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Geoff Leonard
15 June, 2002

Next month Silva Screen are to issue the first ever UK CD release of The Ipcress File and I'm fortunate enough to own a pre-release copy of it.

One wondered how different it would be from the expensive Japanese release, but I'm very, very pleased with it.

The sound is certainly improved (the Jap CD turns out to have been remastered from vinyl) and not only that, there has been a slight adjustment in the running order of the tracks so the number of 'Man Alone' cues are broken up somewhat. 'Goodbye Harry' has been rejoined (the way it originally was on the UK LP).

There are some dialogue clips. Now, I already know this will be disliked by some people but, in my opinion, they work really well - in fact, far more so than the kind of thing we heard on some of those Ryko releases. They actually help towards creating the atmosphere and appreciating the story-line of the film, and, as such, were well-chosen. There is even a secret bonus track - something I asked for but didn't expect to get!! For those who really just want to hear the music, well, it's easy enough to programme out the dialogue.

The booklet. This is something of a departure, too, since it's not the normal glossy paper affair. Virtually all black and white contents within, I'm sure deliberately, it really does enhance the idea of a secret 'dossier'. There are details about the original book, the making of the film, details of the cast and the music.

I feel sure all John Barry fans will buy it anyway, but more importantly it should have more general appeal. I can see magazines like Mojo, Empire and Loaded etc., loving it. This is good news because if it does well, maybe we shall see 'Tamarind Seed' at long last - Carlton being the same licensing company involved.

Geoff Leonard