Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.0
Audio		3.5
Extras		3.0
Overall		3.0

GoldenEra Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf March 31, 2023

It was a video game that few wanted to make, released for a new console, and debuted two years after the movie it was meant to be a tie-in for was released. The future of “GoldenEye” wasn’t clear when it finally reached the public in 1997, but with Nintendo’s seal of approval and work completed by the respected company Rare, the title gradually turned into a hit. And then it became an obsession for many, growing in reputation over the years as more players were pulled into its world of James Bond action and first-person shooter activity. “GoldenEra” is a documentary covering the development and legacy of the game, with director Drew Roller putting the pieces of labor and fandom together to paint a portrait of a revolutionary title that slipped through the system almost unnoticed before it changed everything.

Roller has nothing but respect for “GoldenEye,” aiming to provide an understanding of its creation, exploring the history of Rare. A video game developer with offices in rural England, Rare was careful to keep out of the spotlight, preferring to complete projects in private, taking time to capture quality and invention. “GoldenEye” was one of many assignments for Rare, tasked with creating a game tie-in for Pierce Brosnan’s 1995 debut as 007, but something special was needed, inspiring employees to push the limits of the first-person shooter for the new Nintendo 64 console. “GoldenEra” introduces members of Rare, highlighting their contributions and company camaraderie, identifying a sense of adventure and perfectionism that led to a passionate development period and an impressive game.

GoldenEra Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.78:1 aspect ratio) presentation for "GoldenEra" delivers a reasonably detailed look at the documentary's visual highlights, including recreations of gameplay and artful additions to ease transitions. Interview footage is captured with commercial grade equipment, bringing out some skin particulars. Colors are lively, with bright primaries throughout, doing well with fashion choices and artwork. Some mild banding is detected.

GoldenEra Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA offers a crisp understanding of interviewees, managing various accents and camera comfort levels. Some slight sync slippage is noticeable, but brief. Scoring is clear, with defined electronic beats and synth work.

GoldenEra Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• "Art of 'GoldenEra'" (1:53, HD) examines creative efforts to visually represent travel scenes, game reactions, and the staff at Rare.

• "'GoldenEye' and Obsession" (5:26, HD) discusses the wonders of the game with various interviewees.

• "'GoldenEye' Inspired VR" (4:17, HD) explores the changing ways of video games, influenced by the creative achievements of "GoldenEye."

• "In-Game Re-Enactments" (4:28, HD) showcase footage from the documentary.

• "Mick Gordon on Rare" (1:36, HD) offers additional interview time with the composer.

• "Music of 'GoldenEye'" (11:33, HD) is an interview with composer "Tweaklab."

• "The Memes" (1:17, HD) highlights the lighter side of "GoldenEye" fandom.

• "The N64 Hardware" (3:49, HD) explores the era of Silicone Graphics, giving Nintendo a boost in power as they graduated to the next generation of console play.

• "Writing 'GoldenEra'" (6:50, HD) is an interview with writer Brok Power.

• A U.S. Launch Trailer (:55, HD), U.K. Launch Trailer (1:02, HD) and a Theatrical Trailer (2:42, HD) are included.

GoldenEra Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"GoldenEra" does a fine job tracing the history of Rare and the influence of "GoldenEye," with other companies looking to replicate the game, only to come up short. Technical details are reserved for those already invested in the world of video game development, with Roller playing to fans with this feature, not outsiders. A broader sense of accomplishment isn't readily available, and the documentary is quick to play nice, refusing a more critical look at the industry, while dips into fandom are less interesting, including a filmmaker with practiced confidence making "GoldenEye" mockumentaries. "GoldenEra" gets a little dry from time to time, with Roller best at exploring the creative push to do something innovative with a James Bond video game, capturing the excitement and exhaustion of a two-year period where Rare was arguably doing their finest work, unknowingly launching a phenomenon, with extreme popularity that continues 25 years after the game's original release.