Blu-ray Review: Taken

Sometimes, there are creative duos that you only dream about in feature films: Marlon Brando with James Gandolfini, Linda Hamilton with Sigourney Weaver, Sidney Poitier with Denzel Washington, and Optimus Prime with Batman. People may not have dreamt about the teaming up of actor Liam Neeson with Director Pierre Morel, but the match can only be described as a dream come true. “Taken” is a prime example of how a slightly above average script can be transformed into an unforgettable film experience, by combining brilliant acting with superb directing.

“Taken” stars Liam Neeson as retired spy and father Bryan Mills. When his daughter is kidnapped, Bryan must use the skills of his past life to save her. Unfortunately, he only has ninety-six hours to save his daughter before she is either killed or sold into slavery.

You’ve heard the story before: a retiree forced back into a world that made him a social recluse to save a loved one. What makes “Taken” different from any other film, however, is Liam Neeson and Director Pierre Morel. Neeson creates a character that is chilling to observe in his deliberate executions of torture and death, while constantly maintaining his endearing father-figure persona. With each heart-pounding moment you will sense Bryan’s love for his daughter in his eyes, as well as the malicious actions he’s willing to do in order to protect that love. This is only augmented by Morel’s style of directing. Nothing is over done. Morel takes advantage of Neeson’s style of acting with absolute trust. This movie could have easily felt like a 80s Arnold Schwarzenegger flick, but instead will become a movie that will be remembered for decades.

The DVD is packed with bonus features, most notably the Black Ops Field Manual. You can watch both the film with a graphical overlay, showing the body count, injury total, and also satellite positioning of each of Bryan’s actions. It reminded me of Hot Shots Part Deux, when they did the body count – just without the added slapstick factor.

“Taken” is a magnificent blend of stellar acting and first-rate directing. The film is a must own and belongs on the shelf of any movie watcher.

Special Features:
Disc 1
- Includes both the Theatrical and Extended Cut of the Film
- Extended Cut Audio Commentary by Director Pierre Morel, Cinematographer Michel Abramowicz and Car Stunt Supervisor Michel Julienne
- Extended Cut Audio Commentary by Co-Screenwriter Robert Mark Kamen
- Le Making-of Featurette
- Avant Premiere Featurette
- Inside Action Sidey-by-Side Scene Comparisons
- Black Ops Field Manual

Disc 2
- Digital Copy