Never Say Never Again Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Never Say Never Again" on Blu-ray offers an appreciably upgraded experience, though it comes with notable inconsistencies. Presented in 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 with a 2.35:1 aspect ratio, the film shows a range of visual fidelity. The transfer reflects the quintessentially drab aesthetic typical of early eighties cinematography. The grain varies significantly, with special effects sequences and optical composites displaying heavier grain due to period-accurate techniques. Some scenes, particularly at 00:47:14 and 1:07:58, display pronounced softness and lack of detail, rendering backgrounds blurry and faces colorless. These issues highlight areas where the restoration didn't quite meet contemporary standards.

Despite these drawbacks, there are moments where the Blu-ray shines, delivering impressive resolutions that capture fine details in close-ups and mid-level camera shots. The movie's black levels are generally rich and stable, while shadow detail remains commendably above average. Colors, though slightly washed-out, maintain their integrity throughout most of the film, with only minor instances of digital noise and negligible speckles disrupting the visual experience. The print occasionally suffers from evident scratches and dirt, particularly during optical effects sequences, yet these are not pervasive enough to detract significantly from the overall presentation.

In summary, while "Never Say Never Again" does not attain the visual heights of the more meticulously restored EON Productions Bond films, this Blu-ray release is a marked improvement over prior versions. The high-quality encode ensures there are no visible compression artifacts, making it a favorable upgrade for collectors and enthusiasts. Though the film's aesthetic may not offer the visual splendor of more recent releases, its film-like quality provides an authentic viewing experience that aligns well with its historical context.

The audio presentation of "Never Say Never Again" on Blu-ray brings mixed results. The highlight is certainly the 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track, which delivers a substantial update from the original sound mix. Action sequences benefit from an immersive soundscape, with rear directional effects enriching the viewing experience. Dialogue is consistently clear and anchored to the center channel, while the front soundstage adequately carries the musical score, albeit one that remains somewhat disjointed. Despite its enhanced clarity and atmospheric layering, purists may find the sound rather dated compared to modern titles.

However, there are noticeable shortcomings in the audio quality. Reviewers have noted the track often feels like a 3.0 mix due to a lack of true surround activity and no significant deep bass extension. The general sound quality has been described as hollow and thin, with dialogue appearing flat and artificial, attributed to excessive ADR work. Additionally, sound effects and explosions come across as dull and unimpressive.

Interestingly, the Dolby Digital 2.0 track on the disc has provided an alternative that some listeners find slightly more dynamic, especially when decoded with ProLogic II processing. Yet, this lossy format's inherent limitations detract from the overall audio experience. While the new DTS-HD Master Audio track provides an updated sound mix, it misses the mark in delivering a fully engaging and sonically rich presentation for contemporary audiences.

The Blu-ray extras for "Never Say Never Again" offer a rich, though somewhat sparse, addition to the main feature, maintaining a professional tone with significant technical insights. The standout inclusion is the engaging feature-length audio commentary by Director Irvin Kershner and Bond historian Steven Jay Rubin. Rubin's historical annotations, although occasionally inaccurate, provide an informative layer, while Kershner's reflections on the legal and script challenges enrich the narrative. The trio of featurettes—"The Big Gamble," "Sean is Back," and "The Girls of Never Say Never Again"—add depth to the viewing experience, especially "The Big Gamble," which covers the film's beleaguered production history. Additionally, a quirky theatrical trailer and a photo gallery bolster the offering. Notably, this Blu-ray lacks exclusive content and omits the booklet from the 2001 DVD release.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Director Irvin Kershner and James Historian Steven Jay Rubin: In-depth discussion on production challenges and historical context.
• The Big Gamble: 16-minute documentary on legal issues and script development.
• Sean is Back: 8-minute feature with cast and crew reminiscing about Sean Connery.
• The Girls of Never Say Never Again: 10-minute feature on the female cast members' experiences.
• Theatrical Trailer: A 4:3 pan&scan TV spot.
• Photo Gallery: Slideshow of production photos.

"Never Say Never Again," Sean Connery's final outing as James Bond, offers a unique twist within the franchise's history. Born from a complex legal battle, this film stands outside the EON Productions lineage, yet retains the essence of 007. The plot mirrors that of "Thunderball": Bond must thwart SPECTRE's dastardly plan to ransom the world with hijacked nuclear warheads. Connery, reprising his role after a twelve-year hiatus, demonstrates a renewed vigor, balancing the charm and grit that originally defined the character.

Despite its unofficial status, "Never Say Never Again" holds its own through a mix of intense action and strong performances. Key sequences, such as underwater battles and motorcycle chases, are executed with aplomb, though some special effects are marred by dated bluescreen techniques. Klaus Maria Brandauer delivers a standout portrayal of Largo, striking a perfect balance between menace and realism. Connery's chemistry with Bernie Casey’s Felix Leiter and Kim Basinger’s Domino injects further credibility into this high-stakes adventure.

However, the film is not without its flaws. The lack of iconic Bond elements like the 007 logo, the signature theme, and the famous gun-barrel sequence can detract from its authenticity. The score by Michel Legrand and 80s aesthetics feel misplaced, contributing to a less timeless ambiance compared to other Bond films. Additionally, while Connery remains captivating, his physicality occasionally betrays his age. Nonetheless, "Never Say Never Again" proves to be an engaging and respectable addition to the Bond universe that showcases Connery’s lasting charisma.

"Never Say Never Again" presents itself as an intriguing entry in the James Bond franchise, notable for marking Sean Connery's final portrayal of the legendary spy. While it may not top the list of Bond films, it certainly provides a captivating and entertaining diversion that will appeal to die-hard fans. Connery’s charisma remains intact, offering a nostalgic charm especially appreciated by those familiar with his early Bond work. The Blu-ray version stands out as the most pristine presentation of the film to date, though it is marred by some instances of print damage that slightly detract from the viewing experience.

The video transfer is commendable, providing a generally good picture quality that enhances the viewing experience relative to previous formats. However, the audio track is less impressive, maintaining clarity but lacking the dynamism that modern audiences might expect. While it does offer some supplements, they are somewhat limited in depth, leaving ardent fans a bit underwhelmed. Despite these shortcomings, the Blu-ray offers the best visual representation of this unique Bond film.

In conclusion, "Never Say Never Again" on Blu-ray is a must-have for James Bond aficionados, particularly those who are partial to Sean Connery’s era. While it may not match up to the high standards set by other entries in the franchise, it serves as an enjoyable and nostalgic piece of cinematic history. Despite its imperfections, its nostalgic value and Connery's performance make it a worthy addition to any Bond collection.