The Assassination Bureau Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		3.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.5
Overall		3.5

The Assassination Bureau Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Jeffrey Kauffman March 18, 2023

As is discussed in some of the supplements included on this disc, The Assassination Bureau probably couldn't have timed things worse in terms of rolling out first a book and then a movie with that provocative "a" word resting comfortably in the middle of the title (or at least the near middle if one reverts to the original title, The Assassination Bureau, Ltd. ) The source novel for this film has a rather fascinating and frankly convoluted history of its own, as Matthew Sweet delves into in his appealing bonus feature, with Jack London kind of hilariously having purchased the outlines of a plot by none other than Sinclair Lewis, but never finishing his attempt, leaving the manuscript in a bureau of another sort, where it wasn't unearthed until the early sixties. The book was finished by a quasi-ghost writer named Robert L. Fish, but it then had the unfortunate release year of 1963, which even armchair historians will probably know "featured" one of the most horrifying assassinations of the 20th century. Nonetheless, the film rights were swooped up almost immediately, though a series of interstitial obstacles kept things from proceeding until 1968, which those same armchair historians will probably know is another year fraught with politically motivated killings. Had "assassination" not been in the film's title, it might have had an easier time of it, but even given that thesis, The Assassination Bureau is a rather provocative piece of filmmaking that may admittedly not connect all of the time in either tone or substance, but which has a really interesting approach and both some wonderful performances and a nicely luxe production design.

There are a number of elements which unavoidably date this picture, including what commentators Kim Newman and Sean Hogan liken to the fascination with Edwardian style that permeated the zeitgeist of the late sixties, as well as the somewhat spoof-ish take on elements of another pervasive influence in that general time period, either television or big screen stories revolving around spies. It is probably no mere coincidence, then, to find Diana Rigg, then indubitably best known as the enticingly leather clad Mrs. Peel from The Avengers, as Sonya Winter, a character who either by choice or happenstance ultimately becomes what might be considered a progenitor for the Peel character. Sadly, Ms. Winter's epoch shunned leather catsuits, but one of The Assassination Bureau's inarguable strengths is its production (including costume) design, and in that regard Newman and Hogan kind of hilariously joke that this film's producer was also its production designer (Michael Relph also co-wrote, just for good measure), so there were no pesky budgetary concerns in terms of delivering the fineries in costumes (by Beatrice Dawson) or overall look of the film.

Newman and Hogan provide a laundry list of films which have followed in The Assassination Bureau's wake and which have, um, "borrowed" some of its plot machinations and/or general sensibilities, but suffice it to say that the film offers a titular organization whose leader, Ivan Dragomiloff (Oliver Reed), accepts a "commission" from Sonya Winter for a "hit" — on Ivan Dragomiloff. Winter engages the group in her guise as a muckraking journalist intent on exposing a corrupt murder cult, though Dragomiloff makes it clear in their first encounter that The Assassination Bureau ( Ltd. ) has had a tradition of offing only those who actually deserve it, like dictators and similar villains. One of the many films that Newman and Hogan cite in their far ranging list is Kind Hearts and Coronets, and what ensues is in fact somewhat similar, at least if one accepts Dragomiloff's "business" cohort as his "family", since what ends up happening is Dragomiloff basically challenging The Assassination Bureau's members to kill (him) or be killed ( by him).

The film has a lot of fun elements, but it also has a tendency to overplay its archness at times, and Reed in particular may simply be too intense for what is meant to be a lighthearted romp of sorts. The film has some fun if hammy supporting performances from Telly Savalas and Curt Jurgens, and the story moves briskly. Another thing that may subliminally date this film, and which I have a hunch came from director Basil Dearden and not cinematographer Geoffrey Unsworth, is the ubiquitous use of pans with zooms. Who ever thought that was "stylish"?

The Assassination Bureau Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The Assassination Bureau is presented on Blu-ray courtesy of Arrow Video with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 1.85:1. Arrow's insert booklet contains the following information on the restoration:

The Assassination Bureau is presented in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio with mono sound. The high definition master was supplied by Paramount, with additional picture restoration completed by Arrow Films at R3Store Studios.

The element here has some baked in deficiencies, some due to a glut of old style opticals and visual effects, where things like matte lines can be clearly visible, and where clarity can lessen and grain thickness spike. Parts of the film are really nicely saturated, especially the non-VFX moments in the last reel, where densities improve and the overall lushness of the palette achieves some nice energy. Other moments are relatively "dupey" looking, with somewhat washed out color and a less tightly resolved grain field. Color timing struck me as being a bit on the flushed pink side at times, as may be noticeable in some of the screenshots I've uploaded to accompany this review. Noticeable if still minor damage is visible throughout the presentation in the form of scratches and small nicks. Detail levels are also a bit variable, but in the best moments offer secure renderings of the film's really nicely luxurious production design.

The Assassination Bureau Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The Assassination Bureau features LPCM Mono audio. The track is nicely fluid and provides good support for dialogue and Ron Grainer's score, though some of the sound effects, including some explosions here and there, can sound a little underwhelming. There is no discernable damage, but the hint of background hiss can be detected in the very few relatively quiet moments. Dialogue is rendered cleanly and clearly throughout. Optional English subtitles are available.

The Assassination Bureau Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Audio Commentary with Kim Newman and Sean Hogan


• Right Film, Wrong Time: Matthew Sweet on The Assassination Bureau (HD; 27:30) is a really fun piece that explores the literary history of the property and its film adaptation.


• Trailer (HD; 3:02)


• Image Gallery (HD)

Arrow sent a check disc for purposes of this review, but also kindly provided a PDF copy of what looks to be another nicely appointed insert booklet, with a good essay by Katherine McLaughlin and the usual technical blurb along with cast and crew information. The press sheet Arrow sent along with this release also mentions the keepcase insert features reversible artwork and the keepcase itself will house six reproduction lobby cards from the original release.

The Assassination Bureau Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

The commentary by Kim Newman and Sean Hogan may serve as a good introductory reference "text" for those unacquainted with the filmography of director Basil Dearden, and while Dearden has a vaunted reputation (and indeed directed one of my guilty pleasures, Khartoum), he may have not been the best choice to bring this property to the screen, though his long history with noted production designer (that's a joke, folks) Michael Relph may have had something to do with that. The Assassination Bureau has a lot going for it, but it probably should have been better, all things considered, especially with the talent both in front of and behind the camera who were involved. Video here is a little variable, but certainly watchable, and audio is fine. As usual, Arrow provides some enjoyable supplements. With caveats noted, Recommended.