Licence to Kill Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Licence to Kill" delivers an outstanding 1080p AVC/MPEG-4 transfer, presented in its 2.35:1 theatrical aspect ratio. Complemented by a vibrant color palette, the lush greens, realistic skin tones, and deep blues showcase the richness of Eastman color, printed by Technicolor. The impeccable black levels provide a solid foundation for nocturnal scenes, such as Bond’s visit to Milton Krest's sealife emporium, accentuated with well-resolved details even in low-light conditions. While some digital manipulation is suspected to achieve its smoothness, the transfer maintains admirable sharpness and a natural filmic look that approaches reference quality, especially for a movie from the late '80s.

Intricately enhanced by Lowry Digital Images, albeit not from a new 4K scan, the transfer excels in clarity and definition across a broad range of scenes. Early segments exhibit mild edge enhancement, resulting in occasional ringing artifacts. Nonetheless, close-ups and medium shots remain strikingly sharp, with wide shots improving as the film progresses. The vivid detail in the casino scene and the intricate stone work at Professor Joe's temple stand out remarkably well. Colors are accurately rendered; even the challenging red-lit interior of the DEA plane is captured with precision. The contrast range efficiently delineates depths and textures, although minor noise and artifacts occasionally surface without significantly detracting from the viewing experience.

Overall, this Blu-ray transfer brings a pristine, vivid picture, devoid of noticeable banding or motion artifacts even in dynamic sequences like boat and plane chases. This remarkably clean and ultrarealistic presentation ensures that both detailed textures and vibrant action sequences retain their impactful presence, making "Licence to Kill" one of the finest MGM's 007 Blu-ray releases available.

The Blu-ray release of "Licence to Kill" features a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 remix alongside the original Dolby Surround mix, catering to both modern audiophiles and purists alike. The DTS-HD MA track delivers a cleaner, clearer sound with a more robust bass presence compared to the original mix. The front soundstage is commendably anchored, assigning dialogues, music, and effects meticulously to the front speakers while the rear speakers are mainly used for sporadic effects. This execution maintains an effective and impactful sound field, elevating action sequences with enhanced ambient and stereo engagement. The Gladys Knight title song receives notable enhancement, allowing the instrumentals and vocals to demonstrate better articulation and presence.

Although not the most dynamic surround mix, the DTS-HD MA 5.1 track holds its own with an engaging quality. The mix achieves a respectable level of surround activity and exhibits punchy gunshots and fair low-end rumble, which are essential for high-quality home theater performance. The audio fidelity is broad and clear, albeit the dynamic range of Michael Kamen's score might occasionally sound compressed. Instruments and sound effects related to action sequences—particularly boats and planes—display accurate timbral cues and improved resolution. Gladys Knight’s vocals on the theme song remain lush and defined, and Patti LaBelle's closing track retains similar vocal clarity and impact.

The original Dolby Surround mix is also included in Dolby Digital 2.0, but it does not match the immersive experience provided by the DTS-HD MA 5.1 track. While some might find the latter's midrange-to-lower treble slightly bloated, this does not significantly hinder overall enjoyment. Given these enhancements, the audio presentation on this Blu-ray release effectively revitalizes "Licence to Kill," delivering an engaging soundtrack that balances clarity and impact without gimmickry.

The Blu-ray release of "Licence to Kill" delivers a robust collection of extras that delve into various aspects of the film's production, providing a comprehensive retrospective for fans and cinephiles. The package notably includes two meticulously edited audio commentaries: one featuring director John Glen and cast members, offering insights via a narratively spliced format, and another with producer Michael G. Wilson and crew, emphasizing the film's behind-the-scenes camaraderie. Key supplements like the half-hour "Inside 'Licence to Kill'" showcase a mix of HD and SD interviews detailing the film's harder edge and budgetary challenges. Additional behind-the-scenes content, music videos, deleted scenes with director commentary, and promotional materials round out the offerings, preserving the technical quirks and nostalgic charm associated with the movie's era.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentaries: Two tracks featuring director John Glen with cast and producer Michael G. Wilson with crew.
• Inside 'Licence to Kill': A 30-minute documentary mixing HD/SD interviews about production challenges.
• Behind the Scenes: A 5-minute glimpse into on-set activities.
• Kenworth Truck Stunt Film: A 10-minute featurette on the specially designed stunt trucks.
• 'Licence to Kill' Music Video: A nostalgic 4-minute Gladys Knight music video.
• 'If You Asked Me To' Music Video: A 4-minute Patti LaBelle music video with similar qualities.
• Bond '89: A series of interviews, 12 minutes long, focusing on Dalton's portrayal of Bond.
• On Set with John Glen: 10 minutes of behind-the-scenes footage narrated by the director.
• On Set with Peter Lamont: A 5-minute behind-the-scenes look with the production designer.
• Ground Check with Corky Fornoff: A 5-minute interview with the aerial coordinator.
• Deleted Scenes: 11 minutes of scenes introduced by John Glen explaining their removal.
• Trailers: 3 minutes of promotional trailers.
• Image Database: A gallery of B/W and color stills from the production.

The Blu-ray release of "Licence to Kill" presents Timothy Dalton's final portrayal of James Bond with near-reference quality visual fidelity, thanks to a 1080p AVC/MPEG-4 transfer. Framed at 2.35:1, the film's lush colors and naturally sharp details do justice to the work of the film's cinematographers. The updated DTS-HD MA 5.1 lossless surround track brings robustness to the music and action sequences, while enhancing the overall ambience of the soundstage. This release also includes insightful commentary from director John Glen and producer Michael G. Wilson, providing valuable behind-the-scenes perspectives.

Critically, Dalton's performance remains a point of contention; he successfully brought a grittier, more faithful version of Fleming's Bond to the screen, marking a departure from Roger Moore's campier interpretation. Set against the more revenge-driven narrative, Dalton's version is a precursor to Daniel Craig’s intense and modern take on 007. The film opens powerfully with CIA buddy Felix Leiter's brutal assault, driving Bond into rogue territory against MI6 orders. This anti-run-of-the-mill James Bond film strips back many iconic elements such as gadgets and broad humor, instead focusing on a personal vendetta against drug baron Franz Sanchez, portrayed by Robert Davi.

"Licence to Kill" was ahead of its time. While it diverged from audience expectations with darker themes and less extravagant locales—owing to budget constraints—the vivid Key West and Mexico settings remain engaging. The film also scaled back outlandish gadgets, making Bond rely more on his wits and physicality. The action sequences are dynamic despite the restricted budget, with notable stunts involving tanker trucks in the climactic scenes. The film’s violence and stunts pushed boundaries for the series, including restored graphic scenes in this Blu-ray edition that were previously censored. Overall, "Licence to Kill" is a significant entry in the Bond saga that predated the franchise's revamping with "Casino Royale."

The Blu-ray edition of "Licence to Kill" presents the film with impressive audiovisual quality, making it a worthwhile addition to any James Bond aficionado's collection. The transfer showcases sharp image resolution, vivid colors, and minimal film grain, ensuring a visually engaging experience that elevates the film's dynamic action sequences. Additionally, the DTS-HD Master Audio track offers a well-balanced mix, providing clear dialogue, robust sound effects, and a score that punctuates the film's dramatic moments effectively.

Timothy Dalton’s portrayal of James Bond in "Licence to Kill" delivers a departure from the traditional suave and witty 007, instead offering a darker and more vengeful character. While some viewers may find the 1980s fashion and music dated, Dalton successfully brings a gritty realism to the role that sets the stage for the modern iterations of Bond seen in Daniel Craig's performances. The underlying narrative of personal vendetta resonates with a focused intensity, indicating an early shift towards complex character development within the franchise.

The supplementary materials included with the Blu-ray are commendable, featuring insightful documentaries, commentaries, and behind-the-scenes footage that enrich the viewing experience. These extras contribute valuable context and deepen appreciation for the film’s production. Despite its initial mixed reception and period-specific stylistic elements, "Licence to Kill" is often recognized as a precursor to the more sober and layered Bond films characteristic of the 21st century.

In conclusion, while "Licence to Kill" might not be universally acclaimed, it is an essential piece in the James Bond canon for its unique approach and Dalton’s potent performance. This Blu-ray release not only revitalizes the film’s technical attributes but also provides comprehensive supplemental content that cements its value. For those able to look past its era-specific quirks, it stands as a bold and engaging entry in the 007 series, well-deserving of a revisit. Highly recommended.