Reviewer's Rating 5 out of 5
A View to a Kill DVD (1985)

The story might not be the best but "A View to a Kill" takes some beating in terms of spectacular stunts. These really come to life in the form of a brilliant transfer and a great documentary on the DVD release.

Another fine ski chase sequence opens Roger Moore's last film in the Bond series. It really shows off the crystal-clear transfer, with the snowbound action looking good. The picture continues to impress after that and is every bit as fine as the "For Your Eyes Only" DVD.

A new 5.1 sound mix really adds punch to what had been an already impressive soundtrack on VHS. Explosions and gunfire have both direction and new depth.

The scale of this Bond film is explored in a 'making of' documentary with the opening scene and the jump from the Eiffel Tower both explained in detail. Problems nearly scuppered both, but as usual the production team got around them. As you'll see, more were to come when the Bond stage at Pinewood burned down.

The usual selection of trailers and a music video are included on the disc, as well as a busy commentary, not only with director John Glen but assorted crew and actors too. And well worth making time for is "The Bond Sound" documentary, which looks at the music of the series. Interviews include Monty Norman, Shirley Bassey, Nancy Sinatra, Bill Conti, David Arnold, and of course John Barry. Each film's opening theme and score is dissected and it's fascinating to see recurring trends appear as the Bond signature tune continues to be reworked.

Chapters: 32
Ratio: 2.35:1
Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1
Extra Features: Scene selection, audio commentary featuring director John Glen and cast and crew members, 'Inside A View to a Kill' documentary, 'The Bond Sound' documentary, deleted scene, music video, three trailers, four TV adverts, collectable 'making of' booklet, animated menus, subtitles, English for the hearing impaired.

End Credits

Director: John Glen

Writer: Michael G Wilson, Richard Maibaum

Stars: Roger Moore, Tanya Roberts, Grace Jones, Patrick Macnee, Christopher Walken, Lois Maxwell, Fiona Fullerton, David Yip, Desmond Llewelyn

Genre: Action, Thriller

Length: 127 minutes

Cinema: 1985

DVD: 29 January 2001

Country: UK