Classic Movie Flashback 'Raiders of the Lost Ark' 1981 with Harrison Ford

RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK from PARAMOUNT pictures (1981). Directed by Steven Spielberg. The production budget climbed to $20 million. It would go on to become the highest grossing film of 1981. It hit $389.9 million at the world-wide box office. It had the rare feet of remaining in U.S movie theaters for a full year. That doesn't happen anymore.

The story surrounds Indiana Jones who is an archeologist (1936). He is asked to track down and find the "Ark of the Covenant." before the Russian Nazis do. Adolph Hitler believes that the "Ark" can make his army stronger as he tries to take over the world.

This kind of adventure story hasn't been done since the classic movies of the 1940 and 1950's. Spielberg was a kid in the 1950's and was the right director for this project.

"Raiders" has spawned 4 sequels and countless copy cat movies since 1981.

1. Indiana Jones & The Temple of Doom (1984) 
2. Indiana Jones & The Last Crusade (1989)
3. Indian Jones & The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)
4. Indian Jones & The Dial of Destiny (2023)

Spielberg wanted actor, Tom Selleck for the character of Jones. Tom was wrapping production on the TV Pilot "Magnum PI." They had asked CBS to release Tom from his contract to shoot "Raiders." They wouldn't because the network believed that "Magnum" would get picked up for the Fall TV season 1980. It was and the TV show ran for 8 seasons. Tom always claimed that he almost had the role of Indiana Jones.

Below is the 4K Ultra HD Blu-Ray Trailer from 2021.

Below is the original 1981 Movie Poster.

1981. Paramount Pictures.