Plot: What’s it about?
A British spy vessel has been sunk, but this is no ordinary situation, as the cargo on the ship was quite valuable. The vessel carried a high end communication device known as the ATAC, which won’t remain unclaimed for long. So James Bond (Roger Moore) is sent out to recover the device and make sure the Russians don’t even get close. Soon after he arrives, Bond encounters several contacts, a woman named Melina Havelock (Caroline Bouquet) and two men, Aristotle Kristatos (Julian Glover) and Milos Columbo (Topol). Bond learns that Havelock’s parents were both murdered and while both Kristatos and Columbo insist they’re on his side, suspicions abound. Both accuse the other of being undercover for the Russians, so Bond has to figure out who he can trust, all while carrying out the rest of his mission. But can he avoid the trials & tribulations that surround him and recover the ATAC, or will the Russians have the last laugh?
I wouldn’t rank Roger Moore as one of the best Bonds, but of his 007 adventures, For Your Eyes Only is the best. Moore’s Bond was more spoof than substance at times, with too much humor and outlandish moments. But in this installment, he takes a more serious approach and the movie is quite effective. Moore retains his smooth demeanor, but ups the ante on his toughness, which adds so much to this picture. We also have Caroline Bouquet as one of the better Bond girls, joined by Lynn-Holly Johnson as one of the more offbeat females in the franchise. For Your Eyes Only delivers on all the usual Bond elements, so we have gadgets, stunt set pieces, and plenty of spy business. The trouble is that none of it stands out, it almost seems routine at times. Even so, this is still a solid Bond outing and Moore’s best work in the series, in my opinion. On Blu-ray, For Your Eyes Only looks quite good and has ample extras, so it replaces the previous DVDs, no doubt.
Video: How does it look?
For Your Eyes Only is presented in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen. This is an impressive visual treatment, with a pristine print at the foundation. As good as the print looks, the process used to scrub it down also removed a great deal of the inherent grain, which results in a less film-like texture. Even so, the visuals look great here and never disappoint. The soft nature of the visuals is evident, but detail is still a few notches above any previous releases. I found colors to be bright and free from error, while contrast is stark and never inconsistent. A few minor quibbles aside, this is a strong visual presentation.
Audio: How does it sound?
This DTS HD 5.1 option provides an active soundtrack, one that enhances the action scenes and atmosphere quite well. You will notice the surrounds from the opening scene forward, as they’re alive and kicking right from the jump. The action set pieces get the most boost, with more power and presence than before, but almost every scene benefits to an extent. The music sounds great, though quite dated, while dialogue is clear and clean. The one complaint is that volume issues arise, but they’re minor and never turn into a distraction. This disc also includes a 2.0 surround option, French and Spanish language tracks, and subtitles in English and Spanish.
Supplements: What are the extras?
A total of three audio commentaries are here, with director John Glen and others, co-writer Michael G. Wilson and others, and a solo session with Roger Moore. The first two commentaries are interviews spliced together, which means ample information, but the experience isn’t live or screen specific. Moore’s comments are screen specific, but he tends to narrate often, so don’t expect the world from this session. As far as featurettes, you’ll find more than a few here, some focused and others more general. The best is Inside For Your Eyes Only, which runs about half an hour and provides a good look inside the production. This disc also includes animated storyboards, two deleted scenes, still photos, a Sheena Easton music video, two radio spots, three television ads, and the film’s theatrical trailer.
