to worry about people getting crazy or trying to make decisions around me or anything. And I'm to a point now where if it isn't successful, it's not the end of the world. It's always a disappointment when it doesn't turn out, but sometimes you know it's not going to turn out. I've (also) seen other people's movies that I had really high hopes for — I said, ''Oh, this is going to be great'' — and I'd see it and it is great, but it falls flat and nobody goes to see it. You know, I loved Across the Universe, it's a brilliant film. I wish I had made it — I don't think I'm talented enough to do that. But at the same time, it just (motions like it blew away) pffffff. It's too bad. That's the saddest part right there: Something that you think is really good and should work and people should enjoy it, and they don't."

EW: But you're confident that Indiana Jones will work?
Lucas: "Yeah, well, this one, we know that for the fans it won't be the movie that they have been making in their minds for the last 19 years, so they all get bent out of shape. A lot of the critics forget that they didn't like the first three, and so they get off on this one, too — or it's not the Second Coming. And, yeah, we didn't make it bigger and better, we made it exactly the same. So if you loved the other ones, you'll love this one. But if you expect to have F-14s flying under freeways — that isn't there. It's just another period adventure movie with this wacky archaeologist. It's funny. I think it's funnier than the other ones, and it's exciting. So it's got all the stuff that all the other ones have. And Harrison's great in it."

The full article has more information on The Clone Wars, the Star Wars TV series, and other tidbits that the legion of Lucas loyalists may want learn about.

Source: EW.com

Posted by Mitchell Hallock

New photo published in the April issue of 'Film Review' magazine.

Looks great... and to why he is smiling, well you will have to wait until May 22nd to see.

Special thanks to Sakis for sharing this scanned photo at The Raven message boards.

Posted by Mitchell Hallock

Though Hollywood Reporter also announced that the second teaser trailer won't premiere in theaters but in a widget.

When a second trailer for Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull premieres online, it should spread as fast as the first thanks to a widget.

Paramount is counting on the small, portable applications that can be posted on blogs and social networks to maximize the exposure for its trailers. The first Skull trailer, released in March, has racked up millions of views.

Paramount turned to widget provider Clearspring for Skull, which will include a contest with the release of the second trailer. The two fans who manage to distribute their Skull widgets most will win trips to the world premiere of the movie and the chance to be red-carpet correspondents in footage that will be streamed onto the Skull widgets following the premiere.

You can read the full article online at Hollywood Reporter.

Thanks to Mitchell Hallock, Heiko, Brian for the heads up.

Posted by Gilles V

See it all on the official Indiana Jones site.

Thanks to "Maybe, by not today" and Stoo.

Posted by Mitchell Hallock

Enjoy this closer look at Shia LaBeouf and Cate Blanchett in character.

Special thanks to Sakis for sharing this scanned photos at The Raven message boards.

Posted by Gilles V

Because many people interviewed were handicapping (and slamming) films, filmmakers and studios with whom they might have business dealings, everyone was allowed to comment anonymously -- you know, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.

One more thing: Studio employees could not vote for their own movies. And although choices were all over the board, it was clear that attendees were bullish on Paramount's Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull and far less excited about Marvel Studios and Universal's The Incredible Hulk.

• Online movie advertiser
  Hit: Prince Caspian or Indiana Jones -- "They have built-in awareness. You don't have to spend a dime marketing them."
• Studio executive
  Hit: Indiana Jones -- "There's no one in America that doesn't want to see it."
• Filmmaker
  Hit: Indiana Jones -- "Without having spent a dime on marketing, they have the most-watched trailer in history."
• Movie trailer supervisor
  Hit: Indiana Jones -- "My kids are already game for it. Casting Shia LaBeouf is really smart."
• Drive-in theater owner
  Hit: Indiana Jones -- "They've got the best date to open a movie (May 23), and it's iconic. It's almost like James Bond."
• Studio executive
  Hit: Indiana Jones -- "It's either that or Narnia, which looks like it might be in the realm of The Lord of the Rings."
• Movie trailer adviser
  Hit: Iron Man or Indiana Jones -- "Audience reaction to the trailers are really high."
• Studio executive
  Hit: Prince Caspian or Hancock -- "The three films with the best pedigree are Indiana Jones, Narnia and Will Smith."

To see the others on the Hit or Bomb list read the full article at The Press Democrat.

Posted by Mitchell Hallock

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
Fan Correspondent Sweepstakes - OFFICIAL RULES

No Purchase Necessary. A Purchase Does Not Increase your Chance of Winning.

1. Description: The "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull Fan Correspondent Sweepstakes" begins on Monday, March 17, 2008 at 6:01 PM Pacific Standard Time (PST) and ends on May 1, 2008 at 6:01 PST. Entry in the Sweepstakes does not constitute entry into any other promotion, contest or sweepstakes.

2. Eligibility: Only legal residents of United States and the District of Columbia (but specifically excluding the states of Florida and New York) who are between the ages of thirteen and nineteen at the time of entry and have Internet access are eligible to enter the Sweepstakes. Sponsor and Lucasfilm Ltd. , and their respective parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, distributors, retailers, sales representatives, advertising and promotion agencies and each of their respective officers, directors and employees (collectively, the "Sweepstakes Entities"), and immediate family and household members of such individuals, are ineligible to enter the Sweepstakes or win a prize. VOID IN FLORIDA AND NEW YORK .

3. How To Enter: No Purchase is necessary to enter the Sweepstakes. The Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull movie trailer widget may be acquired from the Official Site for the Picture (located at www.indianajones.com), as well as on the official Myspace profile for the picture (located at www.myspace.com/indianajones), by clicking on the "grab this" or "grab to win*" button within the Widget. Within the Widget, entrants must click on the link/tab to enter the Sweepstakes, where they will be required to submit the requested identification information (including, without limitation, name, email, age and gender). Entrants must then follow the instructions provided to embed the Widget on a webpage (for example, on the entrant's MySpace or Facebook profile). Entry will not be complete until the Widget has been embedded onto a website by the entrant and the Widget has been subsequently viewed at least once. Once this entry process has been completed, entrant will receive a confirmation email from Sponsor at the email address provided during the Widget registration.

4. Prizes: Two Grand Prize Winners: Two Grand Prize winners (each a "Winner") will each receive a three day, two night trip to attend a worldwide premiere for the Picture with a guest. The date and location of the Premiere will be determined by Sponsor in its sole and absolute discretion. The Grand Prize shall include: (i) round-trip coach air transportation (on an air carrier to be selected by Sponsor) for two people from the major airport nearest Winner's residence (approximate retail value ("ARV") of $4,000.00); (ii) hotel accommodation at a hotel selected by Sponsor (one room; double occupancy and room tax only) for two nights (ARV of $500.00); (iii) round-trip ground transportation (selected by Sponsor) from the hotel to the Premiere (ARV of $100.00); and (iv) two tickets to attend the Premiere (ARV of $100.00). Each Grand Prize Winner may also have the opportunity to interview cast and/or crew from the Picture (to be selected by Sponsor) at the Premiere, subject to such cast/crew availability. Winner's guest will not be permitted to participate in the Interview, if any, at the Premiere, but may be permitted to observe such activity from a location determined by Sponsor.

Now get that widget working and win a wonderful wild night at the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull! Good luck to all!

But before Indy fans the world over reach for their bullwhips and pulls their fedoras down over their ears and think this is blasphemy, hear him out. The man behind some of the most imaginative, story telling in the last thirty years is just telling it like it is. It's entertainment. As the Ham Salad character said in the Star Wars spoof Hardware Wars back in 1978 told Fluke Starbucker; "Relax kid, it's only a movie".

By Scott Bowles for USA TODAY:

"When you do a movie like this, a sequel that's very, very anticipated, people anticipate ultimately that it's going to be the Second Coming," Lucas says. "And it's not. It's just a movie. Just like the other movies. You probably have fond memories of the other movies. But if you went back and looked at them, they might not hold up the same way your memory holds up."
The remarks appear to be part of a larger strategy to build interest yet temper expectations for the fourth installment of the Indiana Jones franchise. Only one trailer is playing, and when director Steven Spielberg shows up for talk shows, he doesn't bring footage.

Lucas says he learned his lesson about unrealistic expectations when he revived the Star Wars franchise in 1999. "When people approach the new (Indiana Jones), much like they did with Phantom Menace, they have a tendency to be a little harder on it," he says. "You're not going to get a lot of accolades doing a movie like this. All you can do is lose."

Except when it comes to money. Analysts expect it to rake in well more than double its reported budget of $125 million. But Lucas says that doesn't hold much sway for him, Spielberg and Harrison Ford.

"We came back to do (Indy) because we wanted to have fun," he says. "It's not going to make much money for us in the end. We all have some money. … It would make a lot of money if you weren't rich. But we're not doing it for the money."

It's fan and critic reaction for which the team is bracing, but Lucas says he has quit trying to appeal to everyone. "It was really a blast" to make. "And it turned out fantastic. … I like to watch it."

Lucas concedes that it will be impossible to water down expectations, even among fellow filmmakers.

The Dark Knight director Christopher Nolan met Lucas at the ShoWest convention this month and says he's impatient to see the competition. "Come on, he's George Lucas," Nolan says. "I felt like I should have kissed the ring."

Source: USA TODAY

This May issue of Total Film magazine is currently available in newsstands all over Europe.

Posted by Gilles V

EMPIRE's May issue.

Here's what the new issue of Empire promises:

It has been 19 years since Indy last graced the big screen but now, finally, he's back! Join us on our world-exclusive journey from Universal Studios to Skywalker Ranch and Harrison Ford's private aircraft hangar, as we bring you the world's greatest Kingdom of The Crystal Skull coverage, as well as our amazing free gift, The Indiana Jones Diaries, containing exclusive photoshoots and personal essays from the people behind the greatest movie character of all time.

Visit the Empire website to view exclusive behind-the-scenes videos of their Indy Diaries' photo shoots with Spielberg, Ford and Lucas.

Throughout the week the Empire website will be bringing more amazing behind-the-scenes images from their Indiana Jones Diaries' photo shoots. Plus, brand new unseen pictures, extracts from the essays and more...

Empire's May issue will be on sale in the UK this Friday! The rest of Europe and the USA will have to wait a couple more days, or weeks.

Thanks to kevin and Jeroen Hoogakker for informing us.

Posted by Gilles V

Empire exclusive image.

You can view a medium-res. version of the new Indy 4 image at Empireonline.com and buy the latest issue for a high-res. version once the magazine hits a newsstand near you.

Posted by Gilles V

You can watch the trailer in Flash format at IndianaJones.com or in in High Definition QuickTime format by using the links below!

QuickTime, High Definition (1080p)
QuickTime, High Definition (720p)
QuickTime, High Definition (480p)

Thanks to Andrew de Villiers, Sven Vollstag, Ren Bell, Daniel McC., Stephen and Mitchell Hallock for the news.

Posted by Gilles V

It might not come as a shocker that Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is this summer's most anticipated movie (according to a recent Fandango poll of a few thousand moviegoers). What is surprising is by how much it beats the competition. With 82 percent of the vote, Indiana Jones nearly doubles figures for the second-highest ranked film, The Dark Knight, at 42 percent. Coming in a close third at 38 percent is Iron Man.

The poll results show Indy winning by a landslide (or rolling boulder):

Most Anticipated Summer 2008 Movie:

1. INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL (82%)
2. THE DARK KNIGHT (42%)
3. IRON MAN (38%)
4. THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: PRINCE CASPIAN (37%)
5. THE MUMMY: TOMB OF THE DRAGON EMPORER (30%)
6. GET SMART (29%)
7. THE INCREDIBLE HULK (22%)
8. THE UNTITLED X-FILES SEQUEL (20%)
9. SPEED RACER (19%)
10. SEX AND THE CITY (19%)

To see more on other topics surveyed (guess who's "All-Time Favorite Action Movie Character") read the full report at Fandango.

Source: Fandango

Even though some fans have criticized the teaser trailer for featuring more computer generated effects than most had expected, production designer
"There really wasn't much CGI. We built all the sets… We built all of the [moving stone staircases, converging stone pillars and other pieces] so it was very nice."

Steven Spielberg estimated during production that 30% of the visual effects would be CGI, but mostly for elements such as backdrops and rotoscope removal of the visible safety wires during stunt sequences. Apparently, the finished film will contain only "a couple of hundred" effects shots, compared to Michael Bay's Transformers which featured almost 650 effects shots or Sam Raimi's Spider-Man 3 which featured almost 1,000 effects shots.

Read more at: io9.com

Now that the movie has been finished, will Darabont at last get to see his name on the big screen for an Indiana Jones adventure?

"Nope. Not on this one," Darabont said when we caught up with him last week. "I know there are some common elements to what I gave Steven [Spielberg] and what was eventually shot, but I guess not enough to warrant credit. It's clearly a disappointment, especially after Steven loved my script."

In the Indy universe it's the penitent man who passes, and for his part, Darabont bows down before Spielberg, saying he "wouldn't hesitate to work with Steven again."

The same can't be said of George Lucas, however, who has probably seen the last of the Shawshank scripter. Would Darabont ever consider, for instance, working on the new Star Wars television series slated to hit airwaves in 2010?

Head over to MTV News to read the full article.

Posted by Gilles V

The website; Music from the Movies also had this on the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull release:

The score will be made available by Concord Records, a jazz, blues and classical label which previously released Gustavo Santaolalla's Babel. No tracklisting or artwork has been revealed as yet, but the release date is tantalisingly close. Early reports suggest Williams has stuck closely to the style of the original scores, which Concord are apparently due to re-release separately at a later date. The score is also the first to feature the brand new hi-tech keyboard instrument, the ‘Continuum Fingerboard', a keyboard that pre-empts where the performers fingers will go using complex sensors. Although the device provided ambient sound for the likes of Superman Returns and Williams' War of the Worlds, Crystal Skull marks the first time it has been used as an instrument. All will of course become clear on May 20th as the score hits stores; the usual online retailers are already providing pre-order services.

There you go Indy fans, you can officially start humming the familiar tune of..Da-da-da-daa-di-di-da..

Source: Music from the Movies & JWfan.com

Thanks to Blondie-Wan and Sven Spong for the links.

"I pulled a rotator cuff in my hip," Shia LaBeouf said, gesturing to his waist. "It's the only time in my career I've ever been injured. What happened was, because the injury got worse and worse as the movie went on, I pulled my groin also. [The groin] is not a good thing to have anything happen to."

But injuries are temporary, and film is forever. And this particular scene, the one where he pulled his hip, just happens to be his favorite scene in the movie — one where he gets to finally step into the light as the heir to Indiana Jones.

And we can't tell you a darn thing about it… yet. Though we will say (because Shia admitted to it on the red carpet), that it has to do with a sword fight. Look for more news about that scene — and the first full interview with Shia about "Indy 4? — on MTV News in the coming weeks.

Source: MTV News and The Sun

"We've gone off and made other movies which means our paths have not crossed all that often. I'm not the most social guy in the world and neither is Harrison, so we didn't spend much time together, but we actually became great buddies on this movie."

"More even than on the first three. It's the best thing that came out of this experience for me."

Source: EMPIRE Magazine

Speaking with Contactmusic.com, Hurt goes on to say:

"I am sworn to secrecy on the plot. But, quite frankly, it is just like the other three."
"Indiana Jones is a tried and tested franchise. Lot of build-up. Let's hope the public like it. It will be a guaranteed for the first weekend. Whether it has legs will remain to be seen."

So there you have it Indy fans, take it from the man who "faced off" against the Alien in 1978, he knows a hit when he sees it!

For more information visit: http://www.indianajones.com/groupsales/

As Donovan said in Last Crusade, "it's Jones alright and looks like he brought an army with him", (armed with popcorn and drinks)!

Start lining up now Indy fans!

Beware before clicking on the links here as the track listing for the soundtrack at Amazon.com offers hints to new SPOILERS about the various scenes in the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull film!

The soundtrack is due out in stores on May 20, two days before the movie hits theaters.

Thanks to Alan Spencer, Martin Thomson, Paul Pinto, Jay, and Mitchell Hallock for informing us.

Posted by Gilles V

Enjoy this closer look at Shia LaBeouf as "greaser" Mutt Williams.

Special thanks to 'NileQT87' for sharing these scanned photos at The Raven message boards.

Posted by Gilles V

Here follows Peter's description of the 3D banner.

Aside from it's massive size, what was really unique about this banner was that Indiana Jones was actually swinging off the banner away from the natives chasing behind him. I was able to snap a few photos with my iPhone, but as always, low light and camera phone don't exactly result in great photography. But I'm sure you'll get the idea.

Click here to visit /film and view Peter's iPhone photos of the 3D Kingdom of the Crystal Skull banner.

Thanks to John Sullivan for the heads up.

Posted by Gilles V

Three more new Indiana Jones 4 photos have appeared online this weekend. The original source for these great photos is unknown.

Special thanks to 'NileQT87', 'tnswman', 'jandemor', 'ScarfaceJoker', Sakis and the other people at The Raven message boards for the heads up.

Posted by Gilles V

Sean Connery played the intrepid adventurer's father, Dr. Henry Jones Sr., in third movie Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade - and fans had hoped the Scottish star would reprise his role for the forthcoming Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.
But the former James Bond star was not involved in the project and Ford insists the film will be just as successful without Connery.
He says, "We don't need Sean. I'm old enough to play my own father."
"I would have loved to have had Sean back. But I think he prefers golf to acting nowadays and probably makes more (money)."

Source: Contactmusic.com

- Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) 1 hour and 55 minutes
- Temple of Doom (1984) 1 hour and 58 minutes
- Last Crusade (1989) 2 hours and 7 minutes
- Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008) 2 hours and 20 minutes

This running time adheres to Indy's co-creator, George Lucas' previous testaments to a movie's length saying that they should run no longer than two hours and 20-25 minutes or it gets too much for an audience to sit still. Hence, the Star Wars saga did not go the Lord of the Rings route with 3 hour plus running times.

Indyfans will surely not care if they sit a little longer in their seats t watch Indy's return to the big screen. Besides as with all of Indy's big screen adventures, they sit on the edge of their seats because of all the thrills and action flying towards them -- it's almost like a new kind of 3-D "dangerous, death-defying, delightful daredevil" entertainment!

Fans had better order the large bag of popcorn for this trip!

Source: Hollywoodelsewhere.com

So "come on, genius" -- that math comes out top 7x20 minutes
= 140 minutes, 140/60 minutes = 2 hours and 20 minutes!

Thanks to Grethe at Harrison Ford Web.

Amid reports this morning that the upcoming Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull's running time will be an unending 140 minutes come additional rumors that the movie itself is a giant stinker. "I have been told by a couple people to 'keep expectations low,'" says /Film's Peter Sciretta. "According to some insiders," adds CHUD's Devin Faraci, "the movie may not have turned out to be what people in the industry call 'good.'" This is after George Lucas himself attempted to quell fans' hopes two weeks ago with this ringing endorsement in USA Today: "When you do a movie like this, a sequel that's very, very anticipated, people anticipate ultimately that it's going to be the Second Coming … And it's not. It's just a movie. Just like the other movies." Since we liked the trailer and we'll watch anything with Shia LaBeouf, we're still holding out hope that Skull won't be another Phantom Menace — but what if it is? ...

Well, the Indyfans will have to wait and see and as they see in the leap from the Lion's head... take a leap of faith and as Indy always said "Trust Him".

Read the full article at New York Magazine.

So here are some excerpts from this great interview with the dynamic duo of derring-do:

So what took so long to get to installment No. 4? It's been 19 years since Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, the last of the original trilogy of films.
LUCAS: When we got to [the idea of making a fourth] one, I had already said, ''No. I can't think of another MacGuffin.''
SPIELBERG: There's not one that hasn't been supernatural.
LUCAS: The supernatural part has to be real. [He taps the table] Which is why they're very hard, and you run out [of options] very fast. You have to have a supernatural object that people actually believe in. People believe that there was an Ark of the Covenant, and it has these powers. Same thing with the Sankara stones, same thing with the Holy Grail. We may have exaggerated some of its powers, but basically there are people who believe there is a Holy Grail, brought back by the Knights Templar.

Well to bring us into Indy 4, what kind of developmental push and pull went on once you decided to set the new film in the 1950s?
LUCAS: The idea was to take the genre of Saturday-matinee serials, which were popular in the '30s and '40s, and say, ''What kind of B movie was popular in the '50s, like those B movie serials were popular in the '40s?'' And use that as the overall uber-genre. We wouldn't do it as a Saturday-matinee serial. We'd do it as a B movie from the '50s.
SPIELBERG: The Cold War came to mind immediately, because if you're in the '50s, you have to acknowledge the Cold War.
LUCAS: If you're going to make a movie about the 1930s, it's almost impossible to do it without the Nazis. And it's the same thing when we got [to the '50s] here. We have to deal with the Russians because that's where we were. It's not like we set out to make a film about Russians. It was, What was going on in the world? What were the issues? Who was doing what?
SPIELBERG: Totally.
LUCAS: You do a whole lot of research around the subject matter to try to get it as plausible as possible. We don't deal with time machines. We don't deal with phony notebooks that don't exist. We don't deal with pyramids in 10,000 B.C., because there weren't any.

So, Nazis out, Russians in. And that led you to a Russian villainess.
SPIELBERG: Well, we had a villainess last time, too [in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade]. But blonde Elsa wasn't bad from the get-go.
SPIELBERG: Right. Irina Spalko is a villain when she [first] gets out of the car.
LUCAS: She's an uber-villain.
SPIELBERG: The privilege for me was working with the great and talented Cate Blanchett. Because she is really a master of disguise.
LUCAS: She's just amazing.
SPIELBERG: She is so unrecognizable in this movie. But she's been unrecognizable in many of the choices she's made in her career, to play characters, like Bob Dylan, that are so removed from who she is as a mom and a wife in real life. She's a very threatening villain. Of all the villains I've been able to work with in the Indiana Jones movies, I can say she's my favorite. And I think Cate made her that way. We gave her a template for this, but she invented the character.

You've made Indiana much older in Crystal Skull — the character is nearly 60. And Harrison Ford turned 65 while you were making the film.
LUCAS: There was never any question about the fact that we were going to have Harrison play his age.
SPIELBERG: There's a line that was thematic for me, and it's not a line that's actually in the movie. And it illustrates why I was comfortable letting Harrison age 18, 19 years. In the first movie, he says, ''It's not the years, sweetheart, it's the mileage.'' Well, my whole theme in this movie is, It's not the mileage sweetheart, it's the years. When a guy gets to be that age and he still packs the same punch, and he still runs just as fast and climbs just as high, he's gonna be breathing a little heavier at the end of the set piece. And I felt, Let's have some fun with that. Let's not hide that.

Plus he's got a sidekick to show him up — Shia LaBeouf, who plays a young ''greaser.'' Did he even know what a greaser was?
SPIELBERG: He didn't.
LUCAS: I had to train him. Shia got sent to the American Graffiti school of greaserland. And I became the consultant on his comb.

Talking to George Lucas and Steven Spielberg; as Henry Jones, Sr., says in Last Crusade, "...it doesn't get much closer than that"! Closer to perfection!

Read the full four pages article at EW.com.

Mutt (Shia LaBeouf) and Indy (Harrison Ford) discover a skeleton.

Here follows an excerpt from the Harrison Ford's interview with USA Today.

Many of the plotlines of Crystal Skull are still secret, but Ford says the movie will try to give new perspectives on his globe-trotting, fist-fighting archaeologist.

"He's a guy who is pretty clear from the beginning," Ford says. "He has not changed so much between films. But we've learned more about him, through various plot devices, such as the introduction of his father. And we'll learn something more about him in this film. I think it's required. If you're going to bring back a character, you'll have to supply the audience with something more and different."

Visit the USA Today website to read the full interview with Harrison Ford.

Thanks to Daniel, Ramin Faridi, Rlean, Eric. F, Ryan Bernales, Steven and Jan Kees den Hartog for the article link.

Posted by Gilles V

In this first excerpt Lucas answers a question to the Indy 4 story. Beware for SPOILERS!

"Hey, the story is secret, but I like your persistence! Well, if you watched Independence Day, you know about the secret of Roswell. For this matter, in the box can only be something that is not from this earth, right? And if you know, that the so called Mitchell-Hedge-Crystal Skull was found in a ruin of the ancient maya culture, but according to its perfection could never have been produced by the mayas, then you are on the right trail. But I can't tell anything more, Steven would kill me otherwise."

And for the second time in one day we get someone saying that another Indiana Jones sequel is possible! First Harrison Ford in the interview with USA Today, and now George Lucas during the interview with CINEMA:

"First, we wait, how the new adventure reaches the audience. But I can tell this much, I myself like the idea of working on sequels, too. Why not with Harrison? His figure has aged during the years, the combination with Shia LaBeouf as his son is at least as attractive as with Sean Connery as his father in the last film. I can image a lot, there."

And finally, the brand new Indy 4 photo featured in this latest issue of CINEMA!

Special thanks to Basti Gruenwald and Heiko for the info and magazine scan.

Posted by Gilles V

National Geographic Kids

Showing the previously released picture of Indy and Mutt looking over a cavern, the article hints at some of the action in Indy 4. Surprisingly, the issue talks about Indy and Mutt coming up against warriors in a Temple, giant insects, booby traps and some tidbits about the mysterious crystal skulls.

Read more about it in the May 2008 issue or just wait until May 22nd for the movie!

Source: National Geographic Kids

Entertainment Weekly.

Nineteen years have passed since the last Indiana Jones movie was released, making the fourth installment hitting theaters May 22 perhaps the most anticipated movie of the summer. However, some people might not want to see a beloved action icon reaching AARP eligibility. What does Ford have to say about that? "Yeah, I've heard it," Ford says. "‘Aaaaw, he's older.' Well, s---, yes. And by the way? So are you. So…are…you! Take a look in the f---ing mirror!"

Regardless of the fans' opinions, it's certain that they're brimming with curiosity about the plot, which has been on lockdown from the start. Indy sidekick Shia LaBeouf says every page of his script had been bar-coded and watermarked to discourage easy duplication. He says he was also given a hotline number. If he needed to valet-park his car -- and was even thinking of leaving the script in the backseat -- all he had to do was dial the hotline and someone would come retrieve it. And what if LaBeouf ever felt the urge to blab about the plot of the movie? "The joke I had was that Steven had snipers following me," he says, "and if I ever slipped and gave up any tidbits, that was the end." (Cover story, Page 27)

Entertainment Weekly's Kingdom of the Crystal Skull online article also comes with two new pictures of Cate Blanchett and Shia LaBeouf. The magazine itself contains a third new photo of Indy in a "tight situation".

And be sure to check out EW's interview with George Lucas and Steven Spielberg.

Entertainment Weekly's Summer Movie Preview issue is available on newsstands in the USA today.

Posted by Gilles V

When you're visiting New York City you may find yourself gazing up at a massive curved Kingdom of the Crystal Skull billboard, or notice the large advert on several double-decker tour busses driving around in Manhattan.

Here follows a selection of photos showing such Indy 4 adverts received by site visitors and fellow Indy fans.

Special thanks to David Benmoussa, Tim Gough, John Cox, Matt Zunich and 'DigitalfreakNYC' for these photos.

Posted by Gilles V

Thus not 2 hours and 20 minutes as was mentioned earlier this week. The assumption must have come from the info that the film was distributed on 7 reels. And each reel can take "maximum" 20 minutes.

Composer John Williams mentioned the 7 reels for Indy 4 and Hollywood Elsewhere was the first to report the running time of 140 minutes. But we know now that info was not correct.

Note: Indyfan Marko Grimani (from Slovenia) wrote me with the info that he was informed by his local distributor of Indiana Jones 4 that the runtime of the new film will be 123 minutes.

So we now know that Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull with 2 hours (or if correct: precisely 123 minutes) will not be the longest Indy film after all. That record remains with the Last Crusade at 2 hours and 7 minutes

Posted by Gilles V

Sci-Fi magazine's June 2008 issue.

The main article feature a great account of Shia LaBeouf talking about how he and Karen Allen were stealing small souvenirs from the set as filming began to wrap. Shia states that if caught he would point fingers and exclaim, "Look, Karen did it also"! Soon enough his co-stars from Ray Winstone to John Hurt got in the act, and even the big man, Harrison Ford, started stealing coins and is confronted by Shia about his crime. Hey if Indiana Jones can't steal trinkets, who can?

Karen Allen talks about trying to fill in the 20 year void in her characters life to allow the character to become more interesting to play. The article is a great read and we even hear from producer Frank Marshall weighing in on the amount of visual effects used in the film, or rather the tiny amount so that Crystal Skull stays true to that old style film-making like the previous Indy films.

The Top 10 Indy homages covers everything from The Simpsons and The Family Guy to an episode of the almost Indy, Tom Selleck's Magnum P.I. to a Godzilla film?

You will have to see all the fun in the June 2008 issue of Sci-Fi on newsstands - NOW - or go to scifi.com.

Here follows a first list of brand new related articles and interviews online. And you may expect more such lists in the near future.

Indiana Jones 4 articles:
•	Ford, Lucas, Spielberg on risky quest for treasure LA Times

Interviews:
•	Belloq from Indiana Jones Interview with Paul Freeman - Eurogamer
•	Raider of the Fiber Arts Interview with Karen Allen (by Adam T. Silva) - Eurogamer

Crystal Skull articles:
•	Indiana Jones: Saving History or Stealing It? National Public Radio
•	Legend of the Crystal Skulls Archaeology Magazine
•	Skullduggery, Indy? Museum says crystal skull not Aztec AFP

Thanks to 'torao', Kiel Bryant, Randy Canis, 'Shipwreck', Tim Wilson and Adam T. Silva for the articles links.

Posted by Gilles V

Here follows an excerpt of this first impression:

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull "is the best of the Indy sequels," he declares. "Steven Spielberg's helming puts the imitators (The Mummy, National Treasure) to shame. There are many breakneck set pieces, with a protracted jungle chase being particularly memorable. As well as being evocative of the truck chase from the first movie.

Harrison Ford, he claims, "gives his best performance in the role, not only physically belying his age but layering in welcome poignancy. More than before, audiences will be rooting for Indy. Shia LaBeouf makes essential contributions. Chemistry between he and Ford is palpable, yielding some nice character comedy.

"Jones is particularly beleaguered throughout the adventure, making his predicaments all the more entertaining.

"The film has the strongest supporting cast of the sequels. They all raise the bar. Ray Winstone amuses and fascinates, but the strongest impression is left by Cate Blanchett's Agent Spalko, a characterization that achieves instant cult status.

Visit Hollywood Elsewhere to read the full article.

Posted by Gilles V

The third new "quicksand" photo found in Entertainment Weekly's Summer Movie Preview has also found its way online.

Here follow all the latest new Indiana Jones 4 photos:

Keep in mind that that this PG rating applies only to the Indy 4 film TRAILER in the UK!

Click here to view BBFC's Indiana Jones 4 trailer classification page.

This UK version 'PG' or Parental Guidance stands for: General viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children.

Source: BBFC

Special thanks to John A. and Gary Mancini for informing us.

Posted by Gilles V

The location and ticket prices haven't been determined and no announcements have been made about which actors, if any, will attend the Oklahoma City showing.

Source: NewsOK.com

So for a quick smile or two with the hardest working man who seems to be having the most fun for over thirty years in show business, check out the clip of Entertainment Tonight!

Keep an eye on this site as we'll post links to a high res version of this new TV spot as soon as we have it.

Thanks to Sven Vollstag, Dale, Micha Szóstka, and especially Spriggan Jones.

Posted by Gilles V

Sources: ThrowMeTheIdol.com, IndyEsp.net and The Raven.

Posted by Gilles V

With Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull about to erupt across our cinema screens, attention has once again been directed towards the real crystal skulls that have intrigued scholars for years. Some are tiny, only an inch or so high, while others, like the "Aztec" skull in the British Museum, are lifesized and often anatomically detailed.

Contrary to the belief held by many New Age devotees, something that will doubtless be enhanced by this summer's movie, none of the skulls appears to be ancient. Research by Dr Jane Walsh, of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, has shown that not only were modern tools used to shape them, but also many extant specimens can be traced back to the same Victorian fraudster.

You can watch the TV spot in Flash format and High Definition QuickTime format at IndianaJones.com.
Or view the HD QuickTime spot by using the links below!

QuickTime, High Definition (1080p)
QuickTime, High Definition (720p)
QuickTime, High Definition (480p)

Posted by Gilles V

JWFan.Net has posted the English translation of the first review of the official Indy 4 soundtrack which was posted by Mad Movies.

The review is extremely positive and has only minor spoilers. Here follows an excerpt:

Respecting the tradition of the series, the score of Indiana Jones 4 always rests on a clash between the themes of the different protagonists, the principal leitmotif (the famous MacGuffin, here a Crystal Skull of unknown power) serving both as the basis of the dispute and of a common objective. On one hand, Williams presents the good guys' themes, namely for Indy himself (whose exploits logically are illustrated by the Raiders March, which is put through every possible and imaginable tonality, denying sometimes the melody, but keeping only the recognizable rhythm) and his young sidekick Mutt (Shia LaBeouf). On the other side, Williams depicts musically the character of Irina Spalko (Cate Blanchett), main baddie of this new episode. If the overall structure remains the same as in the previous scores, the writing itself is more radical than ever, bringing to fruition the different sources of the composer (the jazz of Charles Ives, the operas of Mozart and Wagner, the tortured orchestrations of Bartók) and his last personal experimentations (the concrete music of War of the Worlds, the exclusively rhythmic usage of the brass in the last Star Wars score. It results a score not only of an expectational textural wealth, but also and especially in perfect contradiction with his era.

Thanks to Dave Sanders for informing us.