67 replies to this topic

[DLibrasnow]

I am working on Blu-ray covers for all the Bond movies using high resolution James Bond posters that I was alerted to online by members of the custom cover community.

The effort started about a month ago when I started working on a template for all the covers. I had attempted a couple of standalone custom covers and it was recommended that a template be worked. Taking suggestions from a number of highly experienced custom cover artists/mentors I finally (over the period of about three weeks) came up with a template that would suit all the Bond covers. It was an involved process, all told there were 75 alterations made to come up with a template that my mentors thought was good enough.

I have so far worked 10 custom covers and am well underway with the "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" Blu-ray cover. Some are easy ("Live and Let Die" took about an hour) and some are a harder (I have been working OHMSS for two days).

The lowest resolution poster I have is for "The Living Daylights" which is only 1,800 x 2,500 pixels. If someone has access to a higher resolution poster for TLD I'd be interested. Most of the posters are in the 3,000 x 3,000 pixels range.

I was told early on in the process that to do an acceptable custom cover all my posters must be a minumum of 1,400 x 1,400 pixels (which I managed to accomplish)

These are all WIPs (custom cover speak for "Works in Progress") and the final touches will be made when all the covers are done:

[Bond... Raybond]

If only they would go back to using the classic artwork for DVD/BD covers. They were so classy and smart, far better than the awful modern photoshop montages you get nowadays. Your designs are wonderful.

I'm especially glad you're using the gunbarrell montage art for Daylights. I've always preferred that to the 'girl in white dress/bond' artwork that was sometimes used.

Keep up the great work.

Can I ask where you got the poster art from in such great resolution? Please PM me if it is not something you can publicly share.

(PS. When you do LTK can you make sure you do an English version with Licence spelled the British way? Thanks.)

Edited by Bond... Raybond, 19 September 2011 - 09:15 AM.

[sthgilyadgnivileht]

These are great and I'm looking forward to downloading them.

(PS. When you do LTK can you make sure you do an English version with Licence spelled the British way? Thanks.)

On the subject of LTK, I hope the US poster artwork will be used, and not the drab UK version.

[DLibrasnow]

If only they would go back to using the classic artwork for DVD/BD covers. They were so classy and smart, far better than the awful modern photoshop montages you get nowadays. Your designs are wonderful.

I'm especially glad you're using the gunbarrell montage art for Daylights. I've always preferred that to the 'girl in white dress/bond' artwork that was sometimes used.

Keep up the great work.

Can I ask where you got the poster art from in such great resolution? Please PM me if it is not something you can publicly share.

(PS. When you do LTK can you make sure you do an English version with Licence spelled the British way? Thanks.)

It’s actually two Web sites. They are both specialty Web sites in which you pay a lump sum for a certain number of downloads. On the main site I use the older 007 posters are 2 credits, with the more recent ones 3 or 4 credits. In total however it’s relatively cheap with 100 credits costing about 5 pounds sterling.

Once you search for a title a number of variations of the poster come up from different countries and of varying levels of resolution. I always go for the file with the highest resolution for each title and each style that I like. These are in resolution that is usually around 3,000 x 3,000 pixels.

The second site I use is a little more pricey but it absolutely insists that all poster images uploaded be in high resolution (users can upload their own images once the admins have a level of trust in you – which I have, which gives you a free download of another poster). So I did go there for a couple of posters that were missing in high resolution on the primary site.

Once I am done with my covers (in a couple of weeks at the current rate) I plan on sending them to CBn for everyone to download, so if you can hold off you may want to save your pennies.

One of the main obstacles to doing the Blu-ray covers is that very few of the theatrical posters neatly fit onto a Blu-ray cover. I found that LALD and TMWTGG did neatly fit since their artwork was in a square shape, but others need a lot of manipulation. In particular FYEO required breaking the poster down into all its separate components (legs & crossbow, 007, plane with boat explosion, 007 hanging from helicopter etc) and then putting them back together. I even had to add a couple of elements from other posters to fill up the sides. The same things were true of Octopussy, NSNA and DAF.

I personally think that the James Bond series has some of the best theatrical posters out there. It’s such a shame that they are never used for the covers. I was always planning on using the gunbarrel montage for TLD. I think that is right up there as one of my all-time favorite posters. I did put the Bond with girl in white dress in the gunbarrel on the back cover, but it did not go down well with members of the custom cover community who said that it was too much artwork and that a photo would better serve the space.

When I come to work LTK I’ll use a U.K. Title Treatment for an alternate U.K. version. Thanks for reminding me

[Colonel Moon]

They look bad imho

[sthgilyadgnivileht]

I personally think that the James Bond series has some of the best theatrical posters out there. It’s such a shame that they are never used for the covers. I was always planning on using the gunbarrel montage for TLD. I think that is right up there as one of my all-time favorite posters. I did put the Bond with girl in white dress in the gunbarrel on the back cover, but it did not go down well with members of the custom cover community who said that it was too much artwork and that a photo would better serve the space.

I agree the Bond artworks are some of the best. Spotting Hamlyn's "The Official James Bond 007 Movie Poster Book" from '87, that my art teacher had at school, was one of the things that got me into 007 in the first place. TLD is also one of my favourite artworks and I have the original '87 one-sheet framed at home. It encompasses all the excitement and adventure about the 007 series.

[DLibrasnow]

They look bad imho

Everyone is entitled to an opinion, and judging by the requests I am receiving in PMs and e-mail plenty people seem to like them

And, I'm only doing these for myself, nobody else.

[DLibrasnow]

I personally think that the James Bond series has some of the best theatrical posters out there. It’s such a shame that they are never used for the covers. I was always planning on using the gunbarrel montage for TLD. I think that is right up there as one of my all-time favorite posters. I did put the Bond with girl in white dress in the gunbarrel on the back cover, but it did not go down well with members of the custom cover community who said that it was too much artwork and that a photo would better serve the space.

I agree the Bond artworks are some of the best. Spotting Hamlyn's "The Official James Bond 007 Movie Poster Book" from '87, that my art teacher had at school, was one of the things that got me into 007 in the first place. TLD is also one of my favourite artworks and I have the original '87 one-sheet framed at home. It encompasses all the excitement and adventure about the 007 series.

I have the 2003 Tony Nourmand large (14" x 10") book "James Bond Movie Posters" at home.

I think TLD is the last truly great 007 movie poster.

[sthgilyadgnivileht]

I have the 2003 Tony Nourmand large (14" x 10") book "James Bond Movie Posters" at home.

I think TLD is the last truly great 007 movie poster.

I agree, that TLD is the last of it's kind. I'd like to see a return to some terrific artworks for Bond's cinematic 50th and for Bond 23, but I don't think it will happen.

I too have Nourmand's book. This contains pretty much all the artwork's that Hamlyn's Movie Poster Book does, although the latter book presents all the posters (up to TLD) as one-sheet style and it's much bigger than Nourmand's book, (17" x 12") which is a bonus. The Hamlyn Poster Book also contains the poster as seen in the final scene of TLD - "World Tour of Kara Milovy". I've never seen this printed anywhere else.

[DLibrasnow]

I have the 2003 Tony Nourmand large (14" x 10") book "James Bond Movie Posters" at home.

I think TLD is the last truly great 007 movie poster.

I agree, that TLD is the last of it's kind. I'd like to see a return to some terrific artworks for Bond's cinematic 50th and for Bond 23, but I don't think it will happen.

I too have Nourmand's book. This contains pretty much all the artwork's that Hamlyn's Movie Poster Book does, although the latter book presents all the posters (up to TLD) as one-sheet style and it's much bigger than Nourmand's book, (17" x 12") which is a bonus. The Hamlyn Poster Book also contains the poster as seen in the final scene of TLD - "World Tour of Kara Milovy". I've never seen this printed anywhere else.

I have the Hamlyn book back at my parents home in the U.K.

I had actually forgotten about it until you mentioned the Kara Milovy poster

[lazenbyland]

That is really excellent work. Well done. Much better than the rubbish covers we've had to endure so far. You'd have thought they could do at least a reversible cover.

Only comment is that I note on the rear of the covers, you have stated "...in Ian Fleming's INSERT TITLE HERE" or "..as Ian Fleming's James Bond 007 in..." to be consistent with the films' original release.

I think that up to "The Man With The Golden Gun " it was always "Ian Fleming's......".

Then it was " ....as Ian Fleming's James Bond 007 in The Spy Who Loved Me onwards apart from Moonraker.

The Living Daylights expanded album had this as Ian Fleming's The Living Daylights. But the film was as per above.

I'm sure you'll remember but for OHMSS it is only " James Bond 007 in Ian Fleming's On Her Majesty's Secret Service". George only having his credit with Diana Rigg and Telly Savalas. Be great if you could include the "Far Up! Far Out! Far More! James Bond 007 is back!" tagline on the cover.

[00 Brosnan]

They're pretty good quality wise, but design wise I think they are a little "busy" all around. The poster template however is totally un-original & not very creative in my opinion.

But, keep at it. I like to see what fans can come up with.

Edited by 00 Brosnan, 20 September 2011 - 05:24 AM.

[DLibrasnow]

That is really excellent work. Well done. Much better than the rubbish covers we've had to endure so far. You'd have thought they could do at least a reversible cover.

Only comment is that I note on the rear of the covers, you have stated "...in Ian Fleming's INSERT TITLE HERE" or "..as Ian Fleming's James Bond 007 in..." to be consistent with the films' original release.

I think that up to "The Man With The Golden Gun " it was always "Ian Fleming's......".

Then it was " ....as Ian Fleming's James Bond 007 in The Spy Who Loved Me onwards apart from Moonraker.

The Living Daylights expanded album had this as Ian Fleming's The Living Daylights. But the film was as per above.

I'm sure you'll remember but for OHMSS it is only " James Bond 007 in Ian Fleming's On Her Majesty's Secret Service". George only having his credit with Diana Rigg and Telly Savalas. Be great if you could include the "Far Up! Far Out! Far More! James Bond 007 is back!" tagline on the cover.

I'm trying to avoid putting taglines on the covers, but I was sorely tempted when I did OHMSS.

[SecretAgent007]

Looking good Darrin. Send me a pm if you have something you can't figure out in PS. I may be able to help you with some shortcuts.

Josh

[lazenbyland]

Nice work on OHMSS. The detail on the artwork is amazing.

Pedants' Corner comments.

Note that it is Broccoli and Saltzman present, not presents.

I still think you should have George listed with Diana Rigg and Telly Savalas as per the original release but it is your project and I'd be quite happy with what you have produced.

[DLibrasnow]

Nice work on OHMSS. The detail on the artwork is amazing.

Pedants' Corner comments.

Note that it is Broccoli and Saltzman present, not presents.

I still think you should have George listed with Diana Rigg and Telly Savalas as per the original release but it is your project and I'd be quite happy with what you have produced.

You must have seen my custom on blu-ray.com

I have not had a chance to revise that particular cover since reading your post earlier. I think I copied the credits off the back of the DVD case. I'll go back and change it to read per the theatrical release

Just so people know what you are referring to:




















"Goldfinger" is going through the WIP process right now at EuphoricFX with the experts pitching in their suggested changes.

Of course they are not Bond fans or experts on the credits, they are reviewing the custom cover purely from a design standpoint.

[larrythefatcat]

(PS. When you do LTK can you make sure you do an English version with Licence spelled the British way? Thanks.)

I could be wrong, but I've only seen the title spelled "Licence"... I mean, there WAS a movie called "License to Kill" released in 1988 with Richard Norton. Not that anyone would accidentally confuse the two, but I think there was a conscious choice to always use the British spelling.

*checks internet*

Alright, the only poster I've found that uses the US spelling is one with Timothy Dalton holding a gun with a black background... and there's a version of it with the proper spelling, too. Why would you change the spelling on something that is so obviously British? That would be pretty much the same thing as having the title "Primary Colours" for the movie where John Travolta runs for US president... it's just not right.

[DLibrasnow]

(PS. When you do LTK can you make sure you do an English version with Licence spelled the British way? Thanks.)

I could be wrong, but I've only seen the title spelled "Licence"... I mean, there WAS a movie called "License to Kill" released in 1988 with Richard Norton. Not that anyone would accidentally confuse the two, but I think there was a conscious choice to always use the British spelling.

Quite right, all the U.S. posters I have use the British spelling. I had never noticed that before.

[sthgilyadgnivileht]

The above covers look fantastic. Like the way you've used two artworks for YOLT, with the right choice chosen for the cover IMO. The picture of Connery on the reverse of TB couldn't look more classic Bond.

[Bond... Raybond]

(PS. When you do LTK can you make sure you do an English version with Licence spelled the British way? Thanks.)

I could be wrong, but I've only seen the title spelled "Licence"... I mean, there WAS a movie called "License to Kill" released in 1988 with Richard Norton. Not that anyone would accidentally confuse the two, but I think there was a conscious choice to always use the British spelling.

Quite right, all the U.S. posters I have use the British spelling. I had never noticed that before.

Yes, it is true that the filmmakers kept the British spelling of Licence for the film title and most advertising. However, many people who do make custom covers often use the American spelling (even Brits, who often trip us on the English spelling). I have no problem with that, just that I assumed since the OP was located in Washington DC, I assumed that when he came to do his own Licence To Kill cover that he would, naturally for him, use the American spelling. So I was merely seeing if it an English spelling variant would be feasible, then people would have the choice as to which version they prefer to use. But I don't want to hijack a thread for some minor point (it just highlights my OCD, I guess )

As I said before I think these covers are great. They look so colourful and classy. Vibrant even, compared to the mediocre official covers. I won't throw a hissy fit or anything if a UK version is not/was not possible, justing checking the possibilities. My thanks to DLibrasnow for saying he will give it a try.

[DLibrasnow]

Yes, it is true that the filmmakers kept the British spelling of Licence for the film title and most advertising. However, many people who do make custom covers often use the American spelling (even Brits, who often trip us on the English spelling). I have no problem with that, just that I assumed since the OP was located in Washington DC, I assumed that when he came to do his own Licence To Kill cover that he would, naturally for him, use the American spelling. So I was merely seeing if it an English spelling variant would be feasible, then people would have the choice as to which version they prefer to use. But I don't want to hijack a thread for some minor point (it just highlights my OCD, I guess )

As I said before I think these covers are great. They look so colourful and classy. Vibrant even, compared to the mediocre official covers. I won't throw a hissy fit or anything if a UK version is not/was not possible, justing checking the possibilities. My thanks to DLibrasnow for saying he will give it a try.

Thank you for your kind words

I should point out however that, despite my location stateside, I do hold dual citizenship and was born and raised in the U.K. I formally emigrated to the U.S. in 1995 and became an American citizen in 2007.

So, I have no problem sticking with the British spelling for LTK.

[DLibrasnow]

Update:
Casino Royale(1967):


Goldfinger:


The World is Not Enough:


I bundled my Casino Royale Blu-Ray with the edited DVD of the 1954 TV movie, hence the special features listing. I would change this listing for people if there is an interest.
The Casino Royale custom cover was a challenge because there is so little in the way of high resolution imagery. What I found were typically of Ursula Andress (for reasons that are not hard to guess at) which is why the cover turned out the way it did.

For such an iconic movie as "Goldfinger" it has the weakest selection of movie posters out there. Plenty in high resolution of 2,000 x 3,000 pixels but no real striking imagery. The golden girl's rear end is covered up by Connery in every poster which was evidently some 1960s censor issue.

[DLibrasnow]

I have a choice of 4 posters (all in high resolution) for Licence to Kill. I am just in two minds which one to use for the cover. What are peoples thoughts?

Don’t mind the foreign language because I can doctor that out:

[sthgilyadgnivileht]

The second poster. I like the unused artwork, but Talisa Soto just doesn't look right. Would be great if you could incorporate the Dalton pic from the UK Flyer on the reverse of the sleeve as well.

[DLibrasnow]

The second poster. I like the unused artwork, but Talisa Soto just doesn't look right. Would be great if you could incorporate the Dalton pic from the UK Flyer on the reverse of the sleeve as well.

The vote on blu-ray.com was for either #2 or #4, I have to say that I am personally not a fan of #4. Any other opinions?

Here is the WIP I have put together for "Goldeneye" which happens to be my favorite of the Brosnan era of 007 movies (which really isn't saying much). There are a number of template items in play such as the AVTAK material, but I'm really looking for opinions on the cover. There are in fact six elements and two posters involved in the cover art.

[DLibrasnow]

The second poster. I like the unused artwork, but Talisa Soto just doesn't look right. Would be great if you could incorporate the Dalton pic from the UK Flyer on the reverse of the sleeve as well.

Which flyer are you referring to?

Right now the image I have of Dalton in the gunbarrel is Bond with the signature gun.

[Col. Sun]

I have a choice of 4 posters (all in high resolution) for Licence to Kill. I am just in two minds which one to use for the cover. What are peoples thoughts?

Don’t mind the foreign language because I can doctor that out:

My vote is for the LTK teaser poster - I always felt it was classy and fit the mood of the film much better than the release poster both in the UK and US.

[Bond... Raybond]

For the previous covers the poster art on white worked well, however for Goldeneye it does not seem to work as well. Maybe it it the darker lighting tone of the top trio image.

If you decide to use the main GoldenEye art I would suggest a darker background. Alternatively there is that wonderful teaser poster artwork (the 'you know the name/number' tag line). You could use the teaser Brosnan photo as a main foreground and then use the other Goldeneye art (the lower montage on your WIP) as a background montage, since it does not suffer from the being black on white as much (hope that makes sense).

[sthgilyadgnivileht]

The second poster. I like the unused artwork, but Talisa Soto just doesn't look right. Would be great if you could incorporate the Dalton pic from the UK Flyer on the reverse of the sleeve as well.

Which flyer are you referring to?

Right now the image I have of Dalton in the gunbarrel is Bond with the signature gun.

This is the one I was thinking about, although looking at it it's probably the wrong size for reverse of the sleeve. I just think it's a great Bond image and relatively unseen as well, escpecially by younger fans. Would make a nice addition to the covers. There are higher quality enhanced scans of this image uploaded on Cbn (and that can no doubt be found elsewhere online). This one is a scan taken directly from part of the original six page UK LTK flyer I have at home.

Attached Files

•  Dalton Flyer.jpeg   356.81KB   22 downloads

[DLibrasnow]

The second poster. I like the unused artwork, but Talisa Soto just doesn't look right. Would be great if you could incorporate the Dalton pic from the UK Flyer on the reverse of the sleeve as well.

Which flyer are you referring to?

Right now the image I have of Dalton in the gunbarrel is Bond with the signature gun.

This is the one I was thinking about, although looking at it it's probably the wrong size for reverse of the sleeve. I just think it's a great Bond image and relatively unseen as well, escpecially by younger fans. Would make a nice addition to the covers. There are higher quality enhanced scans of this image uploaded on Cbn (and that can no doubt be found elsewhere online). This one is a scan taken directly from part of the original six page UK LTK flyer I have at home.

New to some of the old timers too. I was 17 and living in the U.K. when "Licence to Kill" came out and well aware of most of the publicity, but I don't recall that poster at all.