Magic Of Gilbert And Sullivan, The - Band Of Her Majesty's Royal Marines

Advantages: great features and pin sharp picture, lush booklet
Disadvantages: We want Dolby Digital 5.1 channel sound - nothing less!

...This disc is the sixth in the series of digitally remastered, feature packed, DVD releases of James Bond. On Her Majesty's Secret Service is the odd-ball James Bond film in the series, for the very fact that George Lazenby takes his role as Britain's ultimate secret agent for one time only, amid Sean Connery's efforts (George replaced Sean, but Sean returned to do the next film, Diamonds are Forever). After all, how can we possibly have an Australian playing the role of our national hero? However, the film, despite an unconvincing portrayal by Lazenby, is one of the best of the series, thanks to a cracking plot, seriously good acting by other cast members, and of course: the chance to see Bond get married. Briefly, our hero starts the film by rescuing a gorgeous Diana Rigg (playing the Countess Tracy di Vincenzo) from a suicide... Read review

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Advantages: Beautiful music, brilliant lyrics, rapturous performances
Disadvantages: None for the aficianado

...Gilbert and Sullivan ? two names that encapsulate the very meaning of Englishness of a by-gone era. The words and music of their comic operas have become interwoven in the very fabric of the life of this country. The tunes and lyrics are so familiar that listeners will know them even if they cannot put a title to a particular song. The entrepreneurial mind behind the productions was Richard D?Oyly Carte who was instrumental in bringing the librettist and composer together and also for building Savoy Theatre (and the hotel) in the Strand in London which become the home of the operettas. The guardianship of this heritage is now vested in the D?Oyly Carte Opera Company which has been synonymous with great performances, recordings and generations of dedicated performers since the late 1800s. THE CDs Perhaps the period of greatest... Read review

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Advantages: True Bond
Disadvantages: Not as entertaining

...After the success of his fifth Bond film, You Only Live Twice, Sean Connery decided enough was enough and hung up his boots as the MI6 secret agent Commander James Bond. Shortlived though it was and limited to just this film, George Lazenby took up the role for On Her Majesty's Secret Service in what is actually one of the better films in terms of plot. The Plot Relieved of pursuing Blofeld by his superiors, Moneypenny cleverly acquires James Bond two weeks' leave, during which he travels to Switzerland in pursuit of a mob boos' daughter as well as Blofeld, for the S.P.E.C.T.R.E. number 1 is hatching a new plot, involving chemical tests on human beings in the hope of creating superhumans. Yet again, Bond has his work cut out for him whilst facing his arch enemy Blofeld. The Cast and Performances George Lazenby has here his... Read review

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