What’s Aged the Best?
John Williams’s score, the short runtime, Ford’s fedora, practical filmmaking, VHS accessibility, and densely observed small details have all aged well.
In the discussion (6)
Approx. transcript time · 00:53:17Read transcript
- Williams’s score is the first and strongest nomination, with the march, map-room cue, and several distinct themes singled out.
- Nazi villains, the sub-two-hour runtime, and the uniquely wearable-by-Ford fedora are praised as durable choices.
- A very young Alfred Molina, the poisoned-date gag, and the movie’s practical sets and stunts remain vivid.
- Paramount’s comparatively cheap $39.95 VHS release is credited with selling a million copies within two years and helping unlock home video.
- The fly that appears to enter Belloq’s mouth and the anonymous male student leaving Indy an apple exemplify accidental and deliberate details that reward rewatches.
- Karen Allen’s 1980–81 run and the isolated Nepal bar’s appeal round out the category.