National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets hits DVD on May 20th, but M&C was able to open the book a little early when we took part in a small virtual roundtable interview with director Jon Turteltaub.
Walt Disney Pictures and legendary action producer Jerry Bruckheimer (Pirates of the Caribbean) present a spectacular, star-studded race across the globe with National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets comes to DVD, two-disc Gold Collection DVD and Blu-ray Disc.
The missing pages of a diary hold a secret so explosive it could change the course of history in National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets. An irresistible blend of historical fact and fiction, the high-voltage adventure stars Academy Award winner Nicolas Cage (Best Actor; Leaving Las Vegas, 1996) as Benjamin Franklin Gates, treasure hunter extraordinaire. A search to uncover the truth behind the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, is packed with breathtaking stunts, awe-inspiring backdrops and a lightning-paced international treasure hunt.
The DVD comes loaded with bonus material including commentary from Turteltaub and Academy award winning actor Jon Voight; deleted scenes; and outtakes and bloopers. It will also come loaded with features taking you behind the scenes that show you how the film journeyed from script to screen.
During the interview, M&C was able to ask Turteltaub about the making of the film, the people involved, the location shooting, and the possibility of more adventures with the Gates family.
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But the thing that was always the most important factor for the Parks Service was whether or not we would be obstructing the ability of the public to enjoy the venue. They knew we would be careful not to blow-up Abraham Lincoln's nose... but they didn't want to prevent the family on vacation from Iowa from enjoying the site alongside of us. Q: J.T.: Q:
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I get asked a similar question about casting... as to whether I'm involved in that. I think it makes directors crazy when they get asked those questions because it's probably the single most important thing a director does. It's like asking a chef if he chooses his ingredients. Q:
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He makes a point of accepting that. Now, that's not to say that bad reviews don't hurt your feelings or frustrate you. They do. Just as good reviews make you feel great. But that's because when I get a good review I know that my Aunt Helena is going to read nice things about me. Q: J.T.: Q:
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Also, my most successful film prior to National Treasure was "Phenomenon" which wouldn't be considered a comedy. What I have noticed is that they give you a lot more money to make an action movie than to make a comedy. Apparently, it's very expensive to build a City of Gold and flood it. Q:
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However... we were first. It was a completely original idea that took an enormous amount of wonderfully creative work from a lot of people. To have that work considered based on The Da Vinci Code is really aggravating. There's a cynicism out there that really hurts creative people. Writers, directors and producers don't run around trying to steal other people's ideas. It's a myth. In fact, we run from ideas that seem derivative of others.
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But I would also say that this kind of movie is extremely difficult to make. It takes very little to make them very cliché and corny. Without a great script, this kind of movie turns into garbage instantly. Q:
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That movie would be rated R today. It's possible that parents haven't changed, but their ability to complain has. The internet and accessibility (and feelings of entitlement) may have made corporations more exposed to the unhappy customers. But in my opinion, the trend has hurt movies and our kids are being exposed to more and more moronic and simplistic films.
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J.T.: John Candy was one of those rare comedians who actually laughed and enjoyed other people's jokes. He had the softest ego and was as kind an actor as I've known. I miss him terribly. One of my truly most prized possessions is John's Super-Chex table hockey game that John's wife gave to me after he died. We logged a lot o hours on that game.
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With a sequel, there's an anticipation to see the film. However, the word-of-mouth is essential in sustaining the big opening. So... between the bigger opening and the good word-of-mouth, we out-grossed the first film. Q:
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But it's really fun to be able to answer this way, It takes out the problem of answering the same question 30 times in a row. I get to delete really stupid answers. And I can take my time. That said, if I was so smart, I would delete the part about the crack.
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That felt like I had really gotten somewhere in my life. But truthfully, the best days are those when there's a small scene that has great dialog and all the actors are in a good mood and we finish early. That's the best.
National Treasure 2 - Book of Secrets (Two-Disc Collector's Edition) is now available for pre-order at Amazon for a May 20th release. As of yet, there is not a release date for the UK. Visit the DVD database for more information.
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