Billion Dollar Brain Blu-ray Review

"Billion Dollar Brain" is presented in 1080p with an AVC encoded transfer in the 2.34:1 aspect ratio, offering a mixed visual experience that suggests the use of an older master, likely from the DVD or early HD broadcast era. The video presentation exhibits artificial sharpening with noticeable haloing, and despite these enhancements, it predominantly looks soft and occasionally fuzzy. Colors have faded significantly, resulting in an anemic appearance throughout most scenes. Despite occasional close-ups showing decent detail, overall, the presentation lacks sharpness and vibrancy. Grain resolution is inconsistent, ranging from organically textured in some sequences to clumpy in others, further indicating the dated quality of the master.

Notably, the film's color palette predominantly features neutral tones amplified by numerous snow-covered exterior scenes. While these scenes possess good frame depth and some noteworthy detail, such as the snow on Dr. Kaarna's body, they occasionally suffer from a lack of contrast and slightly washed-out blacks, likely a result of source print degradation rather than digital alteration. Bright primary colors like reds stand out starkly against the neutral backdrop, but inconsistencies in black levels and overall contrast detract from the viewing experience. The opening title sequence appears particularly dirty and damaged, though the rest of the film is relatively cleaner with minimal black and white specks appearing sporadically.

In totality, while "Billion Dollar Brain" offers moments of clarity and detail, these are overshadowed by the overarching softness, faded colors, and inconsistent grain structure. This Blu-ray transfer fails to fully capitalize on high-definition capabilities due to its reliance on an evidently older, less polished master.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Billion Dollar Brain" utilizes a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono mix. It generally delivers clear and clean dialogue, reflecting a workmanlike approach. Richard Rodney Bennett's evocative score is well-supported, offering good fidelity throughout. There's an evident effort in quality preservation, with no discernible issues or damage affecting the overall audio experience. Notably, the choice not to retain John Barry for the subsequent films following "The Ipcress File" doesn't diminish the unique audio identity of this film.

However, the track does reveal constraints derived from the original source material. While dialogue clarity is mostly maintained, there are instances of distortion, particularly with Midwinter's speeches and certain music segments, such as those involving Harry and the Latvian revolutionaries. The bass response is minimal, affecting the impact of the climatic battle scenes which can come across as generalized loud noise rather than discrete, dynamic effects. Despite these limitations, the audio presentation remains functional but falls short of its full potential due to source-related issues.

The Blu-ray release of "Billion Dollar Brain" is notable for its comprehensive collection of well-curated extras, which substantially enhance the viewing experience. Viewers will find a meticulously restored trailer that vividly captures the film's intriguing essence and period-specific charm. The extras are presented in crisp 1080i quality, ensuring a visually satisfying supplement to the main feature. Furthermore, the disc boasts a thorough line-up of bonus materials, providing an immersive look into the film’s production and contextual significance.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: A restored preview of the film.

"Billion Dollar Brain" (1967), directed by Ken Russell, is the third adaptation from Len Deighton's series about anti-hero Harry Palmer, portrayed by Michael Caine. This Cold War thriller, while diverging from the bleak tones of "The Ipcress File" and "Funeral in Berlin," employs a more fantastical edge akin to Ian Fleming's Bond series—a nod to producer Harry Saltzman's past Bond ventures. The film features an all-knowing supercomputer and a bioterrorism plot, combining espionage with speculative technology. It delivers its narrative through tightly wound betrayals and political intrigue, demonstrating ample genre tropes but offering a denser plot structure that demands attention from viewers.

The storyline follows Harry Palmer, a down-on-his-luck private eye, recruited back into the spy game by his former MI5 boss, Colonel Ross (Guy Doleman). Palmer's journey takes him to Helsinki, carrying a mysterious package of viral eggs. He encounters Anya (Françoise Dorléac), who becomes a manipulative romantic interest, and an old acquaintance, Leo Newbigen (Karl Malden). The film diverts into a convoluted arc involving a right-wing General Midwinter (Ed Begley) whose foaming-at-the-mouth conservatism drives a grandiose, yet flawed, plan to destabilize Eastern Europe.

"Billion Dollar Brain" benefits from the performances of its cast, particularly Caine's cool and engaging portrayal of Palmer amidst the chaotic narrative. The film’s colorful supporting characters and its shifting alliances keep the viewer intrigued, even if some plot elements strain credulity. Russell's direction adds an avant-garde touch, employing jump cuts and perspective shifts that keep the audience on their toes. Despite some dated elements and the film's uneven tone blending realism and fantasy, "Billion Dollar Brain" remains a quirky entry in the espionage genre that fans of classic spy films may find entertaining.

"Billion Dollar Brain" presents an eclectic mix of espionage, intrigue, and an over-the-top plotline more reminiscent of James Bond than the gritty realism of Harry Palmer. The film showcases Michael Caine in the role of Palmer, juxtaposing his grounded demeanor against surreal villains and grandiose schemes. This creates an inherent tension where the narrative's outlandish elements occasionally undermine its sense of authenticity. The film does benefit from excellent cinematography, capturing stunningly scenic locations that add visual appeal.

In terms of Blu-ray quality, the presentation leaves much to be desired. The video quality is inconsistent, marred by noticeable anomalies that may distract from the viewing experience. While not unwatchable, the transfer does not meet the standards expected by high-definition collectors. However, the performances, particularly Caine’s, retain their charm and may still attract fans despite the technical shortcomings. The audio quality, though serviceable, does not significantly elevate the experience.

In conclusion, "Billion Dollar Brain" remains a curious entry into the spy genre, combining ambitious direction with uneven execution. The film’s scenic beauty and strong performances are offset by its incongruous narrative elements and subpar high-definition transfer. While it may hold nostalgic value for dedicated Michael Caine enthusiasts, discerning viewers might find the high-def experience underwhelming.