Bond Week Day One - Dr. No

To celebrate the UK cinema release of Quantum of Solace this Friday, the HCC team will be taking a look at a new 007 Blu-ray release every day. First up, Bond's bigscreen debut Dr. No.

Dr. No is by no means the best Bond film, but it is undoubtedly the most important. If it had failed, then it’s doubtful that we’d still be enjoying 007’s antics on the big screen today. But, of course, it was a huge success. And even if all of the key Bond elements aren’t quite in place in this investigation into the murder of a British agent in Jamaica (Goldfinger would be the film that perfected the template), Dr No is still an entertaining spy thriller with just the right amount of sex and violence. Great fun.

Anton van Beek: As impressed as we were with the re-mastered picture quality on the 2006 Ultimate Edition DVD, this Blu-ray release is an absolute revelation. Presented at the original 1.66:1 aspect ratio (with black bars at the side of the screen) this 46 year-old movie looks nothing short of spectacular. There’s nary a trace of dirt or damage anywhere in the image, detail levels are exceptional and (mercifully) any use of DNR technology was subtle enough to ensure that film grain survived untouched.

Steve May: In truth this is not the most exciting of soundtracks, but it's been impeccably remastered by the Lowry Digital technicians. The original mono Bond mix is presented here in DTS-HD Master Audio guise. Given the age of the elements it sounds startlingly good,. Although some might hanker after the original mono mix, I think the new surround presentation is subtle and refined. The opening title sequence ripples from front to back, with Monty Norman's score sounding great in new lossless form. I love the way the opening reel has crickets placed in the rear channels, while the dialogue is locked to centre. Dr. No gets a big Yes.

Mark Craven: The care and attention being lavished on these Bond Blu-rays extends to the supplementary material. While there’s nothing here that wasn’t included on the earlier two-disc Ultimate Edition DVD, the presentation of much of the material is improved. Rather than simply port across all of the old standard definition content, hi-def versions of certain items like trailers and documentaries have been created.
The full set of extra features includes a commentary by director Terence Young and members of the cast and crew (assembled from interview material), a restoration featurette, premiere footage, a archival look at Bonds guns, location guide, textless version of the iconic gun barrel opening, Inside Dr. No retrospective documentary, an archival promo featurette, a tribute to director Terence Young, trailers and an extensive image gallery.

We say: An impeccably turned out vintage 007 disc that just goes to show how much old movies can truly benefit from a Blu-ray facelift.

MGM/20th Century Fox, Region B Blu-ray, £23, On sale now
HCC VERDICT: 5/5