James Bond Ultimate Edition DVD Volume 4 Review

JAMES BOND ULTIMATE EDITION VOLUME 4

THIS REVIEW HAS BEEN FORMATTED FOR W-I-D-E-S-C-R-E-E-N MONITORS

THIS IS AN ONGOING REVIEW - NEW ADDITIONS WILL BE IN YELLOW

AUDIO

VISUAL

PRESENTATION

EXTRAS

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SIGHTS AND INSIGHTS

MGM HOME VIDEO/20TH CENTURY-FOX

STATS
DTS 5.1, DOLBY DIGITAL 5.1,
Color, CC,
Langauages: English, French (5.1),
Subtitles: English, French, Spanish,
Mandarin Chinese, Korean, Thai,
Chapters: 32, Price $89.95

DR. NO
Anamorphic Widescreen 1.66:1,
Original MONO, Running time 110 mins., Rated PG

YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE
Anamorphic Widescreen 2.35:1,
Original MONO, Running time 117 mins.,
Rated PG

MOONRAKER
Anamorphic Widescreen 2.35:1,
Original Dolby Surround 2.0,
Running time 121 mins.,
Rated PG

OCTOPUSSY
Anamorphic Widescreen 2.35:1,
Original Dolby Surround 2.0,
Running time 131 mins.,
Rated PG

TOMORROW NEVER DIES
Anamorphic Widescreen 2.35:1,
Original Dolby Surround 2.0,
Running time 119mins.,
Rated PG

DISC 1
AUDIO COMMENTARY � Although the legend on the packaging states this commentary features DIRECTOR TERRENCE YOUNG, and cast members, in all there are 23 persons heard from. The audio bytes are taken from various interviews and have been compiled and presented here. This may sound lackluster but most are presented and timed to what is happening on screen. The proceedings start out slow, but very quickly pick up speed with very personal comments on cast and crew.

DISC 2
This disc is broken down into the following �
TOP LEVEL ACCESS

007 LICENCE TO RESTORE � This very nice featurette gives an inside look at the work to restore the BOND FILMS by LOWRY DIGITAL IMAGES. High point of interest is some before and after shots which showcase the worked involved and the final result. The advancement in restoration has gone beyond simply cleaning the original elements. Now it is possible to make actual changes within the film � cleaning up matte lines, even taking out things like reflections in mirrors that shouldn�t be there. Case in point in the MAN WITH THE GOLDEN GUN� but did they? Mmm, you�ll have to watch this featurette and then the film to see.
1.85:1 Anamorphic, Stereo, Running time 11mins., 54 secs.

DECLASSIFIED: M16 VAULT

THE GUNS OF JAMES BOND � 1.33:1, B&W, MONO, Running time 5 mins., 6 secs.
This vintage piece shows a gun collector/expert comparing and explaining the various guns used by 007, there uses and fire power. A bit weird and strange really especially when he fires various caliber shots into a tomato sauce can to demonstrate their power and how they can inflect damage!

PREMIRRE BOND: OPENNING NIGHTS
1.33:1, B&W/Color, Stereo, Running time 13 mins., 08 secs.
Vintage footage from all the BOND premieres narratored by writer/producer Michael Wilson.

007 MISSION CONTROL
In this section under the following choices, 007, THE WOMEN, ALLIES, VILLIANS, MISSION COMBAT MANUAL, Q BRANCH, EXOTIC LOCATIONS, the viewer after making a choice, is shown clips from the film accordingly -This for the avid BOND fan who at a glance can bring up a chosen point of reference. EG: Under VILLIANS there are sub-categories one of which is of course DR. NO. But the choices then aren�t just scenes with the character but even one where he is �mysteriously� mentioned.

MISSION DOSSIER

INSIDE DR. NO - 1.33:1 w/1.85:1 letterbox, Color, Stereo, Running time 42 mins.,05 secs.
This is a �making of� that covers every aspect of the film in great detail. This is done via new interviews with various members of cast and crew. There are also some production photographs and behind the scenes footage. Very informative. and very entertaining. This piece was produced in 2000, not for this DVD release as with the others appearing this collection.

TERENCE YOUNG: BOND VIVANT � 1.33:1 W/1.85:1/2.35:1 Letterbox, B&W/Color, Stereo, Running time 17 mins., 57 secs.
A sort of �bio� piece celebrating the talent of the first BOND director and how he influenced the creation of this classic film franchise. Those who knew and worked with him are interviewed to reflect their thoughts and dealings. This piece is very fondly presented to man no longer with us.

DR NO (1963 FEATURETTE � 1.33:1, B&W, MONO, Running time 8 mins., 38 secs.
There nothing really special, but very amusing. It really a very run of the mill basic intro to the character for the film, but the chosen host adds unintentional humor to the proceedings.

MINESTIRY OF PROPAGANDA

THEATRICAL ARCHIVE � THEATRICAL TRAILER (nicely re-mastered for 1.85:1 anamorphic), TEASER (INTRODUCING MR. BOND) 1.33:1, COMBO TRAILER (DR.NO/GOLDFINGER) 1.33:1, Color � all are MONO

TV BROADCASTS � 2 Spots

RADIO COMMUNICATIONS � 6 RADIO SPOTS

IMAGE DATABASE
STILL GALLERY: Each is viewer advanced and broken down into the following;
PORTRAITS, JAMAICA, PINEWOOD, THE LOST SCENE, IAN FLEMMING � JAMAICA, IAN FLEMMING � PINEWOOD, AROUND THE WORLD WITH 007

Upon first glance the bit silver and black box isn�t that impressive. Once the shrink wrap is peeled way the silver color turns out to be a foil and the Bond logo glistens. Slide out the inner box/tray and the bulk of this set comes into play. Each film is packed in a slim-line black Plastic Amaray. Included is a booklet for each film with background info, and color photos.
Menus are simply outrageous and classy � some of the best EVER put onto DVD. Although the layout is the same for every film it is also made unique by that film�s music and scenes.
Animated, and with sound there are also transitions to each sub-menu. I would advice all views to just sit down and enjoy each menu because they are done so well. Unlike the over burdened DISNEY menus these are fitting, and straight to the point, and easy on the eye. Sleek is the word that comes to mind. With so many sub-menus it can become daunting and confusing, but in this case it isn�t. Best of all, when needed the viewer can skip ahead of the animation to make your choice.
Hands down this is probably one of the best laid out releases ever for DVD.

DISC 1
AUDIO COMMENTARY - featuring DIRECTOR LEWIS GILBERT and members of the CAST and CREW. A total of 25 persons are heard from in this audio making it chock filled with incredible remembrances. As I stated elsewhere the info divulged in the making of this film is above and beyond. That�s not to say all the other films contained within these BOND boxed sets aren�t worthy, it�s just that I personally found this bundle to be especially a treasure trove � and this isn�t even my favorite of the series.

DISC 2
This disc is broken down into the following �

DECLASSIFIED: M16 VAULT

WELCOME TO JAPAN MR. BOND � 1.33:1, Color, MONO, Running time 52 mins., 08secs. This is a vintage featurette which both brings the viewer up to date with the previous James Bond films, and acts as a publicity piece for the new one. Although mostly made up from various scenes from the films it also has newly made footage with some of the BOND luminaries playing out their roles in tongue and cheek fashion.
Its fun fluff, but what amazed me most is the wonder condition of the elements used.

WICKER�S WORLD � HIGHLIGHT FROM 1967 BBC DOCUMENTARY � Running time 5 mins., 21 secs. 1.33:1, B&W, MONO Introduced by Michael Wilson he explains what follows is a compilation edited from a 1967 BBC documentary hosted by then famed journalist Allen Wicker. What is shown is extremely revealing in terms of behind the scenes footage covering on location behind the scenes footage and arrival of the stars in Japan. We see cat and crew not mugging for the camera but very much at home and down to earth.

ON LOCATION WITH KEN ADAM � 1.33:1, Color, Stereo, Running time 13:58 Production Designer Ken Adam narrates his �home movies� from 1966, while location scouting and the filming. Music has been added to the proceedings. The footage is excellent as is Mr. Adam�s comments. Again the viewer is treated to footage that is in very good condition � a wonder treat.

007 MISSION CONTROL

In this section under the following choices, 007, THE WOMEN, ALLIES, VILLIANS, MISSION COMBAT MANUAL, Q BRANCH, EXOTIC LOCATIONS, the viewer after making a choice, is shown clips from the film accordingly -This for the avid BOND fan who at a glance can bring up a chosen point of reference. EG: Under 007 on sub-selection all the character who in one way or another aid 007 throughout the film such as, �Tiger Tanaka�. Once chosen another sub-selection is given showing all the drinks Bond has during the film. The viewer clicks on one or the �play all� feature. The EXOTIC LOCTIONS feature has footage from the film and is narrated by Maude Adams with a Running time of 4 mins., 05 secs.

MISSION DOSSIER
INSIDE YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE � 1.33:1, Color, Stereo, Running time 30 mins., 21 secs. This is the �Making of� in bunch of featurettes as part of these bonus materials. With the usual on camera interviews, behind the scene footage and other vintage materials this is one of the best pieces produced covering the BOND films. Of course the uniqueness of the local and production in general contributes to this, but there is just so much in terms of info it soars above other BOND �making ofs�.

SILHOUETTES: THE JAMES BOND TITLES �
1.33:1, Color, Stereo, Running time 23 mins., 23 secs. In absolute originality of the BOND main titles it is required that this featurettes was going to be. The piece centers on the man, Maurice Binder who became a staple of the BOND films. At the same time it is said to see with his death how the style and class of main credits would fall and never be the same. As it is stated, it is the simplicity of the images which when combined with each other create a visual statement that make each sequence worth watching and remembering.

PLANE CRASH: ANIMATED STORYBOARDS SEQUENCE � 1.33:1, Color, Stereo, Running time 1 min., 31 secs. Storyboards flip from drawing to drawing to illustrate a sequence and difference between what was planned and finally ended up on screen.

MINESTIRY OF PROPAGANDA

THEATRICAL ARCHIVE �

THEATRICAL TRAILER (MONO, Color, Anamorphic 2.35:1),
NORTH AMERICAN THEATRICAL TRAILER ( 2.35:1 LETTERBOX, Color, MONO),
YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE/THUNDERBALL DOUBLE BILL THEATRICAL TRAILER (1.85:1 Letterbox, Color, MONO)

TV BROADCASTS �
YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE/THUNDERBALL DOUBLE BILL THEATRICAL TRAILER (1.33:1 Letterbox, Color, MONO)

RADIO COMMUNICATION �
7 RADIO SPOTS

IMAGE DATABASE

STILL GALLERY:
Each is viewer advanced and broken down into the following;
INTRODUCTION, SEAN CONNERY, DONALD PLEASENCE, AKIKO WAKABAYASHI, MIE HAMA, KARIN DOR, TETSURO TAMBA, UNDER THE VOLCANO, GLAMOR, A DROP IN THE OCEAN, A CIVILIZED BATH, PIRANHA POOL, AMA ISLAND BEHIND THE SCENES, LITTLE NELLIE, BEHIND THE SCENES

In 1980 Academy Award members had a hard task choosing who would win the Oscar for Best Visual Effects. With the nominees being, ALIEN, THE BLACK HOLE, MOONRAKER, and STAR TREK THE MOTION PICTURE it wasn�t an easy decision. Although the amount of effects shots used in each film differed, ALIEN & MOONRAKER using the least of the four, each broke new ground and presented unique visual eye candy. In the end ALIEN won.

Even though MOONRAKER has a sharp and clear picture the color and brightness seemed a little off. At times the picture seemed to have a weird pastel tone to it. I only noticed this due to having owned the film in some many incarnations previous - Again, not terrible, but strange.
MOONRAKER seems also to have �hot spots� with white areas burning a bit too bright. Depending on your monitor there might be a greenish tone to hair.

DISC 1
AUDIO COMMENTARY with SIR ROGER MOORE �
Moore is ever gracious pointing out the actors in smaller roles, their backgrounds and relation to known personalities. He continues with only a few silent moments holding his own very well. He must hold very fond memories of these films.

AUDIO COMMENTARY featuring DIRECTOR LEWIS GILBERT and MEMBERTS of the CAST & CREW - You may find yourself going back to catch what you�ve missed during parts of overlapping conversation.

DISC 2
This disc is broken down into the following �
DECLASSIFIED: M16 VAULT
007 IN RIO � ORIGINAL 1979 PRODUCTION FEATURETTE �
1.33:1, Color, MONO, Running time 12 mins., 45 secs.
Comprised of film clips and a lot of behind the scenes footage this prime vintage promo/documentary featurette which covers the over all �coming� of a motion picture in the making from a primary location.

BOND 79� � 1.33:1, color, Stereo (2.0), Running time 12 mins., 17 secs. A narrated introduction by producer Michael Wilson states that the following footage is comprised of filmed interviews of cast and production members to be used by the press during the members while in location in Brazil. They talk about the changes of film from the written Bond, changes in women, and the size of production and budgets.

KEN ADAM�S PRODUCTION FILMS � 1.33:1, color, stereo (2.0), Running time 12 mins., 03 secs. Production Designer Ken Adam narrates �home movie� footage he took at various locations of the filming of MOONRAKER. Due to the exotic places he has some truly spectacular shots. Music from the film as been added.

LEARNING TO FREE FALL � SKY DIVING TEST FOOTAGE �
1.33:1, color, stereo (2.0), Running time 3 mins., 55 secs. This piece opens with a narration of introduction by producer Michael Wilson explaining that footage we are about to see has been compiled from various test shots of the aerial shots that would be later used in the film�s pre-credit sequence. This is amazing stuff since it was all done for real, live unlike today where it would easily done on a soundstage and via CGI. Music from the film has been added as background.

SKYDIVING STORYBOARDS �
1.33:1, B&W, Stereo (2.0), Running time 1 min., 21 secs. The film�s pre-credit sequence is shown via original storyboards in a self playing slide show accompanied by the soundtrack from the film.

CIRCUS FOOTAGE �
2.35:1 letterbox, color, Stereo (2.0), Running time 1 min, 18 secs. As explained by Producer Michael Wilson footage of a circus originally intended as part of the pre-credit sequence is now reconstructed back into the film in the piece as demonstration as to how the sequence was originally conceived.

CABLE CAR ALTERNATIVE STORY BOARD 1 �
1.33:1 w/2.35:1 clips, B&W, Stereo (2.0), Running time 1 min., 23 secs.

CABLE CAR ALTERNATIVE STORYBOARD 2 �
1.33:1 w/2.35:1clips, B&W, Stereo (2.0), Running time 2 min., 10 secs.

The two CABLE CAR pieces show via storyboards alternate ways it was considered to be filmed. Producer Michael Wilson narrates the introduction on both pointing the differences of characters dropped and changes in characters � eg: Jaw�s girlfriend originally intended as a large and strong person as himself.

007 MISSION CONTROL
In this section under the following choices, 007, THE WOMEN, ALLIES, VILLIANS, MISSION COMBAT MANUAL, Q BRANCH, EXOTIC LOCATIONS, the viewer after making a choice, is shown clips from the film accordingly -This for the avid BOND fan who at a glance can bring up a chosen point of reference. EG: Under �MISSION COMBAT MANUAL� on sub-selection �BONDOLA� in which the gondola chase sequence is shown highlighting Bond�s transforming gondola. The viewer clicks on one or the �play all� feature. The EXOTIC LOCTIONS feature has footage from the film and is narrated by Maude Adams with a Running time of 4 mins., 27 secs.

MISSION DOSSIER

INSIDE �MOONRAKER� AN ORIGINAL DOCUMENTARY �
Covers every aspect of the film and does it very well. My only complaint - �flubs� shown during the end credits should have been made available as a separate option included as part of the EXTRAS features. 1.33:1, Color, 2.0 Stereo, Running time 41 mins., 59 secs.

�THE MEN BEHIND THE MAYHEM� � A documentary covering the work of the late Special Effects genius, Derrek Meddings. Though many may not have heard of him his art form has graced many a film ( SANTA CLAUS THE MOVIE, KRULL, SUPERMAN, for which he won an Academy Award, SUPERMAN II, SUPERMAN III and SUPERGIRL to name a few).
1.33:1, Color, 2.0 Stereo, Running time 18 mins.,59 secs.

MINESTIRY OF PROPAGANDA
MINISTRY OF PROPAGANDA �
RELEASE TRAILER � 1.85:1 Letterbox, Color, MONO

IMAGE DATABASE
STILL GALLERY: Each is viewer advanced and broken down into the following;
THE FILMMAKERS, PORTRAITS, PINEWOOD, THE GREAT CHAMBER, THE CONTROL ROOM, CHATEAU VAUX-LE-VICOMTE, MONASTERY OF SAN NICOLO, VENICE, RIO, MEANWHILE, BACK IN FRANCE�, FRONT PROJECTION, ZERO G, MICHAEL WILSON�S CAMEO, AROUND THE WORLD WITH 007

As with the other JAMES BOND releases in these boxed sets the DTS might be louder than the Dolby Digital, but the bass response is lower and less powerful.

DR. NO was originally in MONO and has been given a brand new 5.1 mix available in Dolby Digital and DTS. As mentioned above the DTS suffers a loss of low frequency information, while the Dolby Digital excels.
MOONRAKER has two mixes, the original Dolby Surround (with a mono surround) and a new DTS 5.1 mix. By far the original Dolby Surround is better. For some strange reason the two are completely different. The new 5.1 has almost no surround effect, split or otherwise. While the Dolby Surround has many that enhance several parts of the film. EG: there is a rear jet sound when there is an abrupt edit from M�s office to LAX. Towards the end in shuttle announcements from a PA system are heard spread out in the surrounds � nothing in the 5.1. When the new 5.1 mix was made it should have taken the 2.0 one to bigger and more dynamic level and take advantage of the split surround; instead separation is only among the front three speaker locations. Very disappointing.