CORPORATE LINE: For the first time in the history of cinema, film fans will have the opportunity to experience the production of a major motion picture from the unique perspective of a master filmmaker with KING KONG Peter Jackson’s Production Diaries. The three-time Academy Award® winning director (the Lord of the Rings trilogy) personally invites viewers to immerse themselves in this unprecedented project, which combines a full-color book with more than 50 pages, four stunning production conceptual art prints and two DVDs to create a step-by-step, first-hand account of the film’s eight-month production process.
Available for a limited time only, this handsomely packaged gift set is a must-own for every Peter Jackson and KING KONG fan. KING KONG Peter Jackson’s Production Diaries is a beautifully crafted, limited edition work of art that comes with a collector’s letter of authenticity. Introduced by Jackson himself, the package’s 54 intriguing production diaries provide an unparalleled opportunity to see stars Naomi Watts (Oscar® nominated for 21 Grams), Jack Black (School of Rock) and Adrien Brody (Academy Award® winner for The Pianist) in action as they bring this thrilling tale to the screen. As a special bonus, the set includes a fascinating, detailed look at the creation of one of the film’s most exciting action sequences – the fierce battle between Kong and the three T-Rex.
THE DOCUMENTARY: Had you known these diaries were originally located on Kongisking.net you could have watched them for free. Now that they are gone the only place to get them is on DVD—so don’t fret. Sure you can write it off as an attempt to line the pockets of the film studio and Peter Jackson—but this is actually worth watching. So we tend to think this is more about art than capitalism.
Every diary is something different. One might be of Peter Jackson talking about the film, Jack Black giving his take, set or production design. We had to watch this before screening the movie and it doesn’t clue you into everything nor does it take away any value of the film. This really is something additional for those fanatics who have to know everything about the film.
Our favorite diaries involved production. It’s amazing to see how scenes were created as well as special effects. The strongest part of the production diaries are all the new ground they cover. Too often DVD extras regurgitate the same things with the commentary, documentary, behind-the-scenes. Too often you know you’ve heard it before and grow bored quickly with each successive extra.
THE EXTRAS: It seems odd to even say there are extras because the entire DVD set is an extra. The set comes in a “Limited Edition Gift Box.” The set includes four exclusive production art prints and a fifty-two page scrapbook of drawings, photographs, images and notes from Peter Jackson. Finally, you get a letter of authenticity—for what that is worth.
FRANKLY: King Kong: Peter Jackson’s Production Diaries has so much information that it’s great for the casual fans as well as those who want to make a career in film making. There is so much value ingrained in this DVD that fanatics will surely buy the set—but that might be the only ones who do. One thing we would mention—we tend to think all of these diaries will be offered again when King Kong is released on DVD—we don’t know this for a fact. But if the past is any indication with the Lord of the Rings releases and their plethora of extras you can practically count on Kong coming with a monster set of extras. It’s up to you whether you wait to get the extras now or later.
+ Charlie Craine
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