Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes

Grandly conceived, Hugh Hudson's 1984 origin story is split between two very different worlds, much like its hero, John Clayton, 19th-century heir to an enormous British estate. Born in the wilds of Africa and orphaned after his parents are lost in a shipwreck, John (Christopher Lambert) is not only raised by apes but also assumes that he is simian himself. In time, John realizes that he's different and begins to assert leadership, becoming the titular lord over his community. Destiny takes a turn when a party of naturalists arrives on an exploratory mission and only one man—a scientist named D'Arnot (Ian Holm)—survives an attack by a human tribe. John bonds with D'Arnot, and together they make a perilous journey to England, where a thrilled Earl of Greystoke (Ralph Richardson) welcomes the grandson he never knew existed. The screenplay then shifts focus to John's problems reconciling with British society, as well as the casual cruelty to animals he witnesses in this strange new world. Greystoke might have been a masterpiece save for the occasional awkward handling of certain key scenes; still, there is much to admire here, including the stunning African locations, amazing scenes of life among the apes, Lambert's inspired performance, and solid support from Holm, Richardson, Andie MacDowell (whose voice was dubbed by Glenn Close), and James Fox. Boasting a gorgeous transfer for its Blu-ray debut, extras include audio commentary by Hudson and associate producer Garth Thomas. Recommended. (T. Keogh)