The Bourne Supremacy (HD DVD)

Hey now, it is our first HD DVD with an actual HD DVD specific feature as Universal and Toshiba bring us The Bourne Supremacy with the "Bourne Instant Access" special feature, which offers a video featurette that runs in time with the feature presentation. It offers behind-the-scenes featurettes, actor and filmmaker commentary from virtually everyone and mini making-of featurettes that show how certain scenes were made as they are playing on screen.

The Bourne Supremacy is undoubtedly a movie that takes a franchise and propels it into the upper echelon as it grossed over $55 million more at the box-office than the first installment. To call it a better film is an understatement, and that is taking into consideration that The Bourne Identity is also a fantastic movie, this one is just that much better.

Considering I did not review the DVD version of The Bourne Supremacy I had only viewed a few of the special features and didn't really remember much of them anyway, so this was a nice refresher. However, the best of the bunch is the new "Bourne Instant Access" feature, especially since neither the DVD nor the HD DVD edition has a director commentary.

Why is this important?

Well, one of the beefs I had with the film was the way so many scenes were shot using a handheld camera, which made for a very shaky picture. I wanted someone to explain it to me. Why was this done? Well, the answer is given here, although it is given in a roundabout and indirect way. The answer is obvious as they wanted it to feel more organic and as if the audience member was actually a part of the scene, and while this may be their true intentions I don't really think it worked. However, it was nice to hear from the filmmakers about the matter and to hear that it was intended. This is a nit pick, but it was a bit distracting, at least it was in theaters as it almost made me sea sick. It isn't as bad on the small screen.

That little black mark aside, the rest of the film is phenomenal and the special features are good. I certainly hope they carry-on with the Bourne franchise even after the upcoming third installment. I have a feeling Bourne is the new Bond and while Bond may still have the name recognition I think it is time for a new kid on the block.

THE BREAKDOWN
Player Status	Unfortunately my player woes continue and I had to restart the movie about half-way thru and finish out the film about 14 minutes after the point where it froze. I am told a new player is about a month away.
Overall Impression	Loved the HD DVD feature! While it does look a bit generic as a picture-in-picture video screen in the lower right hand corner it is still cool to see just what this new media can do. Something like this is far better than just a standard audio commentary.
Buy or Wait?	I consider this to be the first HD DVD I can say you should certainly buy even if you own the DVD edition. Obviously the audio and video is improved over a standard DVD, but to get our first actual HD DVD feature is a big plus.
HD DVD Specific Special Features	As mentioned before this is our first disc with an HD DVD feature and that is the "Bourne Instant Access" featurette that runs in-line with the feature film.