From Russia with Love Blu-ray Review
Score: 64
from 2 reviewers
Review Date:
High praise for 'From Russia With Love' Blu-ray; a must-have for Bond fans, featuring exceptional restoration and extras.
Disc Release Date
DTS-HD MA
Video: 70
'From Russia With Love' shines in 1080p on Blu-ray with its original aspect ratio, stunning detail, and vivid colors, making this 46-year-old film look remarkably fresh. Minor issues like edge enhancement don't detract from its impressive restoration.
Audio: 50
MGM's 'From Russia With Love' features a remastered 5.1 DTS-HD sound mix that is impressively updated yet reveals its age with minor audio imperfections, offering an authentic surround experience alongside the original mono option.
Extra: 71
From Russia With Love's special features offer deep dives into the film's history, culture, and production, with standout commentaries and interviews enhanced by vintage content and no Blu-ray exclusives.
Movie: 81
From Russia With Love," a 1963 hit, expanded Bond's world with thrilling espionage, introducing iconic villains, gadgets, and locations, solidifying 007's cinematic legacy.
Video: 70
The Blu-ray presentation of "From Russia with Love" is a testament to the meticulous restoration efforts by MGM and Lowry Digital Images, bringing a 46-year-old classic vividly into the high definition era. Encoded with the AVC MPEG-4 codec and preserving the film's original 1.66:1 aspect ratio, this 1080p release showcases an impressive clean-up job, eliminating print damage and presenting the movie in its best light yet. Details are remarkably sharp, from the intricate stitching of Bond's wardrobe to the three-dimensional forms in the opening titles. Colors are robust and clean, though they retain a charming hint of their era's palette, and the contrast levels provide deep blacks and excellent shadow detail, adding depth and clarity.
There are minor flaws noted, such as occasional instances of edge enhancement and light edge ringing in a few shots – none of which significantly detract from the viewing experience. Moreover, while the grain structure remains intact, ensuring an authentic filmic texture, there are rare moments where it appears momentarily frozen due to digital noise reduction processes. Despite these slight issues, the overall video quality is astonishing for a film of its age, with none of the digital artifacts or anomalies often associated with lower-quality transfers.
This Blu-ray not only resurrects "From Russia with Love" for a contemporary audience but does so with such finesse that it's easy to forget the film's vintage. The balance between maintaining filmic integrity and leveraging modern restoration techniques is masterfully achieved, making this release a joy for Bond aficionados and cinephiles alike. The presence of fine details, depth-enhancing contrast, and vivid colors all contribute to a viewing experience that is, in essence, a visual celebration of one of Bond's most iconic adventures.
Audio: 50
MGM's release of "From Russia With Love" on Blu-ray offers an immersive audio experience that breathes new life into this classic James Bond film. The main attraction is the remastered 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio surround track, which, despite showcasing some limitations inherent in the original 1960s recording technology, provides a rich and engaging soundscape. While the rear directional effects and surround activity add a modern touch, aficionados might occasionally notice a slight hissing during quieter moments and a metallic edge to some action sequences. Nevertheless, these minor imperfections do not detract significantly from the overall experience. The dialogue remains clear for the most part, and the film's iconic score sounds surprisingly fresh, making it evident that significant effort has gone into updating this film's auditory presentation.
For purists or those seeking a more authentic auditory experience, MGM has also included the original monaural soundtrack in Dolby Digital 1.0. This option offers a stark contrast to the updated 5.1 mix, providing listeners with a taste of how the film originally sounded upon its release. While the mono track might be bright and somewhat harsh during louder scenes, it is arguably more fitting to the film's period and charm. The 5.1 remix, while tasteful and restrained in its use of ambient sounds and directional cues—like the effective train noises from the Orient Express scenes—does have moments where its execution falls short, such as the less convincing directional pans during the helicopter attack scene.
Choosing between the mono and 5.1 options depends largely on personal preference and the type of viewing experience one desires. While some may lean towards the authentic feel of the mono track, others will undoubtedly appreciate the depth and clarity offered by the 5.1 remix. Despite a few forgivable flaws in the 5.1 mix, notably with certain action sequences not living up to their potential, "From Russia With Love" presents a sound profile that is both remarkably preserved and thoughtfully enhanced, satisfying both audiophiles and Bond fans alike.
Extras: 71
The Blu-ray extras for "From Russia With Love" cumulatively offer an enriching behind-the-scenes look that spectacularly contextualizes the film within its era, revealing the production's extraordinary challenges and triumphs. The standout commentary by producer John Cork pulls together historical sound bites from director Terence Young and several cast and crew members, illustrating the collaborative spirit behind the film's creation. The inclusion of Ian Fleming's interviews adds a layer of authenticity and insight, particularly highlighting his views on James Bond's character. Additionally, the "Inside From Russia With Love" documentary narrated by Patrick Macnee adeptly navigates through the film's production hurdles including on-set accidents and script dilemmas, enriched by vivid vintage clips. Extras like the animated storyboard sequence for the boat chase climax and various interviews and biographical materials on Harry Saltzman deepen the appreciation for the film's legacy. Importantly, there are no Blu-ray exclusives, but the inclusion of all content from the 2006 Ultimate Edition DVD ensures a comprehensive package.
Extras included in this disc:
Feature Audio Commentary: Hosted by Producer John Cork with insights from Director Terence Young and cast/crew.
Ian Fleming: The CBC Interview: Fleming discusses James Bond and personal experiences.
Ian Fleming and Raymond Chandler: Audio interview covering differences between American and British thrillers.
Ian Fleming on Desert Island Discs: Fleming shares his military background and writing routine.
Inside From Russia With Love: Documentary on the film's production challenges.
Harry Salzman: Showman: A biography of the film's producer.
Animated Storyboard Sequence: Storyboards for the originally planned nighttime boat chase climax.
007 Mission Control: An interactive guide into the world of 'From Russia with Love'.
Theatrical Archive: Collection of vintage trailers and promotions.
TV Broadcasts: TV spots for double-bill screening with 'Thunderball'.
Radio Communication: Audio ads for the James Bond series.
Image Database: Gallery of publicity stills, behind-the-scenes shots, and posters.
Disc Credits: Listing of the disc's production credits.
Movie: 81
The 1963 release of "From Russia with Love" marked a pivotal moment in the James Bond film series, not merely capitalizing on the burgeoning Bond mania incited by its predecessor, "Dr. No," but also expanding the cinematic world of 007 in terms of geographical scope, narrative complexity, and technical innovation. This second entry in the illustrious franchise sees Sean Connery reprising his role as the quintessential gentleman spy, embroiled in a duplicitous plot involving S.P.E.C.T.R.E.'s scheme to procure a Soviet decoding device known as the LEKTOR. With Istanbul's exotic locales serving as a vibrant backdrop, the film embarks on a thrilling espionage adventure characterized by a more pronounced engagement with Cold War dynamics and introduces audiences to one of Bond’s most formidable adversaries, Red Grant (Robert Shaw).
Technically and narratively, "From Russia with Love" stands out for several reasons. It brings to the forefront iconic elements that would become mainstays of the Bond series—Desmond Llewelyn's debut as Q and his gadgetry offerings, including a booby-trapped briefcase; the spine-tingling presence of Blofeld; and the first memorable pre-credits sequence alongside an instrumental theme song that underscores John Barry's inaugural full score for a Bond film. These innovations, coupled with Peter Hunt's editing prowess, elevate the movie's sense of urgency and intrigue, anchoring it firmly as a genuine espionage thriller amidst its more adventurous escapades across Europe.
At its core, Connery's portrayal of Bond exudes confidence and charisma, affirming his status as the definitive 007 with a performance that balances suavity and brutality. His chemistry with Daniela Bianchi's Tatiana Romanova adds a nuanced layer to their cross-ideological liaison, juxtaposed against the menacing tactfulness of S.P.E.C.T.R.E.'s operatives. The film’s action sequences, including the iconic Orient Express fight scene and the climactic boat chase, are executed with precision and flair, further solidified by the tension wrought by Rosa Klebb (Lotte Lenya) and her deadly footwear. Without resorting to the franchise’s later penchant for flashy gadgets and over-the-top scenarios, "From Russia with Love" remains a masterclass in espionage cinema, marrying its Cold War narrative with groundbreaking cinema techniques that enthrall and entertain, making it an indispensable chapter in the Bond saga.
Total: 64
The Blu-ray release of "From Russia With Love" has been met with high praise for its exceptional restoration and presentation, solidifying its place among the top echelons of James Bond films. MGM's meticulous attention to detail has breathed new life into this classic, with Sean Connery's impeccable performance as the iconic spy being more vibrant than ever. The film's source material, directly adapted from Ian Fleming's novel, coupled with advanced restoration techniques, ensures that it looks astonishingly good for its age. Moreover, the audio remastering brings a new level of excitement and immersion, making it a must-have for both longtime fans and newcomers to the franchise.
In addition to the film's visual and auditory improvements, the Blu-ray set boasts a well-curated selection of supplemental features. These extras offer an insightful look into the movie's production, its cultural significance, and the legacy it has left on the spy genre. Such comprehensive background content further enriches the viewing experience, providing context and appreciation for what made "From Russia With Love" a landmark in cinematic history. This attention to both the film itself and its impact makes the Blu-ray an essential purchase.
In conclusion, MGM's Blu-ray release of "From Russia With Love" stands as a testament to the enduring appeal and significance of the James Bond series. With its stellar restoration, captivating bonus features, and the timeless charm of Sean Connery's performance, this release is highly recommended. It not only pays homage to the film's legacy but also ensures that new generations can experience one of the franchise's finest entries in the best quality possible. Whether you're a die-hard Bond aficionado or a newcomer intrigued by classic cinema, this Blu-ray is an invaluable addition to your collection.
Blu-ray.com review by Ben WilliamsRead review here
Video: 90
Otherwise, the transfer features black levels and contrast fitting a picture of 60s origin, a remarkable level of detail, vivid, if slightly dated, color reproduction and an absolute absence of additional...
Audio: 80
While From Russia With Love isn't going to challenge the likes of Transformers or Black Hawk Down in the sound department, it is a remarkable remaster that provides a well-updated surround experience....
Extras: 80
Finally, the "Inside From Russia With Love" featurette does an exceptional job of outlining the film's production, while featuring a ton of great vintage clips and behind the scenes exclusives....
Movie: 90
Of course, the real draw still lies with Sean Connery; he's a little more confident as James Bond in his second outing, while still exuding a fresh excitement for the role....
Total: 90
MGM continues to do fine work with their restorative work on the Bond franchise; From Russia With Love looks better than could have been expected for a film of its advanced age, while sounding thoroughly...
High-Def Digest review by Joshua ZyberRead review here
Video: 90
The contrast range has solid black levels with plenty of shadow detail, creating a fine sense of depth....
Audio: 60
Unfortunately, that mono track is once again bright and harsh, causing discomfort during the louder scenes....
Extras: 70
007 Mission Control – The disc packaging describes this feature as an "interactive guide into the world of 'From Russia with Love'," which is a fancy way of saying that it's a simple Scene Selections menu...
Movie: 80
Before the character's first feature film 'Dr. No' had even hit cinema screens, the producers optioned the rights to almost all of Ian Fleming's popular novels and began work on a series of sequels, originally...
Total: 80
The classic James Bond adventure looks amazing and has a strong selection of bonus features....
Director: Terence Young
Actors: Sean Connery, Robert Shaw, Lotte Lenya
PlotIn the heart of the Cold War, British intelligence learns of a high-stakes Russian cipher machine, the Lektor, which MI6 is determined to obtain. James Bond, agent 007, is dispatched to assist in its defection, being lured to Istanbul under the pretense of a tantalizing offer from a beautiful Soviet consulate clerk, Tatiana Romanova, who claims she's willing to betray her country for love. Unbeknownst to Bond, this is an elaborate trap set by SPECTRE, an independent criminal organization seeking revenge on Bond for his previous disruption of their activities. The plot is orchestrated by SPECTRE's Number 3, former KGB operative Rosa Klebb, who recruits a psychopathic killer, Donald 'Red' Grant, to shadow Bond and execute him after the Lektor is stolen.
Upon arrival in Istanbul, Bond connects with ally Kerim Bey, head of the local British intelligence station, to navigate through the city's risks and mysteries. Their journey is fraught with peril as they encounter enemy agents and the tensions between the local Romani communities and the Bulgarian secret police. As Bond and Bey work together to secure the Lektor, they strive to remain one step ahead of their adversaries, including Grant, who secretly follows Bond, waiting for the opportune moment to strike. With the various factions converging upon them and trust in short supply, Bond must use his wit and skills to outmaneuver both the Soviets and SPECTRE's menacing operatives.
Writers: Richard Maibaum, Johanna Harwood, Ian Fleming
Release Date: 27 May 1964
Runtime: 115 min
Rating: PG
Country: United Kingdom, United States
Language: English, Russian, Turkish, French, Romany, Italian