Die Another Day

MGM’s Blu-ray presentation of "Die Another Day" offers a significant visual upgrade over its DVD predecessors, featuring an impressive 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer that showcases the film in its original 2.40:1 aspect ratio. This release benefits from the use of the AVC Mpeg-4 compression codec, which mitigates many of the issues apparent in previous DVD releases, such as macroblocking and edge enhancement. While it’s an undeniable leap in quality, viewers will note that edge enhancement, although greatly reduced, is still present to a minor extent, hinting at possible post-production sharpening. Despite this, the overall sharpness, detailed textures, balanced contrast, and deep black levels make for a visually pleasing experience.

Colors in this Blu-ray edition are vibrant and accurate, with primaries popping and skintones looking natural. Contrast is excellently balanced, ensuring that blacks are deep without sacrificing detail, while whites remain controlled without any signs of being overblown. Fine details are easily noticeable across various scenes, from subtle facial textures to intricate backgrounds, showcasing an impressive level of clarity and depth. However, some instances of soft foregrounds and slightly blurry backgrounds can be observed, alongside minor bursts of artifacting that, while improved from the DVD version, might still catch the eye of eagle-eyed viewers.

Even with these minor complaints, MGM demonstrates a strong capacity for delivering high-quality video transfers that significantly enhance the viewing experience. The depth and clarity of detail, combined with the vivid color reproduction and solid black levels, ensure that "Die Another Day" on Blu-ray stands as a commendable effort. Fans of the film and Blu-ray collectors alike will find this release a worthy addition to their collection, thanks to its combination of technical excellence and noticeable improvements over past editions.

The audio presentation of "Die Another Day" on Blu-ray offers an exceptional auditory experience that showcases the DTS HD Master Audio 5.1 track's strengths impressively. With the film’s heavy reliance on dynamic and explosive action sequences, the audio design plays a crucial role in bringing these elements to life with remarkable clarity and intensity. The surround activity is aggressively engaging, with sound effects such as explosions and gunfire meticulously placed to create an immersive soundscape. The low-frequency effects are robust and commanding, ensuring that each action-packed moment feels palpable. Dialogue remains crisp and easily discernible amidst the chaos, showcasing an excellent balance in the mix that prioritizes vocal clarity without compromising the depth and excitement of the background score and sound effects.

The technical execution of the audio mix is noteworthy for its precise directionality and the seamless integration of ambient sounds, which together contribute to a convincingly realistic and nuanced soundfield. The aggressive use of rear channels not only enhances the overall immersion but also accentuates the film’s environmental ambience and interior acoustics, making the viewing experience unexpectedly vivid. The LFE (Low Frequency Effects) channel enriches the soundtrack with a powerful depth, further elevating the film's high-stakes atmosphere. However, it's worth mentioning that at times, background noises such as crowd chatter may slightly distract from the primary dialogue. Despite this minor caveat, the superbly balanced and evenly distributed soundfield stands out as a testament to MGM’s successful effort in delivering a solid audio presentation on Blu-ray.

In essence, "Die Another Day" benefits immensely from its DTS HD Master Audio 5.1 track, which masterfully accentuates the film's outrageous action scenes and intricate sound design. The technical prowess evident in the audio mix’s directionality and balance makes it a remarkable achievement, perhaps even exceeding the visual aspect of the film. This audio presentation not only satisfies but surprises, offering an aural experience that is as thrilling as it is technically proficient.

The Blu-ray release of "Die Another Day" offers a comprehensive collection of extras, preserving all the features previously available on DVD editions, though it's a mixed bag in quality and relevance. The two audio commentaries provide contrasting insights: one a technical walkthrough with director Lee Tamahori and producer Michael G. Wilson, and the other a more reflective, anecdotal perspective from stars Pierce Brosnan and Rosamund Pike. Both sets of commentary fail to fully address the film’s shortcomings but offer intriguing behind-the-scenes looks. The collection shines with its Declassified: MI6 Vault and multiple production featurettes, such as "Shaken and Stirred on Ice" and "From Script to Screen," despite being presented in standard definition. These delve deeper into the production challenges and the efforts to weave the film into the broader Bond tapestry, albeit with a slightly self-congratulatory tone. However, the MI6 DataStream trivia track and the 007 Mission Control scene selector feel underwhelming, neither adding significant value nor insight into the Bond saga.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary Featuring Director Lee Tamahori and Producer Michael G. Wilson: Insight into the film's production.
• Audio Commentary Featuring Pierce Brosnan and Rosamund Pike: Actors share their experiences and reflections.
• Declassified: MI6 Vault: A documentary exploring the screenplay and integration into the Bond series.
• Shaken and Stirred on Ice: Focuses on the Icelandic shoot.
• Just Another Day: Documents a day in the life of the cast and crew.
• The British Touch: Bond Arrives in London: Examines Bond's return to London.
• On Location With Peter Lamont: A production diary.
• 007 Mission Control: Interactive guide to the world of Die Another Day.
• MI6 DataStream: A trivia track with facts about the film.
• Ministry of Propaganda Photo gallery: Collection of promotional images.

Die Another Day," the twentieth installment in the James Bond series, undeniably marks a controversial chapter in the franchise's storied history. With Pierce Brosnan reprising his role as the iconic spy, the film begins with a high-octane hovercraft chase, setting the stage for a narrative that sees Bond grapple with a North Korean terrorist operation and the murky world of conflict diamond smuggling. However, despite Brosnan’s commendable efforts to add depth to his portrayal of James Bond, the movie spirals into a narrative quagmire, marred by a convoluted plot and an overreliance on gimmicky technology, notably an invisible Aston Martin that feels more at home in a science fiction setting than a spy thriller.

Critics and fans alike have pointed out the film’s departure from the essence of Bond, lambasting it for its over-the-top action sequences, an improbable storyline, and awkward character interactions — particularly highlighting Halle Berry’s portrayal of NSA agent Jinx as lacking authenticity. The inclusion of laughable CGI effects and a Madonna cameo only serve to exacerbate the sense of disbelief. Despite boasting an extravagant budget, the film's execution fails to harness it effectively, resulting in what many consider a low point for the franchise. "Die Another Day" becomes a cautionary tale of excess, losing sight of the clever espionage and nuanced storytelling that defined earlier successes.

The film's legacy is further complicated by its reception within the broader context of the Bond series. Initially generating significant box office revenue, it simultaneously precipitated a critical reassessment of where the franchise was headed, almost jeopardizing its future. This mixed reception led to a swift redirection with Daniel Craig's subsequent casting, aiming to revive the series’ former glory. "Die Another Day" thus stands as a divisive entry — an ambitious yet flawed effort that strove to innovate but ultimately fell short, serving as both a lesson and a reference point for the enduring legacy of James Bond.

The Blu-ray presentation of "Die Another Day" has certainly divided opinions among enthusiasts and critics alike, encapsulating a wide range of sentiments from disappointment to commendation primarily for its technical execution rather than its narrative substance. On the one hand, the film itself has been critiqued for falling short of expectations, being described as an underwhelming entry in the Bond franchise that fortunately served as a catalyst for subsequent revitalization. However, when it comes to the Blu-ray edition, there is a notable appreciation for MGM's efforts in maximizing the potential of their Bond catalog. The release boasts an above-average video quality and a dynamic audio track, elevating the overall viewing experience despite the movie's narrative flaws.

From the audiovisual perspective, this edition excels with its excellent video transfer and a near-reference level lossless audio track, creating an immersive experience that can be appreciated by audiophiles and cinephiles alike. The inclusion of a generous array of supplements further adds value to this release, catering to the desires of die-hard Bond fans who seek to delve deeper into the making and legacy of "Die Another Day." Despite the polarizing reception of the film itself, MGM’s commitment to quality in this Blu-ray release is evident, showcasing their dedication to preserving and presenting the Bond legacy in the best possible light.

In conclusion, while "Die Another Day" may stand as a contentious chapter in the James Bond series, its Blu-ray presentation undeniably showcases MGM's successful efforts in delivering high technical quality and comprehensive supplementary material. This release emerges as a must-have for collectors and a testament to the technological care bestowed upon the Bond catalog, offering an enhanced viewing experience that starkly contrasts with the film's critical reception. For aficionados seeking to complete their collection or experience the technical prowess of modern home media, this edition warrants attention, albeit with a forewarning about the movie’s divisive nature.