DVD Pick of the Week: The Bourne Ultimatum

Considering how close we are getting to Christmas, I am surprised at how little there is to get excited about this week. Sure, there are a couple of high profile releases but I would have expected a lot more to be filling the new release list. I am not sure what titles could have been included, I just thought there would have been more. On the flipside, this does leave more time to enjoy the titles that are being released this week, or you could dip into your personal library and revisit your holiday favorites.

This week's top title is none other than The Bourne Ultimatum. When it comes to smart and exciting action/thrillers, there are few that can equal the excellence of the Bourne Trilogy. This third outing packs a punch as Jason gets as close to his real identity as he has ever come.

In 2002 we got our first look at Matt Damon as Jason Bourne, a role that Brad Pitt turned down in order to make Spy Game. The Doug Liman (Go, Mr. & Mrs. Smith) helmed feature introduced us to the amnesiac spy in search of his identity. In 2004, we picked up Bourne as he tried to live a life off the grid and away from danger. We all know that was never going to happen. Now, in the third film, Bourne has turned the tables and is taking the fight to those seeking to extinguish his life.

The story cleverly folds into the events of the third film, expanding on the Bourne universe. We join Bourne as he travels around the world evading killers and enemy agents as he searches desperately for the truth. The story is not exactly deep but there is a lot to get involved in. Whoever would have thought an action flick would have this high level of emotional involvement?

The action is spectacular from the foot chases to the fist fights to the car chases. The thrills will have you on the edge of your seat, just watch the Waterloo Station sequence, and Matt Damon brings a great level of humanity to the title role. In short, this is a movie that should not be missed.

Special Features include: Deleted Scenes, Man on the Move: Jason Bourne, Rooftop Pursuit, Planning the Punches, Driving School, New York Chase, Feature Commentary with Director Paul Greengrass.

Also out this week:

• The Jason Bourne Collection. Don't have any of the films? Here is the perfect way to catch up on the excellence!
• Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. This was definitely a step up from the last ouing, but not up to the level of The Prisoner of Azkaban. It will be interesting to see where they go with the next one.
• Harry Potter Years 1-5 Giftset. Perfect for someone that needs to catch up, but how many out there haven't been getting them all along? If I was one of them, I'd be more apt to wait until al seven were out.
• Lost: The Complete Third Season. While you wait for season four, relive the third. It was better than season two, but it still remains a frustrating experience.
• Disney Treasures; The Chronological Donald, Volume Three (1947-1950). One of three new Treasures releases, and the only one I am interested in. Who doesn't love Donald.
• Two Lane Blacktop. I am completely unfamiliar with this one, but there seems to be a lot of love for this 70's flick.
• Voltron, Volume 5: Black Lion. One of my favorite cartoons from my childhood, and I don't own any of the sets yet. (hint, hint)
• Silent Night, Deadly Night. What is Christmas without a little blood? Travel back to the height of the slasher flick and check out the film that gave the holiday its read hue.