Crossplot Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Crossplot," courtesy of Imprint Films, offers a visually engaging experience enhanced by a meticulous 2K restoration. Originally shot on 35mm film with spherical lenses, the movie is presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 with a 1080p transfer using MPEG-4 AVC encoding. The restoration was sourced from an interpositive, which, while not as pristine as an original camera negative, delivers impressive clarity and pleasingly stable delineation across various scenes. The visual texture retains a fine organic appearance, despite some density fluctuations and slightly cooler overall temperature than ideal. Noteworthy is the film's vibrant color palette, capturing rich hues of greens, reds, yellows, and orange, bringing a psychedelic 1960s look to life.

The details in "Crossplot" are rendered with precision, showcasing features such as raindrops on car windows and the intricate patterns of clothing. This vividness extends to scenes featuring London locations and the kinetic energy of vintage car races and aerial pursuits, amplifying the lively cinematography by Brendan J. Stafford. The film's more dynamic elements, including rear projection shots and panoramic views, are handled effectively, allowing for an immersive viewing experience.

Imprint Films' effort in restoring and delivering "Crossplot" on Blu-ray deserves acknowledgment for its excellent production design quality. Although the interpositive source does introduce some minor imperfections, like grain inconsistency, it does not detract significantly from the overall enjoyment. The included featurette on the restoration process provides valuable insights into the technical efforts that went into enhancing this release, highlighting the commitment to preserving and revitalizing classic cinema in high definition for contemporary audiences.

The audio presentation of "Crossplot" on Blu-ray offers an English LPCM 2.0 mono mix, which is clear and stable in its delivery. Dialog is distinct, ensuring that viewers can easily follow conversations, despite the film's age. Although dynamic variety is somewhat limited, this characteristic aligns with expectations for a film of its era. The mix successfully conveys the action sequences, providing a satisfying auditory experience during scenes that involve elaborate interactions. Optional English SDH subtitles are available to supplement the viewing experience if needed.

A notable feature of this release is the professional audio commentary by Roger Moore's biographer, Gareth Owen, alongside film historian Henry Holland. They provide a wealth of insights into the film’s production, highlighting its connection to "The Saint" with crew overlap and its era-specific nuances. Their commentary offers context to "Crossplot's" modest theatrical impact and delves into Roger Moore's career motivations and decisions surrounding his role diversification. Anecdotes regarding tax laws and filming techniques, such as the use of rear projection and point-of-view camera work, enrich the viewer's understanding.

In terms of technical execution, the LPCM 2.0 track remains robust, though listeners may find it mixed at a lower volume level than contemporary standards. This can be easily remedied by increasing the volume setting slightly above normal listening levels. Despite this minor adjustment requirement, the mix handles ambient noise skillfully, particularly in complex scenes like protests where it maintains clarity amid background chatter. Action sequences involving gunfire and explosions are designed to deliver adequate impact without overwhelming variance, enhancing the overall auditory experience while maintaining appropriate sound balance.

The Blu-ray release of "Crossplot" is an impressive collection of extras that cater to both film enthusiasts and Roger Moore fans. Imprint's thoughtful curation adds depth to the movie experience, offering insights into the production and its historical context. The offerings include exclusive interviews, a detailed commentary by Gareth Owen and Henry Holland, and featurettes on restoration efforts, all presented without subtitles. Particularly notable is the program "Bond Practice," which highlights director Alvin Rakoff's experiences with Roger Moore, pre-James Bond era, alongside actors sharing personal anecdotes. The inclusion of archival materials and a visually appealing gallery further enriches the viewer's understanding of this film set against a backdrop of 1960s London, enhancing appreciation for its distinctive style and cultural significance.

Extras included in this disc:

• Restoring Crossplot: Insights into the restoration challenges.
• Bond Practice: Director Alvin Rakoff on casting and production nuances.
• Off the Charts: Actors recall their interactions and experiences.
• A Dressing Down: Francis Matthews' shooting incident recount.
• The New Look of Sixties London: Evolution of Paternoster Square.
• Textless Titles: Unadorned film credits.
• Trailer: Newly restored theatrical trailer.
• Gallery: Archival photos and promotional visuals.
• Commentary: Analytical insights by Gareth Owen and Henry Holland.
• Pressbook: Miniature reproduction of the original promotional material.

Alvin Rakoff's 1969 film Crossplot, now available on Blu-ray from Imprint Films, showcases Roger Moore fresh off his tenure as Simon Templar in The Saint. This fast-paced thriller, deftly restored with a new 2K transfer, presents Moore as Gary Fenn, an ad executive embroiled in a web of political intrigue. The film taps into elements Moore would later refine as James Bond, blending action, humor, and charisma with mixed effectiveness. The narrative embarks as Fenn tracks down the elusive model Marla Kogash (Claudie Lange) to salvage a professional blunder. Their journey through espionage-laden escapades equates to an uneven, yet nostalgic piece reflective of 1960s charm.

Crossplot thrusts viewers into a whirling melange of political escapades and romantic comedy, echoing the spirit of films like Charade and Arabesque. Moore's depiction of Fenn is marked by his typical charm, balancing the verbose absurdity of the era’s espionage motifs. However, the film struggles to maintain consistency in tone, failing to deliver as either a compelling thriller or a laugh-inducing comedy. The chemistry between Moore and Lange lacks the spark needed to elevate their dynamic beyond superficial exchanges. In contrast, Moore shares notable screen rapport with antagonist played by Martha Hyer, enriching moments with playful tension.

The film's climax subverts traditional expectations, crafting suspense through finely executed villainous schemes rather than heroic ingenuity. While commendable, this twist alone isn't enough to fully redeem Crossplot. The film is hindered by direction that wavers between seriousness and levity, leaning heavily on the inherent charms of its cast rather than a substantial narrative core. Still, Moore's performance reveals why he was destined for Bond—a testament to his commanding screen presence. Despite its narrative pitfalls, Crossplot adorns itself with stylish opening credits and an evocative soundtrack by John Rowles, cementing its position as a quirky relic of its time.

"Crossplot" emerges as a compelling piece that showcases Roger Moore in a delightful foreglow to his iconic role as James Bond. The film, akin to its '60s counterparts like "Charade," "Blindfold," and "Arabesque," melds espionage with comedy under Alvin Rakoff's direction. Moore's charismatic performance and inherent suave enable him to seamlessly embody an adman caught in a web of intrigue. Despite its derivative nature, the film entertains through Moore's smooth delivery, even if the narrative lacks clarity at times.

Beyond its entertaining narrative, "Crossplot" thrives as a nostalgic exploration of 1969 London, marking it as an historical curiosity. It stands as a testament to the era's cinematic exploration and evolving storytelling methods. While some might find the plot subdued, the film dazzles in its depiction of sexuality, reflecting the period’s boundary-pushing spirit. Rakoff manages to extract significant production value despite budget constraints, capturing intriguing aesthetics that contribute to its time-capsule allure.

The Blu-ray release by Imprint Films undoubtedly elevates "Crossplot" with a meticulous 2K restoration that enhances its visual and auditory appeal. The sound mix complements the restored visuals impeccably, presenting viewers with an immersive cinematic experience. A robust selection of exclusive bonus features enriches this edition, including an insightful program with Alvin Rakoff. Overall, the release is highly recommended for enthusiasts of classic cinema and Roger Moore fans eager to appreciate one of his pivotal early roles.