The Anderson Tapes (1971) Blu-ray Review

Sean Connery has made so many great film during his career. He was part of the Indiana Jones film series. He took on Al Capone in The Untouchables. He was even directed by the great Alfred Hitchcock in the classic Marnie. But probably most everyone would remember him as simply the best James Bond Agent 007. He starred in 7 James Bond films. 

Well in the midst of the James Bond run in 1971 he starred in an action/crime film entitled The Anderson Tapes. Now Kino Lorber Studio Classics are releasing this 70s cult classic on Blu-ray.

After ten years in the cooler, Duke Anderson (Connery) heads for the luxurious apartment of his ex-girlfriend, Ingrid Everleigh (Cannon), where he masterminds an elaborate plot to rob the entire building. Financed by an underworld boss (Alan King, Casino), he recruits the best burglars in town, including an antiques dealer (Martin Balsam, The Taking of Pelham One Two Three) and a young safecracker (Christopher Walken, The Deer Hunter, King of New York). But what he doesn’t know is that each detail of the robbery is secretly recorded by electronic “bugs” planted throughout the building.

It is kind of interesting to see Sean Connery on the wrong side of the law, when at the time of this film's release people were used to seeing him fighting bad guys as the suave and sophisticated agent 007. But even here his debonaire qualities are on full display.

Now Sidney Lumet is a phenomenal director. He has given us such classics as 12 Angry Men (1957), Dog Day Afternoon (1975), Network (1976), The Verdict (1982), Murder on the Orient Express (1974), and the cult classic The Wiz (1978). And while this is not in line of his best films amd ot suffers a bit from some minor flaws, it still is an an entertaining little caper.

Lumet casted along with the great Sean Connery a pretty impressive supporting cast features the talents of Dyan Cannon (Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice, Shamus), Ingrid Everleigh (Cannon), Alan King (Casino), Martin Balsam (The Taking of Pelham One Two Three) and a young Christopher Walken (The Deer Hunter).

The film has been transferred to Blu-ray in 1080p in the 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The audio is an English 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio. There is also the option for English Subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing.

The transfer of this film to Blu-ray is sharp as a tack. The colors are bright and vibrant. There are no signs of age-related damage to this print. The Anderson Tapes really looks great for a film that is over a half a century old. But a great looking print is not all that is included on this Blu-ray. Take a look at the bonus features included.

* Audio Commentary by Film Historian Glenn Kenny

* TV Spot

* Trailers: The Anderson Tapes, The Great Train Robbery, Cuba, Shamus, The Taking of Pelham One Two Three, 12 Angry Men, Serpico, The Thomas Crown Affair, Loophole

* Slipcover and reversible cover art

With a very insightful audio commentary and the addition of a TV spot and theatrical trailer. This ups the cool factor of this Blu-ray release. Now while this is not the greatest Sean Connery films of all time. I think fans of Sean Connery or caper films will find this one a must own.

So, if you love Sean Connery, Sideny Lumet films or caper films your collection is not complete without the Blu-ray of The Anderson Tapes. Head over to Amazon and order your copy today.


Out of 4 Film Reels (4 Being the Best) The Blu-ray of The Anderson Tapes receives....