Released, funnily enough, to coincide with the theatrical release of the next  Robert Langdon adventure Angels and Demons, The Da Vinci Code is arriving on Blu Ray for the first time. A double disc set, it’s the perfect opportunity to revel in a good thriller. The first disc contains the extended cut of the film and a first look at a scene from the upcoming sequel while disc two contains a wealth of extras.

The film itself remains excellent regardless how long ago you last saw it and  focuses on the adventures of Professor Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks). While giving a lecture on symbols in Paris, he is summoned to the Louvre to assist the authorities with their investigations into a mysterious murder. In actual fact he is the prime suspect and only realises when he is tipped off by Sophie Neveu (Audrey Tautou). What follows is a race against time across France and the UK to discover the Holy Grail and the truth about one of the most important figures in Christian lore. The film itself follows closely to the bestselling book with a few minor omissions and a slightly changed ending but it doesn’t matter. With a starstudded cast which also includes Ian McKellen, Jean Reno and Alfred Molina and locations like the Louvre, a fake Westminster Abbey and, of course, Roslin Chapel it’s a whirlwind film which grabs you during the opening murder and still has you in it’s grip during the final breathtaking scene.

But, unlike most other reviews, this review is not really about the film. Rather it’s a chance to focus on the extras-packed Blu Ray release. It goes without saying that the film looks superb in HD (what else did you expect?) but Sony Pictures Home Entertainment have really gotten on the Da Vinci Code bandwagon and put their heart and soul into making a really good release.

The BD-Live enabled disc means you can connect to the net via your Blu Ray player and the entire film feels fresh and brand new thanks to ‘Unlocking the Code’, a picture-in-picture feature which allows you to find symbols within the film and unlock all kinds of goodies, including  images, facts about the film and footage. There’s a map to track where Langdon and Sophie travel, storyboards mapping out important scenes and mini-featurettes on props. There’s also a load of interesting documentaries and featurettes, these includes ones looking at the locations used in the film, the music and score of the film, the actors, Robert Langdon himself and even a tete-a-tete with author Dan Brown himself. It goes without saying there is also a fascinating commentary track for selected scenes featuring director Ron Howard. 

On top of this there is, of course, a look at the new film Angels and Demons. This is probably the major reason many people will be picking up the disc. Ron Howard gives you a quick run through of his reasons for choosing the scene, which takes place midway through the movie, and then leaves you to enjoy it in piece. It’s a tension-filled sequence that will really make you want to book at seat at the nearest cinema and the perfect way to capitalise on the release of the next film.

This release of the Da Vinci Code is one of the best I’ve seen, not just for the quality of the film and extras but also for the little features like the menus. There’s plenty here for any Dan Brown fan to go nuts over and will keep them occupied until Angels and Demons hits Blu Ray, or at least the new book comes out later this year.