Siskel & Ebert Review Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) Steven Spielberg

DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of the footage I used. Copyrights belong to their respective owners. This video is covered by "fair use".

[@raymar3163]

I was thirty two years old when I saw Raiders at the movie theater. As I was walking out I remember thinking that this might be the best movie I have ever seen. The more I thought about I realized that I felt like a ten year old kid the whole time the movie was playing. I still do to this day. Yes, a masterpiece.

[@johnstrawb3521]

@Raymar31 That's a real shame. there are hundreds and hundreds of films better than Raiders, including dozens of action films. Even the action scene in the temple is full of directorial and script blunders.

[@thejamesbondshow9754]

@@johnstrawb3521 shut up

[@redadamearth]

​@@johnstrawb3521 Risk your own opinions like the person above did instead of making a negative statement with a generality. Please name the "dozens of action films" that are better than "Raiders..." You made the statement - so tell everybody here, which "DOZENS" of "ACTION" movies *YOU* think are better than "Raiders of the Lost Ark"? You decided to crap on someone's personal feeling about the movie with nothing but negativity and generalities - so please offer the "DOZENS" of "ACTION" movies that YOU think are better - again, not "movies" - but "ACTION" movies, specifically, as you said; the "DOZENS" of them, please. Your choices will tell me EVERYTHING about you and how much you know about cinema - and whether you simply chose them from a "best of" internet list and ordered them randomly.

[@villain7140]

@@redadamearth​dude doesn’t know what the hell he’s talking about in addition to being an asshole, “directorial and script blunders”? What on earth is a script blunder? Petty things like minor continuity errors? What exactly is being blundered? His criticism is not only meaninglessly vague but downright confounding

[@axgreenious9400]

I was six years old when my parents took me and my three siblings to see this movie at a theater (Villa Theater) which once had the largest movie screen in town. I was mesmerized and frightened by this film, especially the ending scene with the melting/exploding/shriveling faces. Subsequently watched Temple of Doom and then Last Crusade at the same theater (it sat approximately 300 plus people); crazy and cool to see people waiting to buy tickets in a line which spanned a block. Raiders of the Lost Ark is one of the best movies ever made. Great memories of my parents, especially sitting next to my mom who provided comfort during the "scary" parts of the movie. The score was epic, and the scene with Belloc (sp?) eating the fly was a bonus.

[@curtpowell3795]

Archaeologists: "Raiders of the Lost Ark represents some of the worst about archaeology!" Me: "So, What made you want to become an archaeologist?" Archaeologists: "Raiders of the Lost Ark."

[@TacoBellManager]

Only archaeologists would think this is a movie about archaeology.

[@coleparker]

As a retired Professional Archaeologists myself and just starting out when this movie it became both an inspiration and a morale booster for me.

[@mortalclown3812]

Ha. I tried to retweet this

[@jwanbesande2734]

Raiders of the Lost Ark: the Sigmund Freud of archeology

[@hammalammadingdong6244]

One of the best ever made. They didn't even mention John William's excellent score.

[@Rob-dp3vr]

when he scores a movie, its a hit. His list of work is astonishing. What he touches, turns to gold. I mean, even Home Alone. They brought him in desperation, didn't think he'd do it. he agreed, and boom, megahit. Just one example of a record grossing movie with his music.

[@malafakka8530]

Even nowadays music is rarely mentioned. Probably because unless they have some knowledge of music movie critics can't say anything substantial about it. I think Ebert said that he often didn't talk about the music of a movie because of that if I remember correctly.

[@grumpyoldman3458]

@@malafakka8530 If the music is really good you don't notice it as being separate from the movie, apart from the main themes.

[@johnmc3862]

@@Rob-dp3vr Williams+Spielberg the perfect match.

[@branrx]

Williams plus Spielberg were blockbuster kings

[@dbjkatz]

RIP Siskel and Ebert. 😢 You are missed.

[@AgentXPQ]

This film is 40 years old, and I think it's still the best gun sound effects I have ever heard.

[@ClifHaley]

And punching.

[@chonconnor6144]

Great sound editing and fantastic soundtrack as well.

[@peabody3000]

that's what got an oscar if i recall

[@Luca-bv5ic]

You haven't seen the movie Heat(1995) then.

[@JazGalaxy]

There is a certain “rattle” that modern movies don’t even try for anymore

[@essa6315]

It's one of the best movies ever made. Genuinely entertaining from beginning to end.

[@patrickshields5251]

What do you know, a summer blockbuster made from the heart. And Siskel and Ebert knew it.

[@ronaldshank7589]

These two, in their praise of this movie, were like two kids in a Candy Store! They absolutely loved it, and many Millions of People did, too! If this had been released within the past several years, it would've made Billions of Dollars at the Box Office, and much more through DVD Rentals and Sales!

[@uscscjohnson]

I wonder. This was a "re-review." I want to see the first review. Did they love it THEN?

[@patrickshields5251]

@@uscscjohnson No, it's original.

[@mmyers6441]

I miss Roger 😢

[@jameschesterton]

You know you're getting old when you say "They don't make them like this anymore" But they don't.

[@brew1116]

I mean they don't, no, but it wasn't too often they made movies like this before, either. Raiders stands up there as one of the greatest of all time. That's not a bad thing.

[@kennethfharkin]

Forty years later and this is still the greatest action film ever made. edit: "one of the greatest" Individual tastes vary and declaring one greatest is impossible but I believe we can all agree that this is in the top tier of contenders for the title.

[@kamuelalee]

Yes!

[@jamesfountain6183]

Hands down

[@mondoseguendo6113]

I think you’re forgetting the collective work of Steven Seagal.

[@jamesfountain6183]

@@mondoseguendo6113 🤣🤣

[@bossfan49]

@@mondoseguendo6113 And the cinematic stylings of a one - Vin Diesel!!

[@JeffKelly03]

This genuinely is one of the most perfect movies ever made, in terms of doing EXACTLY what it set out to do. It's fun, it's funny, it's exciting, it's a little bit scary, it's action-packed but leaves plenty of human moments for real characterization... perfect.

[@tonyhill1264]

Summer of 1981. I was 12 years old and saw this. Absolutely incredible!!! 👍👍👍👍

[@stevetamacc]

So was I

[@cindernubblebutt1340]

I saw this in a special "preview" showing of the movie theater where I worked. I absolutely LOVED it and told people about this GREAT movie that they were in for. Then I went overseas for a month, came back and the movie had BLOWN up and we ended up playing this movie at our little triplex movie theater for 28 weeks just six feet behind where I stood for most of my shift. I can recite every single line of dialogue from this movie from memory from that summer. And I still LOVE THIS MOVIE. It's one of my "Perfect" movies.

[@WarriorPoet01]

I saw this when I was 11. When I got home I told me dad that he HAD to see this movie as it’s like the serials he’d have seen as a kid (was a sneaky way to see it a second time - hehehe). When the swordsman got shot in that offhand way, my dad and I looked at each other and laughed. I’ll never forget that moment.....

[@redcaddiedaddie]

... you MAY know this: Spielberg was quoted in an interview as saying that he deliberately paced the 'perils' in Raiders based on the Saturday afternoon movies serials he (& I) saw as a kid, where each episode (usually 20 min. or so) had a 'cliffhanger' at the end so you'd come back the next week to see if the hero survived...

[@samuelbarber6177]

Fun Fact: Originally he was supposed to have a fight with the swordsman, but Harrison Ford was so ill from the food they’d been served in the country they’d been filming (I believed they later moved to a studio in London because of that) that they altered the plans and included the nonchalant shooting.

[@mcstrangelove]

I used this tactic as well. I too, was 11 when it came out. I have a bunch of older siblings and I talked each one into taking me to see it. As I recall, it remained in the theaters for over a year (unheard of nowadays) and I must’ve seen it 5 or 6 times in ‘81.

[@bryansarracino8623]

I must have seen it at least 5 times in the theater as a 9 year old

[@WolfStory]

I have so many memories of going to the mall with my mother when i was about 11 years old here in San Diego... we were supposed to go shopping but she would see that "Raiders of the Ark' marquee and she would say to me, 'Wanna go see Raiders again?"... I was like 'Yes, please mom, yes!'... and we would drop everything and go blow the day watching it at the theatre for the 7th or 8th time. That's how much we loved this film. RIP mom.

[@titusmccarthy]

Ebert is like a child when he gets excited over this stuff.

[@therealMuNansen]

Spielberg gets the same way when he's talking about movies.

[@titusmccarthy]

@@therealMuNansen Spielberg is another notorious man-child.

[@abesapien9930]

That's what made him such a great reviewer. He never lost his inner child, and our inner child is the most honest critic.

[@kamuelalee]

Best movie critic ever

[@therealMuNansen]

@@abesapien9930 Exactly. Critics that are just trying to out "adult" each other are of no use to audiences or artists.

[@redadamearth]

It's almost impossible to describe to anyone who wasn't a kid in 1981 what it was like seeing "Raiders of the Lost Ark" the first time, on a giant screen (back when even local screens were huge). Normally, I'd go on to *try* to describe it, but whatever I'd be able to muster wouldn't cut it. Growing up in the 80's with all of the films of that decade, as a kid - we were very, very lucky.

[@rockets4kids]

I was fortunate to grow up in this era as well, and in a town with a grand old theater. Those were the days. I have about zero interest in going out to see a movie in a theater any more.

[@sallybrown4947]

Hell yes!! The best!

[@jooei2810]

Saw The Temple of Doom with a 70mm print at the biggest theater in our country, was so blown away.

[@TheChadTI]

It was being at the center of a magic spell.

[@thenaturalmidsouth9536]

My old man, who never goes to movies more than once, saw this one twice in the theater. He grew up in the 40's, going to the movies, watching the B-Movie adventure flicks, he loved it. It had that 40's air of nostalgia about it. Top 5 greatest movie of all time.

[@kevinmcdonald1490]

I totally agree with Roger that the truck scene is the greatest chase scene ever put on film.

[@cyrusq5999]

MAD MAX 2.

[@tdrewman]

I remember seeing this movie when I was 11 years old with my family. We were stationed at Howard AFB Panama. When this came out, every showing was sold out at the base theater. People from other bases would come down to see it. There were many bases in Panama and every movie rotated from one to the other. Howard was number 1 in the rotation of the movies. People drove 30 minutes plus to be able to see it first. The base theater could hold over 500 people.

[@redstateforever]

I used to love watching movies on base, standing for the National Anthem, nostalgic. Plus it was so much more affordable, you could actually have drinks and snacks without taking out a second mortgage.

[@christopherfritz3840]

@@redstateforever LOL! You beat me to the punch.. I was going to ask about the SOP on the playing of the National Anthem. (Probably soon to be eliminated by current PC maneuvering)

[@tdrewman]

@@christopherfritz3840 I doubt it will be removed. It was annoying when you found your seat, sat down and then it started and you had to get back up for the next 2 minutes. But we were use to it. The non base kids that came with me to the movies never understood.

[@funkydozer]

As kids, one afternoon a friend and I hid between the seats at a London cinema as the cleaners went around between showings, and we got to see Raiders 3 times in a row on one ticket. This was back when there was always a primer movie before the main one, and on this occasion there were 2 short films - an action documentary about cloud hopper balloon skiers, and a twee film based on the Myfanwy poem. Originally we had set out to watch Condorman, which was showing on another screen, but we changed our minds at the last minute after seeing the Raiders poster on the wall. Best decision we ever made. This was my one cinema experience upon which all others throughout my 54 years have been measured but have failed to live up to. I still haven't seen Condorman.

[@whutzat]

I saw it. It was cute but no Raiders.

[@spitfiremark1a768]

Condor Man. Michael Crawford. I saw it one Sunday afternoon at my local Classic cinema. Not very good at all. We used to see a lot of films on Sundays. Raiders is my favourite film. At our cinema you could buy one ticket and stay in all day without being bothered. That stopped in 1989. I stayed in all day many times to see STAR WARS, RAIDERS or EMPIRE 3 times, getting home at 22:00. Great days.

[@funkydozer]

@@spitfiremark1a768 👍

[@spitfiremark1a768]

@@funkydozer Incidentally, my 3 film for one ticket stopped at Last Crusade of all things. Sat waiting for the next show the usherette said I had to leave as they were cleaning the theatre. This was disappointing. Luckily or unluckily I found LC difficult to sit through more than once a day. Never a fan of it. It was inferior to Raiders. To much "Dad" and silly humour. In my opinion. I remember the B movie feature about poet John Betjamin? Poet Loreat. Several poems read by him to individual films. John Alderton played a soldier in one I recall. Saw that many times. You jogged my memory on that one!

[@williamwilkinson6665]

​@@spitfiremark1a768.... I liked Condorman , I call it a James Bond spoof .....

[@nuclearrabbit1]

My best friend saw an advertisement in the newspaper about an early screening of Raiders of the Lost Ark while on summer break from high school. It was one time matinee, and there had been no advertisements for the film that we had seen, so we assumed it was some documentary about the actual Ark of the Covenant and archeologists. We were so bored during summer break, we went to this movie anyway. Imagine our surprise watching this film.

[@chriswells506]

Everytime I watch this movie I think about how the first 10 minutes might be the greatest 10 minutes in movie history. It's that good.

[@bryansarracino8623]

Agreed

[@astropioneer3296]

Feel lucky to have seen this (and the first Star Wars) in the theater when they first came out. Fun to re-live the original excitement with this S&E review.

[@sseltrek1a2b]

those were special times...nothing like standing in line hoping you'd get tickets to see these films on one of only a few large screens in the city (especially, "Star Wars")...

[@prodos8]

Possibly my favorite movie of all time. I was twelve when it came out and I remember my friends and I would "play" the opening scene in an alley behind an apartment complex. Miss those days.

[@thomasstambaugh5181]

"Raiders" was my favorite film of all time when I saw it the first time in a sneak preview, and it remains my favorite 40 years later. I loved both "Star Wars" and "Close Encounters", and I remember being blown away at the prospect of a movie done by Mr. Lucas and Mr. Spielberg together. I remember my first viewing the way I remember watching the Beatles for the first time on Ed Sullivan. Thank's for the memories of this marvelous review of this amazing film.

[@rhuephus]

"watching the Beatles on Ed Sullivan ... " man, you are OLD. (I was in San Francisco visiting an uncle .. when I saw them on the Ed Sullivan show)

[@natalieps2387]

This is a perfect film . At the height of Lucas & Spielberg's imagination for action & adventure. I still get chills when indy tells Marianne about the opened ark " don't look at no matter what "

[@rjg7112]

Ah, to be 10 years old at a movie theatre during this era, as I was in 1981. This one, plus, "Time Bandits" and "E.T." just about summarizes it for me.

[@aaronbrungardt2917]

I saw this when I was 6 with my Dad at a theater. I went home and beat the tar out of my stuffed animals re-enacting nearly every scene. I used my bed like it was the truck hauling the arc and crawling out from under it like Indy. My poor animals were suddenly like "What the hell, man?"

[@mikerosoft1009]

"Bro what the hell!“ -Teddy Bear 1981

[@TSP-HIKER]

Bragging about seeing this movie when you were 6 is a bit sad. Who brags about having a father who lets his kids see movies like this when they're in kintergarden? Who?

[@thomasbergen7604]

@@TSP-HIKER I don't think you know what bragging is.

[@nurlhaqchaniago6143]

Raiders? I was in Kindergarten. Watched it in theatres with my parents. How bout dis? Conan the Barbarian in the theatre, as a 6 year old ! But it was my aunt and uncle who took me and my brother. Now, that’s bragging !

[@TSP-HIKER]

@@thomasbergen7604 That's right. Never heard the word before.

[@keraptisblackrazor2658]

bloody hell, thats Alfred Molina

[@rickg8015]

Doc Oc himself..

[@keraptisblackrazor2658]

@@rickg8015 the sorcerer

[@zebertmcfly7274]

You know what was weird? I got the Indy box set and Spidey 2 both for Christmas back then. We watched both the same night, first Spidey then Raiders, and I thought I was hallucinating.

[@paulsnively3377]

In his first film role, if memory serves me correctly.

[@andrewburgemeister6684]

@@rickg8015 Rahad Jackson!

[@Mumblix]

And just like that, I'm spending a rainy Sunday re-watching Raiders.

[@GloopTrekker]

The way Siskel was chuckling occasionally while Ebert was gushing over the movie, I expected him to say he hated it.

[@HouseholdDog]

The more i learn about film the more I love this movie. Despite having seen it dozens of times.

[@dk60ish]

The only problem is that it's so perfect, all of the sequels pale in comparison, there's no equaling or topping it!

[@aliensoup2420]

#3 The Holy Grail was pretty good. It had good action, humor, and a meaningful character arc.

[@dk60ish]

@@aliensoup2420 Yes it WAS good, just not as good as or better than the original, which is the problem for a franchise that George Lucas always intended as a film series of continuing adventures; though there's no question Spielberg is a master filmmaker, maybe having a new director for the 5th installment as is planned, will breathe some new life into things.

[@kamuelalee]

This is the best one by far.

[@coolcat6303]

I agree with the OP. I’m 50 years old and have seen alot of good films (as well as bad) but some are so unforgettable & perfect that they almost guarantee the sequels will be inferior in some way. And Raiders is definitely one of those films. It gets a 5/5 from me.

[@jamesfountain6183]

& they never will

[@mxoc1]

Hard to believe that "Raiders Of The Lost Ark" is now 40 years old. I saw it as a teenager in the movie theater all those many years ago, and it still excites and thrills just as much now as it did then. One of my all time favorite films. Love this movie!

[@rc2257]

Like Casablanca, Raiders doesn't have a wasted scene or a wasted moment. The filmmakers gave a ridiculous amount of attention to every detail to make sure it was just right - each word of each sentence the characters speak (especially Ford's quips, almost every one of them is classic), the lighting in every shot, camera angles, how scenes are framed, musical cues. And of course, the non-stop action is ridiculous. A perfect movie.

[@bryansarracino8623]

It’s seamless

[@moviesgalore9947]

I saw the movie for free in 1981 when I was 17 it was so crowded at theater and they were short on staff so the manager came out and asked for a volunteer to take people's tickets and tear them in half and you get in free so I said I'll do it and I did then got lucky found a seat then stayed to watch it again for the next showing it was so much fun.

[@reesehutcheson2680]

I too was 17. I had just graduated high school in Idaho and my brother and two of our friends drove to Twin Falls to watch ROTLA and Clash of the Titans (with Harry Hamlin). Clash was packed to the rafters, while ROTLA wasn't even half full. Three of us couldn't believe it since Raiders was so dang good! And Titans kinda stunk up the joint, imo. But one of the friends thought Titans was the better of the two. I've never quite understood my experience that day, but even now ROTLA remains one of the best movies I've seen.

[@a.t.6322]

Great story! Thanks for sharing.

[@jedijones]

@@reesehutcheson2680 They weren't that far off opening weekend, 6.5 mil to 8.3 mil.

[@Romans8-9]

@@reesehutcheson2680 Damn. Would have been cool to see on the big screen.

[@chipchaser44]

Best movie I ever saw in a theater. definitely 2 thumbs up!!

[@leonardhughes4521]

Its in the best films category.cable just managed to get it dull.but than it is a 40 year old film.I was 16 when this came out.

[@brianmiller1077]

Three times in the theater, It ran for over a year

[@leonardhughes4521]

@@brianmiller1077 yes more than half a lifetime ago.I remember it quite well.

[@kamuelalee]

Love this movie. Saw it at the movie theater with my granddad in 1981 -- first and last movie I ever watched in any movie theater with him.

[@getvnews1918]

Well I would say SW TESB that's my favourite movie.

[@footofjuniper8212]

Never seen that poster shown in the thumbnail. Indy looks like he's being portrayed by Lee Majors.

[@JasonBagherian]

I believe it's the original U.K quad poster.

[@murrynathan]

The 6 million dollar archeologist!

[@christianrepizo]

Yeah, and he's not wearing his hat.

[@christianrepizo]

No jacket either...and those pants,geez.

[@bossfan49]

@@christianrepizo How 'bout some coffee, Tommy?! =) Yeah. That poster is all wrong, especially the science fictiony typeface....in RED???!!!!

[@edcampion3998]

i went to this movie at the age of 10 with dad and everytime i see it i love it not just cause its a brillant movie but of the memories of me and my father.How we came out of the film talking about how much we loved it.It's a classic not just of its time but of anytime.

[@Tiberius291]

Siskel and Ebert, the greatest movie review duo ever. I was 21 when I saw this movie back in 1981, great entertainment.

[@mainstreetsaint36]

This movie was one of many why the 1980s was the decade for some of the best movies ever made.

[@rhuephus]

and so far, no really good movies have been made since ..

[@KrK007]

@@rhuephus Nah, there's some. The Shawshank Redemption and The Matrix spring to mind

[@leonardvicari2857]

I saw Raiders of the lost ark when I was 15 for the first time it is a great energetic imaginative movie

[@aaronliddell4280]

Saw this with my dad at 6 years old and it’s still the greatest adventure action film I’ve ever seen. 👍

[@mjbl1787]

I was in 6th grade when this came out and I sat there in total awe watching this in the theater.

[@deborahblackvideoediting8697]

I went with a few friends to watch Raiders in the theatre the month we graduated from high school. At most, there was a dozen people there. Word hadn't gotten out yet about what a great film it was. That was one of my all-time favourite film watching experiences. For me, it's the greatest adventure film I've ever seen. Nothing has topped it since. :)

[@skeeterradar]

this is the ultimate in action cinema, its originality and high energy have never been duplicated, and it holds up as well today as it did in 81

[@mikemanners1069]

Those were the days when I was a kid....we would watch Sneek Peeks with Siskel & Ebert to find out about all the new movies......back when there were only 5 stations on TV. An entire world away from the society we have now...

[@Psilocybin77]

that's funny, as I was watching I was thinking about how special it used to be to catch even glimpses of these fantastic adventures. I remember how special it was to see brief clips from my favourite movies in the cherished saturday cartoon "Muppet Babies". I think the ability to have everything we want to see on demand, has taken something away from how special these moments were. Anyhow, that's old man corner for today.

[@stevencardenas6094]

Wow! Thanks for posting this. I remember watching this Siskle and Ebert review as a teen. When they said that was only the beginning, I called my cousin on the rotary phone we had and told him what we were gonna do within the next couple of days. Until now, this is still my all-time favorite movie.

[@sgtjarhead99]

RIP, gentlemen. You entertained us almost as much as the movies you reviewed. In some cases, more.

[@justinbergmans36]

A pg film in 81 that felt at times very r rated. What a film. The best Indy film ever.

[@samuelperezgarcia]

No PG13 yet to place it in. That would be up to Temple of Doom to push it that far.

[@getvnews1918]

Wel the next Indi movie was a great one also So VERY DARK. the best scene shots are the rollercoster ride inside the cave near end of the movie.

[@vlera8447]

"Americans, always dressing for the wrong occasions." So many brilliant lines in this film along with excellent comedic timing.

[@Brian-yc4mi]

40 years old, but still one of my all-time favorite films!!

[@KabukiKid]

I remember this movie showing in theaters more than a year after it released. Yes, back then, if a movie had enough legs, it could run for ages in the theater. This is STILL my favorite movie of all time... seen it well over 100 times. A perfect film.

[@solidsnake58]

The updated clips and sound, intercut between the old, At The Movies footage, really works well. It actually enhances their enthusiasm for the film.

[@davehacker7427]

My two all time favorite film critics reviewing my all time favorite film. I miss those days so much. Thanks for this great video!!

[@natepeace1737]

Lucky enough to catch a evening screening of this that they just happened to be playing at an AMC downtown Chicago recently. Everything about the film holds up brilliantly. The acting, action, music, special effects, all are still fantastic 42 years later!

[@garylivingston9052]

I was 12 years old and saw this with my dad at the historic Joy theatre in Tigard, Oregon when it came out. We both loved it, it is by far the best of all the Indiana Jones series in my opinion.

[@AmericanActionReport]

Spielberg highly recommends old black-and-white movies to learn the trade. Before Harrison Ford's double was dragged under a truck, Yakima Canutt did the same stunt in the 1939 movie Stagecoach. Before Harrison Ford ran from a boulder, Buster Keaton did it in the movie Seven Chances. Somehow, Spielberg and Lucas did it better.

[@dk60ish]

True, it's sad that younger generations don't watch B&W movies just for being in B&W, so much lost with that kind of thinking.

[@chrisvanderwielen1530]

@@dk60ish Before Luke and the rebels flew down a trench, dodging AA guns, the British did it trying to blow up a dam in the Dam Busters (although they flew down a river not a spacestation trench).

[@JeffDeWitt]

A few years ago I watched an old black and white movie, it took place in South America and the main character was an archaeologist who wore a fedora and carried a whip. It was no Indiana Jones movie but was entertaining, and no doubt one of the inspirations behind Indy. And... Raiders is such a great movie I think I'm going to get off KZbin and watch it again!

[@richardrichard688]

@@JeffDeWitt Do you know what that old movie was called?

[@JeffDeWitt]

@@richardrichard688 I was trying to think of it last night with no luck. Just did some googling and it MIGHT have been "Secret of the Incas", although that's in color. I'm not convinced that's the movie I was thinking of but it looks interesting. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gWGVhmN5i9Soqqc

[@BuckRolly1]

Ingenious use of HD footage edited into the review that is timed with that of the original broadcast. Also the shrinking of the original studio image to maintain highter quality. I haven't seen that done before but it sure is impressive

[@jamesvokral4934]

Miss these two guys. They were great together and their reviews were consistently spot on.

[@edfelstein3891]

I was 12 when I first saw it and proceeded to see it FOURTEEN more times when it played for over a year and a half at my local theater. I can see it again and again and still find something new every time. The last time I saw it I paused the Blu-ray throughout to study the shots and cuts and marvel at the level of detail. This is as good as movies get.

[@Sinlessgrins]

My dad took me to see this when I was 5. I was so excited leaving the theatre I was jumping around and humming the theme song. Such a great movie.

[@madisonmensbackupchannel6096]

Saw this when it came out in 1981 when I was 11 years old and it remains my favorite movie of all time to this day. I still watch it about 2-3 times a year and still enjoy every minute of it.

[@schallrd1]

Another masterpiece from Steven Spielberg who set the bar for summer blockbusters. The movie is pure entertainment for people of all ages. The movie is seen over and over by new generations.

[@dakritic]

From one film lover to another…This is an Outstanding upload. Thank you for taking the time to put this together. Bravo

[@davidmace3310]

Watched this show as a kid. Still love Raiders it’s one of the best movies of all time.

[@broncodeviltexas]

Love to see these old reviews when they are right on the money. The story, the filming, the music score, the acting, all A+.

[@patrickkavanagh7371]

I'll never forget watching this for the first time on the ABC Sunday night movie. My dad taped it on the VCR. I enjoy it more now than I did back then I think. Never gets old.

[@michaelharris169]

Not an ounce of fat. Siskel’s description was right on in how tight it was, and how you had to admire it. I don’t throw the “masterpiece” word around often, but this movie warrants it.

[@mskrisclark684]

I am proud to say I was first in the door opening day for this film in Fresno CA & also for Temple & Last Crusade still love it 40 years later

[@gjtt]

I remember seeing this and then Clash of the Titans right afterwards in the theatre, which both came out the same year 1981. Both incredible movies for an 11 year old and was blown away. Even today both are excellent to re-watch and I always pick up something new. BTW, the wide screen updated footage and audio was a nice touch.

[@lkramberg]

Went to a special 40th anniversary showing of Raiders and it's as enjoyable as when I first saw it 40 years ago. And Siskel & Ebert's review holds up as well.

[@dynjarren8355]

The opening sequence is one of the greatest action adventure scenes ever put together! It still is entertaining and holds up well. The Poison darts and Indy holding the Idol like a football and running. Then the huge Boulder rolling down to crush him. Amazing!

[@jdquadrider]

No actor today has the same star power Harrison Ford had at that time.

[@dougmaxwell8789]

Truly one of the greatest movies ever made, and I’ll fight anyone who disagrees. So glad the Lucas never did an updated ‘special edition’ with this masterpiece.

[@kevinjoy7728]

Spielberg probably wouldn't let him

[@tinderbox218]

Watching these clips I'm reminded how a big part of what made Raiders great was the absolutely stellar score by John Williams.

[@moshomaniac1]

My favorite film of all time, with my favorite actor. It came out the same year I was born and also the same month.

[@Micktaylorify]

This is easily, in my almost 50 yrs. of age, one of the best movies that I have ever seen in my life! The problem is that I’ve seen it so many times, that I need to stop watching it every decade or so just so I can forget enough about the film in order to be surprised again. But nothing can duplicate the first time, ‘‘twas the summer of ‘81 in a “packed like a sardine can” movie theatre, I was 8 1/2 years old ... God what an amazing time it was to be alive!! Thank God I actually got to witness the ‘70’s-‘80’s!

[@ericl.winter3622]

Saw Raiders of the Lost Ark opening night. Never saw a trailer for it. Knew very little about it. Needless to say, I was completely blown away! Like many of us. I remember walking back to my car just speechless. It’s still my top favorite movie of all time.

[@ChrisOliver4307]

"Her response to that was to move to Tibet, open a bar and have drinking contests." 😂😂

[@johnblack8655]

"...with the sherpas!"

[@speedmastermarkiii]

@Srinivas Chilukuri To be fair, she moved to Nepal, not Tibet.

[@dropkickmurphy4114]

And Indiana Jones is the "heartless" one, not Harrison Ford! 🤣

[@ChrisOliver4307]

@@thebeatcreeper age of consent back then was 16

[@ChrisOliver4307]

@@thebeatcreeper she says "I was a child, I was in love." He broke her heart, he didn't rape her

[@Feistywench59]

Often imitated but never duplicated- it's a classic

[@theolamp5312]

Great job editing Jason. And this is the ultimate popcorn movie. And, Karen Allen is as great a sexy heroine as you will ever find.

[@jefffawcett]

Karen Allen wasn’t in that many films but she’s in several of my all-time favorites. Raiders, Animal House, The Wanderers. Starman

[@erikjs]

I came here to say the same thing about the editing. It was so seamless, it took me a little while to realize it. Well done!

[@richardrichard688]

@@jefffawcett Scrooged?

[@Liggie55821]

Karen Allen should've been a much bigger star. Excellent actress in any genre.

[@seumsteadt]

I remember seeing this on TV back in '81 (I was 12yrs old). About a year before (1980), I remember seeing a large "Standee" For Raiders of the Lost Ark in the lobby of one of the local theaters. Had no idea what the film was about let alone what a lost ark was (We must have skipped that one in Sunday School). All I knew was that the guy who made Star Wars and the Guy who made Jaws was making this one. When I saw this segment of At the Movies, I was blown away. Couldn't wait to see this and boy oh boy was I amazed when I left the theater. Must have seen it 5 or 6 times at the theater. Yes, kids. Back in the '70's &'80's, films where at lot cheaper and play at the theaters a lot longer. One of my all time favorite films.

[@anaperez5442]

"Raiders" is the type of movie that grabs you by the throat and doesn't let go until the end credits roll.

[@everready19373]

I was stationed at Nellis AFB in Las Vegas when this came out. My roommate Paul and I rode to the theater on our motorcycles. He was on a KZ 650 and I was on my CB 750 F. This movie actually had me on the edge of my seat. Great memories.

[@joecalahan4068]

My favorite movie of all time. A pure blockbuster from start to finish

[@verbo108]

I was 13 and waiting in line to enter the theater. You should have seen the faces of the people coming out. They were so excited and pumped. The adrenaline was already kicking before we even got in. What an experience.

[@jasonuerkvitz3756]

I love this movie. One of the best ever. As a kid, I used to watch Siskel & Ebert with my brother and sister all the time and we would argue openly with the TV shouting at these two as they would rail in on one movie after another. We got a kick out of the times when they'd disagree. It was always a special moment, however, when there was a movie we all loved including these two. Yes, Raiders is something special indeed.

[@spittinvenom9671]

Imagine, great storytelling, cinematography, engaging characters, spectacular action and fine acting 🎭. All that makes for a pretty good movie, who knew??? Loved this as a kid and it’s a yearly classic in our home 🏠

[@markgarrett2968]

was 13 years old when dad took me to see this. i was already a lover of action movies,history,ww2 etc. this movie brought it all! and i have never forgotten that experience seeing it in the theatre with my dad all these years later.

[@Sachin_C10]

No adventure movies compare to this! My childhood DVD movie that I always preferred.

[@Casarzino]

that's an awfully good VHS recording from 1981 when they show footage from the movie

[@dynamicvoltage9765]

i think the uploader swapped that footage out

[@keyman6689]

@@dynamicvoltage9765 yes, he did. And unfortunately he covered up much of the show and just used the audio. I've seen the movie 1000 times, I want to see Siskel and Ebert!

[@kingjacob424]

@@Cukito4 the movie has been out for 40 years so stop complaining

[@coolcat6303]

@@Cukito4 Sorry buddy. But acting like a jackass on YT forums isn’t what most ppl consider winning. It’s a review of an OLD film so get over it.

[@jmckendry84]

@@Cukito4 if you think that whining to strangers on KZbin about "spoilers" for a 40 year old movie is you "winning", then you've set the bar for yourself depressingly low.

[@davidanderson_surrey_bc]

I was 25 when this movie came out. A good friend who'd already seen it asked me join him and a bunch of other mutual buddies who were going to see it again. So we all went to the early evening performance. I was the last person they let into that particular performance and I got stuck in the *very front row in the FAR left seat.* And I STILL had the time of my life. Of course I woke up the next morning with one heckuva sore neck, but it was so worth it.

[@ghostofpambo6266]

So glad I was able to watch this as a kid in the theater when it came out. Great experience.

[@chrisdooley6468]

Simply one of the best movies I’ve ever seen. I still remember fondly going to the theatre to see this and going out to Pizza Hut with the family afterwards. Great memories

[@sseltrek1a2b]

yeah- back when Pizza Hut's were "all" dine-in restaurants...(miss Cavatini)...

[@blinkzone1]

So well put together by Jason Bagherian. You should have gotten an Oscar nomination for best editing on a YT channel

[@mitchellkitts6444]

God, I miss great movies like this.

[@HouseholdDog]

Raiders is actually hard to define. It's action, fantasy, adventure, satire and comedy at the same time. It's a film you think must have been before, but in many ways it is unique.

[@Gregatseasonalsteins]

I was a junior in HS when it came out. Saw it like 5 times one summer I think. The music is what sealed it along with the punching sound effects.

[@alexisdyer3363]

Quite simply one of the greatest films ever made. I have no idea how many times I've seen this wonderful film (I'm guessing at least a 100 time by now?). Just magnificent!

[@richardadams4928]

Don't care if it was a 'genre piece', it was absolutely CRIMINAL that this film lost Best Picture to the tedious 'Chariots of Fire'. Raiders is not just brilliantly written, acted, and directed, but every aspect is incredibly and artfully crafted in a way rarely seen. Just a great, great masterclass in filmmaking.