The DVD Dissection: The Bourne Files (3-Disc Collection)
Posted by Chad Webb on 08.01.2007
Bourne’s triple dip is recommended for the price and packaging only.
The Films
The Bourne Identity (Disc One)
Matt Damon: Jason Bourne
Franka Potente: Marie Helena Kreutz
Chris Cooper: Alexander Conklin
Clive Owen: The Professor
Brian Cox: Ward Abbott
Julia Stiles: Nicky
Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje: Nykwana Wombosi
Directed By: Doug Liman
Theatrical Release Date: June 6, 2002
DVD Release Date: July 24, 2007
Running Time: 119 minutes
Rated PG-13 for violence and some language.
In 2002 the James Bond franchise had reached an all-time low with Die Another Day. With the world's favorite secret agent not delivering tight, tense entertainment, someone else needed to pick up the slack, and fill the void for the spy action genre. It was perhaps the most ideal time for The Bourne Identity to land in theaters. However, this was not the first adaptation of the Robert Ludlum novel. In 1988, Richard Chamberlain starred as Bourne in an ABC made-for-TV mini-series, which followed the storyline of the first two novels. Almost fifteen years later, it was time for an update. This was a book that was in desperate need of the techno-thriller overhaul, and the result was the birth of durable franchise.
After a young man is picked up lying unconscious in the Mediterranean Sea, he awakens without having any knowledge of his name, age, hometown, or occupation. The fisherman who discovered him nurses him back to health. The only clue to his identity is a Swiss bank account number embedded in his hip in the form of a laser. He visits the location, and finds a secured box of fake passports, cash, and weapons, which label him as Jason Bourne (Matt Damon). He soon learns that the authorities and other mysterious people are hunting him down. While hiding in the U.S. Embassy, and subsequently trying to escape the same building, he meets Marie (Franka Potente), a gypsy whom he pays 20,000 to drive him to Paris. Meanwhile, CIA agent Conklin (Chris Cooper), who was formerly Bourne’s superior, notices that he is alive after a failed operation. Bourne must be killed. While he and Marie are on the run, various assassins seek to eliminate them from the picture.
What catapulted this from a standard exercise in espionage to an intelligent film worth appreciating is the circumstances of Bourne's amnesia. He does not know who he is, or why he is being targeted, but he possesses unique skills that are bizarrely instinctive. He can speak several languages, memorize important data, clear evidence to his trail, and most importantly of all, he can kick some serious butt. The fight scenes are choreographed with such meticulous timing, and are executed so quickly, that it becomes plausible that this man could actually suffer from memory loss, yet still understand how to defend himself like a pro.
At this point of his career, Matt Damon was already solidified as a star, and he had an Oscar statue, but something was missing. He needed a franchise to rely on. Damon had contributed such stellar roles to a long list of films like Dogma, Rounders, Good Will Hunting, Saving Private Ryan, and Ocean's Eleven up until then. He had yet to explore the action genre, but he proved to have a knack for it. His performance is extremely sufficient, not award worthy, but Damon carries the lead weight well, and plays it straight. Viewers believe in him, and when that trait is absent from an action hero, the film will bomb.
Early after the new millennium, Franka Potente was a rising actress, who was recognized initially for Run Lola Run, but she went on to supply such compelling parts in Blow alongside Johnny Depp, and then this opportunity presented itself. Franka is such an underrated talent, but lately her flame has tapered off a bit. I hope her upcoming submission to Steven Soderbergh's "Che" biopics spark interest in her once again. She is capable of handling major roles.
The rest of the cast is comprised of a fabulous supporting roster with Chris Cooper, Brian Cox, and Clive Owen all handing in terrific work. Owen was still a new and unknown face in 2002. This would aid in launching him sky high. Chris Cooper can do just about anything he puts his mind to. As far as any type of agent goes, he is always top notch. See Breach for further proof. Brian Cox is just a comfortable addendum. He doesn't have a lot to do, but he is wonderful nonetheless.
Although I enjoyed Director Doug Liman's Swingers much more than I did the ludicrous Go, his potential was perceptible. The Bourne Identity gave Liman the chance to expend his frenzied style with ample kinetic energy. This inhabits a swift, but sharp pace, and his tone and mood are both implemented with himself behind the camera. While he has gone downhill with Mr. And Mrs. Smith, his excursion with Matt Damon was undoubtedly his high point thus far. He knows how to manipulate suspense in strangely alluring ways. The audience knows enough about Bourne's past. The course taken is to see whether or not he can survive. His history would be mapped out over the entire series.
The one complaint I have is Julia Stiles. I do not feel that she fits into this category at all, and she could easily have been replaced by someone more qualified. The martial arts sequences, combined with the adequate car chase, and a riveting climb down the side of the embassy, equals 2 hours of pure adrenaline fueled excitement. Much to purists dismay, this is not faithful to the source, but then again, sometimes the translation works better when that is not a priority. The Bourne Identity is simply a grand flick, no more no less.
The Bourne Supremacy (Disc Two)
Matt Damon: Jason Bourne
Franka Potente: Marie Helena Kreutz
Chris Cooper: Alexander Conklin
Joan Allen: Pamela Landy
Brian Cox: Ward Abbott
Julia Stiles: Nicky
Karl Urban: Kirill
Gabriel Mann: Danny Zorn
Directed By: Paul Greengrass
Theatrical Release Date: July 23, 2004
DVD Release Date: July 24, 2007
Running Time: 108 minutes
Rated PG-13 for violence and intense action, and for brief language.
As Bloody Sunday helmer Paul Greengrass took the reigns of the next adventure for Jason Bourne, The Bourne Supremacy, it was made clear that this was a chain that focused on entertaining the audience, and sustaining their attention, rather than incorporating a great deal of character development. The goal was not surpassing the first film, but equaling it with a slightly dissimilar approach. This saga is built like the Bond installments. Obviously it won’t last as long, but I digress. It is the exhilaration of the ride more so than the emotional impact. Like Bond, it is the familiarity and fondness of main character which drives us to pay for a ticket, and enjoy another cat and mouse chase.
Jason Bourne (Matt Damon) now lives with Marie (Franka Potente) in Goa, India leading a moderately pleasant life, though he is always haunted by disjointed dreams of his past. He is still trying to fit the puzzle pieces together. After a botched CIA operation concerning the purchase of Russian documents goes awry with two agents ending up in a body bag, the investigation leads directly to Bourne. Meanwhile, Bourne knows he has been targeted. As he and Marie attempt to flee the area, Marie is accidentally shot when the bullet was meant for Jason. Vowing for revenge, Bourne sets out on his own to uncover the reason of why his life was interfered with for a second time. Pamela Landy (Joan Allen) is the woman commanding the situation, and she receives access to Treadstone files, which increases her search for Bourne. As more of his memories surface and more evidence pertaining to the murders are discovered, frightening truths arise on exactly who wants him dead.
The alluring aspects of Bourne are the confidence he possesses, and the quick thinking he employs in hairy moments. My favorite part of these films is the imposing feeling that one man instills on the entire Central Intelligence Agency. As Nicky states when Bourne is spotted in an airport camera, and everyone is happy for a lead, she says “They don’t make mistakes.” “There’s always a target.” He wastes no time, and notices all the angles against him. He is the type of person that is just genuinely smart. Jason was that kid in high school who could study for 20 minutes the night before an exam, and ace it, while others had their heads in the books a week ahead of time. The priceless reaction of Landy, Nicky, and Abbott when Bourne reveals that he can see them standing next to each other is precisely why this is worth repeated viewings.
Matt Damon slips into his stable persona like putting on a pair of comfortable shoes. He is motivated by vengeance on this occasion, but remains disturbed and confused as to the details of his past missions, and the trauma they inflicted. A proper word to describe him is tenacious. As long as he obtains some answers, he could care less about being sneaky, staying hidden, or keeping quiet. He unearths data by using himself as bait. Damon was in a lull mode from The Bourne Identity in 2002 to the sequel in 2004. He disappointed in the Farrelly Brothers Stuck on You and Eurotrip during the gap. Another dense and cool portrayal as Bourne acted as refreshing boost.
All the gratifying performers from the first film, with the exception of a few, returned here in prime form. Brian Cox elevates as a more villainous piece of scum that we saw at the conclusion of Identity. Franka Potente and Gabriel Mann deliver reliably marvelous depictions, while Julia Stiles continues to struggle with her minor contribution. The new female face is Joan Allen, who has the brilliant presence to aid an actionesque journey with no trouble as she did in Face/Off. Karl Urban conveys barely any lines as the silent assassin sent for Bourne, but he is as effective as possible I suppose.
The action stunts are accomplished with just as much fastidiousness as before. One in particular has Bourne sitting silently as an armed agent questions him. When that unfortunate soul gets a phone call from the CIA informing them to hold Bourne, he springs to his feet, disarms him in seconds, and plants bugs to be a step ahead of the game. The climactic chase sequence is invigorating and spectacular as the vehicles cause mayhem all over Russia. The one on one fights show that Bourne has no remorse and no hesitation to achieve his goal. What separates Supremacy from Identity is the conveyance of compassion and culpability. It’s as if the amnesia was a flipped switch, and he is a better man because of it.
In the masterful hands of Paul Greengrass, the Bourne environment generates a personal, gritty, and wholesome timbre. Greengrass was the perfect selection to assume the intricate responsibility. His camera work is mostly attained with handhelds, and consequently, it is natural and packs more plausible gusto to the proceedings. He and screenwriter Tony Gilroy infuse complex themes to the story, which shapes it to be more than just one escape, shootout, or chaotic pursuit gambit after the other. Gilroy read the Ludlum novel this time around, but it is not a direct adaptation. The similar method of maintaining the basic skin, yet renovating the guts was kept. These novels would be messy and goofy if translated verbatim.
Is the sequel superior to the original? No, but it most certainly wasn’t worse either. Those who fail to see this franchise as untainted escapism, and carp on the lack of character progression are missing the bigger picture. The tiny patches of Bourne’s past are exposed as a bridge from one film to the next. They will culminate, but for the most part, those portions are supplements. The real sustenance is the action, the whiplash like zeal, the loner outfoxing a company of bullies, and defying the odds. The Bourne Supremacy is a thought provoking follow up with a dexterous, yet refined attitude.
The Video
It is difficult to rate the box set as a whole because Doug Liman and Paul Greengrass are two different filmmakers. Identity is more of a polished and subdued picture, while Supremacy occupies a heightened grainy documentary technique. Both films were shot with scenery that is bleak and artless. That can be both positive and negative. In some instances, the transfer lacks clarity and appears cloudy, but other times the muted palette is appropriately desaturated. The sharpness and shadow detail range from adequate to fair. Truth be told, the “Bourne” films will not be known for the technical specifications, but all in all, I did not see any serious flaws. This is presented in anamorphic widescreen with a ratio of 2.35:1.
The Audio
The sound will likely meet the same grade as the video for most buyers. These are films that offer enough explosions and skirmishes to give the speakers a nice workout. The car crashes resonate as superbly fierce throughout the room, and the score from John Powell is integrated delightfully with a rich outcome. Every phase and transition is exceptional whether it is simple conversations, or high octane action. The dialogue from all players is lucid and understandable. My volume knob rested at a normal level. The general ambiance is deep and fulfilling for the duration. Included are Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1 tracks, as well as Dolby Digital 5.1 in French, and subtitles in Spanish.
The Packaging
The packaging is perhaps the most interesting bonus of owning this set. The Bourne Identity, The Bourne Supremacy, and the third disc are distributed in a cardboard case that opens via a flap and a small patch of Velcro. Once opened, the DVD’s can be pulled out as if they are files on sheets of flimsy material. It is a very nice touch, which is attractive, but it does not fit on a shelf in a uniformed manner. Still, points for originality must be awarded. Before the plastic is ripped off, the outside of the case is covered with a sheet of paper listing the contents. No booklet will be found on the inside.
The Extras
The “Bourne” DVD history is a long tale. The Bourne Identity hit DVD on January 21, 2003. On July 13, 2004, a double dip “Extended Cut” of the film was released with new extras to prepare for the The Bourne Supremacy in theaters. That sequel would drop in stores later on December 7, 2004. Now, they have pumped out this box set, mixing, mashing, and recycling specials features from every edition prior. These movies can be purchased on just about every format one can think of. Universal wants your money badly.
DISC 1
Alternate Opening and Alternate Ending (10:45) - With an introduction by Producer Frank Marshall, Brian Cox, and Screenwriter Tony Gilroy, this is what the extended edition DVD had integrated to the film. This was slapped on to suit the changes of the world following 9/11. The filmmakers wanted to be cautious. The addition is very good, but it conflicts with the intended feel of the beginning. It is worth a look, but I prefer the original cut.
The Bourne Mastermind: Robert Ludlum (6:36) - What this triple dip does is erase many of the extras from the first DVD release, and combine them with the extras provided on the double dip extended cut. Very wise actually. This is a short piece on the author, who wrote 25 novels. Interviews and memories from friends and colleagues, as well as NBC clips of the man himself are nice.
Access Granted: An Interview with Screenwriter Tony Gilroy (4:02) – Mr. Gilroy seems like a nice guy, but he does not have anything shocking to say. He talks about what was left out of the book, and how he did not write it for Matt Damon, but other than that, he explains the plot.
From Identity to Supremacy: Jason and Marie (3:36) – Another unnecessary bonus, but the interviews with Franka Potente and Damond are satisfying enough. Potente says she usually refrains from getting involved with action thrillers. I’m not sure why this was titled as it was. The examination of the love story lasts mere seconds.
The Bourne Diagnosis (3:25) - Now this is informative stuff. This has an interview with a doctor/psychologist who examines Bourne’s condition of selective disassociative amnesia. This was extremely short, but neat all the same.
Cloak and Dagger: Covert Ops (5:30) - This was intriguing. An interview CIA agent Chase Brandon discloses trivia on the CIA, and he supports everything the film does. He calls Bourne a field operations officer, and says his fighting and intelligence would have been second nature.
The Speed of Sound (4:03) – The sound effects crew unveils how they work their magic and mix the various elements. With interviews from each one, the ins and outs of audio wizardry are exposed. An interactive feature lets you isolate certain sounds. I saw this once before on The Great Raid DVD. It is cool to play with.
Declassified Information - A collection of the deleted scenes allows you to either play all or play individually. Only one of these is worthwhile. The rest were better left out. They are: “Wombosi on the Private Jet” (:59), “Bourne and Marie by the Side of the Road” (2:30), “Psychologist Discusses Bourne” (1:47), and “Bourne and Marie Practice on Subway” (1:42). The psychologist scene was fine, but the rest were overlong and dull.
Inside a Fight Sequence (4:42) – Matt Damon had three months training for the fights. This special feature acts as an observer to the filming of the scene in the Embassy. The cast and crew keep at it until it is completed perfectly. I like when I can sit back and watch the crew work without listening to interviews.
Moby “Extreme Ways” Music Video (3:37) - That well known Bourne theme music was performed by bald headed Moby. I love it. This is just something that is nice to know you have.
Feature Commentary with Director Doug Liman - For a track with only one person, this is educational and absorbing. Despite the sporadic blank spot, Liman keeps talking about incorporating the storyline of his father and the Iran-Contra affair, and eliminating various components of the novel. He speaks on just about anything you could hope for from casting to origins to specific sequence facets. Leonard Hayhurst talked about this in his recent “Ask 411 Movies” column.
Previews (1:04) – Trailers for Friday Night Lights the television series, and House are included after the disc is popped in.
DISC 2
Explosive Deleted Scenes (7:12) – You have to view these in one shot. They are: “Shack”, “Naples-buys the car”, “Abbott Gretkovin in Berlin”, “Bourne in car-writing in book”, and “Westin Grande Lobby.” All are meaningless except the last one.
Matching Identities: Casting (5:27) – Interviews with the usual suspects cover the casting process with returning characters, and the new ones. This is a self explanatory extra I think. It is standard filler. One good line was from Paul Greengrass who talked about working with Brian Cox since Cox was Scottish, and he was English.
Keeping it Real (4:59) – This is another short piece on the hiring of Paul Greengrass, and his style. He never has rock steady frames, didn’t want Bourne to have gadgets, and wanted a visceral and natural aura. After watching all pof these, I have the utmost respect for Greengrass and Damon.
Blowing Things Up (4:01) - In case you didn’t know, some explosions occur in these films. This reveals the construction of one such scene when Bourne confronts the last Treadstone agent. Chats with stunt coordinators, and glimpses at the tools utilized make this fun.
On the Move with Jason Bourne (4:51) – This section is all about the locations, which range from India to Moscow, and in between. Greengrass wanted to preserve Bourne’s sense of isolation. An important part of this was the weather, which affected the schedule.
Bourne to be Wild: Fight Training (4:21) – An analysis of the fight with the Treadstone operative. Interviews with trainer Jeff Humada were enlightening, and Greengrass described it as an unstructured ballet.
Crash Cam: Racing Through the Streets of Moscow (6:02) – This phase of our fragmented documentary encompasses the car chases, and the fact that everyone wanted the audience to feel as if they were inside the car. Apparently they destroyed around a dozen fancy cars.
The Go-Mobile Revs Up the Action (6:49) – This is a machine which enables the car chases to be filmed with multiple different angles. I liked this extra because it really showed normal moviegoers an in depth lesson on how fast paced scene is completed.
Anatomy of a Scene: The Explosive Bridge Chase Scene (4:41) - Everything is “explosive” on this disc I guess. Anyway, this concentrates on his jump off the bridge rather than the entire pursuit. Matt Damon received score cards on how elegant his leap was. Good to see that he is a sport about it all.
Scoring with John Powell (4:47) – As an avid music lover, I’m always enticed for breakdowns on the score. Powell is not a conductor like many of the revered composers, and he crafted this with an untraditional theme.
Feature Commentary with Director Paul Greengrass - Greengrass does not fill as many dead spots as Doug Liman did, but he is still engaging, and cares profoundly for his work. He does keep us entertained though. He adds a philosophical spin on the plot.
Previews (3:32) – Trailers for Hot Fuzz, Dead Silence, Eureka, Breach, and HD-DVD are inserted at the beginning of the disc, and can be skipped easily by pressing the menu button.
DISC 3
The Bourne Ultimatum Sneak Peek (2:16) - This so-called “sneak peek” is nothing more than a new trailer. It does shed some light on the plot, but I expected a bit more.
The Ludlum Identity (12:49) - When I saw the titles for the next three featurettes, I thought they were in depth discussions on the novels, but they are actually quite lame. The first one is an extended version of an extra on disc 1. It has interviews and clips of Robert Ludlum, reflections from friends, his daily regimen, his life until he became an author, bringing back the three word title, and more. He was known as an actor on paper.
The Ludlum Supremacy (12:40) - This is basically an extension of the previous feature. It talks more about Ludlum, shows the exact same pictures, and reiterates many of the points made before. He wrote clever puzzles, didn’t like sequels, and so on. Various participants then chat on Bourne, writing about his past, his schizophrenic tendencies, and the fact that was an alter-ego of Ludlum. It also briefly touches on the new novels written by Eric Van Lustbader.
The Ludlum Ultimatum (23:55) - The longest of the three featurettes starts out as a mini documentary on how the books made their way to the screen, to a making-of on both films. It has interviews with a few new faces like Carl Sandberg, an attorney negotiating the rights to the book. Producer Frank Marshall is the most common talker during this entire disc. As I said, this is a superfluous disc, which recycles a lot of material.
The Bourne Identity: 8.5/10.0
The Bourne Supremacy: 8.0/10.0
The Video: 7.5/10.0
The Audio: 8.0/10.0
The Packaging: 9.0/10.0
The Extras: 9.0/10.0
The 411: Bourne is a solid spy franchise. Is it the best? Probably not, but it is far from the worst. These are enlivening thrillers from start to finish, and they can be watched at any time without getting old. My hope is that the upcoming threequel closes some issues and answers some questions, while not appearing redundant. Amazon is advertising this for $14.99. You can’t beat that price for both movies, a bonus disc, and awesome packaging. Although, if you already own them, don’t bother upgrading. It would have been agreeable if a free ticket to The Bourne Ultimatum was slipped in, but whatever. This set is absolutely loaded with extras, but they are too short. Because they have been split up, and the number of smaller featurettes is high, it looks better, but rest assured, these should have, and could have been combined into one huge documentary. Since this is a blatant excuse for cash money, I can’t be too generous, but I still approve of this overall.
