James Bond Franchise (1962-∞)

[bcsparker]

Does anyone out there know what the difference is between the older James Bond Special Editions and the newer repackaged sets? I see on Amazon that the older editions are OOP and all that's available are the sets. Maybe they've all been made 5.1? (wishful thinking)
I'm a Bond freak and I'd just like to know if it's worth selling the older ones or not. Responses greatly appreciated.

[THX1378]

Good question. How many times can they put out these sets? I think I heard somewhere that the difference is that there getting ready for the HD-DVD or Blue Ray verions of the films so the remastered them for when they make the jump to HD. But didn't they remaster the films for the last set that came out when Die Another Day hit theaters?

[unclehulot]

Aside from the release from the earliest days of dvd, MGM has repeatedly issued the SAME dvds in various combinations. The game is, you take them out of circulation for about 5 days (well, a couple of months), then "reissue" them in tandem with whatever the new theatrical Bond film is. I guess I can't blame them for milking their big cash cow.

However, there ARE plans afoot to retool the transfers (don't know about the extras) with 5.1 mixes created for the earlier films that have mono tracks currently. As John Kirk (Eastwood Man with no name trilogy restorer) is heading this, I have confidence they will be done well. There aren't release dates announced, but I WOULD hold off at this point, and see what lies down the road a few months.

[Sai]

This set has been rumoured forever and would contain new transfers. I've got no idea if it's really coming out, and if it would be cheaper than a cruise to the other side of the world.

[bcsparker]

Damn, that is sexy. But I think I'd be able to afford an Aston Martin before I could buy that set!

[BWilson]

Does anyone out there know what the difference is between the older James Bond Special Editions and the newer repackaged sets?

There are only two editions. The first wave from MGM came in 1998. It was single disc, near bare-bones releases of Dr. No, Goldfinger, The Spy Who Loved Me and a couple others.

Then during 1999-2000 they released all the films in wonderful special editions w/ anamorphic transfers, commentaries, documentaries, galleries, etc. These titles have been released individually and in several different box sets, but they're always the same content.

[bcsparker]

Thanks for the replies, guys. Now, I'm wondering: anybody know a link to a site selling the individual DVDs for regular prices? They can even be used, I don't care. I just don't want to deal with Amazon. I know some people out there had Bond DVDs available for trade, but none of them ever got back to me.

[BWilson]

What's wrong with Amazon?

Anyway, the most recent release of these were in box sets only, so it's nearly imposible to find individual titles on store shelves. So try e-bay or try trading with people. Or try waiting. Supposedly some remastered versions are comming soon.

[Fletch F. Fletch]

From The Digital Bits:

Around the Net today, the official Roger Moore website has indicated that Sir Roger has just begun recording new audio commentary tracks for the seven Bond films in which he starred. His first recording session, for A View to a Kill, was completed this last weekend. Word is, these tracks will be included on new Ultimate Editions of the Bond films set to be released by Sony in 2006 (and no doubt timed to coincide with the theatrical debut of Casino Royale).

[rwaits]

You know, I actually don't understand why MGM handles these films this way. It seems to me that if these films were kept in print, both as single disc versions and box sets, they would be constant sellers. I actually had now idea that these were OOP again--I went to purchase Goldfinger, and was disappointed. When will the next wave (probably identical to the previous one) of Bond releases be?

[oldsheperd]

I've acutally seen these frequently at my local Hastings a few times. Actually I posted a while ago that my biggest dvd find was getting the silver James Bond box at Hastings for 7 bucks. I think it's currently going for 260 bucks.

[Fletch F. Fletch]

From DavisDVD:

Good news: the long-awaited James Bond special editions are finally being released. The bad news: Region 1 still has to wait. Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has announced the UK Region 2 release of The James Bond Ultimate Editions DVD Collection for release on July 17th. Each of the twenty films in the perennial series has been remastered and restored by Lowry Digital - nine with 4K scanning, the others in high definition - recapturing the crystal clear detail and rich colors of the original films. For the first time ever, all twenty Bond films will also sport Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS Surround tracks.

Bonus materials on the two-disc sets will include all-new interactive features, including commentary tracks with Sir Roger Moore for all of his entries, previously unreleased and never-before-seen behind-the-scenes footage from the Bond vaults, "Top Secret Files" on the Bond women and exotic locations and more. Stay tuned for individualized specs soon! The films will be available separately priced at £15.99 apiece, or available together in a limited and exclusive sleek attache case with embossed 007 logo. Click on the thumbnail for a larger look.

[filmfan]

No Region 1 NTSC ???

[flyonthewall2983]

I wonder how this will be affected given the recent deal that gave Fox the rights to the MGM titles.

[Cinesimilitude]

this set looks awesome, cant wait for an R1 release.

artwork available here for R2

[Cinesimilitude]

the goldeneye artwork states it is Uncut, anyone know anything about this?

[manicsounds]

In the UK, they cut out headbutts (as usual) to qualify for a 12 rating.

Also, some scenes were trimmed in the US to get a pg-13 rating.
I'm guessing all those things plus the headbutts are reinstated

[Kristoffer4]

Yes I know that Godeneye and Tommorrow never dies will be uncut.

[manicsounds]

The Japanese set for November will come in a special attache case



Also will include a bonus disc with "Bond Girls Are Forever" 45 min,
for a total of 41 discs. Seems to be the same discs as the UK,
just with Japanese subs and dubs included on them

[Cinesimilitude]

digitalbits announced a few days ago that the r1 versions of these SE's will come in four box sets, all random order, like the first 3 volume release, and each volume will have an msrp of 89.99 US.

I am definitely waiting for an HD release.

[rwaits]

Here's an announcement, or sorts.

[cdnchris]

I have to ask, but does anyone knew if the Licence to Kill in this set is the R-rated version. I believe the R2 releases did. I'm now debating on picking up the sets but am sort of on the fence (plus I might even wait for hi-def). But if I knew the longer version of the film was included in this set I might be swayed (more for curiosity than anything else.)

[manicsounds]

The R2 Ultimate Editions are all uncut including License to Kill

[filmfan]

Are the Region 1's uncut ?

Thanks, Mike

[Highway 61]

The films were only cut for their UK release.