Joan Allen

Blu-Ray Review: ‘The Bourne Trilogy’ Sets Bar For Blu-Ray Box Sets

BrianTT — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 08:48:56 -0700

Blu-Ray Rating: 5.0/5.0

CHICAGO – Your Blu-Ray collection should expand by three movies next week when “The Bourne Trilogy” finally hits the format in a beautiful three-disc box with perfect picture and sound and an amazing collection of special features.

Loaded with hours of special features and with some of the best picture and sound that has yet been produced for the format, “The Bourne Trilogy,” including “The Bourne Identity,” “The Bourne Supremacy,” and “The Bourne Ultimatum” in one collector’s case, is a very early contender for best box set of the year. It’s a must-have for action fans, movie collectors, and nearly everyone with a Blu-Ray player.

The Bourne Trilogy is released by Universal Home Video on January 27th, 2009.
Photo credit: Universal Home Video

Matt Damon plays Jason Bourne, a highly trained assassin on the run from a shadowy government agency through three movies, each one better than the film that came before. The first film by Doug Liman is good but the ones that follow by Paul Greengrass are two of the best action movies of the last decade. If the Blu-Ray releases were average, they would be must-owns for every action fan just based on the caliber of the films themselves. The fact that these are some of the most impressive Blu-Ray releases yet makes them a must-own for everyone.

The three-disc set is loaded with hours of bonus materials including deleted scenes, interviews, behind-the-scenes featurettes, commentaries and all-new interactive content that takes advantage of Universal’s awesome U-Control feature, which allows extra content through Picture-in-Picture and interactive dossiers. Through BD-Live, fans will be able to download even more bonus content, share scenes with friends and play an exclusive strategy game that involves hand-to-hand combat simulation.

Each film is presented in gorgeous HD with English DTS-H Master Audio 5.1 tracks that really amplify the Bourne experience. Bourne movies should be watched with perfect video and booming audio and “The Bourne Trilogy” really delivers. These are some of the best video and audio transfers yet produced on the next-gen format.

As for special features, it’s overwhelming. The real draw is the way this franchise makes perfect use of Universal’s U-Control system. While you watch the movie, you can immerse yourself in dossiers, behind-the-scenes information, and details about the spy gadgets used in the film. If you have yet to experience the greatness of U-Control, check out the clip below that offers an example of the interactive feature in action:

More clips follow the list of special features. And U-Control is honestly just the beginning.

Bonus features on “The Bourne Identity” include the aforementioned U-Control features, My Scenes, BD-Live and…

-The Ludlum Identity: An extraordinary portrait of the best-selling author through archival interviews with friends, colleagues, family members and Ludlum himself.
-The Ludlum Supremacy: Who is Jason Bourne? A revealing look at how Bourne was born.
-The Ludlum Ultimatum: A fascinating examination of the Bourne character and his enduring audience appeal
-Alternate Opening and Ending: With an introduction by producer Frank Marshall, screenwriter Tony Gilroy and actor Brian Cox
-Deleted and Extended Scenes
-The Birth of the Bourne Identity
-The Bourne Mastermind: Robert Ludlum: A fascinating new look at the late Robert Ludlum, the bestselling novelist who created the “Bourne” trilogy.
-Access Granted: An exclusive interview with screenwriter Tony Gilroy on the challenges of adapting Ludlum’s 500-page book for the screen.
-From Identity to Supremacy – Jason & Marie: This feature includes exclusive interviews with Matt Damon and Franka Potente which explore the making of The Bourne Identity - and build a bridge to the spectacular sequel, The Bourne Supremacy.
-The Bourne Diagnosis: Insights into the causes and effects of Jason Bourne’s struggle with amnesia from a UCLA psychologist.
-Cloak and Dagger: In this feature, CIA liaison officer Chase Brandon delivers a detailed, real-world analysis of the making of a super-spy.
-Inside a Fight Sequence: Join Matt Damon on the set as he and the film’s Stunt Choreographer map out the explosive action-packed U.S. Embassy fight sequence.
-Moby “ Extreme Ways ” Music Video
-Feature Commentary with Director Doug Liman

“The Bourne Supremacy” features include U-Control, My Scenes, BD-Live and…

-Explosive Deleted Scenes
-Matching Identities: Casting – See what it took to land a key role in this major action hit.
-Keeping It Real – A look at the edgy and kinetic visual style the filmmakers brought to Supremacy.
-Blowing Things Up – Virtual isn’t always better. See how some of the film’s most awesome pyrotechnical sequences were created—without digital effects.
-On the Move with Jason Bourne – Travel the globe to visit the film’s exotic locations from India to Berlin to Moscow .
-Bourne to Be Wild: Fight Training – Matt Damon didn’t become a lethal weapon overnight. Witness the action as the star and the movie’s fight trainer perfect the film’s thrilling hand-to-hand combat scenes!
-Crash Cam: Racing Through the Streets of Moscow – Experience how stunt coordinators meticulously planned and executed the movie’s stunning, high-speed chase sequence
-The Go-Mobile Revs Up the Action – Feel the rush of being in the driver’s seat with this revolutionary new vehicle used to capture Matt Damon’s high-speed exploits in the film’s jaw-dropping car chase sequences!
-Anatomy of a Scene: The Explosive Bridge Chase Scene – Step onto the set and experience the tension and intense preparation as the filmmaking team plans and shoots one of the movie’s most demanding, dangerous and thrilling action scenes.
-Scoring with John Powell: A special look at creating the pulse-pound score for the movie.
-The Bourne Mastermind: Robert Ludlum: A fascinating new look at the late Robert Ludlum, the bestselling novelist who created the “Bourne” trilogy.
-The Bourne Diagnosis Part Two: Insights into the causes and effects of Jason Bourne’s struggle with amnesia from a UCLA psychologist.
-Feature Commentary with Paul Greengrass

“The Bourne Ultimatum” features include U-Control, My Scenes, BD-Live and…

-Be Bourne Spy Training – Viewers test their skills to see if they’ve got what it takes to be a covert operative.
-Man on the Move: Jason Bourne – From Berlin to Tangier, see how the film’s exotic locations influenced the filmmaking process.
-Rooftop Pursuit – Discover how state-of-the-art technology was used to film the incredible Tangier rooftop chase scene!
-Planning the Punches – Matt Damon reveals his complex and rigorous fight training.
-Driving School – Join Matt Damon behind the wheel as he trains for the New York car chase scene.
-New York Chase – An insider’s view on how the film’s heart-stopping chase sequences were filmed.
-Feature Commentary with Director Paul Greengrass
-Deleted Scenes

“The Bourne Trilogy - Background Info”

“The Bourne Trilogy - Behind the Scenes”

‘The Bourne Identity’ is released by Universal Home Video and stars Matt Damon, Clive Owen, Julia Stiles, Franka Potente, Brian Cox, and Chris Cooper. It was written by Tony Gilroy and W. Blake Herron and directed by Doug Liman. It will be released on January 27th, 2009.

‘The Bourne Supremacy’ is released by Universal Home Video and stars Matt Damon, Julia Stiles, Franka Potente, Brian Cox, Karl Urban, Gabriel Mann, Michelle Monaghan, and Joan Allen. It was written by Tony Gilroy and directed by Paul Greengrass. It will be released on January 27th, 2009.

‘The Bourne Ultimatum’ is released by Universal Home Video and stars Matt Damon, Julia Stiles, David Strathairn, Scott Glenn, Paddy Considine, Edgar Ramirez, Albert Finney, and Joan Allen. It was written by Tony Gilroy and Scott Z. Burns and George Nolfi and directed by Paul Greengrass. It will be released on January 27th, 2009.

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

Blu-Ray Review: Valentine’s Day Gift Lists Start With ‘The Notebook’

BrianTT — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 11:15:57 -0700

CHICAGO – It may not have been a massive hit when it was first released, but in just a few short years, “The Notebook” has become one of the more beloved romantic dramas of the last few decades. People adore The Notebook, propelling the film to a sales total of more than nine million units to date. At least a few of those nine million people will want to upgrade their favorite tearjerker to the impressive new “Limited Edition Giftset” from Warner Brothers.

The Notebook Limited Edition Gift Set is released by Warner Brothers Home Video on January 20th, 2009.
Photo credit: Warner Brothers Home Video

“The Notebook: Limited Edition Giftset” is not for anyone who believes in even the concept of overkill when it comes to Blu-Ray releases. This thing is a monster. It takes up as much shelf space as four normal Blu-Ray releases and the quantity of collectibles included in the packaging is borderline ridiculous. Does anyone need “Notebook” stickers? Stationery? Collectible bookmarks? It’s difficult for a critic to come down too hard on a package that’s clearly designed with the best of intentions for its rabid fans, but if a giftset can be too much, then this is it.

The Notebook Limited Edition Gift Set is released by Warner Brothers Home Video on January 20th, 2009.
Photo credit: Warner Brothers Home Video

What will “Notebook” fans find? Well, first and foremost, if you haven’t seen the film since it was first released, it’s held up incredibly well. Yes, some of the final act tearjerker material with James Garner and Gena Rowlands is a bit overdone but Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams are excellent in the heart of the film, perfectly embodying an old-fashioned romantic drama style that you don’t see that often any more. This movie will stand up for years and have legions of fans for generations.

Those fans can now make their own “Notebook” scrapbooks. No, we’re not kidding. The giftset includes a photo album, scrapbook with images from the movie that leaves space for your own photos; scrapbook accessories such as stickers and photo corners; a stationery set with letterhead and envelopes and collectible bookmarks. This is also the first time that “The Notebook” has been released on Blu-ray Hi-Def, the part of this giftset that will truly be the draw for fans of the movie.

For the first time, “The Notebook” is presented in 1080p with a 2.40:1 widescreen ratio. Warner Brothers still produces one of the best Blu-Ray pictures and “The Notebook” looks great. I have to say though that there are fans and collectors out there who would probably want to own “The Notebook” just for the film and the actual disc special features, but New Line/WB are only releasing it on Blu-Ray in the “Giftset” form. That means that every movie lover who wants to own “The Notebook” will have to pay the $39.99 SRP and take up the space of four other titles on their shelf. There should have been a “Limited Edition” and a “Standard Edition” for fans without the desire to scrapbook.

As for special features, “The Notebook” on Blu-Ray includes twelve deleted scenes, director and novelist commentaries, 4 incisive making-of featurettes, a screen test from Rachel McAdams, and more. A fan of the movie could not be more satisfied with this gorgeously packaged, extensive set for one of their favorite romantic films.

‘The Notebook Limited Edition Giftset’ is released by Warner Brothers Home Video and stars Ryan Gosling, Rachel McAdams, James Garner, Gena Rowlands, Joan Allen, and James Marsden. It was written by Jeremy Leven and directed by Nick Cassavetes. It will be released on January 20th, 2009.

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

Blu-Ray Review: ‘Death Race’ Movie Loses, Blu-Ray Wins

BrianTT — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 10:00:07 -0700

CHICAGO – The Blu-Ray release of “Death Race” with Jason Statham and Tyrese Gibson tests the critical concept of reviewing the movie itself or purely its home presentation.

“Death Race” is easily one of my least favorite movies of 2008, an absolute train wreck of an action film that solidifies Paul W.S. Anderson’s standing as a cinematic criminal, but the Blu-Ray presentation of the disaster is nearly flawless.

I can’t possibly recommend a single thing about the film to anyone who hasn’t seen it, but if you’re somehow a fan of the Jason Statham bloodbath then you will be thoroughly satisfied by how well Universal has treated you with their presentation of “Death Race”.

“Death Race” is a loud, ridiculous, annoying movie that is more abusive than entertaining. The set-up is so inherently stupid that one would expect Anderson, the same man who gave the world “Mortal Kombat” and “Resident Evil” and set the bar incredibly low for video-game-to-screen adaptations, to turn “Death Race” into a tongue-in-cheek thrill ride. But he honestly believes that this mess is an action commentary on our current desire for bloodlust in entertainment.

The set-up for “Death Race” is that the country is plunged into chaos in only a little over three years and to distract the depressed masses and lower prison populations the most infamous jail in the world starts the Death Race.

Led by Warden Hennessey (a shockingly mis-cast Joan Allen), the Death Race makes millions off its most popular character, Frankenstein. If he gets one more victory, he’ll be set free. Small problem - Frank was killed by Machine Gun Joe (Tyrese Gibson) in the last race and the Warden needs a new masked man. Enter Jensen Ames (Jason Statham), a man who the Warden frames just to get behind the wheel.

To call “Death Race” brutal would be an understatement. Anderson believes that the volume should be as loud as possible, sound effects need to be damaging, and every shot is better if it’s herky-jerky and nauseating. There’s honestly not one single, truly well-made action scene in the film.

And the dialogue? Allen, an Oscar-nominated actress, says “F*ck with me and we’ll see who sh*ts on the sidewalk.” The sad thing is that if there were more hilariously over-the-top lines like that than the film might have been more effective as B-movie fun instead of just morally corrupt torture.

“Death Race” is presented in 1080p high-definition widescreen with a 2.35:1 aspect ratio and accompanied by an English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track that suits the film perfectly. Nothing Anderson has ever done has been subtle. His motto might be “turn it up” and that fits perfectly with the clarity of Blu-Ray audio.

My feelings on the film itself are crystal clear, but there’s no fault to be found with how well Universal has treated fans of “Death Race”.

First, the interactivity on the Blu-Ray release is remarkable. Fans can chat with buddies while they watch the movie (ten bucks says most of that chat is about how hot Natalie Martinez is) and even record their own movie commentary to share. Just what we needed - fan-driven audio commentaries. Honestly, most viewers could probably improve on the dialogue in “Death Race”.

“My Movie Commentary” and “My Chat” would be impressive enough, but they’re just the beginning of the “Death Race” experience. With the great U-Control, fans can watch picture-in-picture, scene-related featurettes and interviews as the movie plays and even access “Tech Specs,” which provide all the details on the characters, cars, and races as they’re going on in the film.

RELATED READING
Adam Fendelman’s Theatrical Review of ‘Death Race’

“Death Race” includes two Hi-Def featurettes - “Start Your Engines: Making a Death Race” and “Behind the Wheel: Dissecting the Stunts” - and a commentary from Anderson and producer Jeremy Bolt on the unrated version, which runs six minutes longer than the theatrical one.

Six more minutes of “Death Race” sounds like a threat to me, but fans won’t possibly be dissatisfied with one of the more thorough Blu-Ray releases of the season.

‘Death Race’ is released by Universal Home Video and stars Jason Statham, Ian McShane, Tyrese Gibson, Joan Allen, and Natalie Martinez, and was written and directed by Paul W.S. Anderson. It was released on December 23rd, 2008.

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

In Purely Exploiting Gratuitous Violence, Paul W.S. Anderson’s ‘Death Race’ Remake Kills All Comedic Value

HollywoodChicago.com — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 13:56:45 -0600

CHICAGO – While 2008’s “Death Race” makes no secret about being a remake of 1975’s “Death Race 2000” with David Carradine as the title character Frankenstein and Sylvester Stallone as his archrival Machine Gun Joe Viterbo, what’s perhaps less obvious but still clear is how the film steals from others.

Rating: 2.0/5.0

Though the “Death Race” story has a different book cover, Jason Statham’s character as Jensen Ames and then the masked Frankenstein can be directly correlated to (as just one example) Nicolas Cage’s character in 1997’s “Con Air”. We’ve certainly seen this before: a man who’s supposedly in the slammer innocently and has a monster axe to grind.

While films today can be rewarded for being quality remakes of compelling yesteryear memories, 2008’s “Death Race” not only disappoints in its unoriginal ripping from other films but ultimately loses face in its mission merely for unadulterated and gratuitous violence.

Read Adam Fendelman’s full review of “Death Race” in our reviews section.

View our full, high-resolution “Death Race” image gallery.

“Death Race” is yet another film along the lines of so many second-rate Hollywood products we see today feeling pressured to blow stuff up bigger and badder while servicing the human need to fantasize in the utterly ridiculous.

All the while, a weak story is slapped on top of what essentially just amounts to an anthology of big booms.

Sometimes films succeed in being pure entertainment and don’t attempt to have underlying meaning or instigate inspirational change. When they do, though, they’re most successful when their fundamental purpose at least has some redeeming value.

The unfortunately simple message of “Death Race” merely says we’re living in a time and place where financial corruption can allow us to prostitute ourselves to charge $250 to watch one guy violently off another for our viewing pleasure. In the film, 70 million morbid viewers take the plunge.

“Death Race,” which is written and directed by Paul W.S. Anderson, stars Jason Statham, Joan Allen, Tyrese Gibson, Natalie Martinez, Ian McShane, Max Ryan, Jason Clarke and Frederick Koehler. The film opened everywhere on Aug. 22, 2008.

Continuing reading for Adam Fendelman’s full “Death Race” review.

Navigator Case (Natalie Martinez) arrives from the women’s prison in an action-thriller set in the near future with the world’s most brutal sporting event as its backdrop in “Death Race”.
Photo credit: Takashi Seida

Jensen Ames (Jason Statham) drives Frankenstein’s Monster in an action-thriller set in the near future with the world’s most brutal sporting event as its backdrop in “Death Race”.
Photo credit: Takashi Seida

Continuing reading for Adam Fendelman’s full “Death Race” review.