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National Treasure [Blu-ray] [2004]
![National Treasure [Blu-ray] [2004]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51BuJuPkFOL._SL160_.jpg)
Like a Hardy Boys mystery on steroids, National Treasure offers popcorn thrills and enough boyish charm to overcome its rampant silliness. Although it was roundly criticised as a poor man's rip-off of Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Da Vinci Code, it's entertaining on its own ludicrous terms, and Nicolas Cage proves once again that one actor's infectious enthusiasm can compensate for a multitude of movie sins. The contrived plot involves Cage's present-day quest for the ancient treasure of the Knights Templar, kept secret through the ages by Freemasons past and present. Finding the treasure requires the theft of the Declaration of Independence (there are crucial treasure clues on the back, of course!), so you can add "caper comedy" to this Jerry Bruckheimer production's multi-genre appeal. Nobody will ever accuse director Jon Turtletaub of artistic ambition, but you've got to admit he serves up an enjoyable dose of PG-rated entertainment, full of musty clues, skeletons, deep tunnels, and harmless adventure in the old-school tradition. It's a load of hokum, but it's fun hokum, and that makes all the difference. --Jeff Shannon
RRP: £23.99
Our Price: £16.48 (subject to change)
Editorial
Product Description
Nicolas Cage, Diane Kruger, Justin Bartha, Sean Bean, Jon Voight
Editorial
Amazon.co.uk
Better than Da Vinci Code
Review date: 2008-08-05 Rating: 10 out of 10
`National Treasure' stars Nicholas Cage as Ben Gates, a treasure hunter whose life-long dream is to find the treasures from the templar knights. A clue at the North Pole sets things in motion, and Ben must use his formidable cryptography skills to decipher puzzles hidden in the most unlikely places--one appears on the dollar bill, and another is on the back of the U.S. constitution. Ben's unscrupulous former partner (Sean Bean) and his gang of thugs are also after the treasure for selfish, evil purposes. A plot to steal the constitution sets off a 13-colony-wide chase with all the trimmings: cops going after the wrong man, the rescue of a cute female cryptographer (Diane Kruger) who tags along for the ride, along with Jon Voight who plays Ben's disapproving father.
If you're a fan of other adventure films like Indiana Jones then this is a film for you! It's like The Da Vinci Code but a lot more fun. From the opening scenes there are just so many fast-pace, clever and near-impossible action sequences that do not fail to thrill at all.
As well as the action there is plenty of comedy, mainly from Ben's side-kick Riley (Justin Bartha) who comes out with endless one-liners. There's also a good amount of history to be learnt so if young ones are watching this is a perfect way of learning a bit of American history whilst watching an exciting action film, how much of it is true however, I'm not sure!
The picture on this Disney Blu Ray is simply unbeatable - every hair plug on Cage's head have never been clearer! I used to own this on standard DVD and this Blu Ray picture and sound quality is ten times better.
Overall this is an excellent globe-trotting adventure that audiences of all ages can enjoy. Highly recommended for anyone after some breathtaking action sequences and witty script.
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Reviews
Slow start to fast passed story
Review date: 2008-08-04 Rating: 10 out of 10
A treasure has been passed from had to hand and growing for centuries. The freemasons, last to hold the treasure hid a treasure presumably in the U.S. They did not want the British to get their hands on it during the revolution. The last person with the information on the hiding place is dying and tells the only person near. Now his great grandson Ben Gates (Nicolas Cage) is determined to find it.
In the effort to find the treasure Ben must team with an unscrupulous person Ian (Sean Bean). Now they are at odds as to how to go about flinging a string of clues. We get to guess along with them and if we are knowledgeable we can stay ahead of them.
Formula story with standard action mixing such things as "The Da Vinci Code" and "Indiana Jones". If I were to make one change it would be to exchange Cage's and Bean's characters. Sean Bean looks more the from no one to hero type.
Blu-ray can only enhance the visual experience. Be sure to have National Treasure 2 standing by.
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
Diane Kruger
Justin Bartha
Nicolas Cage
Jon Voight
Sean Bean
Creators:
Nicolas Cage (Primary Contributor)
Diane Kruger (Primary Contributor)
Director(s):
Recording label: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainm
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainm
EAN: 8717418165543
Binding: Blu-ray
Number of items: 1
Format: PAL,
Release date: 2008-06-02
Audience rating: Parental Guidance
Running time: 126 minutes
Theatrical release date: 2004
Brand: Disney