DVD Preview

National Treasure DVD

Nov. 12, 2004

By Kyra Kirkwood

DVD: a curse, or blessing? The cast and crew of Walt Disney Pictures' "National Treasure," opening nationwide Nov. 19, have varied opinions on the popular format, but no one doubts that this latest Jerry Bruckheimer actioner will someday produce a stellar disc.

In this treasure-hunting, "Indiana Jones"-style caper, Benjamin Franklin Gates (Nicolas Cage) is on a lifelong mission to discover the legendary Knights Templar Treasure hidden somewhere in America. He tirelessly follows clues found within the nation's historical monuments and documentsãlike the Declaration of Independenceãin hopes of uncovering this world treasure beyond imagination. The film also stars Jon Voight as Ben Gates' naysaying father, Diane Kruger as the National Archives conservator and newcomer Justin Bartha, Ben's tech-wiz sidekick.

Bruckheimer insisted on extensive historical research to ensure factual accuracy for "National Treasure," nearly guaranteeing a wealth of extras and behind-the-scenes featurettes on the DVD.

"What we're trying to get on there is a lot of historical references," said director Jon Turteltaub ("While You Were Sleeping").

Potential extras could include features on treasure huntingãespecially this treasure and current searches for itãAmerican history featurettes, bits about the founding fathers and extras on Masonic American history.

"And of course, crazy, funny outtakes," said Turteltaub.

Despite excitement for the future "National Treasure" disc, the overall format is up for debate. Bruckheimer loves DVDs, namely because they expose viewers to actors, genres and stories they might not have seen in theaters.

"Added bonuses give an audiences an understanding of how films are made, which is good, too," he said.

But Cage has a different view.

"DVDs are tricky," he explained. "DVDs onto themselves are fantastic. Where I think it becomes dangerousäis the narrations, the behind-the-scenes footageãit's the man behind the curtain in the 'Wizard of Oz.'

"It's destroying the work of art itself. It's destroying the illusion and the magic. Who really wants to see everything, see the strings? When I go to the movies, I want to see the illusion and lose myself in it. I'm afraid that too much of that gives away all of your secrets and takes away the mystery."