...one of the best of Moore's Bond flicks, complemented by its exotic locales and outer-space motif.
Audio:
The Dolby Digital 5.1 audio was apparently remixed from an original multi-track source, and it exhibits a good left-to-right spread. Directionality in the surround channels is minimal but effective. There is a bit of edginess accompanying the sound, a moderate scratchiness, plus a small degree of background noise when played at volume. Since there are not a lot of quiet passages, it shouldn't be a problem.
Extras:
This Special 007 Edition contains the usual assortment of goodies. It starts with an audio commentary with director Lewis Gilbert, cast, and crew. Then, there's a forty-two minute documentary, "Inside Moonraker," that is one of the best and most informative of its kind, with recent cast and crew interviews, behind-the-scenes enlightenment, and a multitude of reminiscences. In addition, there's a twenty-minute documentary, "The Men Behind the Mayhem," that details scores of special effects in Bond thrillers from "Dr. No" to "The World Is Not Enough," followed by a tribute to all of the special effects artists who contributed to each of the Bond films in turn. An extensive still gallery, an eight-page informational booklet insert, thirty-two scene selections, and a theatrical trailer are all presented on a beautifully animated menu. English and French are the spoken languages, French and Spanish the subtitles.
Parting Thoughts:
All told, "Moonraker" may not match the best Sean Connery vehicles, but it ranks with the better of Moore's efforts, nonetheless. It is certainly among the most beautiful of the series to look at, and in its new trappings it makes a commendable addition to one's 007 video library. "Moonraker" is available either individually or in a boxed set with "From Russia With Love," "You Only Live Twice," "Diamonds Are Forever," "For Your Eyes Only," "The Living Daylights," and "The World Is Not Enough."
The Dolby Digital 5.1 audio was apparently remixed from an original multi-track source, and it exhibits a good left-to-right spread. Directionality in the surround channels is minimal but effective. There is a bit of edginess accompanying the sound, a moderate scratchiness, plus a small degree of background noise when played at volume. Since there are not a lot of quiet passages, it shouldn't be a problem.
Extras:
This Special 007 Edition contains the usual assortment of goodies. It starts with an audio commentary with director Lewis Gilbert, cast, and crew. Then, there's a forty-two minute documentary, "Inside Moonraker," that is one of the best and most informative of its kind, with recent cast and crew interviews, behind-the-scenes enlightenment, and a multitude of reminiscences. In addition, there's a twenty-minute documentary, "The Men Behind the Mayhem," that details scores of special effects in Bond thrillers from "Dr. No" to "The World Is Not Enough," followed by a tribute to all of the special effects artists who contributed to each of the Bond films in turn. An extensive still gallery, an eight-page informational booklet insert, thirty-two scene selections, and a theatrical trailer are all presented on a beautifully animated menu. English and French are the spoken languages, French and Spanish the subtitles.
Parting Thoughts:
All told, "Moonraker" may not match the best Sean Connery vehicles, but it ranks with the better of Moore's efforts, nonetheless. It is certainly among the most beautiful of the series to look at, and in its new trappings it makes a commendable addition to one's 007 video library. "Moonraker" is available either individually or in a boxed set with "From Russia With Love," "You Only Live Twice," "Diamonds Are Forever," "For Your Eyes Only," "The Living Daylights," and "The World Is Not Enough."
Average user rating (1-5):
[release]4354[/release]