GoldenEye Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "GoldenEye" exhibits a number of pivotal flaws that detractors from its visual quality, chiefly due to an overt application of digital noise reduction (DNR) and edge enhancement. Unlike its counterparts in the Bond 50 collection, "GoldenEye" presents a video quality that is inconsistent, with a significant portion of its scenes subjected to moderate to heavy DNR. This process not only freezes and smears grain, rendering a number of scenes with an unnatural smoothness but also occasionally imparts a wax figure-like appearance to the characters. Edge enhancement further compounds these issues, artificially sharpening the image and introducing unsightly halos around hard lines, which can detract from the overall viewing experience.

Investigations into the source of these problems suggest a reliance on an older high-definition master, possibly one intended for the earliest DVD releases, which was not updated or corrected for the Blu-ray release. This decision has resulted in a presentation that looks overly processed, with issues such as artificially boosted contrast that crushes black levels and mutes shadow detail, alongside texture smoothing that obscures facial features. Despite these drawbacks, it's not all negative; the aspect ratio issue noted in previous releases has been corrected, delivering the film in its intended 2.35:1 framing without unnecessary cropping.

Notwithstanding the apparent shortcomings in its digital treatment, "GoldenEye" on Blu-ray does offer some improvements over older DVD versions. Colors are vibrant and well-balanced, and there are sporadic instances where the image quality shines through, particularly in shots not subjected to the overzealous DNR. These moments, however fleeting, remind us of the film's inherent cinematic beauty. Despite these glimmers of hope, the presentation can't escape the shadow of its processing issues, making it a point of contention among fans and detractors alike.

The audio presentation of "GoldenEye" on Blu Ray, featuring the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track, provides an engaging and comprehensive sonic experience that showcases the advancements in sound design of modern Bond films. Produced during the 5.1 digital surround era as the first of its kind among James Bond movies, it offers a robust auditory landscape that lacks neither clarity nor intensity. The mix excels in creating a dynamic ambiance, where the constant flurry of aural activities—from the piercing alarm of the chemical factory, machine-gun fire, to the roaring engines of the Tiger helicopter and jets—immerses viewers in a virtually non-stop action experience. Notable is the tank chase scene, brimming with metallic clashes, crumbling structures, and explosive effects that test the limits of any home theater setup.

However, while the soundtrack aggressively utilizes its channel layout to emphasize directional effects and deep bass, it sometimes borders on overwhelming, with the bass occasionally described as loud and boomy. Despite these minor drawbacks, sound effects maintain their crispness, with specific iconic sounds (like the prologue’s famous squeak) remaining as impactful as ever. On the downside, fidelity across the mix can appear slightly muddy, impacting the overall clarity of certain elements such as Tina Turner's theme song vocals, which seem drowned in the heavy bass.

Although technically lacking in comparison to more recent Bond films, "GoldenEye's" audio track features no disturbances like hissing, pops, crackles, or drop-outs—ensuring that dialogues are consistently clear amidst chaotic scenes. The score by Éric Serra, while controversial and arguably dated, does not falter in delivery, offering a room-filling presence that complements the film’s audiovisual spectacle. Subtitle and dubbing options are plentiful, catering to a wide range of viewer preferences and enhancing accessibility.

The Blu-ray release of "GoldenEye" offers a bounty of supplementary features that dive deep into the filmmaking process, though the majority are carryovers from the Ultimate Edition DVD and earlier, showcasing a mix of SD quality content masked as 1080i. The standout is the lively MI6 Commentary with director Martin Campbell and producer Michael G. Wilson, dating back to the 1996 Laserdisc release, offering rich insights into the production's challenges and triumphs. A plethora of behind-the-scenes featurettes, including "Directing Bond: The Martin Chronicles," and detailed documentaries like "GoldenEye: The Secret Files," provide a comprehensive look into the film's creation, from pre-production to casting. Deleted scenes and storyboard sequences add depth, while the promotional material and the iconic Tina Turner music video complement the film's legacy. However, the absence of Blu-ray exclusive extras and the omission of the "007 Mission Control" feature slightly dims the overall appeal.

Extras included in this disc:

• MI6 Commentary: An informative track covering a wide range of production aspects.
• Deleted Scenes: A compilation of cut scenes with explanations.
• Directing Bond: The Martin Chronicles: Insights into working with director Martin Campbell.
• Building a Better Bond: A look at pre-production efforts.
• The Return of Bond: Footage from the start-of-production press event.
• Driven to Bond: Stunt driving insights from Rémy Julienne.
• Anatomy of a Stunt: Behind-the-scenes of a tank vs. truck stunt.
• Making It Small in Pictures: Tribute to effects wizard Derek Meddings.
• On Location with Peter Lamont: Scouting and set construction insights.
• GoldenEye: The Secret Files & The Cast: Making-of and casting documentaries.
• Pre-Title Storyboard Sequence: Storyboard comparisons for the opening scene.
• The World of 007: A franchise overview hosted by Elizabeth Hurley.
• The GoldenEye Video Journal: On-set interviews and behind-the-scenes footage.
• Promotional Featurette: More EPK content hyping the film.
• GoldenEye Music Video: Tina Turner's music video in less-than-ideal quality.
• Exotic Locations: An exploration of filming locales.
• Theatrical Archive & TV Broadcasts: Trailers and TV spots for promotional use.
• Image Database: A collection of stills, promotional images, and artwork.

GoldenEye," the seventeenth installment in the illustrious James Bond franchise, heralded the dawn of a new era for the series with Pierce Brosnan stepping into the impeccable suits of the world's most beloved spy. After a six-year hiatus, marked by financial and legal entanglements that left the series in limbo and Timothy Dalton's departure from the role, Brosnan's debut was both a nod to the past and a vibrant reimagination of Bond for a post-Cold War world. The plot intricately weaves through the geopolitical aftermath of the Iron Curtain's fall, introducing audiences to a world where traditional enemies have morphed into shadowy figures of the Russian mafia and the Janus crime syndicate, with the devastating satellite weapon GoldenEye serving as the crux of global jeopardy. Brosnan, embodying a seamless blend of Roger Moore's suave and Timothy Dalton's intensity, rejuvenated the iconic character with a portrayal that was both familiar and distinctly his own.

The film's technical aspects, from its ambitious action sequences to the pioneering use of CGI, offer a mixed bag in terms of aging. While certain set pieces—like the tank chase through St. Petersburg and Bond's bungee jump off a dam—remain thrilling spectacles, the nascent CGI and Eric Serra's divisive score mark the film unmistakably as a product of its time. Nonetheless, "GoldenEye" excels in recalibrating the Bond formula for a new generation, balancing intense action with the series' trademark wit and charm. The introduction of Judi Dench as M and the return of beloved elements like Q’s gadgetry—albeit in a restrained manner—further blend tradition with innovation.

"GoldenEye" not only marked Brosnan's first foray into the role of James Bond but also reestablished the franchise as a cinematic force in the evolving landscape of action films. By integrating contemporary political realities into the narrative and pushing the boundaries of its action sequences, the film offered a refreshing yet deeply respectful homage to its predecessors while charting a new course for future installments. Despite elements that betray its mid-'90s origins, "GoldenEye" remains a pivotal chapter in the Bond saga, celebrated for rebooting the series with vigor and vision, compellingly argued by its critical and commercial success.

In evaluating the Blu-ray release of "GoldenEye," one must approach with a blend of nostalgia and critical analysis. The film itself, marking Pierce Brosnan's debut as James Bond, modernized the franchise and remains a significant entry, celebrated not only for its cinematic achievements but also for its iconic association with the era-defining Nintendo 64 game. However, the transition to Blu-ray has not been as graceful as fans might have hoped. The rigorous application of digital noise reduction has arguably sanitized the visual experience, stripping away the film's natural grain and, with it, a portion of its textual integrity. This sanitization process has led to a presentation that, while superior to DVD quality, lacks the fine detail that enthusiasts covet. Furthermore, the absence of new bonus content or significant improvements in audio quality compounds the sense of missed opportunity, rendering this release somewhat underwhelming for all but the most devoted followers of Bond or Blu-ray collection completists.

Technical considerations further temper enthusiasm for this release. The video quality of the Blu-ray disc has been critiqued as subpar by contemporary standards, with both the audio quality and the bonus features described as unexceptional. Such assessments are crucial in a market where high-definition restorations and comprehensive special editions set the bar. Importantly, the exclusivity of "GoldenEye" to specific retailers at its launch adds an additional layer of consideration for potential buyers, influencing the accessibility and appeal of this particular release.

In conclusion, while "GoldenEye" remains a pivotal and cherished installment in the James Bond saga, its Blu-ray incarnation provokes a mixed response. It presents a case where affection for the source material may override objections to technical shortcomings for some fans. Nonetheless, it is clear that this release does not represent the definitive version that enthusiasts might have hoped for, leaving room for future improvements and updates. The qualified recommendation to acquire this Blu-ray, therefore, hinges on one's depth of fandom and tolerance for its noted deficiencies, making it a purchase primarily reserved for completists and die-hard fans of Brosnan's tenure as 007.