> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://discarchive.net/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # The Indiana Jones Trilogy VHS - URL: https://discarchive.net/the-indiana-jones-trilogy-vhs/ - Published: 1993-10-31T12:12:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-31T12:20:11.000Z - Description: A beautifully presented four-tape Indiana Jones VHS collection from the early 1990s. Featuring all three original films in widescreen letterbox editions, a bonus making-of documentary and a distinctive map-covered presentation box, this is a lovely example of physical home-video collecting. - Author: Disc Archive - Tags: VHS I acquired this box set sometime around 1993, probably from HMV. I can't remember the exact date or how much I paid for it, although I have a vague recollection that it cost somewhere in the region of £50, which was quite a considerable amount of money for a VHS box set at the time. I'd already seen all three films, either through video rental or possibly on television, so buying this collection wasn't about discovering the adventures of Indiana Jones for the first time. What made this release particularly appealing was that, for the first time, all three films were being presented together in widescreen letterbox editions, accompanied by an additional tape containing a behind-the-scenes documentary. For a collector, this was something rather special. Instead of simply purchasing three individual films, you were getting a substantial presentation box, three feature-length films in widescreen and a bonus documentary, all housed together in a package that was clearly designed to stand out on the shelf. This is a four-tape collection that has remained in my possession for more than three decades, and although VHS is now a very different format from the one it was when I bought this set, I still love the look and feel of the packaging. ## Four-Tape Collection --- ## The Box ![](https://discarchive.net/content/images/2026/10/top-2.jpg) The first thing that makes this collection stand out is the presentation box itself. Rather than using a conventional cardboard box with a printed sleeve, Paramount has gone for something a little more distinctive. The exterior has a rough, almost parchment-like texture, giving the impression that the box has been wrapped in an old treasure map. The map artwork continues around all six sides, including the bottom, making the whole package feel like something Indiana Jones might have discovered during one of his adventures. It's a simple idea, but a very effective one. The textured finish gives the packaging a more substantial feel, while the map design ties everything together with the archaeological adventures that made the films so popular. The measurements of the box are as follows: - Width: 200mm - Depth: 120mm - Height: 110mm - Weight: 1.0kg ![](https://discarchive.net/content/images/2026/10/Indiana-Jones-Trilogy-Front-Right-1.jpg) The title and general information printed on the lid are repeated across the front and right-hand side of the box. The main difference is the addition of the widescreen logo on the front, which is particularly important because it advertises one of the main selling points of this release. I like the way the design has been carried across these surfaces without making the packaging look too busy. The map background provides plenty of visual interest, while the title remains easy to identify. ![](https://discarchive.net/content/images/2026/10/Indiana-Jones-Trilogy-Back-1.jpg) The back and left-hand side continue the same design, with the title and information repeated once again. The back is slightly more interesting, as it also includes small pictures of the four individual tape covers, giving you a preview of what is contained inside. It's a nice touch and makes the packaging feel more like a complete collector's edition rather than simply a convenient way of storing four video cassettes. ![](https://discarchive.net/content/images/2026/10/bottom.jpg) Even the bottom of the box hasn't been overlooked. The parchment texture and map artwork continue around the underside, maintaining the appearance of a map wrapped around the entire package. There is also an interesting statement printed here: "The three features films contained in this box are available for the first time as widescreen - letterbox editions" This is worth highlighting because it tells us exactly what Paramount wanted potential buyers to notice about this release. The widescreen presentation wasn't just an additional feature buried in the small print; it was one of the main reasons for buying the collection. At a time when television screens were predominantly 4:3, a widescreen letterbox presentation meant that the films could be viewed in a composition much closer to their original theatrical framing, with black bars above and below the picture. For anyone interested in how films were presented on home video during the early 1990s, this is an interesting little piece of packaging history. ![](https://discarchive.net/content/images/2026/10/Indiana-Jones-Trilogy.jpg) With the lid removed, the four VHS tapes are neatly arranged inside the box, with their spines facing upwards. The fit is nice and snug, keeping everything together without leaving unnecessary space inside. More importantly, the arrangement allows the artwork on the back spines of the tapes to come together and form a much larger picture. It's one of those little details that makes opening the box more enjoyable. Rather than simply finding four tapes placed inside, you discover that the individual packaging has been designed to work together as part of a larger display. ## The VHS Tapes ![](https://discarchive.net/content/images/2026/10/VHS-set-picture.jpg) One of my favourite details of this collection is the artwork formed by the four tape spines. When the tapes are placed together in the correct order, the rear spines create a picture of Indiana Jones. I have to say that I don't think the likeness is particularly convincing, but that doesn't stop it from looking very cool. It's a clever use of the available space and gives the collection an additional visual element that you wouldn't get from buying the films individually. I particularly like the fact that this artwork is hidden away inside the box. You don't necessarily notice it until you remove the tapes and line them up, making it a little bonus for anyone taking the time to look at the packaging. ![](https://discarchive.net/content/images/2026/10/VHS-set-titles.jpg) Turn the tapes around and there isn't quite so much to get excited about. The opposite sides of the spines feature the usual individual film titles, along with the associated logos and video information. There's nothing particularly unusual here, but the consistency of the design works well across all four tapes. They look like they belong together, which is exactly what you would expect from a specially packaged trilogy collection. --- ## Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) – VHS ![](https://discarchive.net/content/images/2026/10/Raiders-of-the-Lost-Ark-Cover.jpg) The first film in the collection is *Raiders of the Lost Ark*, released in 1981 and the film that introduced audiences to the adventures of Indiana Jones. The front of the slipcase features some very nice artwork, capturing the familiar adventurous style of the film. It's a strong cover and immediately recognisable as an Indiana Jones release. There is, however, one thing that I think spoils the overall appearance: the UK classification logo. Personally, I think it interrupts the artwork and would have looked much better positioned in the space at the bottom alongside the Paramount logo and widescreen splash, or perhaps omitted from the main artwork altogether. It's a relatively small criticism, but when you're looking at the packaging as a collector, these little design decisions can make quite a difference. The back cover follows the familiar layout used throughout the collection, with the usual film information and a selection of still images taken from the film. Nothing particularly unusual, but it provides a good overview of the contents and maintains consistency with the other releases. ![](https://discarchive.net/content/images/2026/10/Raiders-of-the-Lost-Ark-VHS.jpg) **Tape details** - Format: VHS - Picture: Colour - Running time: 110 minutes - Audio: Hi-Fi Stereo, Dolby Surround - Copyright: TM & © Lucasfilm Ltd. (L.F.L.) 1981\. All rights reserved. Used under authorisation. - Manufactured in the UK. The cassette carries the usual copyright and private-viewing warnings, along with the notice that it is not for sale or hire in Australia or New Zealand. --- ## Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984) – VHS ![](https://discarchive.net/content/images/2026/10/Temple-of-Doom-Covers.jpg) Next in the collection is *Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom*, released in 1984. The front cover uses artwork that is very similar in style to *Raiders of the Lost Ark*, although this time the image is considerably larger. Various elements of the artwork extend beyond the usual frame, giving the cover a much more dramatic appearance. I actually prefer the larger artwork on this slipcase, as it gives the design a little more impact. Unfortunately, it suffers from the same problem as the previous release, with the UK classification logo interrupting the artwork. The Paramount logo and widescreen information are again positioned along the bottom, although I still think the overall presentation would have benefited from a little more consideration of where these logos were placed. The back cover follows the same design as *Raiders of the Lost Ark*, featuring the usual film information alongside several still images. This consistency makes the three feature films look particularly good when displayed together. ![](https://discarchive.net/content/images/2026/10/Temple-of-Doom-VHS.jpg) **Tape details** - Format: VHS - Picture: Colour - Running time: 113 minutes - Audio: Hi-Fi Stereo, Dolby Surround - Copyright: TM & © Lucasfilm Ltd. (L.F.L.) 1984\. All rights reserved. Used under authorisation. - Manufactured in the UK. As with the previous cassette, the packaging includes the standard copyright information, private-home-viewing warning and regional sales restriction. --- ## Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) – VHS ![](https://discarchive.net/content/images/2026/10/Last-Crusade-Covers.jpg) The third feature film in the collection is *Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade*, released in 1989. This is probably the most visually different of the three feature-film slipcases. Unlike the previous two, where the artwork sits within a more defined frame, the image on the front of this release blends outwards to fill the entire cover. This gives the front a noticeably different colour and appearance compared with the other two films. Interestingly, it also means that the front and back covers don't have quite the same visual consistency as the other slipcases. Once again, the UK classification logo is present, and this time the widescreen splash actually overlaps part of the main artwork. I find that particularly unfortunate because the artwork itself is very good and would have looked much better without these interruptions. Even the Paramount logo has a slightly different appearance compared with the other two releases. It's a small difference, but when all three tapes are part of the same collection, these variations become much more noticeable. The back cover returns to the familiar layout, with the usual film information and a selection of still images from the film. ![](https://discarchive.net/content/images/2026/10/Last-Crusade-VHS.jpg) **Tape details** - Format: VHS - Picture: Colour - Running time: 121 minutes - Audio: Hi-Fi Stereo, Dolby Surround - Copyright: TM & © Lucasfilm Ltd. (L.F.L.) 1989\. All rights reserved. Used under authorisation. - Manufactured in the UK. As with the other feature films, the cassette includes the usual copyright statement and restrictions relating to private home viewing and distribution in other territories. --- ## The Making of Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) – Bonus VHS ![](https://discarchive.net/content/images/2026/10/The-Making-of-Raiders-of-the-Lost-Ark-Covers.jpg) The fourth and final tape in the collection is the bonus documentary, *The Making of Raiders of the Lost Ark*. This is an interesting addition because it gives the box set something extra beyond the three feature films. Rather than simply including another promotional trailer or a collection of short clips, Paramount has provided a dedicated behind-the-scenes documentary about the production of the original film. Unlike the other three slipcases, the front artwork is made up of a selection of still images from the film and its production. This immediately identifies it as a different type of release, while still maintaining the overall design language of the collection. The description on the front reads: "The techniques, Effects and daredevil stunts that went in to the creation of 'Raiders'" It's a good description of what the documentary offers, particularly considering how much practical work and filmmaking went into bringing the original adventure to the screen. The back cover follows the same general layout as the feature-film releases, although this time the information and accompanying images relate to the documentary and the production itself. ![](https://discarchive.net/content/images/2026/10/The-Making-of-Raiders-of-the-Lost-Ark-VHS.jpg) **Tape details** - Format: VHS - Picture: Colour - Running time: 58 minutes - Audio: Hi-Fi Stereo - Copyright: © 1981 Paramount Pictures. All rights reserved. - Additional copyright: TM & © Lucasfilm Ltd. (L.F.L.) 1981\. All rights reserved. Used under authorisation. - Manufactured in the UK. The documentary itself dates from 1981 and was directed by Phillip Schuman. Running for approximately 58 minutes, it features a look behind the scenes of the original film, including interviews with members of the cast and production team. It includes contributions from Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, Harrison Ford and Karen Allen, amongst others. The documentary also makes use of production footage and material showing how the film was developed and brought to the screen. I think this is a particularly appropriate bonus for a collection like this. It adds a little historical value and gives the fourth tape a purpose beyond simply filling an empty space in the box. --- ## My Final Thoughts I absolutely love the look and feel of this box set. It's one of those releases where the packaging is almost as important as the contents, and I think Paramount did a very good job of creating something that feels a little more special than a standard collection of VHS tapes. The parchment-like texture and map artwork are probably my favourite features. In fact, I think the box is one of those rare examples where a little wear and tear can actually add to its character. Any small marks around the corners or edges, caused by years of handling, seem quite appropriate for something designed to look like an old treasure map. Rather than detracting from its appearance, they almost help to complete the effect. The four-tape arrangement is another nice touch. The artwork formed by the spines is a clever idea, and although I wouldn't say the Indiana Jones likeness is particularly accurate, I still think it looks great when everything is lined up inside the box. I also appreciate the importance of this particular release in the history of home video. The widescreen presentation was a major selling point, and having all three films together in letterbox format, accompanied by a dedicated making-of documentary, made this a very attractive package when it was released. I honestly can't remember how many times I've watched these tapes over the years. I'm sure I've played them a number of times, but there's no particular reason for me to put them on again today. The films themselves are already well represented elsewhere in my collection, and the documentary is something I can revisit through other editions. That doesn't mean I have any intention of parting with this set, though. I've seen examples appearing for sale online for relatively little money, so I wouldn't describe it as an especially valuable or particularly rare collection based on what I've seen. However, monetary value isn't really the point. I've owned this box set since the early 1990s, and it has remained part of my collection through all the changes in home entertainment, from VHS to DVD, Blu-ray and beyond. It's a lovely example of how much thought could go into physical home-video packaging, and it's exactly the sort of release I enjoy preserving. **KEEP THE MEDIA PHYSICAL!**