It’s time for The Anderson Tapes blu-ray review, I’m a huge Sean Connery fan so when another of his films recently released on blu-ray by Powerhouse Films, I simply had to take a look.
I’ve already covered quite a few of his films that are already out on glorious blu-ray, links to those can be found below. The Anderson Tapes (1971) is a crime, thriller in which a heist takes place.
- The Anderson Tapes (1971)
- UK Rating 15
- Discs: 2 (Dual Format Blu-ray & DVD)
- Released By Powerhouse Films aka Indicator
- Blu-ray Released: 27th February 2017
Plot
Sean Connery plays Duke Anderson a burglar just released from prison. He decides to stay with his former girlfriend in her swanky upmarket apartment in New York City. Whilst there he decides the apartment block is worth robbing and sets out to put a plan together and submits it to a mob boss. Following the green light to proceed he continues to assemble his team.
Based on The Anderson Tapes 1970 novel by Lawrence Sanders.
Style / Direction
Sidney Lumet directs and I have to say he does a very good job. The look of the film is exceptional with the location of the heist sporting a lovely spiral staircase that Lumet uses to great effect.
The pacing of the film is pretty much perfect allowing enough time to introduce all the main participants in the heist.
The cinematography is handled by Arthur J. Ornitz.
Music / Audio Effects
The film goes with a lot of electronic sound effects to compliment the plotline around the surveillance cameras and phone taps. This does slightly irritate and is somewhat overdone.
The music is provided by Quincy Jones.
Acting / Characters
When people hear Sean Connery’s name they think Bond, but despite being forever associated with that role he did indeed make some exceptional films away from playing 007.
In The Anderson Tapes he plays a burglar Duke Anderson, he is an intelligent kind of guy planning every last detail. This is yet another strong performance from a truly top actor.
The support cast isn’t bad either with Alan King playing a mob boss to perfection. His performance adds a little bit of needed humour.
Dyan Cannon plays Ingrid Everleigh, Duke’s love interest and I have to say they are kind of made for each other both seemingly having many other issues to contend with.
The rest of the cast all put in good performances enhancing the overall film. None more than a young looking Christopher Walken who’s character is known only as “Kid”. He and Duke served time together and finds himself recruited to take care of the alarms and safes. He plays this role exceptionally well and I have to say he is well cast in the role alongside Connery.
Conclusion: The Anderson Tapes (1971) Film Review
The Anderson Tapes is yet another excellent film that benefits from the Blu-ray experience. Instead of watching poor prints of older films on television the clean crisp and correct aspect ratio means these films have never looked so good. In fact such is the difference it can completely change your opinion of a film.
If you are looking for a great heist film that stars a strong and powerful actor this one is most definitely for you as Sean Connery is on fine form.
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Conclusion: The Anderson Tapes Blu-ray Review
As I just mentioned a good Blu-ray release (Great picture quality) really can enhance and even change your perception of a film. So how good is this release? The film is shot with a noisy film grain look, however the perfect balance has been struck for the Blu-ray release resulting in excellent picture quality. Colours are vibrant and the image is sharp and free from dirt marks.
Overall this is an excellent Blu-ray release from Powerhouse Films, if you are a fan of Sean Connery this Blu-ray release is well worth purchasing in fact I recommend doing so.
Extras
- Audio Commentary by Glenn Kenny
- Super 8 Version
- Original Theatrical Trailer
- Image Gallery
- 24 Page Booklet
The Anderson Tapes (1971) is available now on Blu-ray from Amazon and Powerhouse Films.
The Amazon links on this page are affiliate / associate links. By buying through the links we may receive a commission for the sale. This has no effect on the price you pay.
Popcorn Cinema Rating: The Anderson Tapes (1971)
MOVIE RATING: WELL WORTH WATCHING
BLU-RAY RATING: VERY GOOD
POPCORN CINEMA: RECOMMENDED
The Anderson Tapes (1971) Film Trailer
For those of you yet to see the film I’ll leave you with a little taster…
Clip may not be representative of the Blu-ray version
That concludes The Anderson Tapes blu-ray review, check back soon for more reviews.
Summary: The Anderson Tapes (1971) Blu-ray Review
Movie title: The Anderson Tapes (1971)
Duration: 99 mins
Director(s): Sidney Lumet,
Actor(s): Sean Connery, Dyan Cannon, Martin Balsam, Alan King, Christopher Walken
Genre: Crime, Thriller
- Movie Rating
- Blu-ray Rating
- Extras Rating
Summary
A cracking heist film that sees Connery on fine form. The Blu-ray version is well worth purchasing.
