Difference in Opinion

Today, the third installment of the Bourne series hit shelves on DVD (as well as high definition formats). The Bourne films have set new standards for action sequences and cinematography. The Bourne Ultimatum DVD takes you behind the scenes of some of the most intense action stunts yet in the series, and shows viewers the many locations (like Paris and Tangier) in which the movie was filmed.

There are a variety of features offered on the Bourne Ultimatum DVD. Most movies are putting more and more emphasis on special edition releases, and are leaving out many features on the basic release DVDs. For Bourne Ultimatum that is not the case. The basic DVD version offers deleted scenes, commentary and a number of different featurettes. It is always great to watch a breakdown of how directors went about filming stunts. “Rooftop Pursuit” offers a look at the amazing rooftop chase scene that was filmed in Tangier, and “New York Chase” shows the way they filmed the, well, the new york chase scene (the name tells all). “Planning the Punches” shows the extensive fight training that Matt Damon and the other actors went through in order to accurately simulate a fight. “Driving School” shows off Damon’s natural skill behind the wheel and allows for viewers to take a look at the variety of car moves that he needed to learn for driving sequences in the film.

Features aside, this film is great. As our theater review states, Bourne Ultimatum breaks the trilogy stereotype and offers competition against Bourne Identity for the best film in the series. It offers the same action packed feel as the first films, but with a little more style, and some smoother chase scenes (unlike those which may induce vomit in Bourne Supremacy). The story is as solid as ever, and Ultimatum has the best cast yet, with great actors such as David Strathairn and Albert Finney which are new to the franchise.

I would highly suggest grabbing a copy of this movie if you have seen it already or not. Alternately, there is a set of all three Bourne movies that releases today as well, and would be a great choice if you have yet to pick up the previous films. The special features that come on the standard version are excellent to watch and learn more about the movie.

Final Score: 9 out of 10

Additional Content: Theatrical Review