Unknown DVD/Blu-ray Combo Pack

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Unknown DVD/Blu-ray Combo Pack
By Chris Zimmerman
June 27, 2011 - 02:46

Writer(s): Oliver Butcher, Stephen Cornwell
ISBN: 0-7806-6562-7
$35.99 US
Starring: Liam Neeson, January Jones, Diane Kruger, Frank Langella
Directed by: Jaume Collet-Serra
Produced by: Joel Silver, Leonard Goldberg, Andrew Rona
Running Time: 113 minutes
Release Date: June 21, 2011
Rating: PG13
Distributors: Warner Home Video

Ever since the unexpected success of Taken, Liam Neeson has dispensed with the distinguished roles with which he is usually associated and taken on a more raw action oriented role akin to that Jason Bourne. Unknown has been viewed by many as a companion piece to Taken, utilizing a similar premise but sprinkling in just enough mystery and intrigue to separate it from its more well known cousin. Whereas Taken was action-centric, unknown tends to focus on the bigger conspiracy taking shape around Neeson’s character.

The film is set in Berlin, where Doctor Martin Harris (Neeson) and his spouse Liz (played by January Jones) arrives for an important biotech gathering for which Doctor Harris is responsible for presenting. Before they are afforded a chance to settle in, they realize one of their bags is missing, prompting Harris to hop a cab and head back to the airport. One freak accident later and Harris awakens four days later with his existence virtually erased. Not even his wife recognizes him.

Further compounding matters is the appearance of another individual claiming to be Doctor Martin Harris who appears to have claimed Neeson’s identity as his own. Having lost his wife and his identity, Harris struggles to hold onto his sanity, wandering the city while a slew of unknown assailants stalk him.

What follows is the Jason Bourne effect, with Harris’ memories slowly finding their way back to him with action sequences and car chases in tow. Think of every generic action film and just Neeson in the starring role; that’s pretty much what Unknown adds up to: A well acted hitchcockian thriller employing nearly two hours of car chases, explosions, and bare-knuckle scrapes.

Neeson absorbs himself into the role of action hero, turning in a tough as nails, yet deeply tortured persona that adds a human touch. While parts of his performance seem to be lifted straight out of Taken, Neeson is good enough at what he does to keep audiences distracted from his one-note character.

The film arrives courtesy of a DVD/ Blu-ray combo pack surprisingly the bonus features are rather sparse. What we have here barely comes in at ten minutes. First up is a short feature titled “Liam Neeson: Known Action Hero”, featuring a blend of behind the scenes footage and clips from the film covering his transformation into an action star. Next up is “Unknown: What is Known?” This is mostly just an overview of the film and like the other featurette, hampered by its short runtime. The lack of substantial extras makes the release feel like an afterthought.

Despite it’s obvious similarities to Taken, Unknown is a solid enough film to stand on its own. While it won’t set the public on fire like the aforementioned movie, it’s a descent little flick that allows Neeson to cut loose and crack some jaws. Given the lack of bonus features and the unoriginal premise, the purchase of the film is questionable, though fans of Taken and the Bourne franchise will find plenty to keep them entertained.

B