Planet of the Apes-40th Anniversary (Blu-ray) (1968)

"A film rich with unforgettable imagery, killer lines and physical thrills.  Andrew Collins, Empire
"A sci-fi classic that still holds up today and far surpasses Tim Burton's remake.  Beth Accomando, KPBS.org
"This fascinating premise is exploited to the fullest.  Box Office Magazine
"Seminal simian sci-fi that blends satire with the drive and pace of an adventure story.  Channel 4 Film
"Quickly paced [and] completely entertaining!  Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

Editor's Note Complex sociological themes run through this science-fiction classic, about three astronauts marooned on a futuristic planet where apes rule and humans are slaves. The stunned trio discovers that these highly intellectual simians can both walk upright and talk. They have even established a class system and a political structure. The astronauts suddenly find themselves part of a devalued species, trapped and imprisoned by the apes. But one, Taylor, manages to break out and, aided by a pair of compassionate chimps, makes his escape to an uninhabited section of land. However, during the trek Taylor makes a startling, unsettling discovery about the planet--and realizes he's come full circle. PLANET OF THE APES is based on the novel by Pierre Boulle with a screenplay co-written by Rod Serling.

	Roddy McDowall
	Linda Harrison
	Kim Hunter
	Maurice Evans
	Woodrow Parfrey
	Charlton Heston
	James Whitmore
	James Daly
	Robert Gunner
	Lou Wagner
	Leon Shamroy - Cinematographer
	Hugh S. Fowler - Editor
	Arthur P. Jacobs - Producer
	Jerry Goldsmith - Composer
	Michael Wilson - Writer
	Pierre Boulez - Source Writer
	Jack Martin Smith - Art Director
	Franklin J. Schaffner - Director

"Get your stinking paws off me, you damn dirty ape."---- Taylor (Charlton Heston)

Entertainment Weekly
"...The original shocked audiences, and in the process, kicked off sci-fi's first true franchise..." 01/11/2002 p.33

Total Film
"...[A] classic....Seminal sci-fi..." 12/01/2003 p.133

ReelViews 8 of 10
Planet of the Apes was arguably the first American science fiction franchise of the post-serial film era. In many ways, the Planet of the Apes series developed the blueprint used by many subsequent multi-segment science fiction endeavors (such as Star Wars, Star Trek, and, to a lesser extent, Superman) in the advertising and merchandising arenas. Not only did Planet of the Apes spawn four theatrical sequels, but it was the basis for a short-lived television series, a Saturday morning TV cartoon, countless books, comic books, and other spin-off material - not to mention the "action figures", costumes, lunch boxes, and various other paraphernalia that are now mandatory to the success of any would-be blockbuster...Like most good science fiction, Planet of the Apes combines action, adventure, futuristic settings, and allegory into an entertaining whole...Planet of the Apes is one of those rare films whose historical impact outweighs its quality. It's a good film, but not a classic. Yet, although little more than a socially conscious, well executed science fiction adventure film, Planet of the Apes arrived in theaters at just the right time to capture the country's imagination. It was a family feature that parents could take their children to, an allegory for those upset with the current cultural tides, and a source of escapism for those wanting to lose themselves in another reality for two hours. - James Berardinelli

Chicago Sun-Times 8 of 10
Since "Planet" already seems to have found its audience, then, I thought I'd address this review to the others -- to those who wouldn't be caught dead going to see anything called "Planet of the Apes"...What they were really implying was that any movie named "Planet of the Apes'' had to be awful. This kind of snobbery may be good for a chuckle or two, but those who practice it miss a lot of entertaining movies..."Planet of the Apes" is one. It is not great, or significant, or profound. Occasionally it is distractingly cute, as when the apes rewrite one cliche after another: "Man see, Man do," for example, or "To apes, all men look alike." but, this is part of the fun...Heston is by now just about the only Hollywood actor capable of playing archetypal heroes -- Moses, Ben-Hur, the last man alive, etc. -- and there must be a reason. In stature and screen presence, he is heroic and he is noble; you've got to admit it. He's right for this role, however preposterous it really may be, and he carries the film effortlessly. The actors hidden behind that ape makeup (Kim Hunter, Maurice Evans, Roddy McDowall, etc.) are difficult to review as people, but they're fine as apes...What I'm getting at, I guess, is that "Planet of the Apes" is much better than I expected it to be. It is quickly paced, completely entertaining, and its philosophical pretensions don't get in the way...If you only condescend to see an adventure thriller on rare occasions, condescend this time. You have nothing to lower but your brow. - Roger Ebert