The Bourne Identity
Well?
After the brilliant 'Swingers' and fun all the way 'Go' director Doug Liman had a lot to live up to. Strictly speaking Bourne wasn’t actually his third film if you count the little known 'Getting In' and short film 'Indie Is Great' but relatively speaking it was his third proper film. There is always a fair amount of pressure on a director with two hits under their belt. The third is massive - just ask Guy Ritchie. Many including myself were waiting patiently to see what Liman had planned next. When Bourne was announced it is fair to say it was met with a mixture of excitement and head scratching. An adaptation of Robert Ludlum’s popular novel? Nice. Matt Damon being cast as the all action spy with no memory of his life? Damon? I was wrong about the later.
You could say it was Jason Bourne who saved the Bond franchise. Casino Royale saw an altogether different style. Gone were the tired clichés and horribly predictable storyline, Bond was now tougher and more real. Doug Liman’s ‘The Bourne Identity’ was exactly what was needed in order to make that happen. Bourne is a believable action star, although unassuming and regular looking in many ways, he is as tough as nails and trained to use any weapon, fight in any way and get in or out of any situation. When you factor in a storyline based around the walking deadly weapon not knowing who he is, where he came from or what skills he actually possesses you have a wining formula in any language. Liman keeps the action fluid and absolutely thrilling at times as Bourne tries to piece together his life whilst being pursued across Europe. The story itself is enthralling but the action sequences are also well put other and thought out with some incredibly realistic fight scenes and at least one cracking car chase. And Damon simply makes the character his own. As I say, I got that one wrong. Not only is The Bourne Identity the best spy thriller in recent years, I’d go as far to say it’s one of the very best full stop.
Optics:
I’m not sure The Bourne Identity could ever be described as a stand out transfer on Blu-ray. The image isn’t one that smacks you in the face or amazes you at any point. Having said that, I don’t have any complaints with regards to the transfer which is completely free from any specs or print damage. Edge enhancement is nowhere to be seen and DNR is not an issue. The image is a massive leap up from the SD DVD of course, featuring much more definition and detail and stronger colours, albeit muted greys and blues most of the time. Ordinarily I would be petty pleased with this problem free transfer but having watched all three Bourne films back to back on Blu-ray it is quite clear that this is the weakest of the bunch and some way behind the exemplary third.
Sonics:
Fist fights have never sounded better! Thumps, cracks and snaps; this track puts you in the middle of the action. Did I mention gunshots? You can really feel them as the bullets explode out of the guns and slam into their targets. I’m not sure you could ever call this track realistic as such, but there is a certain realism to all three Bourne tracks that is for sure. Yes they are overblown and in your face at times but they never sound overly manufactured and to over the top. I love them all.
Extras:
U-Control interactive features, deleted scenes multiple making of featurettes, a very good commentary by Liman plus an alternate opening AND ending. Not bad at all.
Well?
A solid start to the series in every respect. A top notch thriller and a Blu-ray that boasts impressive visuals and sonics, along with a decent set of extras features.
Tom Day
After the brilliant 'Swingers' and fun all the way 'Go' director Doug Liman had a lot to live up to. Strictly speaking Bourne wasn’t actually his third film if you count the little known 'Getting In' and short film 'Indie Is Great' but relatively speaking it was his third proper film. There is always a fair amount of pressure on a director with two hits under their belt. The third is massive - just ask Guy Ritchie. Many including myself were waiting patiently to see what Liman had planned next. When Bourne was announced it is fair to say it was met with a mixture of excitement and head scratching. An adaptation of Robert Ludlum’s popular novel? Nice. Matt Damon being cast as the all action spy with no memory of his life? Damon? I was wrong about the later.
You could say it was Jason Bourne who saved the Bond franchise. Casino Royale saw an altogether different style. Gone were the tired clichés and horribly predictable storyline, Bond was now tougher and more real. Doug Liman’s ‘The Bourne Identity’ was exactly what was needed in order to make that happen. Bourne is a believable action star, although unassuming and regular looking in many ways, he is as tough as nails and trained to use any weapon, fight in any way and get in or out of any situation. When you factor in a storyline based around the walking deadly weapon not knowing who he is, where he came from or what skills he actually possesses you have a wining formula in any language. Liman keeps the action fluid and absolutely thrilling at times as Bourne tries to piece together his life whilst being pursued across Europe. The story itself is enthralling but the action sequences are also well put other and thought out with some incredibly realistic fight scenes and at least one cracking car chase. And Damon simply makes the character his own. As I say, I got that one wrong. Not only is The Bourne Identity the best spy thriller in recent years, I’d go as far to say it’s one of the very best full stop.
Optics:
I’m not sure The Bourne Identity could ever be described as a stand out transfer on Blu-ray. The image isn’t one that smacks you in the face or amazes you at any point. Having said that, I don’t have any complaints with regards to the transfer which is completely free from any specs or print damage. Edge enhancement is nowhere to be seen and DNR is not an issue. The image is a massive leap up from the SD DVD of course, featuring much more definition and detail and stronger colours, albeit muted greys and blues most of the time. Ordinarily I would be petty pleased with this problem free transfer but having watched all three Bourne films back to back on Blu-ray it is quite clear that this is the weakest of the bunch and some way behind the exemplary third.
Sonics:
Fist fights have never sounded better! Thumps, cracks and snaps; this track puts you in the middle of the action. Did I mention gunshots? You can really feel them as the bullets explode out of the guns and slam into their targets. I’m not sure you could ever call this track realistic as such, but there is a certain realism to all three Bourne tracks that is for sure. Yes they are overblown and in your face at times but they never sound overly manufactured and to over the top. I love them all.
Extras:
U-Control interactive features, deleted scenes multiple making of featurettes, a very good commentary by Liman plus an alternate opening AND ending. Not bad at all.
Well?
A solid start to the series in every respect. A top notch thriller and a Blu-ray that boasts impressive visuals and sonics, along with a decent set of extras features.
Tom Day
Director:
Doug Liman
Starring:
Matt Damon
Franka Potente
Chris Cooper
Clive Owen
Brian Cox
Best line:
"How could I forget about you? You're the only person I know."
Tagline:
"He was the perfect weapon until he became the target."
Description:
Universal
UK
Region free
Rated 12
1Hr 54 Mins
2.35:1
DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio
'The Ludlum Identity'
'The Ludlum Supremacy'
'The Ludlum Ultimatum'
Alternate opening and alternate ending
'Deleted scenes
'The birth of The Bourne Identity'
'The Bourne Mastermind: Robert Ludlum'
Interview with co-writer Tony Gilroy
'From Identity to Supremacy: Jason and Marie'
'The Bourne Diagnosis'
'Cloak and dagger: Covert Ops'
Music video
Audio commentary with director Doug Liman
U-Control
BD Live
Ratings: (Out of 10)
Film 9.0
Optics 8.0
Sonics 8.0
Extras 8.0
Overall 8.0
