Thunderball Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Thunderball" represents a significant upgrade over its predecessors, showcasing an enhanced level of detail, color, clarity, and visual appeal in 1080p high definition. It’s presented in its original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.35:1, utilizing an Mpeg-4/AVC high bitrate encode that ensures the film, now over four decades old, is displayed in the best possible light for home viewing. While the Lowry grain reduction and restoration process has been employed to great effect, resulting in a mostly clean and blemish-free print that highlights textures and backgrounds with renewed vigor, it's clear that not all signs of age could be entirely eradicated. Minor issues such as edge enhancement, flicker in parts of the frame, and occasional softness in detail due to the aggressive digital noise reduction (DNR) application remain. These flaws are mild and generally do not detract from the overall enjoyment of the film's visual presentation.

Despite these minor setbacks, "Thunderball" dazzles with its underwater sequences and vibrant set pieces. Colors pop with a new robustness; the Nassau street life and Junkanu festival scenes are more vivid and engaging, and the three-dimensionality given to certain shots adds a palpable sense of depth. However, this restoration has faced criticism for inconsistent quality, particularly when compared to the stunning transfers of earlier Bond entries like "Dr. No" and "From Russia with Love." Some scenes display exceptional clarity and richness in detail, whereas others suffer from a noticeable lack of vibrancy and sharpness, alongside sporadic instances of edge ringing and a somewhat over-processed appearance likely due to overzealous noise reduction efforts.

Despite its inconsistencies and the challenges inherent in restoring a film of its age and condition, the Blu-ray release of "Thunderball" stands out for its attempts to marry the classic appeal of Bond with contemporary restoration techniques. Black levels are deeper, contributing to a more visually cohesive experience, though at times at the cost of shadow detail. While it may not reach the heights of restoration seen in some of its predecessors, it marks a commendable effort in bringing "Thunderball" into the high-definition era, making it a must-see for fans and collectors alike. The beautiful underwater photography and dynamic action sequences benefit significantly from the HD upgrade, ensuring that even with its flaws, this version of "Thunderball" is likely the best it has ever looked for home viewing.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack of the Blu-ray release of "Thunderball" has undoubtedly been a high point in MGM's efforts to rejuvenate the audio experience of this classic James Bond film for the modern era. Seamlessly blending the old with the new, this audio remaster breathes life into John Barry's score, making it feel as contemporary and impactful as if it were recorded today. The soundscape created here is rich and immersive, with the vigorous fidelity of the underwater sequences, the rumble of the RAF Vulcan, and the crisp clarity of punchy action scenes. Despite the film's vintage, the mix demonstrates a remarkable handling of spatial audio, giving depth and texture to both atmospheric sounds and soundtrack, presenting an auditory experience that is mostly seamless and engaging.

However, certain challenges inherent in updating a 43-year-old film's sound design do surface. The dialogue occasionally sounds tinny and can be drowned out by other elements, a minor setback in an otherwise commendable effort. Some original dubbing issues and the Tom Jones theme not reaching its expected aural potential are points of contention, revealing limitations in the source material or remix decisions. It’s evident that while most sound effects have been judiciously updated to take advantage of the surround channels without feeling overdone, there is an inconsistency with levels at times, notably with sound effects occasionally overshadowing dialogue or music.

In conclusion, MGM's effort to enhance "Thunderball" for the home theater enthusiast is laudable. The choice between the original mono and the dynamic DTS-HD MA 5.1 remix presents an interesting dilemma for purists and modern audiophiles alike. The latter will likely revel in the depth and vigor provided by the remix, appreciating how it amplifies the atmosphere and delivers a more nuanced and spatially aware listening experience. Though not without its imperfections, particularly in balance and source material limitations, this audio remaster represents a significant upgrade that does much to complement the visual restoration of the film.

The Blu-ray release of "Thunderball" brings with it a treasure trove of extras that both long-time Bond aficionados and newcomers will find enthralling. From the legacy content ported over from the Ultimate Edition DVD to the insightful and sometimes quirky vintage pieces like "A Child's Guide to Blowing Up a Motor Car," these special features delve deep into the aura and production complexities of this iconic film. The commentary tracks stand out for their rich detail and unique perspectives, including rare audio snippets and an alternate theme song. Vintage promos, insightful documentaries narrated by Patrick Macnee, and original TV advertisements add layers of nostalgia and cultural context. The collection strikes a fine balance between entertaining behind-the-scenes peeks and scholarly dissections of the film's impact, ensuring that the exploration of "Thunderball's" extra features is as engaging as watching the film itself.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary Featuring Terence Young and Others: Insightful commentary tracks with production trivia.
• The Incredible World of James Bond: A vintage NBC TV special.
• A Child's Guide to Blowing Up a Motor Car: A quirky promotional film by Ford.
• On Location With Ken Adam: Home movies from the set, narrated by the production designer.
• Bill Suitor: The Rocket Man Movies: Behind-the-scenes footage on the jet-pack stunt.
• Thunderball Boat Show Reel: Promotional montage with alternative footage.
• Selling Bonds: Original 1965 TV commercials featuring Bond tie-in products.
• The Making of Thunderball: Documentary on the film's production, narrated by Patrick Macnee.
• The Thunderball Phenomenon: Overview of Bond's cultural impact.
• The Secret History of Thunderball: A glance at different versions and deleted footage.
• 007 Mission Control: Interactive guide into the world of "Thunderball".
• Theatrical Archive: Collection of vintage trailers.
• TV Broadcasts: Vintage TV spots for "Thunderball".
• Radio Communication: Audio ads for the film.
• Image Database: Gallery of publicity stills and behind-the-scenes shots.

"Thunderball," the fourth instalment in the James Bond series, starring Sean Connery, remains a titan in the 007 franchise, heralded for catapulting Bond into the action hero stratosphere beyond the confines of espionage and intrigue. Directed with a sharp eye by Terence Young, and featuring the return of Connery in what many argue to be his definitive portrayal of the iconic spy, "Thunderball" is celebrated for its ambitious scale, underwater cinematography, and the introduction of gadgetry that would become synonymous with the Bond identity. Despite criticisms concerning its length and certain dated elements, such as its overt gender portrayals, the film's technical achievements and engaging plot, revolving around the theft of two nuclear bombs by SPECTRE, captivate audiences even today. The Blu-ray presentation enhances this experience, boasting impressive detail and a DTS-MA audio mix that breathes new life into its classic score and thrilling sound effects.

The film's restoration for Blu-ray has not gone unnoticed, providing aficionados and newcomers alike a chance to witness Connery's swagger and the array of vibrant set pieces in unparalleled clarity. However, amidst its technical praise, it is pertinent to acknowledge the mixed reactions towards its supporting cast and the execution of some action sequences, which some argue haven't aged gracefully. Notwithstanding these critiques, "Thunderball’s" release on Blu-ray has been embraced for offering both vintage and recent extras that enrich the Bond lore for its audience. Its place within the annals of pop culture - and within the James Bond Blu-ray collection - remains indisputably significant, cementing "Thunderball" as not just an event movie but an essential artifact of cinematic history that has influenced countless films and parodies since its original release.

Further enhancing the viewing experience, this Blu-ray edition is noteworthy not just for its visual and auditory improvements but for its challenges too, including compatibility issues noted with certain Blu-ray players at the time of release. Despite these technological hiccups, enthusiasts are treated to a wealth of supplementary content that spans decades, illustrating the timeless appeal of Bond. This release underscores "Thunderball's" pivotal role in shaping the franchise's future direction, with its lavish production values and pioneering underwater sequences setting new benchmarks. Through this presentation, Sean Connery’s unparalleled charm and the film’s spectacular escapades remain as compelling as ever, solidifying "Thunderball's" ranking within both Connery’s tenure as Bond and the broader spy genre.

The Blu-ray release of "Thunderball," featuring Sean Connery in what many consider his quintessential role as James Bond, garners mixed but overall positive reviews from aficionados of the spy genre. According to fans, the film’s storyline is engaging and enjoyable, with Domino being hailed as one of the most stunning and memorable Bond girls throughout the series. MGM receives praise for their efforts in enhancing the film’s audio and video quality, successfully rejuvenating its appearance and making "Thunderball" look significantly younger than its actual age. Such restoration efforts have been crucial in preserving the film's allure, ensuring it remains vibrant and attractive to both longstanding fans and new viewers on the Blu-ray format.

However, while the restoration has been lauded, there are some reservations regarding the consistency of video quality when compared to previous entries in the James Bond Blu-ray series. Despite these concerns, the improved quality over DVD versions and the inclusion of numerous valuable bonus features make the Blu-ray a recommended purchase. The enhancements in audio fidelity are especially noted, offering a richer and more immersive viewing experience that faithfully honors the legacy of "Thunderball" as a pivotal entry in the Bond catalogue.

In conclusion, the Blu-ray release of "Thunderball" stands as an essential acquisition for both Bond enthusiasts and those intrigued by the cinematic history of Britain's most famous secret agent. Though it may not reach the pinnacle of restoration seen in other franchise installments, its strengths far outweigh its shortcomings. The meticulous upgrade in audio-visual elements, coupled with a plethora of engaging supplemental content, solidifies its status as a commendable addition to any collector's library. Whether you're revisiting the charm and thrill of "Thunderball" or discovering its wonders for the first time, this edition offers a compelling case for why Sean Connery's portrayal remains definitive and unmatched.