I’m currently reviewing all the Nicolas Cage films that are available on Blu-ray. The film I’m looking at here is a mix of Dan Brown’s Robert Langdon film & Indiana Jones. So without further ado here’s my National Treasure blu-ray review.
- National Treasure (2004)
- Genre: Action, Adventure
- UK Rating PG
- Discs: 2 (Includes National Treasure 1 & 2)
- Released By Walt Disney
- Blu-ray Released 13 February 2012
Plot
The Gates family have a long association to national treasure hidden in America by the Founding Fathers and Freemasons. In fact Charles Carroll of Carrollton passed on a secret to their ancestor in 1832 which could lead to the location of the treasure. Benjamin Franklin Gates (Nicolas Cage) is a historian / cryptologist and is also the latest member of the family to pursue the lost treasure. He finds himself having to piece together several cryptic clues to the whereabouts, however he is not the only person searching for the lost treasure. It’s a race against time but who crack the puzzle that has remained since 1832?
Style / Direction
The film is directed by Jon Turteltaub with the cinematography side of things that’s taken care of by Caleb Deschanel. It’s all done in an exciting enough way that keeps the story flowing whilst allowing just enough time to get to know our main characters.
Music / Audio Effects
The music is composed by Trevor Rabin and it certainly provides the tension when required and also gives the film a sense of urgency. If I’m honest whilst it does its job rather well it probably not one I am going to remember an hour after watching the film.
Acting / Characters
Nicolas Cage plays Benjamin Franklin Gates an American historian and cryptologist that’s across between Dan Brown’s Robert Langdon and Indiana Jones. He plays the role well ensuring you are fully invested in his characters adventure right from the very start.
Backing up Cage is Justin Bartha as sidekick Riley Poole, this is where most of the humour and banter comes from. The two actors bounce off each off well and in doing so improve the film.
Next up is Diane Kruger as Dr. Abigail Chase an archivist at the National Archives that finds herself caught up in this bizarre treasure hunt. The character is pretty likable and adds the romance element the film would otherwise be lacking.
Sean Bean plays Ian Howe, a rival in the hunt for the treasure and man you really should steer clear of. It’s another typical performance from Bean, that’s not to say it’s bad he does the role rather well, it’s just you kind of know what to expect.
The film also boasts several other top actors including Jon Voight as Benjamin’s father Patrick and Christopher Plummer as his grandfather. Finally we have Harvey Keitel as Agent Peter Sadusky brought in following the loss of an item of historic and national importance.
It’s an outstanding cast and one that really delivers an extremely entertaining adventure ride.
Cast
- Nicolas Cage as Benjamin Franklin Gates
- Diane Kruger as Dr. Abigail Chase
- Justin Bartha as Riley Poole
- Sean Bean as Ian Howe
- Jon Voight as Patrick Henry Gates
- Harvey Keitel as Agent Peter Sadusky
- Christopher Plummer as John Adams Gates
Conclusion: National Treasure (2004) Film Review
If you are looking for a thoroughly entertaining adventure film in a similar vein to either Indiana Jones or The Da Vinci Code then look no further than National Treasure (2004). It really is a fun an enjoyable ride from start to finish. The acting is very good, the story interesting and its packed with plenty of action.
I highly recommend you take a look at this one if it has somehow passed you by.
If you like my National Treasure blu-ray review you may want to check out these films:
Conclusion: National Treasure Blu-ray Review
It’s time to take a look at the picture quality, the films from 2004 so there’s little to worry about as the image is sharp and clean. Now on to the extras and there’s quite a lot but it’s one of those interactive experience that just makes the whole process feel somewhat clumsy to access. If you really want to know about the Declaration of Independence then it may be worth your time if not I’d give the extras a miss.
Extras
- Audio Commentary
- Mission History: Inside The Declaration of Independence (68 mins)
- Deleted Scenes (16 mins)
- opening Scene Animatic (3 mins)
The Da Vinci Code meets Indiana Jones
Popcorn Cinema Rating: National Treasure (2004)
MOVIE RATING: WELL WORTH WATCHING
BLU-RAY RATING: EXCELLENT
EXTRAS: DECENT
POPCORN CINEMA: RECOMMENDED
National Treasure (2004) Blu-ray
National Treasure (2004) blu-ray is available now from Amazon.
The Amazon links on this page are affiliate / associate links. By buying through the links we may receive a commission for the sale. This has no effect on the price you pay.
National Treasure (2004) Trailer
For those of you yet to see the film I’ll leave you with a little taster…
Clip may not be representative of the blu-ray version
That concludes my National Treasure blu-ray review, if you have any thoughts on this film you can leave them over on our Facebook page.
Summary: National Treasure (2004) Blu-ray Review
Movie title: National Treasure (2004)
Director(s): Jon Turteltaub
Actor(s): Nicolas Cage, Justin Bartha, Sean Bean, Diane Kruger, Jon Voight, Harvey Keitel, Christopher Plummer
Genre: Adventure
- Movie Rating
- Blu-ray Picture Rating
- Extras
Summary
The Da Vinci Code meets Indiana Jones in this highly entertaining action adventure.
