Jurassic Park Parent Guide
pielberg uses a scientifically plausible premise, good pacing, and incredible special effects to achieve a very convincing, action packed adventure.
Parent Movie Review
Jurassic Park is the brainchild of wealthy entrepreneur John Hammond (Richard Attenborough) who is creating what he believes will be the world’s most unusual theme park. Hoping to calm nervous investors, he invites a group of carefully selected people, along with his two grandchildren, to come and experience then endorse his attraction, which is filled with live, genetically engineered dinosaurs.
Amongst the visitors are palaeontologist Dr. Alan Grant (Sam Neill), and palaeo-botanist Dr. Ellie Satler (Laura Dern). After years of studying fossilized remains, it is little surprise that the two scientists are wonder-struck by seeing these creatures living and breathing (as will the audience). However, they have some reservations regarding the wisdom and incurred responsibility of introducing the global co-habitation of dinosaurs and man. And well they should, because a plot to steal Mr. Hammond’s research is about to bring these two species a little too close for comfort.
As in all good monster flics, the script includes several characters destined to be devoured. You can rest assured that the stereotypical nerdy computer technician (Wayne Knight) and whiney lawyer (Martin Ferrero) are on the top of the list. Some of the others are less obvious choices, which helps add to the suspense.
While many of the scare tactics (like the dark and stormy night) are typical for this genre, director Steven Spielberg uses a scientifically plausible premise, good pacing, and incredible special effects to achieve a very convincing, action packed adventure which capitalizes on the dinosaur craze.
Despite the marketing strategies that may suggest otherwise, this is not a film for children. Although it is true that the violence is derived from characters fighting for their lives, portraying that conflict is the only motive for making the movie. Even with a minimal amount of gore and a smattering of profanities, there are still many intense and frightening depictions sure to elicit nightmares in young viewers. While this may be an acceptable risk for older teens, those with dino-crazy little ones need to remember that they won’t find any cuddly purple plush critters at Jurassic Park!
Directed by Steven Spielberg. Starring Sam Neill Laura Dern Steven Spielberg. Running time: 127 minutes. Theatrical release June 11, 1993. Updated May 22, 2018About author
Jurassic Park
Rating & Content Info
Why is Jurassic Park rated PG-13? Jurassic Park is rated PG-13 by the MPAA for intense science fiction terror.
Overall: B
This classic monster flic provides amazing live action dinosaurs, and plenty of thrills and chills, but parents should heed the “strongly cautioned” advice of the MPAA PG-13 rating when determining its acceptability for older children.
Violence: D
Unseen beast drags man by his legs into cage. Men prod at creature. Man verbally details how a velociraptor would attack a young boy. Cow is violently eaten alive by raptors, only sounds are heard. Scientist digs through pile of dino droppings. Man steals embryos. Bloody goat leg shown. Dinosaur attacks and crushes car that has people inside. Man is picked up and eaten by dinosaur, legs seen dangling from mouth. Building falls on man, causing injury. Car with passenger is pushed off wall, gets stuck in tree. Falling car threatens characters. Driver crashes car, but is not hurt. Man sprayed with poison and eaten by dinosaur - not seen. Dinosaur chases car with people inside. Carnivorous dinosaur kills other creatures; rips off head, bites through abdomen, some blood shown. Several intense scenes where dinosaurs surprise characters, chase and snap at them, and destroy property. Severed arm shown. Character receives electrical shock. Men use guns to shoot at dinosaurs. Man eaten by dinosaur - not shown. People fall from ceiling.
Sexual Content: A-
Character asks if someone in the park pulls up the dinosaurs’ skirts to check if they are female. Woman in bikini seen on computer screen.
Language: B
At least: 15 mild and 2 moderate profanities, and 8 terms of Deity used as expletives.
Alcohol / Drug Use: B-
Man opens bottle of champagne and adults drink it. A couple of characters are shown smoking, one of them smokes constantly.
Page last updated May 22, 2018
Jurassic Park Parents' Guide
Universal Studios’ marketing department has capitalized on the dinosaur theme with all sorts of paraphernalia bearing the Jurassic logo. Most of this merchandise is aimed at young children. How does this strategy help to create the false impression that this is a film appropriate for all ages? Do you think that studios should do this?
Dr. Ellie Satler tries to explain to Mr. Hammond that controlling his creation is impossible, and that he should have considered the moral and ethical implications of what he had unleashed. Why do you think he neglected to weigh the responsibility of his decision? What factors may sometimes tempt you to overlook the consequences of your choices.
Can extinct species be brought back to life? Scientists in Queensland have done just that with a frog that bears its young through its mouth.
Home Video
The most recent home video release of Jurassic Park movie is May 22, 2018. Here are some details…
Jurassic Park 25th Anniversary Collection On May 22, 2018, the Jurassic Park Franchise celebrated its 25th Anniversary with a Limited Edition Box Set. Includes plenty of bonus features and the four movies: - Jurassic Park - The Lost World: Jurassic Park - Jurassic Park III - Jurassic World
Home Video Notes: Jurassic Park (Steelbook)
Release Date: 6 May 2014
Jurassic Park re-releases to home video (Blu-ray + DVD + DIGITAL with UltraViolet) in a Steelbook edition (meaning packaged in a steel case), with the following bonus materials:
-Digital Copy of Jurassic Park
-Includes UltraViolet
-Return to Jurassic Park: Dawn of a New Era
-Return to Jurassic Park: Making Prehistory
- Return to Jurassic Park: The Next Step in Evolution
- The Making of Jurassic Park
- Original Featurette on the Making of the Film
- Steven Spielberg Directs Jurassic Park
- Hurricane in Kauai Featurette
- Early Pre-Production Meetings
- Location Scouting
- Phil Tippett Animatics: Raptors in the Kitchen
- Animatics: T-Rex Attack
- ILM And Jurassic Park: Before and After the Visual Effects
- Foley Artists
- Storyboards
- Production Archives: Photographs, Design Sketches and Conceptual Paintings
- Jurassic Park: Making the Game
- Theatrical Trailer
- BD-Live
- My Scenes
- D-BOX
- pocket BLU App
Home Video Notes: Jurassic Park
Release Date: 26 March 2013
Jurassic Park is releasing to home video (Blu-ray + DVD + UV Digital Copy) just before the film releases to theaters again—this time in 3D (April 5, 2013). Bonus extras include:
- Return to Jurassic Park
- ILM And Jurassic Park: Before and After the Visual Effects
- Foley Artists
- Production Archives: Photographs, Design Sketches and Conceptual Paintings
- Jurassic Park: Making the Game
- The Making of Jurassic Park
- Original Featurette on the Making of the Film
- Steven Spielberg Directs Jurassic Park
- Hurricane in Kauai Featurette
- Early Pre-Production Meetings
- Location Scouting
- Phil Tippett Animatics: Raptors in the Kitchen
- Animatics: T-Rex Attack
Home Video Notes: Jurassic Park
Release Date: 223 April 2013
Jurassic Park 3D will release to home video (Blu-ray 3D/Blu-ray/DVD/Ultraviolet Digital Copy) two weeks after the movie’s thratrical run (Beginning April 5, 2013). Bonus extras include -
- Return to Jurassic Park
- ILM And Jurassic Park: Before and After the Visual Effects
- Foley Artists
- Production Archives: Photographs, Design Sketches and Conceptual Paintings
- Jurassic Park: Making the Game
- The Making of Jurassic Park
- Original Featurette on the Making of the Film
- Steven Spielberg Directs Jurassic Park
- Hurricane in Kauai Featurette
- Early Pre-Production Meetings
- Location Scouting
- Phil Tippett Animatics: Raptors in the Kitchen
- Animatics: T-Rex Attack
Exclusive HD Content
- My Scenes
- Pocket Blu
DVD Notes: Jurassic Park
Release Date: October 10, 2001
DVD Extras:
- Production notes
- “Making of” Documentary
- Industrial Light & Magic Dinosaur Encyclopedia
- Theatrical trailers for Jurassic Park, Lost World, and Jurassic Park III
Related home video titles:
This movie has spawned two sequels. Check our reviews of The Lost World: Jurassic Park, and Jurassic Park III. If monster films tickle your fancy, you may enjoy Godzilla, or Godzilla 2000. Richard Attenbourough, who portrays Mr. Hammond, plays a similar role as a circus proprietor in the very family friendly 1967 Doctor Dolittle (which features animals that are a lot more cuddly too).
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