Wednesday, March 4, 2009

I Love James Bond DVD's

By Charlie Reese

The world of 007 has captured fans since the first novels, penned by Ian Fleming. The films gained the spy even more fans and James Bond DVDs are best sellers. Most of them come with extra features and audio commentary from the stars or makers of the movie. Most have some sort of 'making of the film documentary'. Each film can be purchased as a separate DVD but hardcore fans can buy them as one big box set.

The official series began with Sean Connery's tenure as 007 in Dr No. It is famous for Ursula Andress coming out of the sea. This Special Edition James Bond DVD has a Stills Gallery, the original theatrical trailer, original television advertisements and a documentary on the film's director, Terence Young

From Russia with Love follows with a featurette on the co-producer, Harry Saltzman. Goldfinger extras include an original radio interview with Sean Connery. Thunderball has a behind the scenes stills gallery. You Only Live Twice includes an animated story board sequence on the plane crash in the film.

In 1969, Connery's role was briefly taken over by George Lazenby in On Her Majesty's Secret Service. The James bond DVD extras include original TV advertisements and radio promotional spots. It was back to Sean Connery in 1971 for Diamonds are Forever. The DVD contains deleted scenes, and a documentary about producer Cubby Broccoli, 'The Man Behind Bond'.

In 1973, a new 007 stepped up to the plate. Roger Moore's first outing was in Live and Let Die. The DVD includes 'On Set with Roger Moore'. Next comes The Man with the Golden Gun with a documentary on Bond stuntmen. The Spy Who Loved Me DVD has a 'Designing Bond' documentary. The Moonraker DVD contains 'The Men Behind the Mayhem' documentary on Bond special effects. Moore's next two Bond movies were For Your Eyes Only and Octopussy.

Connery returned for one final Bond in 1983's Never Say Never Again. The DVD has the original theatrical trailer. Moore's final Bond was in A View to a Kill, whose DVD has a music video and a deleted scene.

It was time for a new version of our hero. Timothy Dalton was to play Bond on two occasions, in 1987 and 1989. The DVDs of The Living Daylights and License to Kill both contain music videos. Anticipation was at fever pitch as to who would take over. Pierce Brosnan was the chosen one.

Brosnan made four Bond films, beginning with Goldeneye in 1995. Tomorrow Never Dies followed and the DVD contains a Sheryl Crow music video. Next came The World is Not Enough. This James Bond DVD includes a tribute to Desmond Llewelyn, who played Q for many years. Die Another Day features a Madonna music video.

The present incumbent is Daniel Craig and his debut was in 2006 with Casino Royale. The 2-Disc Collector's Edition contains several documentaries. Fans await the release of the DVD for the latest Bond film, Quantum of Solace. - 16651

About the Author: