The Man with the Golden Gun Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "The Man with the Golden Gun" features a 1080p AVC/MPEG-4 transfer framed at its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio, which notably marks the last Bond film shot in this format. While the transfer benefits from Lowry Digital Images' restoration work, it lacks the vibrancy seen in other Bond titles like "Moonraker." Colors, especially in vegetation and skies, appear somewhat muted, though they may be more faithful to the source material. Skin tones are realistic but lack the warmth found in other releases. Despite these color saturation issues, the image remains sharp with solid blacks and consistent contrast, presenting a filmic quality without oversharpening. The visible grain adds to this texture, being appropriate for a movie released in 1974.

Detail levels are generally high, with close facial shots and clothing textures appearing clear, although overall sharpness sometimes falls short. The 1080p presentation maintains a gratifying film-like feel, despite minor digitization artifacts and occasional hard-edged sheen to the grain. Low-light scenes, such as Bond's arrival in Macau, showcase good shadow detail and grayscale performance, often surpassing outdoor daylight scenes in depth. The darker scenes benefit from strong black levels, adding depth to characters. Unfortunately, the transfer's weaknesses are highlighted by sporadic ringing artifacts from artificial sharpening and instances of posterization and digital blocking in contrasty scenes. These flaws are prominent in Scaramanga's funhouse scenes but remain less intrusive elsewhere.

In sum, while "The Man with the Golden Gun" doesn't boast the highest tier of video quality within the Bond series, it offers a respectable and mostly pleasing visual experience. Clean-up work by Lowry Digital ensures clarity and detail without overcompensation, retaining the original film’s aesthetic integrity.

The Blu-ray release of "The Man with the Golden Gun" presents an upgraded audio experience with a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 remix, tailored for modern digital audiences while retaining the original mono mix for purists. The enhanced surround mix breathes vitality into scenes, creating a pronounced spatiality to John Barry's score, especially noticeable during the bustling car chase sequences. Dialogue remains at the forefront, clean and clear in the center channel, ensuring comprehensibility amidst the musical and action-packed effects. The remix successfully introduces a gentle subwoofer presence that accentuates quieter moments, like Scaramanga's gym scene early in the movie.

However, the mix has its limitations. Certain elements, like car engines and gunshots, feel somewhat restrained and lack the explosive impact typical of high-caliber sound design. While the directional pans and ambient sounds offer some enrichment, the rear speakers' involvement is limited, leading to a front-heavy soundstage that feels somewhat two-dimensional. Notably, there is a perceptible deficiency in both deep and mid-bass frequencies, which may disappoint listeners seeking a full-bodied low-end presence.

Despite these setbacks, the overall remastering effort does infuse greater dimensionality and dynamism into Barry's iconic musical score. Explosions render a solid thump, though not exceptionally powerful. The choice to avoid overly artificial enhancements keeps the audio grounded and authentic. In summary, while not entirely on par with contemporary DTS-HD MA productions, this 5.1 remix still offers an auditory experience superior to the original monaural track, enhancing immersion without overshadowing the film's classic essence.

The Blu-ray of "The Man with the Golden Gun" offers a plethora of insightful and entertaining extras that far exceed mere nostalgia. The two audio commentaries each provide unique insights, with Roger Moore's solo track being particularly engaging through his witty reminiscences, while the director Guy Hamilton’s commentary offers an informative deep dive into production. The high-definition featurettes, "Inside 'The Man With the Golden Gun'" and "Double-0 Stuntmen," offer thorough explorations of the film's development and broader Bond stunts, respectively. The less polished but equally charming standard-definition clips, including "The Russell Harty Show" and "On Location," add historical context and behind-the-scenes glimpses. Complementing these are thematic galleries and promotional content that offer a comprehensive look at the film’s era.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentaries: Two tracks – one with director Guy Hamilton and cast & crew; another with Sir Roger Moore.
• Inside 'The Man With the Golden Gun': Explores script development, casting, and production.
• Double-0 Stuntmen: Overview of Bond series stunts from 'Dr. No' to 'The World Is Not Enough'.
• The Russell Harty Show: Interview clip with Roger Moore and Herve Villechaize.
• On Location with 'The Man With the Golden Gun': Behind-the-scenes B-roll footage.
• Girls Fighting: Unused alternate angles from martial arts scenes.
• American Thrill Show Stunt Film: Promo reel showcasing the Astro Spiral.
• The Road to Bond: Stunt Coordinator W.J. Milligan: Audio interview on car stunts.
• Guy Hamilton: The Director Speaks: Audio interview over a photo montage.
• 007 Mission Control: Interactive guide to movie scenes.
• Theatrical Archive: Trailers and TV spots.
• Image Database: Collection of publicity stills, behind-the-scenes shots, and poster art.

“The Man with the Golden Gun” on Blu-ray presents a compelling visual upgrade with its 1080p AVC/MPEG-4 transfer, framed at 1.85:1. This transfer significantly surpasses previous releases, although some critics argue that the color saturation lags slightly behind other entries available in high-definition. The audio has been enhanced from the original mono to a DTS-HD MA 5.1 surround track. While it may not match the immersive experience of modern lossless tracks, John Barry's atmospheric score and the added sonic depth during action sequences enhance viewer engagement noticeably.

As for the film itself, Roger Moore’s second outing as James Bond stands as a mixed bag among aficionados and critics alike. Though “The Man with the Golden Gun” does have its merits, such as Christopher Lee’s formidable portrayal of the antagonist Francisco Scaramanga, the narrative and character development leave much to be desired. The story revolves around Bond’s quest to thwart Scaramanga amidst the backdrop of the 1970s energy crisis — an intrigue that retains some modern-day relevance. Nonetheless, certain plot elements appear contrived, and Moore's performance lacks the grit seen in his predecessors or successors in the Bond lineage. The film's action sequences, including a show-stopping car stunt, are somewhat dated but still exhibit technical prowess for their time.

One of the film's significant drawbacks is its kitschy, somewhat lackluster execution which diminishes potentially engaging scenarios. The martial arts subplot feels forced, and attempts at humor, such as Sheriff J.W. Pepper’s return, do not age well. Still, it's worth noting that this release offers impressive production design and art direction, particularly the MI6 headquarters within the wreck of the RMS Queen Elizabeth and Scaramanga’s funhouse. For Bond completists and connoisseurs of classic spy films, this Blu-ray edition is a worthwhile addition, primarily for its historical significance within the Bond franchise.

MGM's Blu-ray release of “The Man with the Golden Gun” offers good value for devoted Bond enthusiasts, even if it might not appeal as strongly to casual collectors. The picture quality is strong and the array of featurettes, particularly those newly presented in HD, stand out as a highlight. However, the film itself tends to polarize viewers. Roger Moore's portrayal of James Bond has its critics, especially when compared to the modern, more cerebral approach of Daniel Craig. The dated nature of certain elements may detract from the experience for some, but it remains an essential part of Bond’s cinematic history nonetheless.

Technically, this Blu-ray edition shines with commendable sound and picture quality that will satisfy most audiences. The special features—ranging from historical insights to production details—add substantial value, making it a compelling package for hardcore fans. Indeed, this is not Moore’s finest hour as Bond, but the villainous turn by Christopher Lee as Francisco Scaramanga provides a memorable highlight. Despite any narrative shortcomings, MGM's release is executed with a level of care and detail that reflects an understanding and respect for the series' legacy.

In conclusion, while "The Man with the Golden Gun" may not rank among the greatest of James Bond films, MGM’s Blu-ray release ensures it remains an essential piece of any comprehensive Bond collection. The enhancements in picture and sound, combined with thoughtfully curated supplemental materials, make it a worthwhile acquisition for enthusiasts. For avid fans who appreciate the full spectrum of 007 adventures, this release is both a nostalgic journey and a testament to the enduring legacy of the James Bond franchise.