Tarzan the Ape Man (1932) [Blu-Ray]

I remember watching the Johnny Weissmuller Tarzan movies on TV when I was a kid. I missed them, so when I saw that the first one was finally available on Blu-Ray. After watching, I realized that I have never seen this one before, but glad that I have it now.Those familiar with the Tarzan of the Apes book by Edgar Rice Burroughs (which I've read) will find a very different story here (filmmakers didn't want to infringe on the original novel too much). In this story, Jane Parker decides to visit and stay with her father who is a trader in Africa. Along with her father's partner, Harry, they go on an expedition to find the fabled "Elephant's Graveyard". It's a legendary place where elephants instinctively go to in order to die. As a result, it should be a treasure trove of very valuable ivory. As the expedition travels deeper into the jungle, they enter the territory of Tarzan. Tarzan is very curious of Jane and decides to take her to his home in the trees. Jane's father and Harry try to rescue her, but Jane eventually becomes smitten with Tarzan and maybe doesn't want to be "rescued". After a somewhat antagonistic back and forth between Harry and Tarzan for Jane's hand, the expedition is captured by a tribe of "evil dwarfs" (not pygmies) and Tarzan has to save them from being sacrificed to a monster ape.This film has a few notable "firsts". For one, it's the first "speaking" Tarzan film (several silent films have been made before this), it's the first starring role for Johnny Weissmuller (who would play Tarzan 12 times in all) and it introduced us to the famous "Tarzan Yell" which would be copied and imitated for years to come. It's also notable for starring Maureen O'Sullivan as Jane (she would appear in at least 5 more sequels) and Neil Hamilton as Harry who would later be more famous as Commissioner Gordon on the 1966 "Batman" TV series.The movie itself has a lot of action and "hold your breath" moments as we see the expedition try to scale cliffs and cross dangerous rivers filled with hippos and crocodiles. We also have a lot of fight scenes with Tarzan and various animals which really showcases Weissmuller's physical prowess. The budding romance between Tarzan and Jane is also interesting to watch as Jane goes from terrified prisoner to annoyed captive to smitten admirer. What is also interesting to watch is the role switches between Tarzan and Harry. At first, Tarzan appears to be the antagonist and Harry the rescuer. Later, Harry becomes more antagonistic and Tarzan a more sympathetic protector of both his territory and Jane.It should be brought up that this film is considered "Pre-Code" (names applied to films made before the Hayes Code was enforced in 1934) which means that there are scenes which some would consider "problematic". This can range from stereotypical portrayals of African tribespeople, abuse of the tribespeople in the expedition (Harry likes to use a whip to get them moving), to a somewhat racy portrayal of the relationship between Tarzan and Jane (racy for the 1930's anyway). There are also some fairly violent fights between Tarzan and a few different animals where blood is seen. After the Hayes Code was put into effect, blood would not be seen onscreen in a movie for about 30 years. In this film, there's a fair amount here, particularly when Tarzan fights the "monster ape" near the climax. However, this film is a "Product of its Time" (as the disclaimer at the beginning reminds us), so as the mature viewer will keep all of this in mind, the movie is still entertaining to watch for the most part.Blu-Ray package is really good with decent picture and sound. The picture isn't always the greatest quality, but this is usually dependent on the quality of the source print and isn't always controllable. Special features include a documentary "Tarzan: Silver Screen King of the Jungle" and two Warner Brothers black-and-white animated shorts "I Wish I had Wings" and "Moonlight for Two". Not sure what these cartoons have to do with Tarzan other than the fact that they were all released in 1932. Entertaining for those who enjoy the old black-and-white cartoons of the 30's.Overall, this will be a good purchase for those who appreciate and enjoy the old Tarzan movies. Highly recommended. Also, it will be good to purchase this one because hopefully we can show that there is still a market for these films and maybe we can send a message to Warner Home Video to put the rest of the Johnny Weissmuller Tarzan movies out on Blu-Ray.

enjoyable story even so old. great . worth the purchase

I'd never seen the original "Tarzan the Ape Man" before purchasing this Blu-ray and was surprised with how entertaining the film turned out to be. The story is filled with creative action sequences interspersed with impressive stock footage of Africa and its wildlife. In many instances, the animals steal the show, especially Cheetah the chimp. The chemistry between Johnny Weissmuller's Tarzan and Maureen O'Sullivan's Jane was palpable and I am not surprised this partnership led to numerous sequels.Extras include a "Merrie Melodys" cartoon from the same year as this film's release and a fantastic documentary loaded with old interviews and interesting behind the scenes information on all the 1932-1942 Tarzan films. I highly recommend this Blu-ray to all film collectors, physical media connoisseurs, or anyone looking for an action-packed adventure.

The media could not be loaded.  Comparing this to my old TCM DVD this is much sharper. Action scenes are very smooth. Sound is thin and tinny at times but, it seem standard for it’s time. Extras are the trailer, two extras and the old documentary.Now if you’ve ever read any of my reviews you’ll expect some opinionated comments. I won’t disappoint but, not quite so harsh. Well the weird old fashion close caption style subtitles (picture no. 1). I gotta say this is kinda lazy and really takes you out of the movie.I’m hoping they get the rest out but, how about a box set? Now Warners released a two volume of Johnny Weissmuller’s Tarzan on DVD but they’re going for $200, yikes! I mean they are pretty great but, even so. There is a French set (picture 2) that has it all including a bonus disc. However it is PAL. In case you dont know that is the European standard, we are NTSC, so you need an all region player. I’ve been using this type of ayer for about thirty years now and haven’t looked back. But I digress.Final thoughts, beautiful picture, terrible subtitles. Warners, your other archive releases aren’t like this so standardize them.

Mindless entertainment with some historical significance in the worlds of both film and popular fiction. This is where it all started! It’s a fun movie but I wouldn’t say it holds up in modern times. Enjoy it for what it is: escapist entertainment that your grandparents might have enjoyed as younger people.

This is the first Tarzan movie. It must be restored because the picture is very good. Lots of fun to watch.

I already have all the MGM Tarzan films on DVD but felt it was worth the upgrade to Blu Ray. I was not wrong. One nice thing about upgrading is it impels me to rewatch a favorite movie . It was a delight to watch this a few times again checking out this blu ray. Certainly happy with this purchase and I hope they will be releasing Tarzan and his Mate soon on blu ray.

Thoroughly enjoyed movie. Parts of it are dated and politically incorrect but Johnny Weissmuller is the absolute best Tarzan!!

Premier Tarzan parlant avec Weissmuller tourne en 1932 et en version blue ray dans un master restauré de façon magistrale : aucune rayure avec qq scènes moins bien définis mais les conditions de tournage et les optiques utilisés par le réalisateurDommage qu’il n’y ai pas de version française

Se ve bien

I am activities organiser in a residential home for the elderly and one of my ladies mentioned she loved Tarzan. She was watching it a week later. A good item which soothed a lady .... oh, all my other ladies and gentlemen loved it too.

Jonny Weissmüller ist einfach der beste Tarzan, Jane wirkt im nachhinein etwas hilflos, aber sie hat ja ihren Affenmenschen, der sie vor allem Unglück bewahrt. Viel Nostalgie für Abenteuerkino der 40er Jahre.

I Like Tarzan And I Enjoy Watching Tarzan Films.