Moonraker [ULTRA HD]

Moonraker stars the stylish Roger Moore, who chronicles another chapter in the storied franchise of the charismatic British secret agent James Bond. This time, Moore is accompanied by the charming Lois Chiles, the American actress who effortlessly executes the role of Dr. Holly Goodhead.

The name James Bond is synonymous with death-defying stunts, glamorous women, and devious villains. Moonraker, one of the most iconic films in the Bond franchise, provides all these elements in spades, with the added factor of taking the storyline beyond the realms of Earth.

The movie begins amidst the backdrop of a mid-air set-piece peppered with the perfect amount of thrill and suspense that audiences have come to expect from a Bond film. As an outlandish opening credits sequence, Bond is pushed out of an airplane without a parachute, only to wrest control of another's mid-fall. Having survived the fall miraculously, we are introduced to the central premise of the movie: a space shuttle named "Moonraker" has been stolen mid-flight, setting ground for Bond's next adventure.

In this exciting journey, Bond’s primary antagonist is the cold, sophisticated industrialist Hugo Drax, played by Michael Lonsdale, who controls the spacecraft-manufacturing corporation responsible for Moonraker. Bond is equipped with a perfect foil in Loiss Chiles' Holly Goodhead, who, far from just a pretty face, indulges in plenty of action and adventure and stands as a much stronger female character than usually found in Bond movies.

As Bond cuts across continents hunting for clues, we are treated with grand sets, indulgent costuming, and daredevil stunts. Moore's character is presented with a suave charm and comic flair. Whether it be driving a gondola through the streets of Venice or dicing with death atop a cable car in Rio de Janeiro, Moore brings a tongue-in-cheek approach to Bond, a characteristic of his tenure as the spy.

Moonraker explores the theme of outer space, unlike other Bond films. This theme of the Space Race isn’t just a backdrop; it’s fundamental to the narrative. Here, the threat isn’t localized to one nation or another. Instead, it potentially threatens all of mankind. This global threat feeling is hammered home in a finale that sees Bond leave terra firma behind altogether. The introduction of the space element in the series adds a new flavor to the recipe, becoming a naughtier version of Star Wars set in the James Bond universe.

The eye-catching design aesthetics and special effects of the 1979 film were ahead of its time. The seamless blend of practical effects, model work, and early computer effects propels Moonraker into one of the most visually vibrant entries in the Bond series. The production also strikes a chord with the spectacular set of Venice and Brazil's picturesque scenes, further amplifying the film's visual appeal.

Bond's array of gadgets in Moonraker speaking to iconic MI6 quartermaster Q’s ingenuity contains the now-familiar GPS Tracker and a wrist-mounted dart gun, which come in handy during Bond's mission. In addition, the film features the iconic lines, humour, and risque innuendoes that are a mainstay of Bond films, all wrapped in John Barry’s sweeping, classic score.

Moonraker builds to a genuinely grand climax featuring an epic space battle. This scene is a special effect marvel considering the time it was made, and the high-definition quality of the Ultra HD edition amplifies this spectacle.

All in all, 'Moonraker' stands out as a film that attempts – and largely succeeds – in expanding the Bond franchise’s comfort zone. It has excitement, glamour, wonderful sets, and a beautiful leading lady. The maniacal villain and his sinister plan are straight out of Ian Fleming’s book and translate well to the big screen. Roger Moore, as usual, plays Bond with elan, wit, and charm. The presence of outer space gives the series a fresh touch, taking the suave British spy's adventures far beyond his usual terrestrial playground.

While Moonraker may not strictly be for the Bond purists, this film is a testament to the series' ability to reinvent itself creatively and successfully, while still maintaining the core elements that make a Bond film what it is. This movie encapsulates the vintage charm of the era it was made in and successfully brings it forth to a contemporary audience with an exciting narrative and stunning visuals, particularly in its Ultra HD version.