Big Picture Big Sound

The Film

After 1971's Diamonds Are Forever, Sean Connery swore that he would never don 007's monkey suit again. Well, something (cha-ching!) lured the suave actor back to the secret agent, and out popped Never Say Never Again -- a film that's so 80s, it should come wrapped in legwarmers.

However, it's not the constant reminder of the time period or even Kim Basinger that makes this Bond stand out. This is Connery's comeback, which was basically to remake Thunderball. It's also the second and last (to date) non-EON Bond film.

This time, a much older, still sexy Bond (Connery) is sent to infiltrate SPECTRE, a group that's swiped two nuclear warheads to bilk governments around the world out of millions. Of course, Bond saves the day (duh), and gives his infamous "Never again" line at the film's end.

Good plan, Sean. Because legal loopholes and on-set drama aside, the film just isn't all that good. The special effects are bad, the dialogue is bad, and it drags on for a painful 134 minutes. Also, that 80s thing may work for John Hughes, but Never Say Never Again is as cheesy as an ASIA reunion.

The Picture

Beyond the hairstyles and tracksuits, the film certainly shows signs of age. It's not the worst looking Blu-ray. However, the 2.35:1 transfer leaves a lot to be desired, especially if you just added Quantum of Solace to your collection. The colors are kind of blah and the fleshtones are extra rosy, but from sharks to Largo's evil lair to Bond's chest hair, there are plenty of details to distract you.

The Sound

Fans of the current Bond flicks have been spoiled. Although Never Say Never Again promises its thrills and chills via DTS Master Audio 5.1, it sounds as though some of that process might involve a tin can. The film makes no use of your surrounds, which might be forgivable if it weren't an action flick -- and at least delivered decent dialogue. It's okay, at best, but sounds muffled in more than a few areas.

The Extras

Never Say Never Again is long and slightly tedious. However, the real story is what went on behind the scenes. If you can hang in for a few extra minutes, the one worthy featurette is "The Big Gamble." It doesn't get into too much of the drama, but gets sort of interesting when describing some of the legal issues and other concerns that came with bringing Connery's Bond back to the big screen.

Final Thoughts

Diamonds aren't forever, and neither is the thrill of a Bond movie. While I seem to recall being excited that Connery was reclaiming his Bond throne when the movie first hit theaters, it just doesn't hold up all that well. While I'd never say never to this release, it's more of a rental, but only for a bit of Bond nostalgia.

Where to Buy:

• Never Say Never Again on Blu-ray Disc (Amazon.com)

Product Details

• Actors: Sean Connery, Klaus Maria Brandauer, Max von Sydow, Barbara Carrera, Kim Basinger, Bernie Casey, Alec McCowen, Edward Fox
• Director: Irvin Kershner
• Audio/Languages: Dolby DTS Master Audio 5.1 (English), Dolby Surround (English), Mono (French, Spanish)
• Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, Cantonese, Korean, Mandarin, Thai
• Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
• Region: A
• Number of Discs: 1
• Rating: PG
• Studio: 20th Century Fox
• Blu-ray Disc Release Date: March 24, 2009
• Run Time: 134 minutes
• List Price: $34.98
• Extras:
  • Commentary with Director Irvin Kershner and James Bond Historian Steven Kay Rubin
  • The Big Gamble
  • Sean is Back
  • The Girls of Never Say Never Again
  • Theatrical Trailer
  • Photo Gallery