On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969) DVD Review – UK

James Bond must join forces with Tracy Draco, the daughter of a powerful crime syndicate, in order to defeat SPECTRE's latest plot to unleash a deadly virus on mankind. However, Bond finds himself torn between duty and love.

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Runtime

2 Hours 16 Minutes

BBFC rating

Region

Region 2

Sound

Mono

Aspect

2.35:1

Release year

1969

Details

Whilst on leave and attempting to escape the constant demands of MI6, Bond intervenes when a young woman, Tracy, attempts to take her own life. She is the daughter of Marc-Ange Draco, head of a powerful European crime syndicate, who is so grateful for Bond's actions that he offers him a substantial reward - and even suggests that Bond marry her to keep her safe.

Bond refuses the money, but instead strikes a deal with Draco: in exchange for information on the whereabouts of Ernst Stavro Blofeld, Bond will consider the proposal. What begins as a calculated move to track down his long-time adversary soon becomes something far more personal as Bond finds himself genuinely falling in love with Tracy.

Posing as a genealogist, Bond infiltrates Blofeld's alpine stronghold where he uncovers a sinister plot involving brainwashed young women who are to act as unwitting carriers of a biological weapon. With time running out, Bond must act quickly to stop Blofeld, all while balancing his mission with his growing feelings for Tracy.

Picture & Sound

Yet again MGM have outdone themselves with another superb digitally re-mastered picture. There is no artifacting or outlining and it has a high average bit-rate throughout the film. Only the occasional dust speck and whisker gives the age of the film stock away. The quality of the print is highlighted by the many alpine scenes and superb camera work, which few Bond films have ever managed to surpass.

The major disappointment is the sound, as it is only presented in mono. A re-mastered 5.1 track would have elevated several key moments - particularly the action sequences and the avalanche scene - although, given the dialogue-heavy nature of the film, it does not detract too heavily from the overall experience.

Menu & Extras

As usual MGM have done a fine job with the extras. Although it is easy to become blasé about bonus material, the Documentaries are particularly worthwhile here and help dispel a number of misconceptions surrounding both this film and George Lazenby.

Overall

When Sean Connery stepped away from the role after You Only Live Twice, many assumed the Bond franchise would struggle to survive. Instead, the producers took a bold gamble on newcomer George Lazenby, and whilst he may not have the same effortless charm as Connery, he brings a more grounded and human edge to the role. For all the criticism he received at the time, he acquits himself far better than many give him credit for.

This is, in many ways, one of the most unique Bond films. It strips back the gadgets and focuses more on character, emotion and storytelling, culminating in one of the most powerful and unexpected endings in the entire series. Whilst the plot takes a little time to build, the payoff is more than worth it, helped in no small part by the superb score, most notably the haunting "We Have All the Time in the World" track, which adds real weight to the film's emotional moments. Quite how a Bond film can leave you with a lump in your throat is a testament to just how good this film is.

Often overlooked, On Her Majesty's Secret Service is arguably one of the most underrated entries in the franchise. With stunning locations, strong performances - particularly from Diana Rigg - and a more emotional core than usual, it stands as a refreshing and memorable chapter in Bond history, and one that deserves far more recognition than it typically receives.