MI6 reviews the new James Bond Ultimate Edition DVD of the 1973 outing "Live And Let Die"...

DVD Review - Live And Let Die
8th June 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
With charm, wit and deadly assurance, Roger Moore steps in as the suave, sophisticated - and lethal - Agent 007 in a thrilling, high powered showdown with an infamous drug lord who's determined to eliminate Bond and conquer the world!

Data Stream
Region: 2
Release Date: 17th July 2006
Running Time: 116 minutes
Screen Format: 2.35:1 Anamorphic PAL
Soundtracks: English DD5.1, English DTS
Subtitles: Danish, Dutch, English, English HOH, 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)
English Audio Commentary Dolby Digital 2.0 (192Kb/s)

 

Video
Presented in a 1.78:1 (16:9 enhanced) aspect ratio, this is as close to the original 1.85:1 theatrical release as any home video version has come. Image sharpness is great on the whole, although there are some shots that drop off with softness. Black levels are deep but shadow detail is patchy. The colour correction process has evened out the transfer and looks great, with accurate skin tones. There are no obvious compression or telecine artifacts.

Audio
Featuring a new DTS 5.1 mix, this track is so similar to the Dolby Digital 5.1 mix that few will find any improvement. The original 1973 soundtrack does sound old in places, with special effects not up to todays standards. That said, lip sync and dialog levels are excellent throughout.

On The DVD

  • Newly Recorded Audio Commentary Featuring Sir Roger Moore
  • DECLASSIFIED: MI6 VAULT
  • Bond 1973: The Lost Documentary
  • Roger Moore as James Bond, Circa 1964
  • Live and Let Die Conceptual Art
  • 007 MISSION CONTROL
  • Interactive Guide Into the World of Live and Let Die
  • THE COMPLETE SPECIAL FEATURES LIBRARY - MISSION DOSSIER
  • Audio Commentary Featuring Guy Hamilton
  • Audio Commentary Featuring Tom Mankiewicz
  • Inside Live and Let Die
  • On Set With Roger Moore
  • MINISTRY OF PROPAGANDA, Original Trailers, TV Spots, Photo Gallery & Radio Communications
 

New Bonus Features
Roger Moore Commentary - Newly recorded, this commentary track is packed with entertaining stories as Moore reminisces filming his first Bond performance nearly 25 years ago.
Bond 1973: The Lost Documentary - This grainy archived documentary is a typical "making of" feature with interviews from Roger Moore, Guy Hamilton, Jane Seymour and includes behind the scenes footage from various sequences such as the plane chase, boat chase, and crocodile farm.
Roger Moore as James Bond, Circa 1964 - Narrated by Michael G. Wilson, this feature includes a clip of Roger Moore as James Bond in short lived television comedy series "Mainly Millicent" starring Millicent Martin as a fellow Russian spy as both agents are in the same resort during respective vacation.
Live and Let Die Conceptual Art - Short clip displaying early drawings and versions for Live and Let Die conceptual art, narrated by Michael G. Wilson.
All other features were previously released on the Special Edition DVD.


One Last Thing...
Where are the cut scenes? Bond strangling a goon on the banks of the river chase, Quarrel demonstrating the gas pellet gun, a dialogue reference to Quarrel's father, a scene where Kananga threatens Tee Hee after he harms Solitaire...

MI6 Rating
Video
Audio
Special Features
Overall

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