Die Hard: The Ultimate Collection (Die Hard / Die Hard 2 / Die Hard With A Vengeance)

"Die Hard" begins with hard - boiled police officer John McClane (Willis) arriving in Los Angeles to join his estranged wife Holly (Bonny Bedelia) and his kids for Christmas. He meets her at Nakatomi Plaza, a 40 - foot skyscraper, as well his wife's office building. They plan to go home as soon as the Christmas party ends. McClane is hoping that maybe he and Holly will even reconcile. However, these plans go awry when a group of Russian terrorists led by Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman in a showstealing role). Holding the building hostage and executing the boss, McClane knows that he has to spring into action and rescue his wives as well as thousands of other hostages. What entails is nonstop action: great shootouts, great lines (Yippe - ky - a, well you know the rest) and the powerful ending. Also included is "Family Matters"' Reginald Vel Johnson as Sgt. Al Powell, who brings comic relief as John's only friend outside the building. So buckle up, it's going to be an exciting ride.

McTernian was absent for 1990's "Die Hard 2: Die Harder". Director Renny Harlin was called in to hlm this blockbuster sequel. It takes place in Washington D.C., exactly one year at Dulles International Airport. Willis and Bedellia return as John and Holly. They've reconciled and are spending Christmas with each other. John awaits Holly's arrival impatiently, especially since her landing time keeps getting delayed. To make matters worse, terrorists have seized control of the entire airport, holding thousands of travellers hostage from thousands of feet above the ground - including Holly. Once more, John must get out his pistol and shoot whatever s.o.b comes within 10 feet of him. Great action.

After a 5 - year hiatus, Willis returned to the role that launched his career in "Die Hard With A Vengeance". Also returning is John McTernian, the man who made the first "Die Hard" a classic. Absent this time are Bonny Bedelia and Reginald Vel Johnson. John is now on the streets of New York, the city where he started. Holly's at home. One hot summer day, a bomb suddenly goes off, and McClane is taunted by the shady Simon (Jeremy Irons). After a while, McClane learns that Simon is the brother of Hans Gruber, the villian from the first film. With the help of a civillian named Zeus (Samuel L. Jackson in the second of three movies he teamed with Willis), McClane leads on a wild ride through the deadly streets of New York.

I highly recommend the purchase of this set, especially if you're a fan of action movies. It will have you thrilled and even laughing. Yippe - ky - a!

1988's "Die Hard" is where it all began. Hardened New York City cop John McClane (Bruce Willis) just wants to fly out to L.A. and spend Christmas with his kids and his estranged wife Holly (Bonny Bedelia). But when he goes to meet his wife at her work station at Nakatomi Plaza, things go awry. A group of Russian terrorists led by Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman in his best pre - Harry Potter role). They kill the office's head boss and hold everyone hostage - including Holly. McClane goes out on a limb with only his gun and his cunning to protect him. What ensues is nonstop, heartstopping action and some great moments of humor. Also in this film is Reginald VelJohnson, the star of the longrunning tv show "Family Matters".

McTernian was absent for 1990's "Die Hard 2: Die Harder". so Renny Harlin was tapped to direct. Willis, Bedelia and VelJohnson were the only original castmemebers for this one. In this one, McClane is at a Wshington D.C. airport waiting for Holly's plane to land. While waiting, he gets involved in a shootout that results in death and has an argument with an imcompetent police chief (Dennis Franz). Worse, he gets word that a group of terrorists are planning to take over the airport and free a drug lord. All this chaos throws McClane back into action. This causes flights to be delayed, and many planes are running low on fuel - including Holly's. While not as good as the first one, this one has enough thrills and comedy to satisfy.

After a five - year absence forom the screen, 1995 saw "Die Hard With A Vengeance" released. This is one is my personal favorite. Willis once more plays McClane. This one is quite different from he first two. First, the plot has nothing to do with Holly (Bonny Bedelia). In fact, Holly isn't even this film at all. Second, this film has McClane in his official city of work, New York. Still, it's a great movie. In this one, a bomber named Simon (Jeremy Irons) is targeting McClane for a delightful game of cat and mouse (wait until you find out why). So McClane once again goes out on a limb to risk his life for innocent people. Only, this time he has help from a reluctant civillian (Samuel L. Jackson). Once more, heartstopping action and hilarious humor fills the movie.

Extras include documentaries, tarilers and comentaries. This a great collection movies that I highly recommend. Also recommended is the "Lethal Weapon" boxed set and the "Dirty Harry" boxed set.