Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy [Blu-ray] [2019]

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy celebrates it's 40th Anniversary on this 2 disc Blu-ray edition. Disc One has episodes 1 to 4, the second disc includes the remaining 3 episodes and a 57 minute 2000 documentary 'The Secret Centre'. The series 1080p/50hz presentations are in the as broadcast 4.3 aspect ratio on BD50 discs and feature a DTS HD MA 2.0 Mono soundtrack. There are optional English HoH subtitles on the series and documentary.There are no details of any remastering on the packaging, the16mm film HD presentation of the 2 episodes I have so far watched is very good. The sound is clear with no distortion, crackle or annoyingg hiss.The discs are in a blue Amaray case which is in a slipcover and are marked Region B on the packaging and disc labels.

This review is for the 2-disc 40th anniversary Blu-Ray edition.If you havent seen the 1979 BBC production of Tinker Tailor Solider Spy, you should try to watch it at least once.Its cast list is a whos who of great actors of the time, and the production values are high.Special mention goes to the soundtrack, direction and of course the epic performance from Alec Guiness as the central character George Smiley.Actors in the other roles deliver performances ranging from strong to exceptional.The plot itself is the classic espionage/thriller, "who is the double agent?" and based on the book by John Le Carre.The TV adaptation has very little action you are gradually given information through a series of meetings (usually in smoky rooms) and flashbacks.It is the slow pacing where some will take issue. Those used to fast paced or action spy thrillers (such as Bond or Bourne) may find the series too slow.Given the authors background, it is probably a more genuine take on the spy genre and the way to approach this series is to emerse yourself into the world as the mole is revealed.The slow pacing and longer run-time also gives the viewer time to take on board the information, which gets round the major flaw of the 2011 film starring Gary Oldman which felt rushed at times.The series has previously been released a couple of times, firstly on DVD followed by the US Blu-Ray.The picture quality of the 40th aniversary Blu-Ray is significantly better than the DVD, and is (for a production of this age) generally excellent.Some interor scenes and the recap at the start of each episode (where different camera angles or takes were used) look a little rough but this may be inherrent in the original recording.The soundtrack is better than the DVD but mastered loud.I cannot comment about whether the overall picture quality or soundtrack is better than the US Blu-Ray, but the 40th anniversary edition has the benefit of the full 7 episodes rather than the USA 6 episode re-edit.In terms of extra's the Blu-Ray features the same documentary as the DVD, but nothing else.So overall, the main feature is well presented on this Blu-Ray and has major re-watch value. The documentary is excellent and informative, although additional content would have been nice.I would give the Blu-Ray 4 1/2 stars based on the extra features, but since it contains one of my favourite TV series, I'll round it up.Strongly Recommended.

Not only is this one of the best drama production the BBC ever made, this new BluRay edition sees it looking better than it has ever done - comparing it with the DVD release from 2003, this BluRay is clearly re-digitized from original film elements, with higher picture resolution and detail, greater contrast and colour depth, and endless bits of dirt and splodges cleaned from the prints. Alec Guinness is superb, Beryl Reid is even better, and frankly there isn't a duff performance among the entire cast. John Le Carré's tale is gripping. Buy it!

Having previously purchased the US version of this, thinking it would never, ever get released over here, I was dubious about buying it again. Mainly I chanced my arm because I could see it was formatted as per the original over 7 episodes and not the 6 on the US version (which made no sense at all). All I can say is WOW. To my eyes, this is a far superior transfer to BD than the american version - it's night and day. Here's hoping Smiley's People gets similar treatment some time soon.

I remember watching this when it was first shown on TV back in 1979. I have owned the DVD release for several years with its very fuzzy picture quality which I always thought would be due to being originally recorded on videotape. An article about the Blue Ray release n the Daily Telegraph on Sunday 1st September said that it was recorded on film and I notice that another reviewer suggests it was recorded on 16mm film which sounds right.The Blue Ray presents the programme in its original 4:3 ratio and is a vast improvement over the DVD release with a much sharper picture and better colour rendition. There is not a single scratch to be seen. A very worthwile upgrade from the DVD version

I have a US Acorn release as a BluRay that i bought a few years ago.I was very disappointed with it.It was no better than the BBC DVD i had from before.This new BBC release is a vast improvement with a very sharp picture and good sound.I am very pleased with it.I have watched Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy many times but i still learn something new with each repeated viewing.A true BBC masterpiece.