"Forget James Bond...and step into the real, dour and chilling world of spies and counterspies. Oscar nominee Richard Burton is the burnt-out British agent who refuses to 'come in from the cold' to take a desk job-but instead launches into the most dangerous assignment of his career, stalking East German agent (and Golden Globe winner) Oskar Werner. John Le Carre's best-selling novel provides the basis for this breathtaking thriller of espionage, intrigue, crosses, and double crosses. First-rate performances from the entire cast are matched by a tension-packed and brilliantly plotted screenplay, with masterful direction from Martin Ritt (Hud, Sounder)."--Container.
General Note: Closed-captioned.Includes English (5.1 Surround or restored mono) and French (mono) language tracks with optional English subtitles.Home use only.Bilingual packaging (English/French).Widescreen version enhanced for 16:9 TVs.Originally released as a motion picture in 1965.Based on the novel by John Le Carre.
Formatted Contents Note: Disc 1 - New, restored high-definitaion digital transfer - Theatrical trailer ; Disc 2 - New video interview with author John le Carre - selected-scene commentary featuring director of photography Oswald Morris - The Secret Centre: John le Carre (2000) , a BBC documentary on the author's extraordinary life and work - a 1967 interview with Richard Burton from the BBC series Acting in the 60's , conducted by film critic Kenneth Tynan.
Creation/Production Credits Note: Produced and directed by Martin Ritt ; screenplay by Paul Dehn and Guy Trosper.
Participant or Performer Note: Richard Burton, Claire Bloom and Oskar Werner with Sam Wanamaker, George Voskovec, Rupert Davies, Cyril Cusack and Peter Van Eyck.