Jason Bourne storms onto Blu-ray for a second time. Originally it was in a box set that contained all the Bourne films. This time around we have the three films released separately, but this time Bourne has brought along a double agent built into the high-def disc.
The three films now come to Blu-ray as a combo “flipper” disc featuring the Blu-ray edition on one side and the DVD version on the other.
The Bourne Identity (2002): Jason Bourne (Matt Damon) is a skilled assassin. He doesn’t know it though. In fact, he starts out not even knowing that he’s Jason Bourne. He’s found floating in the Mediterranean with two bullets in his back and no memory of who he is.
He spends two weeks with the fishermen and is dropped off to go out and discover his identity, although he’s discovered that he has a diverse skill set (speaking multiple languages, etc.) but has no memory of what he does for a living. He does have a Swiss bank account number that might lead him to discovering his identity.
Although he encounters troubles at every turn, he discovers that he has an address in Paris and pays Maria (Franka Potente) to take him there. There arrival only brings assassins, the police, and Maria may regret giving Bourne a ride as a sinister organization called Treadstone is behind it all.
The Bourne Supremacy (2004): It’s been two years since Bourne was targeted for assassination and he and Maria think the worst is behind them. Unfortunately they were wrong and tragedy befalls Bourne.
He’s now on the run again and trying to find out why the assassin’s aim has been put on him once again.
The Bourne Ultimatum (2007): Bourne just wanted to disappear, but he is still on the run. He decides that the only way to recover his memories is to go back to the beginning of Treadstone. This leads to an international pursuit as Bourne continues his quest to track down his mysterious past.
However, operatives are still hot on his trail to make sure that he doesn’t uncover his past and expose their covert operations.
The Bourne films delve into intrigue and action that are not unlike the travails of a spy named Bond, James Bond. Bond usually took on diabolical villains who were hell-bent on world domination (who’d want to take over this crazy place?) and Bourne really kept closer to espionage more based in reality.
Bond certainly has transitioned closer to that dynamic. I suppose that I do miss Dr. No, Goldfinger, those other madmen though (Goldfinger had the best theme song). The Bourne discs mark a new feature from Universal. They include a DVD copy of the film. Discs containing a DVD copy are nothing new, but Universals new line of discs don’t include the copy of a second disc instead each disc is dual-sided. One side contains a Blu-ray and the other is a DVD of the film.
This is nothing new to Universal since they tried this with HD DVD discs and have been doing it on both sides for DVDs too.
Let me get this out of the way first, I really don’t have a problem with dual sided release… if they work. I only throw in that caveat because I’ve had trouble with some Universal DVDs back in the day. So the concept is not one that offends me, but you better make sure there are no troubles in the technical department.
To that end I had no problem playing these discs (although putting the DVD side in was like a time machine since it uses the old disc menus, etc.). I couldn’t help but wonder if two discs might not have been a better alternative since I wondered if there was a warehouse somewhere full of old Bourne DVDs, but I still didn’t have any problems playing the discs.
My first blush was that, to my memory, it was easier to tell which side was which. I thought the labeling on the disc was a bit larger and easier to read than my memory of HD DVD (they’re boxed up around her somewhere) - maybe it was the white lettering on blue background.
If you want to watch the Blu-ray version make sure the blue ring is up for the DVD flip over. I guess you do without artwork, but although it was always a nice addition I don’t consider artwork a special feature (as it was labeled in the beginning of DVD if you recall).
One thing HD DVD enthusiasts might recall is that when Universal was doing this on that format that they charged a bit more for those discs. This time around at least they don’t appear to be adding extra cost for getting a DVD copy. I probably would’ve liked getting the DVD separately, but these flipper discs do offer the better of both worlds.
The three Bourne films are presented in 1080p high definitions transfers (2.35:1). Special features on the first two films are mostly presented in standard definition, with some duplicated on the DVD side, with the last film having them more in high definition.
Each disc features U-Control picture-in-picture commentary with the filmmakers, an option with character dossier files, and the Bourne Orientation option that shows his motives and connections to the other films. All three discs are also BD-Live enhanced to get online content. The rest of the films special features break down as behind the scenes look at the films; how they were brought to the screen; looks at the author of the hit book series; deleted and extended scenes; and looks into the world of spies. All three films are loaded with special features that fans of the franchise will enjoy.
The Bourne films are action packed and Matt Damon steps into the role with panache. Some enthusiasts are already spewing vitriol at the reviving of the two sided high-def disc, but I’m still a bit on the fence.
I prefer having separate discs, but I didn’t find any fault with these (time will tell I suppose as longevity of glues is another potential issue). The films are a four star affair and I’d award that to each of them, but am on the fence to see what the future holds for putting both formats on one disc.
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