‘The Anderson Tapes’ Blu-Ray Review – Sean Connery Oozes Charisma In Engaging Heist Film

This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the movie being covered here wouldn’t exist.

Sparkling wit, non-stop action and dynamic stars Sean Connery (Goldfinger, The Great Train Robbery) and Dyan Cannon (Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice, Shamus) make this heist film one of the best of its kind. 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. Smartly directed by cinema legend Sidney Lumet (12 Angry Men, Serpico) from the nationwide bestseller, and featuring a memorable musical score by the great Quincy Jones (In the Heat of the Night), The Anderson Tapes blends satire and suspense into a wholly entertaining caper concoction.

For thoughts on The Anderson Tapes, please check out our discussions on The Video Attic:

[youtube https://youtu.be/Gq72yhAZ0tk?si=Q_FRk5vgi8kuthax&t=302]

Video Quality

The Anderson Tapes comes to Blu-Ray with a new digital AVC encoded 1080p transfer in its original 1.85:1 that is decent but could be a lot better. This transfer is derived from an older master that was supplied by Sony, and in all likelihood that it is the same master used for the previous release in a 2-pack from Mill Creek a decade ago. We do not have that release to compare, but given it shared a disc with another film and Mill Creek usually struggles with compression issues, this is likely at least a small upgrade. The source itself is in need of a refresh from Sony as this one exhibits some  age-related anomalies such as unstable depth and density fluctuation. 

Minor bits of print damage pop up, but this is not a major issue overall. You will find some softness in long shots and opticals, which can be attributed to the source material. There is some amount of detail in the interiors and elements of the production design and clothing. Colors have a nice level of saturation and do not present with any unnatural hues. Black level could be a bit stronger as digital noise creeps in at times. This release from Kino Classics is passable, but we wish Sony would devote some time to remastering it in the future. 

Audio Quality

The Blu-Ray disc comes with a much more stable DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio track in English with optional English SDH subtitles. This is a soundscape that is constantly trying to put you in a futuristic headspace, which can be thematically effective yet occasionally annoying. The score from Quincy Jones can sound a bit abrasive on a musical level, but it maintains a good fidelity within its exhibition. You also will not find any egregious age-related wear and tear anywhere throughout this one. Environmental sounds such as car noises or other elements within the apartment building or prison are rendered accurately. Dialogue typically comes through clearly without being drowned out by other elements. Kino Classics has delivered a perfectly good audio presentation for this film.  

Special Features

• Audio Commentary: Film Historian Glenn Kenny provides a loose and informative commentary track in which he discusses the adaption of this movie from a novel, the backgrounds and careers of the ensemble, the direction of Sidney Lumet, the themes of the picture and more that is worth a listen. 

• TV Spot: A 21-second TV Spot is provided for the film. 

• Trailers: The three-minute trailer is provided for The Anderson Tapes. There are also trailers provided for The Great Train Robbery, Cuba, Shamus, The Taking Of Pelham One Two Three, 12 Angry Men, Serpico, The Thomas Crown Affair and Loophole. 

Final Thoughts

The Anderson Tapes is not a top tier effort from Sidney Lumet, but with a career so incredible that does not reflect too poorly on this effort. There is some really engaging heist intrigue peppered throughout which crescendos to an immensely satisfying ending. Sean Connery keeps this lead character on the charming side of the spectrum even when he says and does some questionable things. The ensemble matches his level of commitment with great work all around. Kino Classics has given this feature a new Blu-Ray featuring a pretty good A/V presentation and an insightful commentary track. If you are looking for a good heist film, this is worth a look. Recommended 

The Anderson Tapes is currently available to purchase on Blu-Ray.

Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.

Disclaimer: Kino Classics has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.