Plot: What’s it about?
Harry Palmer (Michael Caine) isn’t your typical, run of the mill secret agent. He has a spotted past as a thief, and he works in his new profession with some trepidation. With an ex-thief as a secret agent, his bosses are also skeptical of him and his intentions. Palmer’s new assignment seems like something from the X-Files, as he must investigate some unusual happenings involving scientists, who are disappearing by the second, only to reemerge with their minds erased. Now, a scientist isn’t much good without his scientific mind, and this phenomena could impact progress of several types. As such, the source of this tomfoolery must be discovered and exposed, as to protect the remaining scientific think tank. While Palmer becomes more deeply involved, he realizes this case goes deeper than anyone had thought, and revolves around a scheme that would boggle the mind, literally. With danger around every turn, will Palmer be able to solve the mystery and save guys in white lab coats everywhere?
While this is a spy movie, don’t raise your brow and assume this is a James Bond rip-off, because the only things they share are the genre and producer. This movie relies more on cerebral type stuff, as opposed to gadgets and gizmos galore. If Palmer wants to solve the case and survive, he uses his wits, whereas Bond uses some pen with a poison tipped dart in it. In other words, this is not an action/advanture flick like Bond, this is a true to the name spy movie. Palmer is also quite different from Bond in that he seems more like a regular guy out there, not some super suave over trained agent. This makes the tension better, since he isn’t a lock to make it through everything, after all, he is human. This is a fantastic spy flick, with a rock solid storyline and some unique camera work that creates a visually impressive presentation as well. If you are a fan of mysteries or spy movies, I suggest you look this title up. As for the disc itself, Anchor Bay has issued another superb release here, well worth your money, whether you opt for a rental or purchase.
As I mentioned above, the producer of this film, Harry Saltzman, also produced a Bond flick, Goldfinger. I don’t know what influence Saltzman served to have on the film, but in any case, he knows his spy movies. This film was directed by Sidney J. Furie, who uses some unusual camera placement and movement here, which adds visual spark without distracting from the story. Other noteworthy Furie directed films include Iron Eagle, Iron Eagle 2, and Ladybugs. Michael Caine plays the lead role here, and really brings the humanity of the character out. While Bond seems like he is always on vacation, Caine’s spy acts like it’s just another day at the office, punching the clock. Caine is a master thespian, and proves that here in one of his finest roles. Some of Caine’s other memorable roles appear in Alfie, The Cider House Rules, The Man Who Would Be King, and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. The supporting cast includes Guy Doleman (On The Beach, Thunderball), Gordon Jackson (Shaka Zulu, Mutiny on the Bounty), Sue Lloyd (The Return of Mr. Moto, The Bitch), and Nigel Green (The Spanish Sword, The Pink Jungle).
Video: How does it look?
The Ipcress File is presented in a 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer. The image is strong, but age has been unkind to this print, which shows flecks, wear spots, and an overall soft looking visual presentation. This is by no fault of the transfer, but of time, which has worn this print down a lot. Still, this is the best the movie has looked on home video, so there’s no need to skip it because of the visuals. There are some minor compression errors, but none serious enough to write home about. The colors, due to the print condition, appear a little muted, but not to a distracting level. For the same reason, the contrast is a little bright, which creates overly light shadows. Even with these flaws, I can’t help but commend Anchor Bay for their work here, the movie has never looked better.
Audio: How does it sound?
The audio is replicated via the original mono track, which does an adequate turn. The score, effects, and dialogue all sound clear and distinct, with no separation problems.
Supplements: What are the extras?
The disc contains the theatrical trailer, a still photo gallery, talent files, and a running commentary with director Sidney J. Furie and editor Peter Hunt. The track is hilarious and informative, with the bright spots including Furie’s tirade about the incompetence of producer Harry Saltzman.
