Tarzan The Ape Man (1932)Blu-ray Review

Jason Lockard December 26, 2023

Olympic swimming champion Johnny Weissmuller in the 1930s was the perfect choice for the iconic character Tarzan. His muscular physique looked like that of what was written about Edgar Rice Burroughs.

Weissmuller was so popular as Tarzan that he would star in 12 Tarzan adventures from 1932 to 1948. Now the good folks at Warner Archive Collection are releasing the first MGM Tarzan film 1932's Tarzan The Ape Man on Blu-ray for the first time ever.

James Parker (C. Aubrey Smith, The Prisoner of Zenda) and Harry Holt (Neil Hamilton, Batman the TV Series) travel in Africa on a quest for the legendary elephant burial grounds and their ivory. They are joined by Parker's daughter Jane (Maureen O'Sullivan, Pride and Prejudice). While in the deepest darkest Africa they encounter a wild man raised by apes (Johnny Weissmuller).

This is the first time we witness the Tarzan yell on film, that is history alone. But this film is an action packed adventure Weissmuller is really great as Tarzan and Maureen O'Sullivan seems to be the perfect Jane to Weissmuller's Tarzan. The story is well written and the acting is great. This is just a really fun adventure in early Hollywood!

Tarzan the Ape Man has been transferred to Blu-ray in 1090p in 1.37:1 aspect ratio. The soundtrack is a DTS-MA HD 2.0. There are also English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing.

This new transfer to Blu-ray brings new life to this classic adventure. The film looks sharp and sound clear. This is pretty impressive when looking at older DVD prints and when you think this film is 90 years old. But Warner Archive didn't stop at an HD debut of this films, they added some extremely cool bonus features. Take a look at what is included.

* Documentary: Tarzan: Silver Screen King of the Jungle: A interesting near 80 minute documentary tracking the history of Tarzan on film.

* Classic cartoons
I wish I had wings (1932) A baby hen sees a lot of food on the other side of the fence. But to get to it, he must scare away a scarecrow.
Moonlight for Two (1932) Two courting hillbilly dogs go to the big barn dance.

* Original Theatrical Trailer

To see Tarzan the Ape Man in HD looking spectacular is great alone, but when you put the bonus features of classic black and white cartoons and the simply amazing docummentary Tarzan: Silver Screen King of the Jungle on this disc. I have no choice but to call this disc a must own for Tarzan fans.

So, if you love classic adventure films, golden age Hollywood or Tarzan this new Blu-ray of Tarzan the Ape Man is a must own Blu-ray for your collection. Head over to MovieZyng and order your copy today.