National Treasure: Book of Secrets Blu-ray Review

Disney's release of "National Treasure: Book of Secrets" on Blu-ray provides viewers with an unparalleled high-definition experience, presented in a 2.40:1/2.35:1 widescreen aspect ratio that is AVC MPEG-4 encoded. This transfer exemplifies the pinnacle of what HD video can achieve, boasting an astonishing level of detail that brings every scene to life with remarkable clarity. From the intricate designs of book titles in a bookstore to the vast, picturesque landscapes of Paris and London, the sharpness and depth of the image is consistently impressive across both close-ups and panoramic views.

The visual presentation further excels in its reproduction of colors, exhibiting bold, striking hues that bring each scene to life. The primaries dazzle with vividness, from the lush reds and blues of the American flag to the vibrant greens and clear skies over Paris. However, a slight critique can be aimed at the somewhat overly warm flesh tones. Brightness and contrast levels are expertly calibrated, ensuring deep, inky blacks and bright whites that maintain their detail without overexposure, enhancing the overall depth and dimensionality of the image. This is especially evident in scenes set in shadowy locations or during the exploration of the cavernous golden city, where the level of shadow detail is particularly noteworthy.

The digital aspects of the transfer are equally commendable. There are no noticeable compression issues or edge enhancement artifacts, and the source print is pristine, without any signs of damage or intrusive grain. A subtle grain presence adds to the cinematic quality without detracting from the overall sharpness of the image. Despite some occasional unnatural color skewing due to digital coloring—a trait common to Bruckheimer-produced films—the transfer remains an outstanding achievement in Blu-ray presentation. Disney has provided a transfer for "National Treasure: Book of Secrets" that can only be described as flawless, setting a high benchmark for video quality on the format.

The audio presentation of "National Treasure: Book of Secrets" on Blu-ray is a testament to the immersive soundscapes that contemporary home cinema technology can provide. Highlighted by an English Dolby TrueHD 5.1 Surround track, the disc offers an auditory experience that pulls the viewer into the heart of the action with exceptional clarity and depth. The sound design meticulously utilizes ambient noise, from the bustling streets during the gripping London car chase to the subtle nuances of dripping water in an underground passage, ensuring a dynamic and vibrant aural environment. This is complemented by well-managed bass that, while not hitting the lowest frequencies expected from a reference track, adds a sufficient thump to action sequences, grounding the film’s high stakes.

Dialogue is rendered with crystal-clear perfection, anchored firmly to the frontal array but never overshadowed by the film’s robust score or the myriad of effects. The mix excels in balancing Trevor Rabin’s bombastic score, ensuring it is empowering without being intrusive, offering a full tonal range that enhances the film's adventurous spirit. Sound elements like the distinct rumble of car engines, squealing tires, and even the unique ambience of different settings like Civil War-era taverns or five-star restaurants are placed with pinpoint accuracy across the soundstage, creating a compellingly realistic soundscape.

Deserving special mention are the moments of immersive ambience and directional effects that set this audio mix apart. From Randy Travis performing at the President's birthday party in crystal-clear TrueHD to the palpable tension of a fire alarm blaring in Buckingham Palace, each scene is a testament to sound engineering excellence. While the soundtrack never competes with dialogue for attention, it envelops the listener, reinforcing the cinematic experience. Scenes are elevated beyond their visual components, promising and delivering an audio performance that matches some of the best in contemporary cinema, thanks to meticulous mixing and a keen attention to detail that manages to preserve every whisper of dialogue and even the minor sounds that contribute significantly to the atmosphere.

The Blu-ray extras for "National Treasure: Book of Secrets" are a treasure trove for both fans of the franchise and history buffs. The audio commentary, led predominantly by Jon Turteltaub with sporadic but valuable insights from Jon Voight, offers an in-depth look at the making of the film, despite its moments of tedium. The additional scenes, especially those exclusive to the Blu-ray, complemented by Turteltaub's introductions, provide further context and a peek into the decision-making process behind what made the final cut. The "Book of History: The Fact or Fiction" interactive feature stands out as a highlight, blending entertainment with educational value as it tests viewers' knowledge and reveals the real historical events that inspired the movie. The featurettes dive into various aspects of production, from location scouting and design to stunt coordination, each offering a unique behind-the-scenes look at the film's creation. Technical excellence is maintained throughout, with all extras presented in 1080i HD and Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound, ensuring a visually stunning and immersive experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Jon Turteltaub and Jon Voight: Insights into the film's production.
• Deleted Scenes with Introduction from Jon Turteltaub: Seven scenes offering more backstory and humor.
• Treasure Reel: Bloopers and funny moments from the cast.
• Secrets of a Sequel Featurette: Discussion on making the sequel with main cast and crew.
• Book of Secrets: On Location Featurette: Exploration of global filming locations.
• Street Stunts: Creating the London Chase Featurette: Behind-the-scenes look at the London chase scene.
• Inside the Library of Congress Featurette: Tour and history of the Library of Congress.
• Underground Action Featurette: Details on film's stunt work.
• Cover Story: Crafting the Presidents' Book Featurette: Design process of the key prop.
• Evolution of a Golden City Featurette: Creation of a significant prop and its significance.
• Knights of the Golden Circle Featurette: Brief history on the real KGC.
• Book of History: The Fact or Fiction: BD-Java interactive game exploring fact vs. fiction in the film.
• Easter Eggs: Hidden features providing additional insights and entertainment.

"National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets" on Blu-ray delivers an escalating adventure that blends historical conundrums and exhilarating escapades in a manner that equals, if not surpasses, its predecessor. The movie reinvigorates the allure of treasure hunting through the eyes of Benjamin Franklin Gates, portrayed with charismatic zeal by Nicolas Cage, who finds himself entangled in a quest not only to unveil hidden treasures but to redeem his family's honor. Riding the waves of high production values synonymous with Disney, this sequel adeptly balances antics and narrative depth, aided by a cast both familiar and new, including Helen Mirren as the matriarch Emily Appleton, adding gravitas to the ensemble.

As Gates embarks on a whirlwind journey from the assassination plot of Abraham Lincoln to the hidden corridors of Buckingham Palace, and beyond, viewers are treated to a visual and auditory spectacle, with the Blu-ray edition enhancing every chase and historic revelation with impeccable clarity and sound design. The inclusion of Ed Harris as antagonist Mitch Wilkinson brings a compelling adversary to the fray, ensuring that the stakes remain high and the mysteries more convoluted. The seamless integration of humor, courtesy of Justin Bartha's Riley Poole, ensures that the narrative never loses its charm or momentum.

The Blu-ray presentation excels in showcasing the globe-trotting adventure in stunning detail, making "Book of Secrets" a commendable sequel that not only honors its roots but expands on them vividly. The technical prowess on display, from reference-quality visuals to a robust soundscape, complements the ambitious story arcs and character developments. This edition reaffirms Disney’s commitment to excellence in home entertainment, making it a must-watch for aficionados of mystery, history, and exploration.

"National Treasure: Book of Secrets" on Blu-ray offers a mesmerizing viewing experience that significantly elevates the action/adventure genre. This sequel not only successfully builds on its predecessor's foundation but also forges a unique narrative pathway, making it a stand-alone masterpiece. The character development is exceptional, creating a deeper connection and rooting interest from the audience as the film progresses. Integral to the film's success are the cleverly intertwined historical elements penned by Marianne and Cormac Wibberley. Their script is the backbone of this franchise, marrying history with adventure in a manner that is both intellectually stimulating and highly entertaining. The Blu-ray presentation enhances these elements, offering a visual and auditory feast that outshines its theatrical experience.

The quality of the Blu-ray transfer is noteworthy, with "National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets" showing noticeable improvements over its already impressive predecessor. The high-definition format brings out the finer details, from the nuances of the actors' performances to the intricacies of the historical locales that add a layer of authenticity and grandeur to the story. The comprehensive supplemental material provided in this Blu-ray package rivals, if not exceeds, that of the first film, adding substantial value for enthusiasts and collectors alike. The dedication to preserving and enriching the viewer's experience is evident in both the film's production and its Blu-ray presentation.

In conclusion, "National Treasure: Book of Secrets" on Blu-ray is a compelling acquisition for fans of the genre and collectors seeking to enhance their high-definition library. Its superior visual quality, coupled with an engaging story and remarkable character development, makes it a standout offering. The thoughtful integration of historical elements ensures a rich viewing experience that is both educational and immensely enjoyable. This Blu-ray not only reaffirms the film's status in the action/adventure domain but also commemorates the creative vision of its creators, making it highly recommended for anyone with a penchant for history-driven narratives or simply looking for a spectacular cinematic adventure.