MI6 reviews the new James Bond Ultimate Edition DVD of the 1985 outing "A View To A Kill"...

DVD Review - A View To A Kill
27th December 2007

The James Bond movies have been brought into the 21st century with special 5.1 surround sound remastering, new film transfers and extra special features in the "Ultimate Editions" series. MI6 reviews reviews the films and each of these features along with all the special new content.

Official Blurb
Agent 007 (Roger Moore) races against time to stop a power-mad industrialist (Christopher Walken) who plots to kill millions in order to corner the world's microchip supply. From the Eiffel Tower to the top of Golden Gate Bridge, James Bond can't be stopped!

Data Stream
Region: 2
Release Date: 17th July 2006
Running Time: 127 minutes
Screen Format: 2.35:1 Anamorphic PAL
Soundtracks: English DD5.1, English DTS
Subtitles: Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, Greek, Hindi, Norwegian and Swedish

Audio Specs
English Dolby Digital 5.1 (448Kb/s)
English DTS 5.1 (768Kb/s)
English Audio Commentary Dolby Digital 2.0 (224Kb/s)
English Audio Commentary Dolby Digital 2.0 (192Kb/s)

 

Video
As with many of the Bond films from the 70s and 80s, A View To A Kill is presented in 2.35:1 with 16:9 enhancements and is mastered from a new high definition transfer. The restoration has improved picture quality from the previous Special Edition, but the results are not as perfect as other films in the series. The pictures show improved edge sharpness and detail, and is free from any visible film or compression artefacts, however this version has been cropped on the top and left sides compared to previous releases. Skin tones are sometimes a little too pink and unreal.

Audio
Although neither the new DTS 5.1 mix or the the complimentary Dolby Digital 5.1 mix do not fully utilise the available potential, the DTS version is slightly superior. Surround sound is used to good effect throughout, especially during the horse racing and crowd scenes, however the sub woofer does not get a work out at all except for the title theme music.

On The DVD

  • Newly Recorded Audio Commentary Featuring Sir Roger Moore
  • DECLASSIFIED: MI6 VAULT
  • Film '85 BBC Report
  • Float Like A Butterfly Test Footage
  • Deleted Scenes & Expanded Angles with Introductions by Director John Glen
  • 007 MISSION CONTROL
  • Interactive Guide Into the World of A View to a Kill
  • THE COMPLETE SPECIAL FEATURES LIBRARY - MISSION DOSSIER
  • Audio Commentary Featuring Director John Glen and Members of the Cast and Crew
  • Inside A View to a Kill
  • The Music of James Bond
  • 'A View to a Kill' Music Video Performed by Duran Duran
  • MINISTRY OF PROPAGANDA, Original Trailers, TV Spots & Photo Gallery
 

New Bonus Features
Newly Recorded Audio Commentary Featuring Sir Roger Moore - Roger Moore talks about the memorable moments during the filming of his last James Bond movie.
Film '85 BBC Report - John Glen, Roger Moore, Christopher Walken, and Tanya Roberts discuss their characters and routine during the filming of A View To A Kill.
Original Promotional Featurette - This feature is a quick overview of the main cast of A View To A Kill and its impressive locations and sets.
The Streets of San Francisco - Deleted Footage - This feature contains unused footage and alternate angles of the Fire Truck sequence and is commented by John Glen.
Float Like a Butterfly - Test Footage - This test footage of the butterfly sequence is narrated by John Glen who explains how this idea came to him.
Deleted Scenes & Expanded Angles With Introduction by Director John Glen - John Glen introduces four deleted scenes and three alternate angles.


The deleted scenes include Bond at the police station, Stacey getting fired at City Hall (complete with Roger Moore ad-lib), a manifestation against Zorin, and Zorin's crew arriving at City Hall. Alternate angles are the Eiffel Tour jump, police cars at the bridge, and Bond rescuing Tracy.

All other features were previously released on the Special Edition DVD.

One Last Thing...
Most fans will enjoy the cut-scenes and alternate angles included here for the first time, but it is curious that one of the least loved films gets such special treatment.

MI6 Rating
Video
Audio
Special Features
Overall

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