On CLIPS In June, 2010
PRINCE OF PERSIA: THE SANDS OF TIME   

Prince Dastan (Jake Gyllenhaal) must protect an ancient dagger capable of affecting time in this movie based on a video game.

TRIVIA: Who is the creator/writer of the "Prince Of Persia" video game series?

Valiant Prince Dastan (Jake Gyllenhaal) teams with rival Princess Tamina (Gemma Arterton) to prevent a powerful enemy from unleashing a sandstorm that's capable of turning back time and changing history. In their possession is an ancient dagger, with limited control over time, which is needed to release the storm. "Prince Of Persia: The Sands Of Time" is a non-stop, energetic thrill ride with hardly a second to sit back and think. Based on a video game, this grand adventure feels like a game with obstacles to overcome at every turn. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Mike Newell ("Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire") deliver a blockbuster event with large-scale battles and eye-popping effects. It looks like a lot of money is up on the screen. Also up on the screen: a good cast. A buff Jake Gyllenhaal swashes and buckles with the best of them while Gemma Arterton is beautiful, in a non-Arabian sort of way, as a damsel who can take care of herself. This is a Hollywood fantasy - where authentic casting is rare. The face of Kathryn Grant didn't hurt "The 7th Voyage Of Sinbad". The very British Ben Kingsley lends a regal presence as Dastan's uncle Nizam, who may not have the adopted prince's welfare on his mind. Adding a bit of comic relief is Alfred Molina as Sheik Amar, the leader of a gang of thieves who joins forces with Dastan. No history lessons to be learned here, just a rollicking good time. "Prince Of Persia: The Sands Of Time" took me back to the matinee cinema of my youth.

The Blu-ray Way

Thanks to Blu-ray, the home viewing experience of "Prince Of Persia: The Sands Of Time" is equal to the theatrical presentation. It is a stunning visual and aural treat. If you don't own a Blu-ray player yet, the Combo Pack is the way to go. The standard DVD only includes the movie and one featurette. A wealth of extras inhabit the Blu-ray disc, marked by a unique interactive feature using the dagger to allow viewers access to many behind-the-scenes secrets. I do browse the extras, but duplicating my night at the theater is thrill enough for me.