Charlton Heston crash lands on a mysterious, seemingly deserted planet only to go apes**t at what he discovers. The last time 20th Century Fox released this sci-fi classic on disc they gave away the ending on the front, back, and inside cover. They've decided to do much the same with this new release, but the compensation is a features-packed treat that should have humans whooping with delight.

Dr Zaius?

Actually it's Jerry Goldsmith who speaks up for the first commentary track. Possibly Dr Zaius could have had more to say than Goldsmith, who ends up caught in that classic trap of a composer commentary: inserting the odd thought before a music cue, and leaving us to tap our fingers the rest of the time. Track two is far more satisfying with contributors including the delightful Roddy McDowall and Kim Hunter, who are every bit as polite and earnest as the apes they play in the film.

While the two offer up plenty of anecdotes on their experiences, you'll find out even more in the two hour Behind The Planet Of The Apes documentary on the second disc. This programme includes a surprisingly large amount of original footage, like make-up tests with Edward G Robinson and Charlton Heston. After that you can explore a feast of vintage material including a presentation prepared for NATO, and cine reels shot by Roddy McDowall.

"You're So Damned Ugly"

Quite the reverse is true of the presentation of this 1968 movie. The transfer is near immaculate, and while there's little to tell between the Dolby and DTS sound mixes, they really make the most of the eerie Goldsmith score. Even simians couldn't do better.

EXTRA FEATURES

This DVD was reviewed on a JVC XV-N5 DVD player.