The Million Eyes of Sumuru 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Blue Underground's 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Million Eyes of Sumuru" is a technically proficient upgrade that leverages original camera negatives to present a pristine 4K restoration. The film, shot on 35mm Technicolor using the Techniscope process, is now presented in a 2.40:1 aspect ratio. This release introduces 10 additional minutes of footage, backed by a dazzling restoration incorporating Dolby Vision and HDR10 for enhanced visual impact. The meticulous process enhances delineation and depth significantly, offering lusher color reproduction with more balanced primaries and nuanced support colors. The HDR boosts contrast effectively, enriching visuals with vibrant, stable appearances.

The viewing experience is markedly superior to earlier presentations, particularly in terms of color fidelity and density stability. Bitrates are consistently high, maintaining quality across varying detail levels. The sophisticated display of grain adds authenticity to the image, while the HDR grades increase contrast levels and augment dimensional depth. Despite a few minor speckling issues and occasional scratches, the presentation remains largely immaculate, with darker hues and shadows lending additional depth to the visuals.

When compared to its 1080p counterpart, the 4K presentation stands out with superior primary color fidelity and expanded tonal ranges, clearly marking it as the version of choice for enthusiasts. The 4K restoration not only amplifies the technical look but also cultivates a naturally resonant and robust cinematic experience that aligns seamlessly with the film’s vintage aesthetic. Overall, Blue Underground's release is a commendable restoration that revitalizes "The Million Eyes of Sumuru," offering an engaging and pristine viewing experience.

The audio presentation of "The Million Eyes of Sumuru" on 4K UHD Blu Ray offers a commendable experience, primarily featuring English DTS-HD Master Audio 1.0. Accompanying this are optional subtitles in English SDH, Spanish, and French, which are neatly integrated within the image frame. The audio track effectively incorporates new footage into its mix, maintaining a clean and balanced single-channel source that supports dialogue, sound effects, and its musical score with precision.

The track is characterized by its dynamic intensity, although it doesn't excel in providing spectacular contrasts during action sequences. Despite this, the audio remains clear and immersive, free from discernible issues such as hiss or distortion. A minor dropout is noted at 31:29 during a scene transition, raising questions about its origin concerning the original soundtrack. Nevertheless, this does not significantly detract from the overall quality of the audio experience.

Overall, the auditory quality on offer is solid and supportive, ensuring a satisfactory experience for viewers while engaging with the film’s narrative and atmospheric elements.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Million Eyes of Sumuru" offers a comprehensive and engaging array of extras that cater to cinema aficionados and genre enthusiasts alike. The set includes two insightful audio commentaries from critics David Del Valle and Dan Marino, and Nathaniel Thompson and Troy Howarth. These commentaries dissect the film's artistic elements, casting choices, and the signature visual style established by producer Harry Alan Towers. A standout is the extensive 100-minute documentary, "England's Unknown Exploitation Film Eccentric: The Schlock-Cinema Legacy of Lindsay Shonteff," which provides an in-depth exploration of Shonteff’s diverse contributions to the genre. Additional materials include a remastered theatrical trailer, a collection of vintage posters and stills, and a humorous RiffTrax Edition. Notably, the reversible cover art offers a nostalgic touch, echoing vintage poster aesthetics.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary One: Audio commentary by critics David Del Valle and Dan Marino discussing various aspects of the film.
• Commentary Two: Audio commentary by critics Nathaniel Thompson and Troy Howarth focusing on the film's tone and cast.
• England's Unknown Exploitation Film Eccentric: Documentary exploring Lindsay Shonteff's legacy with interviews and historical insights.
• Theatrical Trailer: Remastered vintage trailer for "The Million Eyes of Sumuru."
• Poster & Still Gallery: Archival collection of promotional materials and stills.
• RiffTrax Edition: Comedic riff on the film by Mike Nelson, Bill Corbett, and Kevin Murphy.
• Cover: Reversible cover featuring vintage poster art.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of Lindsay Shonteff's The Million Eyes of Sumuru offers a fascinating glimpse into the vintage world of espionage cinema. Presented by Blue Underground, this edition showcases a new 4K restoration sourced from the original camera negative, unveiling ten minutes of previously unavailable content. Shonteff's film, though budget-restrained, deceptively mirrors the aesthetic of large studio productions, courtesy of producer Harry Alan Towers' expertise. The narrative, driven by a bizarre and exotic charm typical of the late '60s, centers on two special agents, Nick West and Tommy Carter, dispatched to dismantle an organization led by the captivating villainess Sumuru, portrayed by Shirley Eaton. Their mission unfolds amid exotic locations and a fleet of deadly female warriors, creatively stretching the spy genre to its campiest limits.

Stylistically akin to Sergio Greco’s Agent 077 Trilogy, The Million Eyes of Sumuru heavily borrows comedic elements intertwined with exoticism and a pronounced emphasis on glamorous aesthetics over high-octane action. The film can be seen as an exaggerated homage to James Bond films, replacing the suave spy with two playboys maneuvering through a chaotic mix of caricatured espionage and lightweight intrigue. The result is a visually striking mishmash that prefers flamboyance over substance but retains a nostalgic appeal thanks to its cheeky narrative flair.

The acting provides an additional layer of quirks with seasoned performers like Klaus Kinski presenting a memorable eccentricity amidst occasionally uneven performances from leads George Nader and Frankie Avalon. Despite its sometimes rough edges and overtly comedic frivolity, Shonteff's film manages to captivate as it humorously parodies espionage tropes while retaining a distinctive charm that resonates with aficionados of cult B-cinema. The restoration enhances the viewing experience, ensuring the film looks more polished than ever while preserving its idiosyncratic essence.

"The Million Eyes of Sumuru" receives a much-deserved revival with Blue Underground's meticulously executed 4K UHD restoration. Known as Lindsay Shonteff's most exotic piece, this film captures the quintessential allure of Eurospy cinema glamorously. Blue Underground's restoration not only enhances the visual appeal with ten minutes of previously inaccessible content but also celebrates Shirley Eaton’s compelling portrayal of Sumuru. Although its narrative may not always be held in the highest regard, the exceptional visual fidelity and engaging extras make the presentation itself highly recommended for enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Separately, its quasi-sequel, "The Girl from Rio," now equally benefits from Blue Underground’s technical prowess in UHD treatment. Despite varying character names and plot nuances across global releases, both films share visual and thematic vigor. Each boasts compelling UHD transfers that elevate their viewing experiences beyond typical cult status offerings. The thoughtful curation and supplemental materials present an immersive way to explore these films’ stylistic and historical context within the Eurospy genre.

In conclusion, "The Million Eyes of Sumuru" delivers a visually captivating experience that showcases the power of modern restoration techniques. While perhaps not achieving critical acclaim solely for its storytelling, this release offers significant merit through its outstanding 4K presentation and comprehensive extras. It remains a highlight for aficionados seeking to appreciate mid-century espionage cinema with restored vibrancy and newly accessible depth.