DVD
REVIEW:
National Treasure
2: Book of Secrets
2 DISC COLLECTOR
EDITION
05/16/08
Great national
pride and entertainment to the max in National Treasure Book
of Secrets. The second chapter to the surprising 2004
blockbuster hit National Treasures is even better than the
first one. With the same ingredients as the previous, the
recipe for adventure and high entertainment is surpass
bringing more thrills and suspense to the fans.
Ben Gates (Nicholas Cage)
sets out to honor the heritage and name of his ancestors as
he lead us from Paris to London to the White House and to Mt. Rushmore in a quest for a Pre-Columbian
treasure, the "Gold City" . This entire journey could not be
possible if it wasn't for the help of his girlfriend,
Abigail Chase (Diane Kruger) and his good friend, Riley
Poole (Justin Bartha). In this sequence Gates' father
Patrick Gates (Jon Voight) and mother Emily Appleton (Helen
Mirren) reencounter only to continue the bicker that doesn't
get resolved until later in the movie. From clues to maps to
hieroglyphic the movie goes back an forth from dialogues on
facts to fiction in a seamless manner that is hard to tell
what is true and not .
This modern version of
Indiana Jones contains a street stunt and a very exciting,
nerve breaking cave exploration. One scene that contains
much symbolism is the scene in the discovery of the City of Gold.
At the beginning Ben and Abigail have broken up due to lack
of communication and Ben's parents, who are also history
wise, have been separated for many years. After much
dialogue and situations these two couples finally renew
their love for each other right when they find the "City of
Gold". This was powerful!
As
opposed to the first movie the entire cast has been
given the opportunity to shine by contributing with
important and sometimes funny lines. While the FBI is after
Gates for kidnapping the president and his biggest enemy
Mitch Wilkinson (Ed Harris) wants to find the Gold before
Gates does, it is Ben Gates' passion for history what keeps
him going against all odds. There is no doubt that this film
is set to inspire and entertain the young adults to the
older crowd and hopefully transmit the same passion,
appreciation and pride as the one shown here.
Overall the weakness in the film is in probably one of the
scenes. While Ben's plan to kidnap the president is
clever, the scene is not as intriguing and captivating.
These two being a trademark of this franchise. The
addition of
supporting cast saved these type of weaknesses with Helen Mirren and Ed Harris,
whose presence and roles spiced things up and added much
flavor to the entire plot. If you enjoyed the first
one, for sure you will enjoy "National Treasure Book of
Secrets".
VIDEO:
2.35:1 Anamorphic Widescreen Enhanced 16x9
AUDIO:
English,
Spanish and French
5.1 (Dolby Digital).
Subtitles - English Spanish - Optional
SPECIAL FEATURES:
Audio Commentary Director Jon Turteltaub and Academy award
winning actor Jon Voight provide exclusive commentary for
the film.
Deleted Scenes: Jon Turteltaub introduces
extended and deleted scenes including “Pursuit At Rushmore:
The Unseen Chapter, ” in which the intrepid group of
treasure hunters makes its way into the Black Hills of South
Dakota while doing their best to avoid the FBI. All worth
watching (17:50)
The Treasure Reel:
A collection of outtakes and bloopers from the set of
National Treasure: Book of Secrets. (5:03)
Secrets of a Sequel:
Filmmakers Jon Turteltaub and Jerry Bruckheimer join the
cast and crew to talk about making the follow-up to the
phenomenally successful National Treasure. (6:59)
The Book of Secrets: On
Location: From the Black Hills and Badlands of South
Dakota to London’s historic Buckingham Palace, National
Treasure: Book of Secrets was given unprecedented access to
previously off limits locations. Go behind the scenes at the
Library of Congress, Mount Vernon, Buckingham Palace and the
Statue of Liberty in Paris. (9:46)
Street Stunts: Creating
the London Chase:Take a high speed tour of London’s
most recognizable landmarks as the film’s unforgettable
adrenaline-fueled chase scene is created in historic city
streets. (9:41)
Inside the Library of
Congress: An informative feature about the workings
of the nation’s most important library provides an up-close
look at precious national artifacts and the conservation
techniques that safeguard these priceless pieces of American
history. (8:48)
Underground Action:
The sets, the stunts and the action that create the film’s
powerful climax as the race to reach the lost City of Gold
unfolds. (6:48)
Cover Story: Crafting
the Presidents’ Book: A fascinating look at the
propmasters and designers who created the legendary book
central to National Treasure: Book of Secrets. (4:32)
Evolution of a Golden
City: A look at the Hollywood sets, CGI techniques
and visual effects that brought the legendary City of Gold
to life. (10:19)
Knights of the Golden
Circle: Who were the real Knights of the Golden
Circle? A short documentary traces one of America’s most
mysterious and influential organizations to its roots,
including interviews with KGC expert Warren Getler, the cast
and crew. (2:40)
RATING BREAK DOWN:
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