Review: James Bond: Sean Connery 6-Film Collection 4K UHD

From the moment Sean Connery coolly lit his cigarette and uttered the immortal words, ‘Bond, James Bond’, in Dr. No (1962), cinema was introduced to a definitive, era-defining portrayal of masculinity. A real man, an icon.

The recently released Warners 4K UHD box set Of Sean Connery’s “official” Bond films (Dr. No, From Russia With Love, Goldfinger, Thunderball, You Only Live Twice, and Diamonds Are Forever, bring us Connery’s Bond into stunning modern clarity, allowing audiences to reappraise not just the suave action, but also the cultural codes of the early 60s, along with more vibrant colours and clearer widescreen picture than seen before.

At the heart of Connery’s Bond is a type of masculinity that is commanding, physically dominant, emotionally detached, and unwavering confidence. He’s less a person and more of a symbol of Cold War era male: ideal, stoic under pressure, sexually assertive (or even a bit rapey), technologically savvy, and always in control. Whether he’s foiling SPECTRE plots or outwitting Soviet spies, Connery’s Bond epitomizes a hard-edged, hyper-competent sexually irresistible manhood that thrived in the cinematic fantasies of the 1960s.

Across all six of Connery’s Bond films, women or ‘Bond Girls’ are portrayed mostly as ornaments or obstacles. Perhaps with the exception of Pussy Galore (Honor Blackman) in Goldfinger who is one of the few female characters to initially resist Bond’s charm, but even she gives in to his relentless seduction. In fact all the Bond girls right up to the introduction of Daniel Craigs Bond, instantly melt into his arms and offer up their bodies. What aftershave is this man wearing? 

These gender dynamics, may be hard to swallow for modern audiences, but are very reflective of their time. These films were made in an era steeped in traditional values, where the assertive, heterosexual man was society’s default protagonist. The women’s glamour, exoticism, sexual availability and disposability (Bond is never really bothered when the woman he’s just had sex with  – dies, he’s on to the next conquest), these films don’t just reflect 1960s masculinity, they actively manufacture and broadcast it.

And yet, Connery’s Bond isn’t without nuance. His charisma is undeniable, his vulnerability subtle but present. There’s something magnetic in his physicality, that black hairy chest and the way he looks 45 when he’s only 32.  He did and still does, fulfil an ideal of ‘ man of action’ with ease.

Watching these classics remastered in UHD is revelatory. The restored visuals highlight everything from the sharp tailoring and lavish sets to the exotic locales, while the sound restoration brings John Barry’s scores to cinematic life. It’s like rediscovering the films anew—with every quip, punch, and kiss rendered in pristine detail. For longtime fans and new viewers alike, the box set isn’t just a technical triumph, it’s a cultural archive of suave 60s sex and spies.

Sean Connery’s James Bond is a character who not only embodies the values of his time but helped shape them.

Each film is accompanied by special features that will keep you informed and entertained for many hours after the end credits have rolled…and of course, you will certainly want to rewatch everything again before too long.

A must buy and a great addition to anyones collection.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

DR NO:

• Commentary Featuring Director Terence Young and Members of Cast and Crew
• Declassified: MI6 Vault:
• Exotic Locations
• Mission Dossier
• Dr. No 1963 Featurette
• Ministry of Propaganda: Theatrical Archive
• Ministry of Propaganda: TV Broadcasts
• Ministry of Propaganda: Radio Communications:

FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE:

• Commentary Featuring Director Terence Young and Members of Cast and Crew
• Declassified: MI6 Vault
• Animated Story Board Sequence
• Exotic Locations
• Mission Dossier
• Ministry of Propaganda: Theatrical Archive
• Ministry of Propaganda: TV Broadcasts
• Ministry of Propaganda: Radio Communications

GOLDFINGER:

• Commentaries
• Declassified: MI6 Vault
• Exotic Locations
• Mission Dossier
• Ministry of Propaganda: Theatrical Archive: Original Theatrical Trailer
• Ministry of Propaganda: TV Broadcasts
• Ministry of Propaganda: Radio Communications

THUNDERBALL:

• Commentaries
• Declassified: MI6 Vault
• Selling Bonds – Original 1965 Television Commercials
• Exotic Locations
• Mission Dossier
• Ministry of Propaganda: Theatrical Archive
• Ministry of Propaganda: TV Broadcasts
• Ministry of Propaganda: Radio Communications

YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE:

• Commentary Featuring Director Lewis Gilbert And Members Of The Cast And Crew
• Declassified: MI6 Vault
• Mission Dossier
• Ministry of Propaganda: Theatrical Archive
• Ministry of Propaganda: Radio Communications

DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER:

• Commentary Featuring Director Guy Hamilton And Members Of The Cast And Crew
• Declassified: MI6 Vault
• Alternate and Expanded Angles
• Deleted Scenes
• Mission Dossier
• Ministry of Propaganda: Theatrical Archive: Christmas Teaser Trailer
• Ministry of Propaganda: TV Broadcasts
• Ministry of Propaganda: Radio Communications

James Bond: Sean Connery 6-Film Collection 4K UHD is available to buy now.

Review by Tina from discs kindly supplied by Warner Bros via Fetch Publicity.