The Bourne Identity [2002] [DVD]

'The Bourne Identity' is the first, and best, of a trilogy of films (followed by 'Supremacy' then 'Ultimatum', and the list may expand in the future...) based on the 'Bourne' series of novels by Robert Ludlum, with Matt Damon in the lead role as the CIA operative Jason Bourne. This debut film already dates back to 2002, but even then still managed to introduce a thrilling new, more 'gritty' style of action movie to the film world. Whilst a passing nod should be given to 'The Matrix' for stimulating a fresh approach to the included fight scenes, this movie refreshed the non-Sci-Fi genre with a no-nonsense, ruthless, approach to the action whilst maintaining a credible plot - all supported by quality production values.

The move to Blu-ray for this film is notable, with a noticeably sharper image and additional extras to support the fact that by this time all 3 films had been made. It is, in my opinion, the only film of the 3 worth getting on Blu-ray (as opposed to DVD) as the filming method for the remaining 2 films does not offer much potential for improvement in HD and the quality of the drops with them. None of the films on Blu-ray offer a noticeable improvement in the audio department despite them offering DTS, as many versions of the DVD for this film also had DTS and the remaining 2 films don't really need the 'jump' in audio quality as there is less going on sound-effect wise in them.

The other notable aspects of this inaugural movie are that it is directed by Doug Liman (whereas the remaining 2 were directed by Paul Greengrass) and the musical soundtrack is MUCH more prominent, with the inclusion of a number of popular songs to support the action and, most notably, with the end-credits bolstered by the Moby track 'Extreme Ways' (which is repeated in the remaining 2 films, albeit in slightly different variations). Liman did not disappear thereafter, he remained on the production staff from then on....

This film starts by introducing the Bourne character and the resulting confusion (for him as well as us !) about exactly who he is, why he is where he is and what he was up to - all questions he is asking as well ! All 3 films concentrate on this premise, with answers gradually being revealed, additional discoveries made and a quick realisation that everything revolves around the murky world of espionage and contract-killing on a truly worldwide scale....

Being the inaugural film, several significant long-term characters are introduced and the basis for the whole 'Bourne' mystery laid. It is pertinent to point out that you really need to watch all 3 films, and in order, as assumptions are made as things progress through them and in fact continue almost seamlessly from when/how the former film ends - a true trilogy ! Suffice to say that the nature of espionage etc explains why there are a lot of 'high-octane' car chases, extremely brutal hand-to-hand fight scenes (with a pen being the notable weapon of choice in 'Identity' !) interspersed by covert (and occasionally very overt !) information gathering; prepare yourself for a bumpy and violent ride which is nonetheless hugely entertaining and captivating. 'Identity' starts properly in Switzerland but from then on is mostly based in France (there are occasional 'jumps' to eastern USA); it features a marvellous car/motorcycle chase around central Paris - all accompanied by the pulsating Paul Oakenfold track 'Ready Steady Go'.

And, in the interests of first-time viewers, that's enough of the plot I think as more would spoilt the surprises. Read the Amazon synopsis of the film at your peril and, most definitely, avoid the disc featurettes until after watching the film as WAY too many beans are spilled !

The initially 'bland' nature of the Bourne character lends itself very well to what I think is the rather bland acting nature of Damon, so the requirement to show little emotion also makes him a perfect fit for the character. However, to his credit what Damon also brings to the show are a credible sense of bewilderment, due to confused nature of his character, and a supremely agile physique to properly reflect what you would expect of someone skilled at killing and getting themselves out of very 'awkward' situations....

All the Bourne films feature action located on a global scale, but the especially refreshing aspect is how much is based in Europe. They also all share an excellent range of supporting actors, including the highly competent and convincing presence of people like Chris Cooper, Joan Allen, Franka Potente and the always excellent Brian Cox - but Damon is the only person in any of the cast to feature throughout, with one exception.....

As mentioned at the start, 'Identity' looks great on Blu-ray and also benefits from DTS due to the audio 'activity' being more notable than the remaining 2 films; everything is wonderfully sharp and a fairly significant improvement over even an upscaled DVD. Where Blu-ray also offers an advantage is with the extras, which add several new featurettes to the DVD (this time including coverage and interviews with Ludlum) BUT some are best left until you've watched the trilogy, as they tend to take advantage of having been made after all 3 films and feature clips/references etc which are liable to spoil things for later. The new 'U-Control' in-film feature also appears on the trilogy of Blu-rays, but when I could get a player which supported it properly (often the picture-in-picture was silent) it didn't seem to be that notable in content.

So, if you enjoy action movies which also include a bit of intelligence (of both kinds !) 'The Bourne Identity' is essential viewing. It should tempt you to continue with the trilogy, but don't feel pressured to get the remaining 2 films on Blu-ray as DVD will do just as well due to the difference in their filming method not properly justifying the need for an HD presentation. More is revealed in my dedicated reviews on Amazon for them....

The first Bourne film is exciting, imaginative and well-acted with a terrific plot even if it is not the most glittering showcase for HD. On the audio side there is nothing to criticise, with great surround effects, pulsating music and a perfect sound balance of dialogue to effects and music. Visually there isn't really anything wrong with this release as a BD, but it isn't a disc to show off your system. While there are superb close-ups with good amount depth and plasticity, longer shots are not always hitting all the right buttons for depth and sharpness. The look of the film is rendered faithfully, but this includes some yellow filtering and occasionally subdued colours which might disappoint some, even though they seem to be an aesthetic choice rather than any shoddiness.

It is a question of expectations. As long as you know this isn't going to look like "Transformers" you will probably be delighted with this; I never saw the HD-DVD version, so cannot compare, but it is comfortably better than the DVD. I paid 12 quid on release and was well pleased, for the current price you can't go wrong! There are also terrific extras including generous BD-Live content. Recommended.

A lot of the people reviewing this have focused on the fact that this is not really an extended version of the original DVD release. However, my advice would be that if you dont already have this movie on DVD but enjoyed the other two parts of the Bourne trilogy then this is well worth buying and viewing. If you already own it on DVD, then it is not worth buying this re-packaged version.

The movie itself is loosely based on the Robert Ludlum novel of the same name. The basic plot is the same but many of the details are different. Matt Damon surprisingly became an action star on the back of this movie, breaking any previous limitations that viewing audiences and critics previously held of him.

Although this is probably not as good as the two Paul Greengrass directed sequels it is still well worth a watch and a good introduction to the rest of the series (so far).