Event Alert: Exoticon 2 is scheduled for next month and promises a fulfilled schedule of Tiki culture, cocktails, Mid-Century Modern, tours, artwork, live music, seminars, and more! From the press release: "EXOTIKON is a rollercoaster, weekend-long celebration of Mid-20th Century suave escapism culture. Here, we’ll celebrate the many worlds of EXOTICA: Lounge, Latin, Tiki, Jungle Funk, Trip Hop, Mod Dance, Psychedelia, Space, Electronica and so much more!" June 8 & 9 in Los Angeles. Check out all the details on the official website.

New release: The classic Shinobi no Mono films coming to Blu-ray from Radiance films! While American viewers in the mid-60s saw the Bond-infused western series The Wild Wild West, fans in Japan were already riding a long wave of historical espionage-assassin stories that were popularized in serialized novels (starting in 1960). The Shinobi no Mono film adaptations began in 1962 and three titles are included in the upcoming box set. From the press release: "It’s the 16th century and Japan is in chaos. Samurai clans engage each other in battle over who gets to rule the nation, while warlords call upon the ninja to spy on and assassinate their rivals. Goemon, an ambitious young member of a ninja family, is thrown into the turmoil of Japanese history when his village is wiped out by the forces of leading warlord Oda Nobunaga, who has sworn to eradicate the ninja in his quest for absolute power. Fueled by vengeance, Goemon uses every weapon in his arsenal to bring down Oda and to prove that a ninja is an army of one. Starring 'the Japanese James Dean' Raizo Ichikawa (Sleepy Eyes of Death, Conflagration) alongside Tomisaburo Wakayama (Lone Wolf and Cub, the Bounty Hunter trilogy) and Ayako Wakao (Elegant Beast, Red Angel), the Shinobi series was an epoch-making success and became a social phenomenon that left deep marks on Japan of the 1960s, from children’s playgrounds to the leftist counter-culture. Packed with spectacular and oft-copied action scenes, it also established the ground rules for all ninja movies that followed, introducing such classic tropes as the shuriken throwing star and the iconic black mask and suit." More info: DiabolikDVD, Blu-ray, Amazon.

New release: Pop culture and music scholar Jon Burlingame has a new book out: Dreamsville: Henry Mancini, Peter Gunn, and Music for TV Noir. From the press release: "Henry Mancini (1924-1994) is renowned as the Oscar- and Grammy-winning composer of such timeless standards as “Moon River” and “Days of Wine and Roses,” as well as such memorable instrumental themes as “The Pink Panther” and “Baby Elephant Walk.” But preceding all of them was the wildly popular theme from Peter Gunn, a television series whose soundtrack won the very first Grammy ever awarded for Album of the Year. Award-winning author and journalist Jon Burlingame chronicles the backstory of Peter Gunn and how its music propelled Mancini to fame and fortune, launching a decades-long collaboration with filmmaker Blake Edwards that encompassed nearly 30 movies, from Breakfast at Tiffany’s to Victor/Victoria and beyond. Burlingame (author of six books including The Music of James Bond and Music for Prime Time) relates the untold story of Peter Gunn and its companion series Mr. Lucky; examines the music Mancini wrote for both series and their chart-topping success as modern jazz albums; and tells how this 1958-61 period in TV history set the stage for one of the most remarkable careers of any American composer in the Twentieth Century." More info on Amazon. 

Selected Spy Vibe Posts: Shinobi Blu, Exoticon 2, Spy Vibe Radio: Richard Diamond, Prisoner figures, Blu Manchu, Blu Prisoner, Byron Janis R.I.P., Spy Vibe Radio: Blake and Mortimer, Champions Podcast, ITC Book, Bond Event, Black Tight Killers Blu, New Persuaders Book, David McCallum R.I.P., Avengers Blu Sets, Spy Vibe Radio: Adventures in Paradise, The Secret Service book, World of Giants, Tiki Events, Cold War Classical, Paul at 81, 007 Comic Exhibit, Exotikon Event, Bond 60th Event, The Baron Blu-ray, Mission: Impossible in 4k, Jane Bond Strip, SV Radio: The Man Called Flintstone, Lupin III 50th, SV Radio: OSS117, McCartney 1964, Spy Vibe Radio: Hunter, Spy Vibe Radio: Gao Dalli CID 999, Bond Beatles 60th, William Klein R.I.P., Spy Vibe Radio: M Squad, Spy Vibe Radio: Mr. Broadway, Agent King, Spy Vibe Radio: John Kling, Spy Vibe Radio: Unknown Man of Shandigor, Danger Man Podcast, Spy Vibe Radio: Dr. Mabuse, Bowie Day, Interview: Girls Guns Gadgets, Shandigor Blu, Shag Palm Springs, New Bond Novel, Hi-Fi Book, Judex Serial Blu, UFO Comics, Interview: John Buss, ITC Magazine, Interview: Kaiser Marionettes, Belmondo R.I.P., 007 Corgi Event, Space 1999: The Vault, Shag Eames Lounge, Firecracker Exotica, Spy Vibe Radio: Lola Albright, Tikyaki 5-0, Godzilla Scores, Mid-Century Village, Spy Vibe radio: Nicola Conte, Men's Adventure Quarterly, Billy May Frenesi, Gary Numan, Spy Vader Spy, Chris Barber Legacy, Phantom Retrospective, Astro-Man, Spy Vibe Radio: Batman, James Bond Lexicon, Ray Cathode, Spy Vibe Radio: Johnny Staccato, Matt Helm Blu, Cold War Auction, Avengers Francavilla Prints, Avengers 60th Event, Irma Vep Blu, Avengers Keel Design, Ronnie Scott's Doc, The Avengers 60th Design, Art of Pan Books, John Le Carre R.I.P., Sean Connery R.I.P., New 007 Vinyl, Burke's Law Ska, Dieter Rams Complete, 2-Tone Doc, Spy Vibe Radio: Vendetta Part 2, Diana Rigg R.I.P., Moog Micky Dolenz, Beetle Bailey 70th, RSD Spies Vinyl, Ian Fleming Tribute, Fellini Box Set, Spy Vibe Radio: Vendetta, The Saint Podcast Bonus, The Saint Podcast, Barber Lotus, Trad Roots, Morricone R.I.P., Fleetway Spy Designs, John Steel Casebooks, ITC Podcast: The Persuaders, Dazzle Ships, Spy Vibe Radio: Raumpatrouille, Remembering Richard Sala, Crime & Spy Jazz books, Numan is FAB, Bruce Lee Blu, RSD Vinyl Spies, James Bond's DB5, UFO CD Set, Spy Vibe radio: Phantom Agents, Steranko is Revolutionary!, Interview: The Saint I Ain't, Diabolik Interview, New 007 Song, Diabolik Figures, Diabolik Sounds, Diabolik Set Design, Diabolik Park Ride, Danger Diabolik Blu, Count Arthur Strong, Honey West Title Cards, Bowie Day, Neil Innes R.I.P., Claudine Auger R.I.P., OHMSS at 50, Italian Job 50th OST, Charles Schulz Modern, Paul Desmond, Python 50th, Randall Hopkirk 50th, Thunderbirds Day, Lazenby Returns to MI6, Dr. John R.I.P., Spy Vibe Radio: Lupin III, Lupin Ska, Spy Vibe Prime, Zigomar Translation, The Village: Part 1, Monkey Punch R.I.P., Bubble Girl 63, ITC Soundtracks, Spy Vibe Radio: Public Eye, UFO PrimeFull Article

New release: Imprint Films is releasing two classic Roger Moore titles on Blu-ray this summer! While we Spy Vibers lamented the demise of Network distributors in the UK, it seems that Australia's Imprint Films has really stepped in to continue production and keep many of our old faves available as physical media -usually packed with bonus features, too! Imprint has not only produced old Network standbys like The Saint, The Return of the Saint, The Persuaders, and The Prisoner, but also various seasons of The Avengers! This summer they are continuing with two new Blu-ray editions of Roger Moore films, The Man Who Haunted Himself (Moore thought it was one of his best performances) and Crossplot. Both are limited to 1,500 copies (info below). Imprint Blu-rays tend to be region-free, but check with them to see if you need a region-free player. More info at Imprint. From the Press releases:

• NEW Audio Commentary by Roger Moore’s biographer / talent agent Gareth Owen and film historian Henry Holland
• NEW Interview with director Alvin Rakoff 
• NEW Interview featurette with actors Norman Eshley, Michael Culver, actress Prudence Drage, and hairdresser Jan Dorman
• NEW “A Dressing-Down” – archival audio recollection by actor Francis Matthews
• NEW “The New Look Sixties London: Paternoster Square” – location featurette
• NEW Restoring ‘Crossplot’ – restoration featurette with film grader Jonathan Wood
• Isolated music score audio track
• Textless Titles
• Restored Theatrical Trailer
• Audio English LPCM 2.0 Mono
• Original Aspect Ratio 1.85:1
• Optional English Subtitles
• Limited Edition Slipcase

Selected Spy Vibe Posts: Mancini Book, Shinobi Blu, Exoticon 2, Spy Vibe Radio: Richard Diamond, Prisoner figures, Blu Manchu, Blu Prisoner, Byron Janis R.I.P., Spy Vibe Radio: Blake and Mortimer, Champions Podcast, ITC Book, Bond Event, Black Tight Killers Blu, New Persuaders Book, David McCallum R.I.P., Avengers Blu Sets, Spy Vibe Radio: Adventures in Paradise, The Secret Service book, World of Giants, Tiki Events, Cold War Classical, Paul at 81, 007 Comic Exhibit, Exotikon Event, Bond 60th Event, The Baron Blu-ray, Mission: Impossible in 4k, Jane Bond Strip, SV Radio: The Man Called Flintstone, Lupin III 50th, SV Radio: OSS117, McCartney 1964, Spy Vibe Radio: Hunter, Spy Vibe Radio: Gao Dalli CID 999, Bond Beatles 60th, William Klein R.I.P., Spy Vibe Radio: M Squad, Spy Vibe Radio: Mr. Broadway, Agent King, Spy Vibe Radio: John Kling, Spy Vibe Radio: Unknown Man of Shandigor, Danger Man Podcast, Spy Vibe Radio: Dr. Mabuse, Bowie Day, Interview: Girls Guns Gadgets, Shandigor Blu, Shag Palm Springs, New Bond Novel, Hi-Fi Book, Judex Serial Blu, UFO Comics, Interview: John Buss, ITC Magazine, Interview: Kaiser Marionettes, Belmondo R.I.P., 007 Corgi Event, Space 1999: The Vault, Shag Eames Lounge, Firecracker Exotica, Spy Vibe Radio: Lola Albright, Tikyaki 5-0, Godzilla Scores, Mid-Century Village, Spy Vibe radio: Nicola Conte, Men's Adventure Quarterly, Billy May Frenesi, Gary Numan, Spy Vader Spy, Chris Barber Legacy, Phantom Retrospective, Astro-Man, Spy Vibe Radio: Batman, James Bond Lexicon, Ray Cathode, Spy Vibe Radio: Johnny Staccato, Matt Helm Blu, Cold War Auction, Avengers Francavilla Prints, Avengers 60th Event, Irma Vep Blu, Avengers Keel Design, Ronnie Scott's Doc, The Avengers 60th Design, Art of Pan Books, John Le Carre R.I.P., Sean Connery R.I.P., New 007 Vinyl, Burke's Law Ska, Dieter Rams Complete, 2-Tone Doc, Spy Vibe Radio: Vendetta Part 2, Diana Rigg R.I.P., Moog Micky Dolenz, Beetle Bailey 70th, RSD Spies Vinyl, Ian Fleming Tribute, Fellini Box Set, Spy Vibe Radio: Vendetta, The Saint Podcast Bonus, The Saint Podcast, Barber Lotus, Trad Roots, Morricone R.I.P., Fleetway Spy Designs, John Steel Casebooks, ITC Podcast: The Persuaders, Dazzle Ships, Spy Vibe Radio: Raumpatrouille, Remembering Richard Sala, Crime & Spy Jazz books, Numan is FAB, Bruce Lee Blu,Full Article

Every month I contribute a segment to the Cocktail Nation radio show from Australia, where I offer a brief introduction to an interesting corner of pop culture and play cuts from soundtracks. This month I decided to return to one of my top-two favorites -The Avengers- and to the world of post-war British jazz. I'm sure Spy Vibers are familiar with Laurie Johnson's theme to The Avengers TV series, which seemed to blend the Edwardian charm of John Steed with Emma Peel's mod energy, and helped to put the "swing" in Swinging London. But music from the earlier years of the series channeled a different time, when London was still buzzing to the riffs of modern jazzmen like George Webb and Trad stalwarts such as Chris Barber. Among this crowd was Johnny Dankworth, husband of Cleo Laine and leader of the first British jazz band invited to play at the Newport Jazz Festival in 1959 -incidentally, the year of Brubeck's Time Out, Ah Um by Mingus, Kind of Blue by Miles Davis, and the year Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club was founded. The late Fifties and early Sixties was an interesting transition period between the back alleys of film noir and trench-coat clad detectives to the more youthful and playful world of the spy boom. John Steed actor, Patrick Macnee, quipped the initial series was "more dirty Mac than Saville Row." Dankworth's theme to The Avengers was right on course with these trends, providing a more somber atmosphere to the first cast of characters (Steed, Dr. Keel, Cathy Gale, and singer Venus Smith). Viewers in the US didn't get to see this early period of The Avengers, but genre fans in the late Fifties would have recognized the jazz vibe from programs such as Peter Gunn and Johnny Staccato. Hear Dankworth's 1961 track in my segment on Cocktail Nation. Johnny Dankworth appeared in one of my favorite films, All Night Long (1962), a jazz interpretation of Shakespeare's Macbeth, starring Patrick McGoohan (The Prisoner), Richard Attenborough (The Great Escape), Geoffrey Holder (Live and Let Die), and with appearances by Dave Brubeck, Charles Mingus, John Scott (The Avengers, Goldfinger, Pink Panther), and many other music talents. Dankworth also went on to score the spy movies Modesty Blaise and Fathom. Enjoy! 

Selected related posts: New Avengers comics, Avengers Blu-ray sets, Diana Rig R.I.P., Umbrella Man, Shakespeare Spies Rigg, Rigg eBook, Avengers Season 5 Titles, Avengers Interview: Michael Richardson, Avengers Interview: Rodney Marshall I, Avengers Interview: Rodney Marshall II, Rare Avengers Scripts, Lost Avengers Released, Season 5 Blu-ray speed comparison, Jean Varon Fashion, Mini-Killers, Mrs. Peel Audio Dramas.

New release: Kino Lorber has announced a new 4k edition of Alphaville! Godard's classic is a wonderful cocktail of detective noir, secret agents, and science fiction. A must see! From the press release: "Kino Lorber have detailed their upcoming 4K Blu-ray release of Jean-Luc Godard's Alphaville (1965), starring Eddie Constantine, Anna Karina, Akim Tamiroff, Michel Delahaye, and Christa Lang. The release is scheduled to arrive on the market on August 13. Synopsis: Government agent Lemmy Caution (Eddie Constantine) is dispatched on a secret mission to Alphaville, a dystopian metropolis in a distant corner of the galaxy. Caution is hot on the trail of rogue agent Henri Dickson (Akim Tamiroff) and a scientist named Von Braun, the creator of Alpha 60, a computer that uses mind control to rule over residents of Alphaville. Caution is aided in his quest to destroy the despotic computer ruler by Von Braun's own daughter, Natacha (Anna Karina).

Special Features and Technical Specs:NEW 4K RESTORATION FROM THE OCN BY STUDIOCANAL (2023)
DOLBY VISION/HDR PRESENTATION OF THE FILM
Audio Commentary by Novelist and Critic Tim Lucas
Anna Karina Interview (4:31)
Colin McCabe Introduction (5:26)
Includes Both Original French and English Audio with Optional English Subtitles
Theatrical Trailer
Limited Edition Reversible Art and O-Card Slipcase
Optional English Subtitles"

More info at Blu-ray. 

New release: ITC Entertained the World now available in paperback! Spy Vibers who missed the hardback edition of Jaz Wiseman's excellent celebration of ITC and graphic design can now order the book in paperback -while supplies last! Fans will know Jaz from his prolific work as a historian, designer, and archivist behind many Blu-ray and DVD releases and podcasts. His own archives of ITC promotional brochures, booklets, and ancillary products associated with shows like Danger Man, The Saint, and The Prisoner is legendary. His rich background informs what is certainly the most comprehensive look at the evolution of the visual style of Britain's most stylish source of action entertainment during the mid-century. Don't miss it! More info here. 

New release: The classic 60s series Man in a Suitcase is heading back to Blu-ray in a gorgeous new set from Imprint! The show originally ran between 1966-1967 and reflected the shift from the humorous spy fantasy of previous years toward the harder-edge questioning happening in society during the later decade. Spy Vibers who missed out on the out-of-print Network discs should definitely check this out. From the press release: "McGill, ex-intelligence agent, now modern bounty-hunter, uses his experience gained in the espionage jungle to earn his living. McGill doesn't seek danger… danger seeks McGill. He is a lonely man in a tough world… vulnerable because of his past, unable to claim protection. He can trust no one, but people have to trust him. His home is where his suitcase goes. It's his most important possession, because he may find himself anywhere, anytime. Risking his life is part of the business as McGill travels the globe plying the only skill he knows – undercover espionage. MAN IN A SUITCASE brought American actor Richard Bradford to England as the cool, tough, no-nonsense McGill, living in a gritty world of back alleys and back stabbers. Since its debut, the series has achieved cult status among television fans around the world as one of the most underrated ITC action classics. This 8-disc collection brings together all 30 episodes, restored in high-definition from the original film elements with a dossier of NEW and archival special features, plus the feature-film version To Chase a Million. Unpack this legendary series on Blu-ray now! 8-DISC BLU-RAY SET + 120-page Collectable Booklet in Limited Edition Hardbox packaging." I should add the package also includes a great podcast episode by my pals at ITC Entertained the World. More info at Blu-ray and ViaVision. Imprint's classic television Blu-ray range has included greats such as The Avengers and Space 1999. Sets still in stock (and now on sale!) include: The Prisoner, Randall and Hopirk (Deceased), and for pre-order, The Persuaders

Selected Spy Vibe Posts: ITC Book, Spy Vibe Radio: Dankworth Avengers, Mancini Book, Shinobi Blu, Exoticon 2, Spy Vibe Radio: Richard Diamond, Prisoner figures, Blu Manchu, Blu Prisoner, Byron Janis R.I.P., Spy Vibe Radio: Blake and Mortimer, Champions Podcast, ITC Book, Bond Event, Black Tight Killers Blu, New Persuaders Book, David McCallum R.I.P., Avengers Blu Sets, Spy Vibe Radio: Adventures in Paradise, The Secret Service book, World of Giants, Tiki Events, Cold War Classical, Paul at 81, 007 Comic Exhibit, Exotikon Event, Bond 60th Event, The Baron Blu-ray, Mission: Impossible in 4k, Jane Bond Strip, SV Radio: The Man Called Flintstone, Lupin III 50th, SV Radio: OSS117, McCartney 1964, Spy Vibe Radio: Hunter, Spy Vibe Radio: Gao Dalli CID 999, Bond Beatles 60th, William Klein R.I.P., Spy Vibe Radio: M Squad, Spy Vibe Radio: Mr. Broadway, Agent King, Spy Vibe Radio: John Kling, Spy Vibe Radio: Unknown Man of Shandigor, Danger Man Podcast, Spy Vibe Radio: Dr. Mabuse, Bowie Day, Interview: Girls Guns Gadgets, Shandigor Blu, Shag Palm Springs, New Bond Novel, Hi-Fi Book, Judex Serial Blu, UFO Comics, Interview: John Buss, ITC Magazine, Interview: Kaiser Marionettes, Belmondo R.I.P., 007 Corgi Event, Space 1999: The Vault, Shag Eames Lounge, Firecracker Exotica, Spy Vibe Radio: Lola Albright, Tikyaki 5-0, Godzilla Scores, Mid-Century Village, Spy Vibe radio: Nicola Conte, Men's Adventure Quarterly, Billy May Frenesi, Gary Numan, Spy Vader Spy, Chris Barber Legacy, Phantom Retrospective, Astro-Man, Spy Vibe Radio: Batman, James Bond Lexicon, Ray Cathode, Spy Vibe Radio: Johnny Staccato, Matt Helm Blu, Cold War Auction, Avengers Francavilla Prints, Avengers 60th Event, Irma Vep Blu, Avengers Keel Design, Ronnie Scott's Doc, The Avengers 60th Design, Art of Pan Books, John Le Carre R.I.P., Sean Connery R.I.P., New 007 Vinyl, Burke's Law Ska, Dieter Rams Complete, 2-Tone Doc, Spy Vibe Radio: Vendetta Part 2, Diana Rigg R.I.P., Moog Micky Dolenz, Beetle Bailey 70th, RSD Spies Vinyl, Ian Fleming Tribute, Fellini Box Set, Spy Vibe Radio: Vendetta, The Saint Podcast Bonus, The Saint Podcast, Barber Lotus, Trad Roots, Morricone R.I.P., Fleetway Spy Designs, John Steel Casebooks, ITC Podcast: The Persuaders, Dazzle Ships, Spy Vibe Radio: Raumpatrouille, Remembering Richard Sala, Crime & Spy Jazz books, Numan is FAB, Bruce Lee Blu, RSD Vinyl Spies, James Bond's DB5, UFO CD Set, Spy Vibe radio: Phantom Agents, Steranko is Revolutionary!, Interview: The Saint I Ain't, Diabolik Interview, New 007 Song, Diabolik Figures, Diabolik Sounds, Diabolik Set Design, Diabolik Park Ride, Danger Diabolik Blu, Count Arthur Strong, Honey West Title Cards, Bowie Day, Neil Innes R.I.P., Claudine Auger R.I.P., OHMSS at 50, Italian Job 50th OST, Charles Schulz Modern, Paul Desmond, Python 50th, Randall Hopkirk 50th, Thunderbirds Day, Lazenby Returns to MI6, Dr. John R.I.P., Spy Vibe Radio: Lupin III, Lupin Ska, Spy Vibe Prime, Zigomar Translation, The Village: Part 1, Monkey Punch R.I.P.Full Article

New release: Spirit Entertainment releasing a new Blu-ray box set of the classic Gerry Anderson espionage series, Joe 90! From the press release: "Joe McClaine is a normal nine-year-old boy – but with his stepfather's invention, he becomes something much more! Professor McClaine's BIG RAT machine can imprint another person's brain patterns on Joe, giving him the skills to fly a jet, become an astronaut or operate on someone's brain! Recruited by the World Intelligence Network, Joe quickly becomes their Most Special Agent! Another huge hit for Gerry and Sylvia Anderson, Joe 90 took Century 21's popular Supermarionation productions into new territory with a star who's a nine-year-old secret agent! This entire series has been restored in High Definition from the original 35mm film elements, winning the FOCAL award for Best Archive Restoration & Preservation Project." It's great to see that companies like Spirit and Imprint are taking up where Network left off! If you search their listings you can find other past-Network treasures like Captain Scarlet, UFO, Space: 1999, Stingray, and Fireball XL5. So glad to see these classics staying in print! Due August 5th. More info at Blu-ray. 

Selected Spy Vibe Posts: Man in a Suitcase Blu, ITC Book, Spy Vibe Radio: Dankworth Avengers, Mancini Book, Shinobi Blu, Exoticon 2, Spy Vibe Radio: Richard Diamond, Prisoner figures, Blu Manchu, Blu Prisoner, Byron Janis R.I.P., Spy Vibe Radio: Blake and Mortimer, Champions Podcast, ITC Book, Bond Event, Black Tight Killers Blu, New Persuaders Book, David McCallum R.I.P., Avengers Blu Sets, Spy Vibe Radio: Adventures in Paradise, The Secret Service book, World of Giants, Tiki Events, Cold War Classical, Paul at 81, 007 Comic Exhibit, Exotikon Event, Bond 60th Event, The Baron Blu-ray, Mission: Impossible in 4k, Jane Bond Strip, SV Radio: The Man Called Flintstone, Lupin III 50th, SV Radio: OSS117, McCartney 1964, Spy Vibe Radio: Hunter, Spy Vibe Radio: Gao Dalli CID 999, Bond Beatles 60th, William Klein R.I.P., Spy Vibe Radio: M Squad, Spy Vibe Radio: Mr. Broadway, Agent King, Spy Vibe Radio: John Kling, Spy Vibe Radio: Unknown Man of Shandigor, Danger Man Podcast, Spy Vibe Radio: Dr. Mabuse, Bowie Day, Interview: Girls Guns Gadgets, Shandigor Blu, Shag Palm Springs, New Bond Novel, Hi-Fi Book, Judex Serial Blu, UFO Comics, Interview: John Buss, ITC Magazine, Interview: Kaiser Marionettes, Belmondo R.I.P., 007 Corgi Event, Space 1999: The Vault, Shag Eames Lounge, Firecracker Exotica, Spy Vibe Radio: Lola Albright, Tikyaki 5-0, Godzilla Scores, Mid-Century Village, Spy Vibe radio: Nicola Conte, Men's Adventure Quarterly, Billy May Frenesi, Gary Numan, Spy Vader Spy, Chris Barber Legacy, Phantom Retrospective, Astro-Man, Spy Vibe Radio: Batman, James Bond Lexicon, Ray Cathode, Spy Vibe Radio: Johnny Staccato, Matt Helm Blu, Cold War Auction, Avengers Francavilla Prints, Avengers 60th Event, Irma Vep Blu, Avengers Keel Design, Ronnie Scott's Doc, The Avengers 60th Design, Art of Pan Books, John Le Carre R.I.P., Sean Connery R.I.P., New 007 Vinyl, Burke's Law Ska, Dieter Rams Complete, 2-Tone Doc, Spy Vibe Radio: Vendetta Part 2, Diana Rigg R.I.P., Moog Micky Dolenz, Beetle Bailey 70th, RSD Spies Vinyl, Ian Fleming Tribute, Fellini Box Set, Spy Vibe Radio: Vendetta, The Saint Podcast Bonus, The Saint Podcast, Barber Lotus, Trad Roots, Morricone R.I.P., Fleetway Spy Designs, John Steel Casebooks, ITC Podcast: The Persuaders, Dazzle Ships, Spy Vibe Radio: Raumpatrouille, Remembering Richard Sala, Crime & Spy Jazz books, Numan is FAB, Bruce Lee Blu, RSD Vinyl Spies, James Bond's DB5, UFO CD Set, Spy Vibe radio: Phantom Agents, Steranko is Revolutionary!, Interview: The Saint I Ain't, Diabolik Interview, New 007 Song, Diabolik Figures, Diabolik Sounds, Diabolik Set Design, Diabolik Park Ride, Danger Diabolik Blu, Count Arthur Strong, Honey West Title Cards, Bowie Day, Neil Innes R.I.P., Claudine Auger R.I.P., OHMSS at 50, Italian Job 50th OST, Charles Schulz Modern, Paul Desmond, Python 50th, Randall Hopkirk 50th, Thunderbirds Day, Lazenby Returns to MI6, Dr. John R.I.P., Spy Vibe Radio: Lupin III, Lupin Ska, Spy Vibe Prime, Zigomar Translation, The Village: Part 1, Monkey Punch R.I.P., Bubble Girl 63, ITC Soundtracks, Spy Vibe Radio: Public Eye, Full Article

Upcoming release: Ian Fleming Publications has announced they will be releasing a new series of novels based on Q! From the press release: "We’re pleased to announce a new crime series project in collaboration with Zaffre, the flagship commercial fiction imprint of Bonnier Books UK. The new series, The Q Mysteries, will be centred around the iconic character of Q from the James Bond adventures. The first book, Quantum of Menace, will be published autumn 2025. This top-secret project will be written by acclaimed crime writer and Chair of the Crime Writers’ Association, Vaseem Khan. Filled with wit, humour and verve, Vaseem Khan brings his vibrant and dynamic style to one of Ian Fleming’s most beloved characters. Q Branch – the Secret Service department responsible for weapons and gadgets – was first introduced in Ian Fleming’s groundbreaking Casino Royale and featured throughout the James Bond books. The armourer in Q Branch, Major Boothroyd, first appeared in Dr No, giving 007 a Walther PPK to replace his Beretta firearm. The character and his interactions with the super spy have entered the cultural zeitgeist. Readers and fans of 007 will now get to spend real time with him in the charming milieu of a crime series." Looks interesting! We've seen Bond continuation stories for years, of course, and Moneypenny has figured into new books. The Bond ensemble offers a number of interesting possibilities for expanded projects and I'm surprised it took so long for Q to get his turn. When Connery's Bond tapped the style and dash of the Space Age, I think Q's contributions were an essential part of bringing the character into the modern world. As a boffin working on cool and crafty gadgets, problem solving, and staying one step ahead in defensive innovations, it seems like his corner of operations is more central than ever these days. See Ian Fleming Publications for more info. Not final cover artwork.

Selected Spy Vibe Posts: Joe 90 Blu, Man in a Suitcase Blu, ITC Book, Spy Vibe Radio: Dankworth Avengers, Mancini Book, Shinobi Blu, Exoticon 2, Spy Vibe Radio: Richard Diamond, Prisoner figures, Blu Manchu, Blu Prisoner, Byron Janis R.I.P., Spy Vibe Radio: Blake and Mortimer, Champions Podcast, ITC Book, Bond Event, Black Tight Killers Blu, New Persuaders Book, David McCallum R.I.P., Avengers Blu Sets, Spy Vibe Radio: Adventures in Paradise, The Secret Service book, World of Giants, Tiki Events, Cold War Classical, Paul at 81, 007 Comic Exhibit, Exotikon Event, Bond 60th Event, The Baron Blu-ray, Mission: Impossible in 4k, Jane Bond Strip, SV Radio: The Man Called Flintstone, Lupin III 50th, SV Radio: OSS117, McCartney 1964, Spy Vibe Radio: Hunter, Spy Vibe Radio: Gao Dalli CID 999, Bond Beatles 60th, William Klein R.I.P., Spy Vibe Radio: M Squad, Spy Vibe Radio: Mr. Broadway, Agent King, Spy Vibe Radio: John Kling, Spy Vibe Radio: Unknown Man of Shandigor, Danger Man Podcast, Spy Vibe Radio: Dr. Mabuse, Bowie Day, Interview: Girls Guns Gadgets, Shandigor Blu, Shag Palm Springs, New Bond Novel, Hi-Fi Book, Judex Serial Blu, UFO Comics, Interview: John Buss, ITC Magazine, Interview: Kaiser Marionettes, Belmondo R.I.P., 007 Corgi Event, Space 1999: The Vault, Shag Eames Lounge, Firecracker Exotica, Spy Vibe Radio: Lola Albright, Tikyaki 5-0, Godzilla Scores, Mid-Century Village, Spy Vibe radio: Nicola Conte, Men's Adventure Quarterly, Billy May Frenesi, Gary Numan, Spy Vader Spy, Chris Barber Legacy, Phantom Retrospective, Astro-Man, Spy Vibe Radio: Batman, James Bond Lexicon, Ray Cathode, Spy Vibe Radio: Johnny Staccato, Matt Helm Blu, Cold War Auction, Avengers Francavilla Prints, Avengers 60th Event, Irma Vep Blu, Avengers Keel Design, Ronnie Scott's Doc, The Avengers 60th Design, Art of Pan Books, John Le Carre R.I.P., Sean Connery R.I.P., New 007 Vinyl, Burke's Law Ska, Dieter Rams Complete, 2-Tone Doc, Spy Vibe Radio: Vendetta Part 2, Diana Rigg R.I.P., Moog Micky Dolenz, Beetle Bailey 70th, RSD Spies Vinyl, Ian Fleming Tribute, Fellini Box Set, Spy Vibe Radio: Vendetta, The Saint Podcast Bonus, The Saint Podcast, Barber Lotus, Trad Roots, Morricone R.I.P., Fleetway Spy Designs, John Steel Casebooks, ITC Podcast: The Persuaders, Dazzle Ships, Spy Vibe Radio: Raumpatrouille, Remembering Richard Sala, Crime & Spy Jazz books, Numan is FAB, Bruce Lee Blu, RSD Vinyl Spies, James Bond's DB5, UFO CD Set, Spy Vibe radio: Phantom Agents, Steranko is Revolutionary!, Interview: The Saint I Ain't, Diabolik Interview, New 007 Song, Diabolik Figures, Diabolik Sounds, Diabolik Set Design, Diabolik Park Ride, Danger Diabolik Blu, Count Arthur Strong, Honey West Title Cards, Bowie Day, Neil Innes R.I.P., Claudine Auger R.I.P., OHMSS at 50, Italian Job 50th OST, Charles Schulz Modern, Paul Desmond, Python 50th, Randall Hopkirk 50th, Thunderbirds Day, Lazenby Returns to MI6, Dr. John R.I.P., Spy Vibe Radio: Lupin III, Lupin Ska, Spy Vibe Prime, Zigomar Translation, The Village: Part 1, Monkey Punch R.I.P., Bubble Girl 63Full Article

New release: Imprint has announced a new Blu-ray set featuring theatrical cuts of the cult '60s ITC classic, The Baron! The series starred Steve Forrest and Sue Lloyd (The Ipcress File) and centered around an undercover agent posing in London as an antiques dealer. All of us have been hoping the Australian distributor would pick up this project after Network folded in the UK and here it is! Fans can now pre-order the set (currently at a discounted price). From the press release: "In 1966, ITC transformed four episodes from the series into two feature film versions: The Man in a Looking Glass and Mystery Island. Destined for European theatrical exhibition and having been shot on 35mm film, these two features have been restored and are presented in high-definition for the first time. Accompanying them are the four series episodes (Masquerade / The Killing and Storm Warning / The Island) which were the basis for the film versions, also in high-definition, and are presented in the original 4:3 aspect ratio. Included with The Baron – The Feature Films is SUE LLOYD at ITC. The glamorous actress, who rose to stardom in the Harry Palmer thriller The Ipcress File, appeared in many of the ITC action series, and this high-definition release showcases her performances in Gideon’s Way, The Saint, Department S, and in an additional episode of The Baron. More info at Imprint's Via Vision shop. Here are some screenshots detailing bonus features. I wonder if an HD release of the series might follow? Imprint has been keeping the Sixties-spy-show flame burning and hopefully sales will warrant the continuation of their efforts. Wouldn't it be great to see the complete Danger Man and The Saint 

Greetings, Spy Vibers! A new school year starts again tomorrow. I'll be teaching my usual courses in filmmaking, photography, and drawing. Much of the summer was spent dealing with health stuff, but I did start a super fun dive into classic kung fu movies and comics. In addition to all the films streaming for free on Prime, I've been enjoying archival Blu-ray editions by distributors such as Arrow, Eureka, and 88 Films, plus the Marvel comic series, Master of Kung Fu (great for its run of Spy Vibe stories!). And the 4k editions of Bruce Lee's output just arrived at my doorstep, which I'm looking forward to checking out. Which all brings me to finally let Spy Vibers know about my latest episode on the Cocktail Nation radio show. Every month I contribute a short introduction to a classic film or show and play cuts from the score. Immersed as I've been in kung fu, I decided to dedicate my August segment to Roger Moore's second outing as James Bond in The Man with the Golden Gun. As I mention in the show, it's not going to be the top of anyone's best-of 007 list, but I think the film has some wonderful elements hiding underneath the cheap laughs and sometimes TV-movie appearance. First and foremost, Christopher Lee always makes a fantastic villain (he was also Ian Fleming's cousin!). And I think the film presents well overall during the scenes set in Asian locations. For younger readers, it's important to know that MWTGG was clearly tapping the kung fu craze sweeping the globe at the time. And landing within five months of Bruce Lee's death, it would be just one project in a tidal wave of martial arts media such as Bruceploitation films, kung fu comics and magazines, novelty songs, TV shows, and films making the rounds of grindhouse theaters everywhere. MWTGG isn't a great film, but I do think, within the context, it's a light-hearted and fun nod to what was happening at the time. More than that, John Barry's score for the movie has always been a favorite. With its mix of trad jazz and Asian nuances, I've always enjoyed the record for its mysterious and romantic atmosphere. You can check out my brief intro and hear a track over at Cocktail Nation. Lastly, I also want to note the sad passing this week of two Sixties artists, Alain Delon (le Samourai) and Peggy Moffitt (Blow Up, Who Are You, Polly Maggoo?). They were two of the most iconic and stylish faces of the period and inspired generations. 

Selected Spy Vibe Posts: Blu Baron, Joe 90 Blu, Man in a Suitcase Blu, ITC Book, Spy Vibe Radio: Dankworth Avengers, Mancini Book, Shinobi Blu, Exoticon 2, Spy Vibe Radio: Richard Diamond, Prisoner figures, Blu Manchu, Blu Prisoner, Byron Janis R.I.P., Spy Vibe Radio: Blake and Mortimer, Champions Podcast, ITC Book, Bond Event, Black Tight Killers Blu, New Persuaders Book, David McCallum R.I.P., Avengers Blu Sets, Spy Vibe Radio: Adventures in Paradise, The Secret Service book, World of Giants, Tiki Events, Cold War Classical, Paul at 81, 007 Comic Exhibit, Exotikon Event, Bond 60th Event, The Baron Blu-ray, Mission: Impossible in 4k, Jane Bond Strip, SV Radio: The Man Called Flintstone, Lupin III 50th, SV Radio: OSS117, McCartney 1964, Spy Vibe Radio: Hunter, Spy Vibe Radio: Gao Dalli CID 999, Bond Beatles 60th, William Klein R.I.P., Spy Vibe Radio: M Squad, Spy Vibe Radio: Mr. Broadway, Agent King, Spy Vibe Radio: John Kling, Spy Vibe Radio: Unknown Man of Shandigor, Danger Man Podcast, Spy Vibe Radio: Dr. Mabuse, Bowie Day, Interview: Girls Guns Gadgets, Shandigor Blu, Shag Palm Springs, New Bond Novel, Hi-Fi Book, Judex Serial Blu, UFO Comics, Interview: John Buss, ITC Magazine, Interview: Kaiser Marionettes, Belmondo R.I.P., 007 Corgi Event, Space 1999: The Vault, Shag Eames Lounge, Firecracker Exotica, Spy Vibe Radio: Lola Albright, Tikyaki 5-0, Godzilla Scores, Mid-Century Village, Spy Vibe radio: Nicola Conte, Men's Adventure Quarterly, Billy May Frenesi, Gary Numan, Spy Vader Spy, Chris Barber Legacy, Phantom Retrospective, Astro-Man, Spy Vibe Radio: Batman, James Bond Lexicon, Ray Cathode, Spy Vibe Radio: Johnny Staccato, Matt Helm Blu, Cold War Auction, Avengers Francavilla Prints, Avengers 60th Event, Irma Vep Blu, Avengers Keel Design, Ronnie Scott's Doc, The Avengers 60th Design, Art of Pan Books, John Le Carre R.I.P., Sean Connery R.I.P., New 007 Vinyl, Burke's Law Ska, Dieter Rams Complete, 2-Tone Doc, Spy Vibe Radio: Vendetta Part 2, Diana Rigg R.I.P., Moog Micky Dolenz, Beetle Bailey 70th, RSD Spies Vinyl, Ian Fleming Tribute, Fellini Box Set, Spy Vibe Radio: Vendetta, The Saint Podcast Bonus, The Saint Podcast, Barber Lotus, Trad Roots, Morricone R.I.P., Fleetway Spy Designs, John Steel Casebooks, ITC Podcast: The Persuaders, Dazzle Ships, Spy Vibe Radio: Raumpatrouille, Remembering Richard Sala, Crime & Spy Jazz books, Numan is FAB, Bruce Lee Blu, RSD Vinyl Spies, James Bond's DB5, UFO CD Set, Spy Vibe radio: Phantom Agents, Steranko is Revolutionary!, Interview: The Saint I Ain't, Diabolik Interview, New 007 Song, Diabolik Figures, Diabolik Sounds, Diabolik Set Design, Diabolik Park Ride, Danger Diabolik Blu, Count Arthur Strong, Honey West Title Cards, Bowie Day, Neil Innes R.I.P., Claudine Auger R.I.P., OHMSS at 50, Italian Job 50th OST, Charles Schulz Modern, Paul Desmond, Python 50th, Randall Hopkirk 50th, Thunderbirds Day, Lazenby Returns to MI6, Dr. John R.I.P., Spy Vibe Radio: Lupin III, Lupin Ska, Spy Vibe Prime, Zigomar Translation, The Village: Part 1

It's official! New release: Some of the marvelous 1960s spy-style films from Hong Kong are finally coming to Blu-ray: Angel with the Iron Fists, The Golden Buddha, and The Singing Thief. From the press release: "Following the enormous international success of Dr No and From Russia with Love, Bondmania swept the globe and initiated a cycle of Bondsploitation movies. Studios all over the world sought to capitalise on James Bond and the concept of the super-spy - including Hong Kong's venerable Shaw Brothers, who began producing tales of intrigue, espionage, and grand theft in the mid-1960s. Eureka Classics presents three of their best in this special-edition set: The Golden Buddha, Angel with the Iron Fists and The Singing Thief. In The Golden Buddha, businessman Paul (Paul Chang Chung, Police Story) finds himself in the crosshairs of the Skeleton Gang after he picks up the wrong briefcase on a flight to Singapore - one containing a small golden Buddha that might just play a part in a vast criminal conspiracy. In Angel with the Iron Fists, a mysterious woman (Lily Ho, Lady with a Sword) arrives in Hong Kong carrying a cache of stolen diamonds and quickly becomes embroiled with the infamous Devil Girl's Gang. Finally, in The Singing Thief, a master cat burglar (Jimmy Lin Chong, Tropicana Interlude) makes the decision to go straight and pursue a new career as a singer - that is, at least, until he becomes. a suspect in a series of jewel heists. Directed by studio regulars Lo Wei (The Big Boss) and Chang Cheh (The One-Armed Swordsman), The Golden Buddha, Angel with the Iron Fists and The Singing Thief filter a craze for films centered on super-spies and master criminals through the inimitable style of the Shaw Brothers Studio. All three films are presented on Blu-ray for the first time from HD masters supplied by Celestial Pictures." this is SUPER EXCITING news. I'm hoping we'll also see the sequel to Angel with the Iron Fists, as well as the Black Rose films, the Dark Heroine Muk Lan-Fa trilogy, Operation Lipstick, Temptress of a Thousand Faces, etc. 

More:

Limited edition of 2000 copies only;1080p HD presentations on Blu-ray from masters supplied by Celestial Pictures; Original mono audio tracks, plus:

• Optional English subtitles, newly translated for this release
•New audio commentaries by action cinema experts Mike Leeder and Arne Venema
• International Super Spies - A new interview with James Bond expert Llewella Chapman on global Bondmania in the 1960s
• A new interview with Hong Kong cinema scholar Wayne Wong, editor of Martial Arts Studies
• Reversible sleeve featuring individual sleeve artwork for each film
• Original trailers
• Limited edition O-Card slipcase featuring new artwork by Darren Wheeling
• Limited edition collector's booklet featuring new writing on all three films by lain Robert Smith, author of The Hollywood Meme: Transnational Adaptations in World Cinema

Kino Lorber will be releasing a 4K Ultra edition next month of Stanley Donen's classic film, Arabesque. Starring Gregory Peck and Sophia Loren, the story revolves around a secret message and various cloak & dagger escapades and double-crosses. While not to the level of Charade, I've always found some qualities to love about the movie. Donen himself knew the project needed something extra and his solution was to insert many art-inspired visuals. From a striking assassination during an eye exam, with projected eye chart graphics, to the addition of many Op Art pieces to the decor, these extra touches added mystery, subtext, and gave the film a fun modernist gloss. With Loren as co-lead, fashion was also front and center, along with the quirky addition of a shoe fetishist. From the press release: "Ultra Mod, Ultra Mad, Ultra Mystery! Enter the world of Arabesque—a high-speed, high-class tale of international intrigue starring screen icons Gregory Peck (The Guns of Navarone, Mirage) and Sophia Loren (Five Miles to Midnight, Marriage Italian Style). An American hieroglyphics professor (Peck) is hired by a mysterious Arab oil magnate to decipher a secret message. When the hidden meaning is revealed, the chase is on as he and the oil magnate’s exotic yet unpredictable companion (Loren) find themselves caught in the middle of an assassination plot. The great Stanley Donen (Singin’ in the Rain, Charade) directed this exciting romantic thriller that features the stylish music of Henry Mancini (The Pink Panther, Touch of Evil) and the acting talents of Alan Badel (Force 10 from Navarone), Kieron Moore (David and Bathsheba) and George Coulouris (Citizen Kane)." Check out the bonus features and more info over at Kino. Related Spy Vibe post: Reflecting on Arabesque & Peter Stone.