DVD Review: Quantum of Solace 2-Disc Edition
Latest Action Packed Bond Film Hits DVD Loaded with Extras
Apr 3, 2009
Having earned the right to proudly take over the mantle of Ian Fleming's popular British Secret Service Agent from the original five actors, Daniel Craig continues to create a path of destruction in this unusual concept in the Bond Franchise, that of a direct sequel to the previous film.
Quantum of Solace Brief Overview
(Note: To read a fully detailed review of the film, click here for the theatrical review)
James Bond (Craig) is on the warpath, looking to bring in the nefarious Mr. White (Jesper Christensen), who is likely responsible for the death of Vesper Lynd, Bond's love interest from Casino Royale. As he brings in White to see M (Dame Judi Dench) for a full interrogation, Bond and MI6 learn of the existence of a secret group called Quantum, which has plans to control the world through clever manipulation of resources and governments.
When it becomes apparent that Quantum even has people inside MI6, Bond is dispatched to find out as much about them as possible, while keeping his urge to seek revenge in check. With the indirect help of CIA agent Felix Leiter (Jeffrey Wright), and the eventual support of the sultry girlfriend Camille (Olga Kurylenko), Bond manages to get a few steps closer to a major member of the Quantum group, an environmental activist named Dominic Greene (Mathieu Amalric), who is as intelligent as he is devious.
The film moves fairly quickly, and rarely slows down for plot development. Dench's character M even jokes at one point, that Bond should try and not kill every lead he happens to follow up on. Nevertheless, this isn't your mom's Roger Moore Bond. Craig is just as efficient and cold as what Fleming originally intended in his novels, and the audience gets its money's worth, in terms of lightning quick fight sequences, car chases, and explosions. In short, everything that fans have come to expect.
Quantum of Solace 2-Disc Edition Bonus Features
Given the heavy load of action sequences in this film, Swiss director Marc Forster has a lot to say about the many difficulties that come with carrying out such a satisfying action piece. To that effect, the good people at MGM have loaded this two-disc set with tons of featurettes, ranging from the stunts (car and boat chases galore), to location filming (no Bond film ever stays in one place), and even a piece on the director's process in making his Bond film.
The first disc merely boasts trailers and the ever present music video (this time by Jack White and Alicia Keys), the good stuff is all on Disc Two. Beware, however, some clips and quotes from some of the featurettes tend to come back in the others, so the overall experience of seeing all of the bonuses, might trigger some sense of deja vu.
The film has a crisp video transfer (goodness knows how incredible it must look on Blu-ray), and the audio is at par with the vivid colors on screen. This film is yet another fine addition to the Bond series, despite a nonthreatening villain, whose plan comes off as more dangerous than he could ever be.
7 out of 10 for decent sustained action, but for having a mediocre villain. Bonus points for the tons of decent extras.
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