“The Bourne Trilogy” Blu-ray Review

One of Universal’s most successful trilogies in recent memory, The Bourne Trilogy were some of the most exciting and fantastically written spy/action films to come down the pike. With a great cast and a storyline that only grew more interesting with each installment, the Bourne series was a success for everyone involved. With the advent of the Blu-ray format, Universal has revisited this trilogy with an all-new box set collecting all three films and offering them up in with full 1080p video and lossless DTS-HD Master Audio.

Matt Damon is Jason Bourne, an elite government agent determined to outwit and outmaneuver anyone who stands in the way of his finding out the secrets of his mysterious past. Follow his explosive, action-packed adventures in three blockbuster films from one of the most popular series of all time:, The Bourne Identity, The Bourne Supremacy and The Bourne Ultimatum. Loaded with hours of bonus features, The Bourne Trilogy on Blu-ray Hi-Def is the complete Bourne experience for movie fans everywhere!

With the Bourne trilogy, viewers were in for a ride in each installment that would leave them on the edge of their seat from the start of each film. There is a certain level of excitement that stems from watching a Bourne film that is comparably only to watching a James Bond film (and those who saw Quantum of Solace likely felt they were watching a Bourne film, with the incessant amount of hand-to-hand combat in that film). Admittedly, the humor in Bourne is not existent in any capacity, but there action elements, at times, that push it well beyond what James Bond has done in recent decades. The Bourne trilogy is, and always will be, a really tense, action packed thriller that is about as close as we’ll get to a full-length 24 film (until they actually make one, anyway).

In some way or another this is the third time I’ve reviewed these films in one form or another (whether it be a two-pack, single film or trilogy set), yet I never tire of watching them. I was actually pretty psyched to get this set as I was in the mood to watch them again but wanted to wait for the new transfers (which are really fantastic, but more on that later). Looking back at the reviews I’d written for these films I realized I never fully explained why I enjoyed them so much. Sure the Bond reference above is clear enough (who doesn’t like James Bond?), but The Bourne Trilogy is so fantastic just because of how connected it all is. The reappearance of characters from one film to the other (such as Julia Styles character, who, however brief her appearances are, are always some of the strongest interactions Bourne ever has with someone) and the eventual revelation of Bourne’s source of bad-assery doesn’t even feel phoned-in. Sure, even though it was a bit hokey in the grand scheme of things, there was really no other explanation for his talents and watching the entire conspiracy unfold over the course of three films really made for some absolutely fantastic movie going.

My main regret with this series is not getting into them sooner. The first film was so loaded with praise from everyone I knew who saw it, I never wanted to see it simply because I didn’t think it could live up to the hype. By the time I sat down to watch the first film, I was really just impressed with how great the film really was. On top of that I’d foolishly not gone to see the third film in the theater and by the time it arrived on DVD I was about ready to go mad.

Still, while they deviate from the source material at times, fans have had the pleasure of seeing Ludlum’s Bourne trilogy not only be adapted into a popular film series but also a successful one at that. Ultimatum received such positive critical and fan praise that Universal is still mulling around the idea of continuing the series; while the series never faltered and the third film was quite possibly the strongest of the three (though I still have a hard time deciding which is exactly “better” than the other), there could be serious consequences with allowing the series to continue. The books that came after Ultimatum were panned by critics and fans and Ultimatum’s semi-“happy” ending could throw a wrench into the series. Just how much more pain does the man have to go through before he finally snaps back into his former assassinating self and begins killing everyone in the CIA rather than just knocking them unconscious?

Even if the series is somehow continued, it won’t lessen the impact that these three films have had. They don’t rewrite the genre in any way; they just make their own entertaining entries into it. Those who don’t know much about the series or have yet to see it should do themselves a favor and go out and pick up the titles somewhere; there’s plenty in these films to enjoy and they’re an easy way to pass a slow weekend, before you know it, the two hours that each film runs will be up and you’ll be popping in the next one to discover what happens next. Highly Recommended.

The Blu-ray

With this release coming down the pike, I really lamented giving up my Jason Bourne Collection box set, which came in the form of a faux “lock box” with magnetic clasp and bonus Jason Bourne passport. But, knowing I had to clear shelf space I bit it adieu and eagerly awaited the Blu-ray release…which really doesn’t disappoint. Arriving in a similar box, the black and white shot of Matt Damon on the front of the box acts as the magnetic flap and, once removed, the flap folds down to the right to unveil the three standard Blu-ray cases inside. Each one of the cases includes a User Guide and the cover art for the individual cases are the same as the original DVD/HD-DVD releases. Menus for all three follow the usual “blade” system and are simple and easy to navigate.

In addition to same menu layouts, the trilogy also share the same video codec. Each one of the films is encoded with the VC-1 codec in 1080p with aspect ratios of 2.35:1 for the first two films and 2.40:1 for Ultimatum. The first two films look remarkable, with plenty of detail in all of the sequences (a particular shot in Identity “wowed” me for no real reason other than it showed off three simple things in great detail: every hair on Bourne’s head, the fuzz on his sweater and the bumpy texture of the bank he leaned against) and some very well done cinematography as well. But the real kicker in this set is Ultimatum, which, as well as being the youngest of the trilogy, looks absolutely fantastic. The transfer boasts a level of sharpness not scene on the previous films, which in no way demeans the other two, it’s just there’s a real sense of digital clarity on Ultimatum. Fitting that the film that’s clearest is the one where everything is cleared up for Bourne on his true identity.

No longer do I have to lament that my copy of Identity is the one without DTS, as every one of these transfers here sport DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio transfers. As expected the films are brutal, with deep bass to punctuate every punch, kick and bullet fired by Bourne and his adversaries. In addition, the surround elements for the film are all over the room. Whether it be crowd sequences or Bourne jumping over rooftops or through windows, the Bourne Trilogy is an aural feast, tossing sounds all about the room in a way that would seem random if it weren’t for the fast paced visuals that accompany it on screen. Okay so I may be over blowing the surround a bit, but it’s so enjoyable and the series is so easy to get wrapped up in, I don’t mind a little hyperbole when it comes to this trilogy. Also included are Spanish and French DTS5.1 tracks, as well as English SDH, Spanish, and French subtitles.

The good news is the extras from the previous releases are all here. The bad news is…there’s nothing new. While each of the films include either Treadstone Files, Bourne Dossier or Blackbriar Files, all of which provide information about agents in the film as well as technology used etc. etc., and a Bourne Orientation which focuses on the links between all three films, none of these are really all that exciting when it comes to new extras. Sure there’s some Picture in Picture goodies as well, but nothing that was done solely for this Blu-ray release. Which isn’t entirely surprising as the features offered on previous releases are exhaustive as is. Also included in the BD-Live sector is My Chat, My Movie Commentary, and Bourne Card Strategy Challenge (a “hand-to-hand combat strategy game”). As usual I can’t check any of those out until these titles street, but I’m sure they’re the usual BD-Live fare. Ultimatum does include a “Be Bourne Spy Training”, which is a little survey you can take while watching the film. I don’t know who would actually take this while watching the film though, as it’s such a tense ride I can’t see your attention wandering enough to think “Boy, I really wish I could take a test to be like Bourne!”

The remainder of the extras are, again, repeats from past editions. Since there’s no real point in covering what’s already been around and available for years now, I’ll just note what each release includes.

The Bourne Identity
o The Ludlum Identity: An extraordinary portrait of the best-selling author through archival interviews with friends, colleagues, family members and Ludlum himself.
o The Ludlum Supremacy: Who is Jason Bourne? A revealing look at how Bourne was born.
o The Ludlum Ultimatum: A fascinating examination of the Bourne character and his enduring audience appeal
o Alternate Opening and Ending: With an introduction by producer Frank Marshall, screenwriter Tony Gilroy and actor Brian Cox
o Deleted and Extended Scenes
o The Birth of the Bourne Identity
o The Bourne Mastermind: Robert Ludlum: A fascinating new look at the late Robert Ludlum, the bestselling novelist who created the “Bourne” trilogy.
o Access Granted: An exclusive interview with screenwriter Tony Gilroy on the challenges of adapting Ludlum’s 500-page book for the screen.
o 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.
o The Bourne Diagnosis: Insights into the causes and effects of Jason Bourne’s struggle with amnesia from a UCLA psychologist.
o Cloak and Dagger: In this feature, CIA liaison officer Chase Brandon delivers a detailed, real-world analysis of the making of a super-spy.
o 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.
o Moby “Extreme Ways” Music Video
o Feature Commentary with Director Doug Liman

The Bourne Supremacy
o Explosive Deleted Scenes
o Matching Identities: Casting – See what it took to land a key role in this major action hit.
o Keeping It Real – A look at the edgy and kinetic visual style the filmmakers brought to Supremacy.
o Blowing Things Up – Virtual isn’t always better. See how some of the film’s most awesome pyrotechnical sequences were created, without digital effects.
o On the Move with Jason Bourne – Travel the globe to visit the film’s exotic locations from India to Berlin to Moscow.
o 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!
o Crash Cam: Racing Through the Streets of Moscow – Experience how stunt coordinators meticulously planned and executed the movie’s stunning, high-speed chase sequence
o 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!
o 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.
o Scoring with John Powell: A special look at creating the pulse-pound score for the movie.
o The Bourne Mastermind: Robert Ludlum: A fascinating new look at the late Robert Ludlum, the bestselling novelist who created the “Bourne” trilogy.
o The Bourne Diagnosis Part Two: Insights into the causes and effects of Jason Bourne’s struggle with amnesia from a UCLA psychologist.
o Feature Commentary with Paul Greengrass

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

So…yeah. This is a loaded set. Honestly I usually hesitate to recommend Blu-ray double dips when they don’t offer anything new in the extras department, but in the case of action films…well, they’re really what make the Blu-ray format shine. Fans of the film should find no problem in upgrading to these Blu-ray releases, especially with the fantastic video and audio transfers that accompany them (not to mention this is the first time we’ve heard them with DTS-HD MA). Highly Recommended.

Additional Clips

The Bourne Trilogy arrives on Blu-ray on January 27th.