DVD Review | The Fourth Protocol (Region 2)
Written by: Kage Alan

Remington Steele once doubled as a Russian Spy before becoming 007?  Who knew?  Okay, enough of that.  I actually have very fond memories not only of author Frederick Forsyth, but this specific book from which the film is based.  You see, a late great uncle of mine was LOVED spy thrillers and sent me a number of them in the mail back when he was still alive.  He’s also one of the few relatives I didn’t make fun of in my book, so you can tell I really enjoyed the man’s company.  Just wish I knew him better.  Anyway, “The Fourth Protocol” is one of the books he sent me that soon became a favorite and also a movie.  Hey, what a coincidence!

John Preston (Michael Caine, “Without A Clue”) has a unique talent for catching spies, something British MI6 finds useful.  Unfortunately, he’s not well liked by one of his superiors who is the acting Chief at the moment. Despite this, Preston excels in what he does and manages to uncover someone slipping what looks to be the South African government some Top Secret NATO documents.  Little does the traitor know that he’s secretly been supplying Moscow with important information.  That’s never good.  While Preston comes out on top, his methods are in question and he’s put on other duties as punishment.

Elsewhere, meanwhile, highly rated Russian agent Valeri Petrofsky (Brosnan) is recruited for a top secret mission, one that will break the Fourth Protocol.  If all goes according to plan and with the help of a scientist (Joanna Cassidy), he’ll detonate a nuclear bomb next to an American airbase.  Unfortunately, an accident delivers a clue to the plot right into Preston’s hand and he’s soon off in hot pursuit of the enemy spy.  With political subplots abound, our hero must battle bureaucracies and plots within plots to nab his man, but the job must get done.  The fate of the world depends on it, right?

While “The Fourth Protocol” isn’t a Bond film with lots of gadgets, sexy women and expensive special effects, it IS a suspenseful and character driven one.  Preston doesn’t spend his time accumulating a humongous body count or being portrayed as larger than life nor is Petrofsky a stereotypical villain.  These are real men doing what they feel is their duty to their countries.  When the final reel kicks into high gear, the film has you hook, line and sinker!  Caine and Brosnan carry the film wonderfully from beginning to finish and it’s a shame that Caine hasn’t portrayed the character in a second film, especially since “Jaws: The Revenge” did so much for his career…NOT.

Carlton Visual Entertainment in the UK has released “The Fourth Protocol” in its original Widescreen format.  Woo hoo!  Video quality tends to be a bit grainy and dark at times, but for the most part is fairly consistent.  Audio is the same, too.  I wish there had been a little more work done on it, but since this isn’t an effects film, it does the job just fine.  As for extras, we have some!  Aside from the theatrical trailer, there is a 30 minute making of the film featuring interviews with Forsyth, Caine and Bronson as well as plenty of behind-the-scenes footage.

So, now you’re wondering since this is a Region 2 disc where you can order it.  Amazon.com.uk?  Nope.  Think again.  Think…oh, Ohio.  Yes, anyone in the US can order from a nifty little place called Xploited Cinema (www.xploitedcinema.com/), the leading domestic place on the web for all those difficult-or-nearly-impossible to find European imports.  As someone who is damn picky about who he orders from and who he recommends ordering from, you can’t go wrong with this place.  Remember, “The Fourth Protocol” and “Xlpoited Cinema.” Don’t settle for VHS when you can have DVD.

Film Rating: B+
DVD Special Features: B