The Bourne Identity (Widescreen Extended Edition)

Amazon.com

Freely adapted from Robert Ludlum's 1980 bestseller, The Bourne Identity starts fast and never slows down. The twisting plot revs up in Zurich, where amnesiac CIA assassin Jason Bourne (Matt Damon), with no memory of his name, profession, or recent activities, recruits a penniless German traveler (Run Lola Run's Franka Potente) to assist in solving the puzzle of his missing identity. While his CIA superior (Chris Cooper) dispatches assassins to kill Bourne and thus cover up his failed mission, Bourne exercises his lethal training to leave a trail of bodies from Switzerland to Paris. Director Doug Liman (Go) infuses Ludlum's intricate plotting with a maverick's eye for character detail, matching breathtaking action with the humorous, thrill-seeking chemistry of Damon and Potente. Previously made as a 1988 TV movie starring Richard Chamberlain, The Bourne Identity benefits from the sharp talent of rising stars, offering intelligent, crowd-pleasing excitement from start to finish. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

Bourne again?.......2007-09-11

He comes to on a fishing boat with bullets in his back and no idea how he got there, who shot him, or why. Oh, and he's got a bank account number on his body.

When he goes to the bank, the safe deposit box is full of money and at least half a dozen passports with different identities. So, which one is his? In some ways, he has a chance to start a new life--but the old one really isn't leaving him behind.

People are chasing him--with guns. More important than that, how does he know just how to evade them?

"Bourne" is a riveting story about a man who's in a terrible position and unable to really know who is friend or foe. This film has one of the best car chase scenes I have ever encountered--with a Mini Cooper, no less! The book was good, the film almost better.

The Good & Bad Of ''The Bourne Identity'.......2007-09-09

This is a solid suspense-spy film with an agent-on-the-run scenario. People who like a paranoid theme, where everyone is after you (I plead guilty) will love this.

The amount of violence in here was just about right, not too much and not too little. I also enjoyed the Paris scenery, both the street-level shots and the aerial photography. Ovrall, the cinematography is very good in this film. It's an involving story that once you're hooked, you stay that way. The two hours go by pretty quickly.

On the negative side, I get tired of American filmmakers trashing their own government all the time, in here its them trying to kill one of their own agents. I hear the third movie is really bad in that regard. I'm sorry to hear that as I liked the sequel ("The Bourne Supremacy") even better, although part of the reason was that I was now familiar with the main characters after watching this film. Anyway, I highly recommend the first two Bourne movies for fans of suspense, crime, intrigue, good locales, etc.

The Bourne Identity.......2007-09-08

Although I am not that much in action movies, I really enjoyed this one, maybe because of Matt Damon who is such a good actor. Also this was the first one so the story hadn't been worn out yet. I just saw #2 and #3 and it really repeats. It reminds me of the TV program "The Fugitive". But all in all, I give it thumbs up.

Bourne is better than Bond.......2007-09-08

The All American spy -- Jason Bourne stands toe to toe with the best of Britain! this is a great series!

great movie!.......2007-09-03

It is a very good dvd set! Love the quality of the picture and the sound! And of course Matt Damon is always so nice to look at. haha...

The Bourne Files 3-Disc Collection (The Bourne Identity / The Bourne Supremacy)

Average customer rating:

Two great movies!!
Totally Entertaining
Very entertaining
Bourne
Lost

The Bourne Files 3-Disc Collection (The Bourne Identity / The Bourne Supremacy)
Starring: Matt Damon
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

Action & Adventure | Boxed Sets | Stores | DVD | Video

ASIN: B000P0J04W
Release Date: 2007-07-24

Description

The action never stops in this thrilling 3-disc collection that includes The Bourne Identity, The Bourne Supremacy, and a special BONUS DISC with over 45 minutes of new, never-before-seen material! Follow everyone's favorite former assassin, Jason Bourne, on his action-packed adventures around the globe, and uncover the truth of his mysterious past. Loaded with amazing fight sequences, phenomenal car chases, and non-stop excitement, this is a must-own addition to every DVD collection!

Customer Reviews:

Two great movies!!.......2007-09-08

This is a great DVD set! Both movies are very good - the delivery was super quick - ordering from Amazon is always a great experience!!

Totally Entertaining.......2007-09-07

These 2 films are constant "edge of your seat" action. You must see both of these films before viewing "The Bourne Ultimatum."

Very entertaining.......2007-09-06

Very entertaining action-packed movies. The "file" packaging is clever marketing. We enjoyed the extras provided on disk 3 which included interesting pieces featuring author Robert Ludlum. Looking forward to The Bourne Ultimatum.

Bourne.......2007-09-06

Would have given it 5 stars if not for the cheap packaging. They make it look like a top secret document holder but it is just cheap cardboard

Lost.......2007-09-05

then the product finally came after being shipped twice and was not in new conition as promised the back cover was torn off

Average customer rating:

Great movie
Great movie even greater on HD-DVD
Great PQ, and great movie....recommended
Be Ready for Phenominal Sound!
"Who am I?"

The Bourne Identity [HD DVD]
Starring: Matt Damon , Franka Potente , Chris Cooper , Clive Owen , and Brian Cox
Director: Doug Liman
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

Espionage | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

Action & Adventure | HD DVD | Formats | DVD | Video

General | HD DVD | Formats | DVD | Video

Drama | HD DVD | Formats | DVD | Video

Mystery & Suspense | HD DVD | Formats | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

ASIN: B000QEIOTO
Release Date: 2007-07-24

Customer Reviews:

Great movie.......2007-09-02

This movie was already great but in HD DVD it looks 10 times better i recommend people to buy it

Great movie even greater on HD-DVD.......2007-08-26

I am a big fan of the Bourne movies. Seeing them in HD makes them even more enjoyable to watch. If you are Bourne fan you really need to check these movies out on HD-DVD. Can't wait for Ultimatum to come on HD-DVD.

Great PQ, and great movie....recommended.......2007-08-01

If you love the Bourne series you definitely need to pick this up in HD. PQ is great, and if you dont have Bourne Supremacy either you might as well get that too since they are both great movies.
With Bourne Ultimatum coming out in a few days it helped refresh my mind....

Be Ready for Phenominal Sound!.......2007-07-23

SPATIAL DYNAMICS - Music Experience in 3-Dimensional Sound Reality TM, DTS ES 5.1 and 6.1 Extended Surround Music Disc

SIXTH SENSE - Music Experience in 3-Dimensional Sound Reality TM, DTS ES 5.1 and 6.1 Extended Surround Music Disc

SOLARIS - Music Experience in 3-Dimensional Sound Reality TM, DTS ES 5.1 and 6.1 Extended Surround Music Disc

Experience ecstatic multichannel home theater mix of "The Bourne Identity" in HD.

For information of how to set-up your home theater system see my comment below.

"Who am I?".......2007-07-22

This is a terrifc movie for a weekend and while much fuss was made over particular omissions from Ludlum's great spy novel, the overall feel of the world he created remains. If every element from Ludlum's novel were left in this would be a five hour movie. The book was that complex and jam-packed.

Director Doug Liman has retained the basic feel of the book and left the heart of the story in tact. He didn't try to glamourize the grittier aspects simply because he had a big budget with which to work. There is almost a low-key atmosphere which somehow makes all the action seem more real to the viewer. We see Paris and all the other countries only as background to the dark storyline we hope can have some kind of happy resolution as the film goes along.

Franke Potente is perfect as a girl who has no real roots herself, and what begins as a business proposition escalates into love, even if it must be a life on the run with Jason Bourne (Matt Damon). Damon proves he can really act in this film and does a great job as Bourne, a guy who has no idea who he is but has all the instincts of someone not quite part of everyday society.

A Swiss bank account and a dozen passports, along with a large sum of cash and a weapon, tells him something about what kind of life he has led, if not who he is exactly. He ponders the mystery in a Paris cafe with Marie (Potente) while instinctively making note of all the liscence plates of the vehicles parked outside. Why he does so, he doesn't know.

The romance that blossoms between Bourne and Marie becomes one more reason Bourne must find the answers to his identity as international assasins come after them at every turn. There is a moment in the film when he tries to make her leave him for safety because he loves her, and it is for that same reason she stays.

This is a gritty movie with a heart. The action sequences as Bourne's instincts kick in are terrific and the human elements are not lost along the way, which is a credit to Director Liman and the two stars, especially Damon, who separtated himself from a big pack and proved he had talent here.

We are left with a good feeling at the end of this film as both the action and romance are given their moments. I read this many years ago so perhaps the fact it was not fresh in my mind helped me enjoy it more. Taken simply as a really enjoyable film for a weekend, it's A+ entertainment.

The Bourne Identity (Full Screen Extended Edition)

Average customer rating:

Bourne again?
The Good & Bad Of ''The Bourne Identity'
The Bourne Identity
Bourne is better than Bond
great movie!

The Bourne Identity (Full Screen Extended Edition)
Starring: Matt Damon , Franka Potente , Chris Cooper , Clive Owen , and Brian Cox
Director: Doug Liman
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

Espionage | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( B ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Extended Editions | Fully Loaded DVDs | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

ASIN: B00023B1LM
Release Date: 2004-07-13

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

Bourne again?.......2007-09-11

The Good & Bad Of ''The Bourne Identity'.......2007-09-09

The Bourne Identity.......2007-09-08

Bourne is better than Bond.......2007-09-08

The All American spy -- Jason Bourne stands toe to toe with the best of Britain! this is a great series!

great movie!.......2007-09-03

It is a very good dvd set! Love the quality of the picture and the sound! And of course Matt Damon is always so nice to look at. haha...

Average customer rating:

Bourne Identity - the real version
When life was on a much slower pace!
Good to see if you're a Bourne Fan
Great movie
A VERY ACTUAL MOVIE

The Bourne Identity (TV Miniseries)
Starring: Richard Chamberlain , Jaclyn Smith , Anthony Quayle , Donald Moffat , and Yorgo Voyagis
Director: Roger Young
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Suspense | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

Mystery | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

Espionage | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

Miniseries | Television | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( B ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

ASIN: B00006AG8D
Release Date: 2002-08-27

Amazon.com

Though not as briskly exciting as the 2002 theatrical release, this earlier TV adaptation of Robert Ludlum's bestseller has distinct advantages over its big-screen counterpart. It's far more loyal to Ludlum's serpentine plot, boasts greater latitude of geography and character development (allowing Richard Chamberlain's fine performance in the title role), and rises above TV limitations to achieve a big-budget look and feel. Suffering from amnesia and forced to piece together his past as a world-class assassin, Jason Bourne (Chamberlain) enlists the aid of a Canadian economist (Jaclyn Smith), and this pairing of '80s miniseries mainstays remains consistently intelligent, well paced, and altogether respectable. Chamberlain and Smith have adequate chemistry (albeit somewhat shallow), and their dangerous adventure--and eventual romance--is played out against a dozen European locations. Incorporating more of Ludlum's interwoven subplots, this ambitious Bourne is a globetrotter's delight, with a spy-thriller identity all its own. --Jeff Shannon

Description

He goes by the name of Jason Bourne. Shot and left for dead, he is rescued from the sea not knowing who he really is... nor why he is so good at killing with cold-blooded proficiency. Attempting to overcome both the killers who continue to hunt him and the obstacle of his own amnesia, Bourne is determined to uncover his own mysterious past.

DVD Features:
Interactive Menus
Scene Access

Customer Reviews:

Bourne Identity - the real version.......2007-08-03

A must see for those who liked the trilogy of Bourne books. True to the story (for the most part) their is no resemblance to the movie with Matt Damon. It is a pity that no one sought to follow up this movie as they did the others.

When life was on a much slower pace!.......2007-06-08

It's amazing how the advancement in telecommunications technology has put a strain on the pace of movies! Neither Richard Chamberlain nor his foes have cell phones! That in itself has slowed down the pace, considerably!

It's only on watching the original that one realises how today's cinema has put such a demand on actors in terms of physical fitness in order to engage in far more explicit violence, and sex!

It's been extremely unkind of the promoters of the new Bourne trilogy not to mention that they take after a far more gentle Jason Bourne! What's more they also chronicle the same events! This is by no means a reflection on Mat Damon or his acting! However, it'd be only common courtesy to note that there's a point of origin to the modern Jason Bourne.

Good to see if you're a Bourne Fan.......2007-05-20

I'd seen the movies and read the books before watching this 1980's miniseries. I'm old enough to have watched the other Chamberlain miniseries of the era, but have no memory of this one. I found it entertaining, and surprising in how close it followed the first book. Chamberlain was a believable enough Bourne, but not nearly as menacing as the new Damon incarnation. It was sometimes a little hard to imagine Chamberlain as the Medusa killer from the VietNam War. Chamberlain would have made a better Bourne for the third book in the series, where Bourne is fifty. Jacklyn Smith was a pretty good Marie, and the intelligence and strength of the character was as it is in the book and a sharp contrast to the Marie played by Franka Potente in the first two movies. My only gripe with Smith was that she didn't come across as Canadian- more of a West Coaster. If you're one of those that belong to the cult that thinks Jacklyn Smith was the "hottest" Angel, you'll want to watch it for her performance alone.

I'm a car person, so I found the 80's fashions less distracting than the squared-off peculiar style of 80's cars. No one in the movie was wearing rubber band bracelets and balloon pants, just a few "Golden Girl" padded shoulders on Smith. The locations were great for a miniseries and you always knew and felt the stroy was taking place in Europe. Like I said earlier, it was entertaining to watch. And if you are a Bourne fan of either the books or the new movies it's definitley worth watching to get a little more history on the franchise.

Great movie.......2007-05-06

After watching the second Bourne Identity I wanted to watchthe original with Richard Chamberlain. It was definitely more entertaining and interesting and I would highly recommend it to one and all.

A VERY ACTUAL MOVIE.......2006-08-28

Although filmed in 1988 The Bourne Identity is still very actual, the fight against terrorism being very much on today's agenda as well. The two parts movie takes us mainly to Zürich, Paris and New York, to locations so beautifully chosen as to make the viewer wish he could visit them.
A man looses his memory after being shot and enduring serious injuries. The story is his search of identity intelligently intertwined with the unfolding of an international secret services action to capture Carlos, a famous terrorist and assassin who kept the CIA and other intelligence agencies around the world on their toes for years. The writers of the script certainly had an arduous task condensing the complex plot, their talent created a compelling story, a sharp dialogue without ever confusing the viewer.

As mentioned The Bourne Identity unfolds in three different cities. In each of them new elements and characters are added thus making the pace of the show pick up momentum until it reaches a cathartic peak on E 71st street.

The actor in the title role with whom we take the thrilling trip, rather rollercoaster ride, could only be Richard Chamberlain. His unique acting arc displays, with intensity, finesse and perfection, loving moments -- his face melting with love and crying for sadness when his failing memory catches glimpses of the past, his handsome and young body surrendering to the talented and attractive Jaclyn Smith who falls under the spell of this intriguing man -- and tough and violent moments paired with callousness, cold blood, swiftness of reactions, distress and cruel realisations as well as a formidable physical shape. Richard Chamberlain IS Jason Bourne and he is the one who keeps the viewer's attention tense during the entire movie.

One of my preferred scenes is one confronting a French General played by the much missed Anthony Quayle and Jason Bourne/Richard Chamberlain, two great actors among the greatest, on stage and on the screen; so powerful a scene, it grips you, one almost forgets to breathe .... Magnificent acting, soldiers !

The Bourne Identity ends with a moral note, Jason Bourne/Richard Chamberlain once his mission accomplished questions the violence and the need for men to become monsters to fight monsters. In the very last scene, full of symbolism, our hero, tightly holding the arm of Marie St. Jacques/Jaclyn Smith walks out of a cemetery towards a new life where he hopes to make peace with himself and be capable of love again.

A last word to say that Martin Rabbett is coproducer, adding his great talent to the list of those who made The Bourne Identity a big success.

The Bourne Identity (Widescreen Collector's Edition)

Average customer rating:

Bourne again?
The Good & Bad Of ''The Bourne Identity'
The Bourne Identity
Bourne is better than Bond
great movie!

The Bourne Identity (Widescreen Collector's Edition)
Starring: Matt Damon , Franka Potente , Chris Cooper , Clive Owen , and Brian Cox
Director: Doug Liman
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

Espionage | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( B ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

ASIN: B00003CXXM
Release Date: 2003-01-21

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

Bourne again?.......2007-09-11

The Good & Bad Of ''The Bourne Identity'.......2007-09-09

The Bourne Identity.......2007-09-08

Bourne is better than Bond.......2007-09-08

The All American spy -- Jason Bourne stands toe to toe with the best of Britain! this is a great series!

great movie!.......2007-09-03

It is a very good dvd set! Love the quality of the picture and the sound! And of course Matt Damon is always so nice to look at. haha...

The Bourne Identity (Full Screen Collector's Edition)

Average customer rating:

Bourne again?
The Good & Bad Of ''The Bourne Identity'
The Bourne Identity
Bourne is better than Bond
great movie!

The Bourne Identity (Full Screen Collector's Edition)
Starring: Matt Damon , Franka Potente , Chris Cooper , Clive Owen , and Brian Cox
Director: Doug Liman
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

Espionage | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( B ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

ASIN: B000071ZZI
Release Date: 2003-01-21

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

Bourne again?.......2007-09-11

The Good & Bad Of ''The Bourne Identity'.......2007-09-09

The Bourne Identity.......2007-09-08

Bourne is better than Bond.......2007-09-08

The All American spy -- Jason Bourne stands toe to toe with the best of Britain! this is a great series!

great movie!.......2007-09-03

It is a very good dvd set! Love the quality of the picture and the sound! And of course Matt Damon is always so nice to look at. haha...

The Bourne Supremacy/The Bourne Identity Value Pack

Average customer rating:

The Power of Observation keeps Bourne ahead of his predators...
Bourne movie series are GREAT, but the books suck
Who am I??
Mindless - and Good
Bourne away

The Bourne Supremacy/The Bourne Identity Value Pack
Starring: Matt Damon , Franka Potente , Brian Cox , Julia Stiles , and Karl Urban
Director: Paul Greengrass , and Doug Liman
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

( B ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

ASIN: B0007R4TSK
Release Date: 2005-10-11

Customer Reviews:

The Power of Observation keeps Bourne ahead of his predators..........2006-07-22

As a strategy consultant, & whenever I go to the movies (or watch movies at home), I often take the opportunity to seek out possibilities of using them to teach life (survival) skills to participants in my seminars & workshops.

The two Bourne movies, namely The Bourne Identity & The Bourne Supremacy, are two great examples.

Both movies are loosely based on Robert Ludlum's work, which included The Rheinmann Exchange, The Osterman Weekend & the Holcroft Covenant. They have also been made into great movies.

In the first move, with the opening scene: An unconscious young man is pulled out off the Mediterranean coast by a fishing boat one stormy night. Thinking that the young man is dead, a curious fisherman with a scalpel finds two bullets in his back & a microchip in his hip. The chip reveals a Swiss bank account. But our wet hero isn't dead but realises that he has amnesia. He then rushes to Zurich. In the bank vault, he discovers his name, Jason Bourne (played by Mark Damon). In addition, he finds a baffling pile of different passports, all with his picture, and a large chunk of cash. In the US Embassy, he bumps into Marie (played by Franka Potente), along with the fact that someone wants to kill him. Armed with a bag of money and superb martial arts skills, & with Marie by his side, he scours Paris for clues about his identity and past life...& finds himself in the middle of two assassination plots (one assassin was played by Clive Owen, as 'The Profesosr') masterminded by rouge elements of the CIA.

In the second movie, with the opening scene, continuing from the first movie: Jason Bourne is recovering in Goa, India with Marie. He spots a mysterious dark-glassed man with the wrong clothes while jogging. He escapes with Marie but she is shot in the ensuing chase. The next scene shows CIA operatives under deputy director Pamela Landy (Joan Allen) conducting a sting operation to fish out a mole in CIA but something goes wrong. Her subsequent investigation leads to the highly-classified Treadstone project, which apparently involves Jason Bourne. She even finds evidence that Bourne is behind what happened to her botched operation. So Bourne sets out to clear his name. The remaining part of the movie shows Bourne outsmarting CIA operatives - & the assassin (played menacingly by Karl Urban as Kirill) - & tracking down the rogue elements in the CIA with shady connections to the Russian mob, who have jointly framed him in the first place.

In the two movies, Jason Bourne demonstrates his uncanny ability to observe & pay attention to what's around him - note: notice the exceptions in the details of the environment - which allows him to constantly stay ahead of his predators & at the same time, stay agile (mentally & physically) to anticipate dangers & get out of precarious situations.

For example...remember the scene in the second movie...after he had jogged at the beach, he observed a dark-glassed man whose clothing & behaviour somehow did not match the environment...

His ability to stay calm, size up dangerous situations & come up with super-quick, innovative solutions to escape from capture is well demonstrated in both movies.

For example...remember the scene in the first movie, where he jumped down several storeys with a dead body as cushion while blasting his gun at his assassins running up the staircase...the scene in the second movie, where he improvised a weapon out of rolled newspapers & an explosive escape using a magazine stuffed into a burning toaster in a quickly engineered gas-filled room...Wow! that was great!

Naturally, I am also fascinated by the many unique fighting sequences (particularly the one within a tight environment in the second movie), car chases, cat & mouse games, etc. in both movies.

Additionally, what I like about both movies is the total absence of super-duper gadgets commonly found in such spy-thriller movies. Jason Bourne used only his sheer human ingenuity & creativity to outsmart his enemies.

To end my review, I must add that I have enjoyed watching both movies, experientially as well as educationally.

Bourne movie series are GREAT, but the books suck.......2006-05-13

A warning for those of you thinking of reading the books that the movies were based on: The books (B. Identity, B. Supremacy, and B. Ultimatum) and the movies (B. Identity and B. Supremacy starring Matt Damon) have absolutely no relationship whatsoever. The movies were excellent, the books are a miserable waste of time.

The plotlines in the two movies aren't anything like those in the books. The plots laid out in the books are completely implausible, and frankly moronic. The movies writers obviously realized that the books were crap so they just wrote their own story lines.

Bottom line: Don't waste your time on these books, watch the movies instead.

Who am I??.......2006-04-06

Matt Damon is marvelous at rogue agent Jason Bourne: fluent in several language, martial arts expert, holder of multiple passports, a Swiss bank account, and high intelligence. Both movies were great except that Marie was murdered in the sequel. Ludlum's Bourne really does come alive in Damon. From Asia, to Berlin, Moscow, Paris, New York, this is way better than James Bond!

Mindless - and Good.......2006-02-01

Mindless action entertainment - and good. Fantastic martial arts and car chase scenes, clever plotting, and excellent acting by the ensemble casts in both films
make them highly entertaining. When you need a little adrenalin boost, these films can be just the thing.

Bourne away.......2005-09-03

Robert Ludlum may have passed on, but his work is definitely alive in the cinema. His taut Jason Bourne series has been adapted into two movies (so far), "The Bourne Identity" and "The Bourne Supremacy," which are action-packed but also brimming with flaws.

"The Bourne Identity" opens with an amnesiac (Matt Damon) being hauled onto a fishing boat, with two bullets in his back. Once he's recovered, he goes in search of his identity -- and finds links to a sinister organization that is out to kill him. And as he goes on the run, Jason Bourne must uncover who he is and why he is a fighting machine.

"The Bourne Supremacy" opens with Bourne tormented by nightmares, even though he's living peacefully in India. But then his enemies are after him again, and even destroy his beloved girlfriend. Now Bourne is out for revenge against the people who won't leave him in peace -- assuming that they don't kill him first.

What can an action movie do that hasn't been done before? That's a hard question to answer, and most efforts (any "XXX" movie, for example) fall horribly flat.

But these two movies attempt to find something unique. And they succeed to some degree: "Bourne Identity" has a stripped-down appeal, complete with down-the-stairs car chases and stark European cities, and although the story seems to meander at times, it isn't peppered with stale witticisms and gadgets.

Unfortunately, the second movie was done by a different director -- a far less talented one. And so the cinematography is downright atrocious, with half the scenes done in a shakycam style. Even on a small screen, it's enough to make you seasick. At least it distracts from the stumbling if tense plot.

Matt Damon obviously threw his all into these films. His acting is made intriguing by its intensity, which keeps him from seeming like yet another James Bond clone, albeit one with amnesia. Much of the film's tension comes from Damon, and he also provides it with some surprisingly realistic-looking fights.

And "Supremacy" is graced with two excellent performances, in the icy, taut Joan Allen and the sinister Karl Urban. Bourne's love interests aren't quite as good: Julia Stiles doesn't have enough screen time to make us like her character, and Franka Potente plays a dizzy, inglorious Bond girl for Damon to bed.

Though "Bourne Supremacy" is a dizzying shakycam trip, the films together are a taut action duology, yet they lack equally taut storylines. Matt Damon's intense performance is what keeps it from being mediocre.

The Bourne Identity (1988) [Richard Chamberlain / Jaclyn Smith]

Average customer rating:

Bourne is a lot nicer than in the book.

The Bourne Identity (1988) [Richard Chamberlain / Jaclyn Smith]

Manufacturer: WARNER VIDEO
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

The Bourne Supremacy (Widescreen Edition)

ASIN: B0009IVBGK

Customer Reviews:

Bourne is a lot nicer than in the book........2005-06-24

This is an intriguing movie and it will hold your attention from beginning to end. The plot is well conceived and there are no holes to drive trucks through. They could not have picked better actors for the characters. They may not match the descriptions in the book; but this is not a book.

An introductory scene with a body (Richard Chamberlain) sinking slowly in the water. It may have a few holes in it. It is found and unceremoniously dumped at the door of a doctor (Denholm Elliott). As he recovers from his wounds we realize he has amnesia. People are out to kill him. He had a capsule embedded in his body that contained what looks like a code. He must find out how he is and why people are out to get him. In the process it looks more and more that he is a well known terrorist.

The Bourne in the movie is much nicer than the book version. You have to make allowances for the transformation to the screen. However he does a lot more borrowing instead of stealing and is not as vicious with people on his travels.

Average customer rating:

INTERESTING, INTELLIGENT NON-STOP ACTION SPY THRILLER...
A very good movie on the go
Perfect for a UMD (no depth)

The Bourne Identity (UMD Mini For PSP)
Starring: Chris Cooper , Matt Damon , Tim Dutton , Walt Goggins , and Orso Maria Guerrini
Director: Doug Liman
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: UMD for PSP

General | Universal Media Discs | Stores | DVD | Video

Action & Adventure | Universal Media Discs | Stores | DVD | Video

Mystery & Suspense | Universal Media Discs | Stores | DVD | Video

Hardware & Accessories | Specialty Stores | Computer & Video Games

Accessories:

Product Features:

Academy Award Winner Matt Damon stars in this explosive, action-packed hit filled with incredible fight sequences. Found with two bullets in his back, Jason Bourne discovers he has the skills of a very dangerous man and no memory of his violent past. Racing to unlock the secret of his own identity, he discovers the deadly truth: he s an elite government agent, a 30 million dollar weapon the govern

ASIN: B0009WK5CW
Release Date: 2005-08-30

Customer Reviews:

INTERESTING, INTELLIGENT NON-STOP ACTION SPY THRILLER..........2006-12-27

This film is loosely based upon Robert Ludlum's book "The Bourne Identity". It is not a faithful adaptation nor is it intended to be. The book was just a springboard for something a little different. Having read the book and loved it, I also really enjoyed this movie. They are both excellent. Each forges its own path and entertains in its own way.

The plot is simple, or so it seems. A man is found in the ocean with two bullets in his back. He is rescued by a trawler of Italian fishermen. When he regains total consciousness, he has no idea who he is or what he was doing that caused him to be floating in the ocean in the condition in which he had been. He shortly discovers his name to be Jason Bourne, and it appears that a great many people are trying to kill him, though for what purpose he has no idea.

Jason Bourne (Matt Damon) also discovers that he has some unusual gifts and automatic, instinctive responses in certain situations. It turns out that he is a natural "Bourne" killer (pun intended). Jason teams up with a German expatriate named Maria (Franka Potente), and together they run into some heavy duty action, as they run for their lives. Meanwhile, a team of CIA trained assassins, dispatched by Bourne's boss, a CIA honcho named Conklin (Chris Cooper), are hot on the plucky couple's trail. There are a number of stunts and action scenes that are guaranteed to make one's palms start to sweat.

Matt Damon, looking very buff, portrays Bourne as an intelligent, resourceful character with a core of goodness imbedded in his assassin's psyche. He is simply terrific. Franka Potente is good as the free spirited Maria, who is also resourceful and Jason's love interest in the film, though, quite frankly, very few sparks fly between them. Chris Cooper is excellent as Bourne's boss, Conklin. He is coldly efficient and brutal in his mop-up operation. Unlike Bourne, he lacks that core of goodness.

This is an action packed, inventive, spy thriller that will hold the viewer in its thrall. This film revives that genre of film that was beginning to get a little stale. Kudos to Damon for giving the viewer something fresh and entertaining in this genre. This is a film that is well worth having in one's personal collection.

A very good movie on the go.......2006-01-02

I have recently received this as UMD(Universal Movie Disc) as a present. The picture quality on the PSP is that of a mini Plasma Television so this is definitely about the same picture quality if not all aspects of the DVD version of this movie. I watched the opening titles for it and the illustrations proved crystal clear. Some drawbacks include the 4" inch screen of the PSP, which seems generous enough but really feels overly contained. The fastforward button on the PSP headphones and the right trigger of the controller are both convenient to use while watching this. This product is good enough if you want to watch a movie on an airplane or in your car but it will never replace a home theator system because it isn't that inclusive. The screen of the PSP isn't very big, the sound quality is so so.
Conclusion
1)If you really want to have portable video games and the prospect of watching Hollywood movies on the go intrigues you this will suit your needs just fine
2)If you are a movie buff, I would recommend buying the DVD version of this movie because of the special features it includes, you are better off with a portable DVD player because the screen size will be much bigger and the sound quality will be greatly enhanced
3)and if you can afford to spring for a laptop you should do so because it will suit all of your portable needs including movies,music and internet.
Bourne Identity is an interesting movie. Although it is the kind of movie one can only watch a couple of times so buy it for PSP(UMD) format instead of for DVD because you will be entertained with it in those situations where you need to kill time such as on a flight, in an airport or in a doctor's waiting room.

Perfect for a UMD (no depth).......2005-06-24

As far as a shoot-um-up with the obligatory car chase goes, this movie did it quite well. And like many of the other "1984" machine churned out films for the proletariat, the title and a few names bear the only resemblance to the Ludlum story. Quite a few of the characters that give this story depth and mystery are left out of the movie completely.

Now let's not compare this quickie in shoot-up land with the well thought out book "The Bourne Identity" by Robert Ludlum or the much better portrait of the story in the Mini-Series "The Bourne Identity" (1988) starring Richard Chamberlain and Jaclyn Smith; then we can enjoy what is left.

A sailor on a fishing trawler spots a human body in the water. After retrieving it we find it is alive. Helping this stranger back from the near dead we find a couple of bullet holes and a mysterious capsule under his skin. The capsule displays what the fisherman recognizes immediately as a Swiss bank account. The man can not remember who he is. Now we follow along with his journey to Switzerland and find out if he will recover. In the mean time someone is out to kill him. Why?

DVD:

DVD

DVD