Synopsis

A communications company sends an expedition into the Congo after a previous team disappears while searching for a lost city and its legendary diamond mines. The new group includes a primatologist and his highly intelligent mountain gorilla, Amy. As the explorers reach the ruins, they face hostile wildlife, rival interests, volcanic danger, and a mysterious tribe of exceptionally violent gray gorillas.

Factoids & Trivia

• The film adapts Michael Crichton's 1980 novel, which had been considered for a screen version for many years before reaching theaters on June 9, 1995.

• Much of the jungle material was filmed in Costa Rica, while controlled environments and large soundstage sets were used for portions of the production.

• The gorillas were created primarily with elaborate practical suits and mechanical effects by Stan Winston Studio. The production initially considered computer-generated creatures, but digital technology of the period was not considered capable of reproducing convincing gorilla hair.

• The lava in the climax was not computer-generated. Miniature effects using a methylcellulose mixture were photographed and composited into the finished scenes.

• The large "diamonds" seen near the end were Herkimer Diamonds, quartz crystals borrowed from the Herkimer Diamond Mines in New York. The name Herkermer Homolka was created as a tribute to the stones.

• A 24-minute making-of documentary, Congo: Journey Into the Unknown, accompanied the film's home-video and promotional campaign. It features production commentary, animal experts, and members of the special-effects crew.

• The film's marketing campaign included a teaser trailer attached to theatrical screenings of Star Trek Generations and to the VHS release of Forrest Gump, along with promotional partnerships involving Taco Bell, Pepsi, and Kenner.

• The airplane pilot seen in the film is a cameo by musician Jimmy Buffett.