NATIONAL TREASURE: 2-DISC COLLECTOR’S EDITION
(PG)
MOVIE: *** (out of 5)
DVD EXPERIENCE: **** (out of 5)
STARRING
Nicolas Cage as BENJAMIN FRANKLIN GATES
Diane Kruger as ABIGAIL CHASE
Justin Bartha as RILEY POOLE
Sean Bean as IAN HOWE
Jon Voight as PATRICK HENRY GATES
Harvey Keitel as SADUSKY
Christopher Plummer JOHN ADAMS GATES
Studio: Touchstone
Directed by: John Turteltaub
BY KEVIN CARR
With the sequel to Disney’s “National Treasure” making a hit in the theaters right now, it was time for the Mouse House to re-release the original film for another run on DVD. As might be expected, the 2-disc collector’s edition is now available.
There’s really nothing new added to the original movie, which follows Nicolas Cage as patriotic treasure hunter Benjamin Gates searching for an ancient treasure that goes back as far as the Templar Knights. During his quest, he enlists the help of museum curator Abigail Chase (Diane Kruger) and his father, former treasure hunter Patrick Henry Gates (Jon Voight).
The movie’s the same, and Justin Bartha still steals the show, so don’t go stampeding to Best Buy to pick this up if you’re looking for an extended cut. In fact, if you already own the DVD, this really shouldn’t be enough to push you for another buy. This release is more for the audience that never purchased the DVD but want to get it now.
The first disc is basically what you got in the first DVD release, which includes the film plus a nice assortment of special features. Included on the first disc are deleted scenes and an alternate opening, all with director commentary. There’s also an on-location featurette, a look at the Knights Templar, treasure hunting coverage and three set-top game puzzles.
The second disc includes new deleted scenes with introductions by director Jon Turteltaub. However, the gem in the second disc are the featurettes, which include an informative look at code-breaking. Other featurettes focus on an action stunt, recreating American history and a look at how the filmmakers stole the Declaration of Independence.