If it doesn't live up to its illustrious predecessors...well, it still has Connery, and that's a plus in anybody's book.
Audio:
The audio, too, is erratic. "Thunderball" was apparently the first of the Bond films to be recorded in stereo; remastered in Dolby Digital 5.1 it presents a decent, if narrow front-speaker spread, some interesting rear-channel effects, and added impact and clarity over the earlier mono of the series. However, the sonics are somewhat bright, hard, and edgy, with an annoying tendency to sound louder in the musical passages than in the dialogue. The result is that you might have to readjust your volume control several times to find a proper compromise setting that makes voices loud enough to be heard without blowing your shoelaces off when music and special effects take over.
Extras:
As with all of MGM's new special-edition Bonds, this one has a ton of extras, starting with a clever, animated menu design. Within, one will find two pages of bonus items. A pair of full-feature commentaries head the bill, one a compilation of insights by the late director, Terence Young, and others, and a second with more members of the cast and crew. Two documentaries on the making of the film are included and one featurette, as well as an extensive stills gallery and a series of TV, radio, and theatrical trailers. Finally, MGM insert their usual informative booklet into the case. Language choices are English and French (monaural only); subtitles are English and French; and scene selections number an impressive fifty-two.
Parting Thoughts:
"Thunderball" seems more prolonged than its two hours and ten minutes, maybe because by the fourth issue the franchise was already showing signs of wearing thin. Later, more gimmicks and jokes would be added, and more recently special effects have taken over. But Connery will always be 007, and even at a leisurely pace he exudes more screen charisma than any subsequent Bond ever has. Recommended? Of course.
"Thunderball" may be purchased separately or in a boxed set that includes "On Her Majesty's Secret Service," "Live and Let Die," "A View to a Kill," "Die Another Day," and "Octopussy."
The audio, too, is erratic. "Thunderball" was apparently the first of the Bond films to be recorded in stereo; remastered in Dolby Digital 5.1 it presents a decent, if narrow front-speaker spread, some interesting rear-channel effects, and added impact and clarity over the earlier mono of the series. However, the sonics are somewhat bright, hard, and edgy, with an annoying tendency to sound louder in the musical passages than in the dialogue. The result is that you might have to readjust your volume control several times to find a proper compromise setting that makes voices loud enough to be heard without blowing your shoelaces off when music and special effects take over.
Extras:
As with all of MGM's new special-edition Bonds, this one has a ton of extras, starting with a clever, animated menu design. Within, one will find two pages of bonus items. A pair of full-feature commentaries head the bill, one a compilation of insights by the late director, Terence Young, and others, and a second with more members of the cast and crew. Two documentaries on the making of the film are included and one featurette, as well as an extensive stills gallery and a series of TV, radio, and theatrical trailers. Finally, MGM insert their usual informative booklet into the case. Language choices are English and French (monaural only); subtitles are English and French; and scene selections number an impressive fifty-two.
Parting Thoughts:
"Thunderball" seems more prolonged than its two hours and ten minutes, maybe because by the fourth issue the franchise was already showing signs of wearing thin. Later, more gimmicks and jokes would be added, and more recently special effects have taken over. But Connery will always be 007, and even at a leisurely pace he exudes more screen charisma than any subsequent Bond ever has. Recommended? Of course.
"Thunderball" may be purchased separately or in a boxed set that includes "On Her Majesty's Secret Service," "Live and Let Die," "A View to a Kill," "Die Another Day," and "Octopussy."
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[release]3018[/release]