Available now on Digital and coming to 4K, Blu-ray, and DVD August 27 is – Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. Read on to learn what bonus features are available when you bring home the kingdom!
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
Set “several generations” after War, Kingdom is a coming-of-age, quest adventure, story told amidst the ruins of the human world. When Noa (Owen Teague), a young ape from the Eagle Clan, has his world burned to the ground in front of him, he sets out on a journey to save his family from the ruthless apes led by Proximus Caesar (Kevin Durand), who kidnapped them.
Along the way he meets Raka (Peter Macon), a kind and wise Orangutan, who follows the teachings of Caesar. He passes on some valuable information to Noa about the history of humans and apes– “important.” They soon realize they are being followed by a young human woman, Nova/Mae (Freya Allen), who eventually stops hiding and joins them. She is not like the other “Echoes” Noa has heard about. She is intelligent, wears pants, and the biggest shock of all, she can talk. By embarking on this journey, Noa’s beliefs are put to the test and hard truths come to light.
Directed by Wes Ball, with a screenplay from Josh Friedman, Kingdom explores the meaning of morality, compassion, and understanding while also looking at what happens when the teachings of a prominent figure become warped and corrupted by the masses. All in all it is very straightforward and without any glaring plot holes, save some questions one might have to the more grander ideals, specifically what does a world of cohabitation actually look like? Despite throwing some things up in the air, it is clear that like Rise, Kingdom could be the jumping off point for another set of films where those questions are fleshed out and answered. By doing so, it stands on its own in the franchise while also paving the way for it to evolve (pun intended).
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes Bonus Features
It is incredible to watch how the film came together, especially when you watch the documentary below and see what Ape School was like for the actors. These are the kinds of bonus features as a cinephile I love.
Documentary
• Inside the Forbidden Zone: Making Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
Join director Wes Ball, cast and crew as they expand the Planet of the Apes legacy for a new generation. Travel to the outdoor production in Australia, train at Ape School, and discover the practical and motion capture techniques in building a breathtaking Kingdom.
14 Deleted/Extended Scenes with optional audio commentary by director Wes Ball
*Bonus features may vary by product and retailer
