Heks, you make some really good points here - especially about the pacing. ID's edit WILL have a chase followed by a chase and that could be an issue. Interesting.

But as far as using the island where the ark was opened, I think that would put too much emphasis on Raiders (which this movie is nowhere near in any fashion) and the Ark (which is featured for only 2 seconds).

In fact, I'm curious (and excited) to see how opening with anything frmo Raiders is gonna work. Have to say though, ID is good. He's very very good. So if anyone could make it work...