Review of Living Daylights, The: Special Edition (James Bond)

Introduction

The Living Daylights saw a new dawn for Bond. With Roger Moore finally pensioned off it was a chance for a new start, a chance to move Bond in a different direction. This chance was seized upon by Timothy Dalton who beat stiff competition to land the role.

He opens up with a classic Bond introduction sequence, which moves nicely into a classic Bond film, featuring the old foe of the KGB, defectors, big country houses, beautiful women and double crossing arms dealers.

The film didn`t do massive business at the box office, with many Bond fans straying after the travesty of some of the preceding Bond films. This film is head and shoulders above almost all of the Moore Bond films though.

Video

We are presented with a 2.35:1 anamorphic transfer which looks good, but with some grainy sections which lack detail. On the whole, detail is good, with good colours and no artefacting to be found. Some flecks of print damage now and again, but in general a good picture.

Audio

A DD5.1 soundtrack which sounds very good and is well used during the film. Plenty of directional effects are used (gunfire and explosions), and dialogue is audible at all times.

The main title song is performed by A-Ha, who were still reasonably trendy at the time of release. It does sound quite similar to Duran Duran`s "View To A Kill", and can`t really be described as "classic Bond". This film also marks the final appearance of John Barry, with his last Bond score.

Features

Once again, a feature packed Bond disc.

You`ll find a commentary track featuring director John Glen and various cast and crew members. This is worth a listen.

There are two documentaries on the disc, one focusing on the making of the film itself, the other focusing on the man responsible for Bond, Ian Fleming. This is an important documentary as this is the last Bond film to be tied to one of Fleming`s works. Both documentaries are interesting and engaging.

There`s also a deleted scene (you don`t get many of these on Bond discs), three trailers and the music video for A-Ha`s "The Living Daylights". There`s also a short making of featurette to go with the video.

Another well presented set of extras.

Conclusion

Another top notch Bond DVD. Dalton makes an excellent entrance and fits in to the role of Bond in his own style. He read up on Fleming`s Bond and it shows here, as he is a Bond you can believe in, unlike the Bond of "A View To A Kill".

Some great gadgets, good set pieces and old enemies make for a good Bond film. It is well presented on this DVD with a good picture, great sound and another quality bundle of extras. A must for Bond collectors, and a very good film for casual Bond viewers.