Hard-hitting 'Bourne Ultimatum' pulls no punches

"The Bourne Ultimatum" -- This cinematic shot of adrenaline is not just the best of the Bourne films, but also the best thriller I've seen in years. Director Paul Greengrass strips his narrative of every ounce of fat, then delivers the story with a punishing hand-held camera style that will leave you breathless as the final credits roll. Jason Bourne is a former CIA killer who suffers from amnesia. In this third film in the series, Bourne travels all over the world trying to find out who he was before being turned into an assassin, all while being pursued by amoral CIA man Noah Vosen and his agents. The action set pieces are stunning, none more so than the brutal fistfight between Bourne and a CIA hitman out to kill him. Matt Damon again does wonders with the role of Jason Bourne, making us care about someone we know virtually nothing about. Is "Ultimatum" a perfect film? No. The plot sometimes gets confusing, and it would be nice if Bourne showed a bit more wear-and-tear after his fights and chases. Quibbles aside, this is a smart and exciting thriller. The DVD includes an engaging Greengrass commentary and informative featurettes that explore different aspects of the production. The one extra it lacks is the theatrical trailer, which would seem like a no-brainer. Shouldn't every DVD come with one? (PG-13; Universal, $28.98)

"Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" (two-disc special edition) -- The fifth entry in the Harry Potter film franchise is something of a disappointment, but I wonder if that's mainly because it follows the superb installments directed by Alfonso Cuaron ("Harry Potter and the Prizoner of Azkaban") and Mike Newell ("Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire"). Viewed on its own, "Phoenix" is a satisfying adventure film with some top-shelf acting and a fantastic climax. David Yates, a respected British television director, sits behind the camera for this chapter, which shows a maturing Harry preparing a group of fellow Hogwarts students for battle against Lord Voldemort and his evil followers. Trying to thwart Harry is new Hogwarts teacher Dolores Umbridge, an official from the Ministry of Magic, the governing body trying to suppress the fact that Voldemort has returned. Yates and screenwriter Michael Goldenberg (taking his first crack at a Potter film) had the daunting task of turning the longest of all the Potter novels into a coherent movie, and they don't always succeed. The first act lurches awkwardly from scene to scene, assaulting the viewer with a confusing barrage of characters and plot points. The film gains steam as it progresses, though, and the final battle between Harry's army and Voldemort's followers is a doozy. Daniel Radcliffe delivers another strong performance as Harry, and Imelda Staunton makes Umbridge a deliciously vile combination of Darth Vader and Nurse Ratched. "Phoenix" is not as good as its immediate predecessors, but it's a solid addition to the Potter franchise. The film looks great on DVD, and the extras on the two-disc special edition are fine, if not spectacular. If bonus materials aren't your thing, I'd stick with the single-disc version that's also available. (PG-13; Warner Home Video, $34.99)

"Interview" -- Pierre Peders is a war journalist contemptuous of his latest assignment; he has to interview Katya, a hot and self-absorbed young actress famous more for who she's sleeping with than for the performances she gives in cheap horror films. The two end up spending a long night in Katya's loft, talking and arguing and drinking and lying to one another. "Interview" is an intense, theatrical two-person drama in the mold of "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" The acting is superb. Pale, sunken-eyed Steve Buscemi (who also directed) delivers another warts-and-all portrait of a weaselly but charismatic man, while Sienna Miller nails the role of the spoiled (and scheming) actor. Their chemistry lifts the movie past its occasionally predictable script. If you're burned out on Hollywood thrillers and fantasy flicks, sign up for "Interview." The DVD includes a Buscemi commentary. (R; Sony, $24.96)