SpyTek (1998)
Review by Mike DeWolfe for Apollo Movie Guide

The world of espionage is exposed in "SpyTek", the Discovery Channel television series hosted by Roger Moore. Released as a 2-video set, the film covers 2 1/2 hours of the secret world of cloak and dagger: discussing the Cold War, the origins of secret services, the art of espionage, assassinations and covert killing. "SpyTek"'s documentary on the role of spies over the last 60 years cuts a chord through world events: Trotsky's assassination; the Francis Gary Powers prisoner exchange; the damage done by the Walker spy ring. But the series is not locked into the Cold War. It covers recent events, terrorist activity and counter-terrorist efforts.

It's ironically fitting that Roger Moore hosts this series and repeatedly points out where the Bond films diverge from the real world of espionage. As it's put: "The only good spy is one you never find." You get the feel for the dichotomy of espionage: the thrill of high level clandestine operations, and the monotony and patience of out-waiting opponents and targets.

I've seen a slew of spy films but this video set is somehow more entertaining than most works of fiction-because it's real. There are interviews with moles, spies, member of the GRU, the KGB, the CIA, the SAS, MI-6, MI-5, OSS and others. They describe what they did, how they escaped capture or execution, and what their world was really like. The devices used in espionage are nothing short of amazing. Seeing contraptions from the Cold War functioning makes every episode of "The Man From U.N.C.L.E.", "Mission Impossible" and the Bond films plausible-even tame by comparison.

"SpyTek" takes you into the previously unseen archives from both sides of the covert world- unseen hives of activity. If you have a passing fascination with history and/or the world of espionage, this is certainly worth watching.

For detailed credits CLICK HERE.

In Feb 1998 also a CD with music from the "SpyTek" special was released by RCA.

The 40-minute soundtrack to the Discovery Channel's documentary series "Spy Tek" features music composed by Joe Taylor from all three episodes, plus a remake of the "James Bond Theme" and the gimmicks of "hidden" tracks and song intros by Roger Moore. The music is largely of the sort one has come to expect from the spy soundtrack genre, by turns sinister and dramatic, making it great fun for aficionados. AllMusic.com

TRACKLIST:

1.James Bond Theme (2:54)
2.Spytekno (3:41)
3.Poison Candy (2:56)
4.Caught (3:29)
5.Bell (3:09)
6.Danger Girl (0:55)
7.Moony and Fidel (5:56)
8.Spy City (2:12)
9.Your Dog is Bothering Me (2:06)
10.The List (3:50)
11.Spy vs. Spy (1:04)
12.Deadly Game (2:17)
13.Sneaky Bastard (2:29)
14.SpyTek Theme (0:58)
15.Bloody Red Volga (3:34)

« BACK