Our Man Flint Blu-ray Review

Twilight Time presents "Our Man Flint" on Blu-ray with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer at a 2.35:1 aspect ratio. Though the transfer stems from Fox licensed materials, it doesn't exhibit the vibrant visual quality seen in Twilight Time's Columbia and Sony offerings. The film elements are well-preserved, but there's a pervasive softness, particularly problematic in the center of the CinemaScope frame. DeLuxe color has evidently aged, leading to faded tones, primarily on flesh colors which fluctuate between peach and brown. Nonetheless, reds and blues maintain a robust appearance.

Stock footage utilization is prominent within the film, notably in the opening weather montage and other establishing shots. This stock footage is visibly more deteriorated compared to the rest of the content. While this Blu-ray transfer does deliver satisfactory visual quality, it isn’t at the apex of Twilight Time's catalog from either Fox or other studios.

The Blu-ray release of "Our Man Flint" features an exceptional audio presentation, anchored by a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio Mono track. Despite the limitations expected from a mono track of its era, the audio is impressively robust. Frequency ranges are well-covered, providing a clean and clear listening experience. Explosive bursts are particularly well-reproduced, adding an effective punch to the film's soundscape. Dialogue is crisply presented, ensuring that conversations remain intelligible without distortion or muddiness. Jerry Goldsmith’s score also shines brightly in this format, complementing the film with a lively and dynamic musical backdrop.

Twilight Time continues their tradition of showcasing classic film scores with an isolated DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 stereo track for Goldsmith's charismatic music. Goldsmith channels a John Barry-esque style, enriched with his own unique flourishes. Although it doesn't elevate "Our Man Flint" to the heights achieved by similarly styled scores, such as Burt Bacharach’s work in "Casino Royale," it remains an integral element that contributes significantly to the film’s charm. The brassy seduction cues, hip dance rhythms, and bold action themes sound even more vibrant in the 2.0 stereo presentation. For viewers who appreciate finely rendered classic scores, this isolated track is noteworthy. Additionally, English SDH subtitles are included, ensuring accessibility and clarity for all viewers.

The Blu-ray extras for "Our Man Flint" are a cornucopia of unique features, significantly enhancing the viewing experience. Twilight Time has succeeded in incorporating a wide range of supplementary content, primarily ported from the 2006 Ultimate Flint Collection DVD, with a few new additions. Highlights include an engaging and informative audio commentary by Eddie Friedfeld and Lee Pfeiffer, and an isolated score by Jerry Goldsmith that shines in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. The extras delve into the film’s context within the 1960s spy craze and provide personal insights into the contributions of James Coburn.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Eddie Friedfeld and Lee Pfeiffer: Conversational and informative.
• Isolated Score by Jerry Goldsmith: Presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original movie trailer.
• Spy Style: Analysis of the film within the 1960s spy trend.
• Spy-er-Rama: Comparison with the Bond franchise.
• Perfect Bouillabaise: Brief homage to a film-featured broth.
• A Gentleman's Game: Focus on James Coburn.
• Screen Test – James Coburn and Gila Golan: Black and white screen test.
• Screen Test – Raquel Welch and James Coburn: Brief screen test.
• Derek Flint: A Spy Is Born: Featurette contextualizing Flint in the Cold War era.
• Directing Flint: Daniel Mann: Insights into the director’s role.
• Flint vs. Kael: A cautionary tale about film critics’ opinions.
• Storyboard Sequence 1: Arrival at Galaxy Island.
• Storyboard Sequence 2: Control Room Battle.
• Storyboard Sequence 3: Escape from Armageddon.

"Our Man Flint" emerged at the height of the 1960s spy craze, riding on the coattails of James Bond’s immense popularity. Released in 1966, the film skillfully balances satire and homage, presenting a comedic yet respectful take on the genre. Flint, played by James Coburn, stands out not merely as another Bond imitation but rather as a character with his unique flair. Coburn's portrayal of Derek Flint, a polymath superspy proficient in martial arts, multiple languages, and equipped with an array of gadgets, infuses a slightly smarmy yet undeniably charming personality into the role. The film’s narrative cleverly pokes fun at espionage clichés while celebrating the genre through smart comedic timing and inventive scenarios.

Director Daniel Mann’s adept direction ensures the film’s pacing remains brisk and engaging, contributing to its lasting appeal. Mann, known for his dramatic works, approaches this espionage parody with a blend of seriousness and levity, artfully weaving together impressive action sequences and witty dialogue. The film's production design is an explosion of mid-century modern aesthetics, adding to its visual allure. Particularly notable is a memorable scene where Flint showcases his superior gadgetry in a humorous twist on typical spy fare. The premium Blu-ray release enriches the viewing with pristine picture quality and an array of bonus features that underline the film's cultural impact.

"Our Man Flint" is further elevated by its vibrant supporting cast, featuring Lee J. Cobb as ZOWIE head Lloyd Cramden and Gila Golan as the alluring Gila. Additionally, performances from character actors such as Edward Mulhare and Benson Fong contribute depth and variety. The film offers a playful romp through 1960s pop culture, enhanced by Coburn's charismatic performance and the solid craftsmanship behind its direction and design. This Blu-ray edition preserves its legacy, presenting "Our Man Flint" as a delightful near-parody that retains both comic charm and respectful tribute to the grand world of espionage.

Twilight Time's Blu-ray release of "Our Man Flint" showcases a masterful blend of whimsy and action that encapsulates the essence of this 1960s classic. James Coburn delivers one of his defining performances as Derek Flint, supported by a top-notch cast. The film's production design is delightfully quirky, perfectly complementing its playful yet thrilling atmosphere. While the video quality of this release isn't up to Twilight Time's usual meticulous standards, it remains adequate for the discerning viewer, ensuring a satisfying visual experience.

This Blu-ray edition excels with its superb audio quality and a wealth of supplementary material that fans and cinephiles will appreciate. The limited edition status, capped at 3,000 units, adds an element of exclusivity, making it a must-have for collectors and enthusiasts. Moreover, the film serves as a gentle satirical nod toward the James Bond franchise, providing both humor and homage without veering into outright parody. This nuanced approach ensures that "Our Man Flint" remains engaging and entertaining for fans of spy films.

In conclusion, "Our Man Flint" is an exceptional Blu-ray offering from Twilight Time, combining a remarkable film with high-quality audio and valuable extras. Whether you're a dedicated fan of James Coburn, a collector of classic cinema, or simply someone looking for an entertaining spy caper with a touch of humor, this release is highly recommended. Don't miss the chance to add this intriguing piece of film history to your collection.