The Da Vinci Code
Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
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Famed symbologist Professor Robert Langdon is called to the Louvre museum one night where a curator has been murdered, leaving behind a mysterious trail of symbols and clues. With his own survival at stake, Langdon, aided by the police cryptologist Sophie Neveu, unveils a series of stunning secrets hidden in the works of Leonardo Da Vinci, all leading to a covert society dedicated to guarding an ancient secret that has remained hidden for 2000 years. The pair set off on a thrilling quest through Paris, London and Scotland, collecting clues as they desperately attempt to crack the code and reveal secrets that will shake the very foundations of mankind.

So that's what all the hype's about. Huh. Call me disappointed. Call me bored. It actually took me three tries to finally get through Ron Howard's interpretation of the controversial best seller The Da Vinci Code. The first two tries I fell asleep. The third go around I managed to keep my eyes open. And that's having read the book beforehand.

Although I wasn't a huge fan of the book, it was certainly interesting in how it took historic facts and controversies to weave an intriguing novel filled with action and ideas. But in a book, there's room for pages and pages of description and analysis. Put it on the screen and not even Tom Hanks can make it exciting.

The Da Vinci Code is well crated from a technical standpoint but it can't overcome how dreadfully boring and tedious it is.

Video: How's it look?
The copy used to review this film was the full screen version, so to give a complete and accurate view of the video quality is tainted as the whole picture isn't there. There is, however, a separate widescreen release. The picture quality of the full screen version is top notch. Everything is crisp and clear without any traces of scuffs or grime.

Audio: How's it sound?
The Da Vinci Code sounds great, which is a good thing considering I liked the score better than most everything else. The film is presented in English, French and Spanish 5.1 Digital Surround as well as a separate English Dolby Surround track.

Extras: What additional goodies are included?

• "First Day on the Set with Ron Howard" offers the director's perspective on how the film came together at the beginning.
• "A Discussion with Dan Brown" provides a short look at the man who originally penned the mammoth best seller.
• Robert Langdon, the main character in the film, and how Tom Hanks came to portray him are explored in "A Portrait of Langdon."
• "Who is Sophie Neveu?" traces the female lead of the film and in the book.
• Bad guys are the focus for "Unusual Suspects."
• "Magical Places" maps out the film's locales.
• "Close Up on Mona Lisa" talks about the most famous painting in the world and its role in the story.
• "A Filmmaker's Journey" is a two-part featurette that combines to become a pretty traditional making-of piece.
• "The Codes of the Da Vinci Code" shines a light on the symbols and codes inserted into the film to add some depth and meaning for treasure hunters out there (or you can watch this featurette and get the answers).
• "The Music of The Da Vinci Code" is pretty obvious. It looks at the creation of the score by Hans Zimmer.
• DVD-ROM demo for a puzzle game based on the film/story.
• Trailers and previews for Casino Royale, The Pursuit of Happyness, The Holiday, Ghost Rider, Spider-man 3, Curse of the Golden Flower, Gridiron Gang, Open Season, All the King's Men, Click, Talladega Night: The
• Legend of Ricky Bobby, Seinfeld: Season Seven, and a highlight of upcominh Blu-Ray releases.
  English, French and Spanish subtitles.

Closing Thoughts
Although it has a couple of moments of intrigue and suspense, The Da Vinci Code is largely boring. Having read the book, it made some sense, but I can see how the large amounts of talking and explanation would be confusing to those who might not have. Even with the many featurettes on the film's second disc, this is still a disappointing DVD.


Review brought to you by our friend Ryan @ Movie-Views.com