gilligan1965 This has to be the best movie franchise documentary I've seen in many years.When I rented this DVD from the library yesterday, I thought it was only about the making of 'THE ORIGINAL' 1968 "Planet of the Apes" movie...but, it's much, much more than that.This brings you through the ORIGINAL 1968 "Planet of the Apes" movie, but, also through the entire "Planet of the Apes" movie trilogy -1. "Planet of the Apes" (1968);2. "Beneath the Planet of the Apes" (1970);3. "Escape from the Planet of the Apes" (1971);4. "Conquest of the Planet of the Apes: (1972);and,5. "Battle for the Planet of the Apes" (1973);The documentary also focuses on the live-action television series -"Planet of the Apes" (1974);and, the animated television series -"Return to the Planet of the Apes" (1975)...as well as the merchandising of the toys and accessories children my age once had but later sold for pennies in a 1980-1990 tag sale and is now worth a small fortune on eBay!?!?If "Star Trek" fans are called 'Trekkies,' it's only fair that "Planet of the Apes" fans are called 'Apeies!?!?' I suppose I'm both! :)This is a MONUMENTAL DOCUMENTARY that highlights one of the greatest movie franchises of all time! Whether you're familiar with and like "The Planet of the Apes" in any way, shape, or, form; or, you're a newcomer who's interested in seeing what it's all about...this documentary is exactly for you! :)

bensonmum2 The original Planet of the Apes has always been one of my favorite movies. This two-hour making-of, behind-the-scenes documentary is a must for any fan of the movie. I've seen it three times now and I never get tired of the stories of the make-up, casting decisions, and screenplay rewrites. It's truly fascinating. Considering that Planet of the Apes was made in 1968, I'm always amazed that there was so much film footage available in 1998 for this documentary. My favorite clips have to be those of the make-up transformations of the cast.Say what you will about the man, but Roddy McDowall has always been one of my favorite actors. He was a solid and natural choice to narrate this film and I'm glad he agreed to do it. Other than Beneath the Planet of the Apes, he was there and offers good insights into how these movies were made.

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

vwolak This is a Documentary hosted by Roddy McDowall (Cornelius/Caesar/Galen) giving a history and behind the scenes glimpse of the making of the Planet of the Apes franchise, complete from the first 1968 film up to the cartoon series. There are some interesting little tidbits that may not be common knowledge to some POTA fans. I could list them, but that would spoil some of the surprises this documentary has to offer. It does not include anything about the new POTA movie with Mark Wahlberg, but that may have been made after this documentary. We learn about the adversities the original POTA makers encountered in the beginning. As well as the details of the original production such as budgets, original plot details that were later scrapped, and original casting.I would not recommend watching this until you have seen all 5 POTA movies, as they give out the endings of each one. Enjoy!