DVD Reviews

Die Another Day: Special Edition

Pierce Brosnan returns as James Bond in Die Another Day, the 20th film in the franchise. In this MGM has released their most impressive Bond package ever with a stunning two-disc set.
James Bond is stripped of his 00- license after an undercover mission in Korea gets sabotaged. Bent on revenge, he teams up with American NSA agent, "Jinx" (Halle Berry) to bring down a suspicious billionaire with a deadly weapon.

This is the best Bond film since Goldeneye and that can mostly be attributed to New Zealand director, Lee Tamahori. He knows how to create well-orchestrated action sequences and the movie hooks you right from the start. Adding Berry into the mix, as a Lara Croft style heroine plays great opposite Brosnan's Bond character. Throw in some great CGI effects and you have an enjoyable 2 hours!

The widescreen transfer is as close to reference quality as you can get especially when viewed on a 16X9 TV set. The movie is framed at 2:40:1 aspect ratio, which is slightly wider then average, so viewing it on a regular TV set may cause you to squint. There is also a full screen version available as well, which is probably the best way to go in that case.

The sound is also reference quality as well with both a Dolby Digital EX Surround 5.1 track and a DTS ES one. Both offer great dynamics and really put your surrounds and LFE channels to the test.

To cap it off a second disc has been included just for the extras. There's a great documentary on the film, as well as several featurettes. The Madonna music video of the theme song is also included, and watch for her cameo in the movie.

MGM has really stepped up to the plate with their most extensive Bond DVD yet and has delivered one awesome package! Don't miss it!
 

Review By Harley Solomon