Chang: A Drama of the Wilderness

Before they dreamed up that oversized ape, King Kong's creators filmed this magical story of a Thai family's struggle to survive the forces of nature.

CHANG is a revelation - not only is it the obvious prototype for Merian C. Cooper and Ernest B. Schoedsack's later masterpiece, KING KONG, but it is a terrifically entertaining film in it own right!

Shot entirely in Siam, the film tells the story of a farmer and his family who have settled a small patch of land on the edge of the jungle. Their existence is a constant struggle against the many wild animals around them - bear, tigers, and even - changs! The climactic elephant stampede is still one of the most exciting scenes in cinema history.

This release features a brilliant score by Bangkok composer Bruce Gaston and performed by the world-famous orchestra Fong Naam.

Bonus Features

Colorized excerpt done in 1957

Commentary featuring film historian Rudy Behlmer's interview with Merian C. Cooper.

Original press kit

Milestone press kit

Reviews

"Spectacular! Unfolds like a veritable three-ring circus." -J. Hoberman, Premiere

"Thrilling! Cooper and Schoedsack were honest-to-God moviemakers [who] went for pace, tension, and excitement. They gave themselves and their audience, a hardy good time!" - New Yorker

"A fresh and thrilling epic from 'Indy'-like filmmakers ... Put Merian C. Cooper and Ernest B. Schoedsack together and you've got the real-life Indiana Jones!" - Jay Carr, The Boston Globe