Die Hard with a Vengeance (2007)

The follow up to the follow up as they say. This film sees the introduction of some help for the picked upon McClane in the form of Zeus, an unlikely hero to say the least. Things get complicated when McClane is told to go to Harlem wearing a board which has an anti-black slogan written on it. Its all part of a game set up by "Simon" which in the end makes McClane run all over the city trying to find bombs. Unfortunately for Zeus, who tries to stop McClane from "getting himself killed", he has to tag along on the orders of Simon

Although, not the best of the trilogy, the first is still the best, its not a bad film by a long chalk, its none stop action from start to finish with some great comedy moments thrown in. Just look out for the scene where McClane and Zeus jump off a bridge and hit one of the bad guys.

The picture quality of the R2 disc is easily the best of the three films with a clarity not seen in the pictures of the other two. The R1 version can be grainy and disappointing at times, especially during some of the rain scenes which seem to cause problems. There can also be occasions when 'whiskers' appear. However, these problems look like to be in the minority as any dark scenes really shine with the aqueduct scenes especially standing out.

Sound wise things are actually very good, surround is used almost everywhere you would expect with a standout moment in the police precinct, where phones ring and people chatter incessantly in the background...You could almost be there...Well, okay maybe not, but it is good use of surround. The music at the beginning should also get a mention, and although its not my type of music, it struck me as being particularly clear and bassy with some atmospheric sound effects subtly thrown in.

You only have to look at the extras to see which is the recommended version, plus the fact the R1 edition has not been cut to achieve a 15 certificate. This film is distributed by Buena Vista whereas the previous two films were distributed by Fox. Whilst Fox made an effort with some extras and an anamorphic transfer, Buena Vista, who tend to be misers when it comes to R2 films, have thoughtlessly assumed that this film would sell itself.