821 replies to this topic

[Otis Fairplay]

I agree with others: this is a far cry from the pipe dream gargantuan box set, complete with original artwork, revised vintage and newly produced extras aplenty, insightful and thought-provoking essays, unpublished photos and why not expanded soundtracks while we’re at it. One should not be surprised, as this is what usually happens to pipe dreams when the smoke clears.

What it is, however, is a lean and in my view stylish, no-frills – seriously, the bonus disc really is a bit of a joke – collection on the Eon series looking and sounding better than ever before. As others have pointed out, there may be a DNR cloud hanging over GoldenEye (it do stand for “Do Not Resuscitate”, right?) but at a quick glance the upgrade from the Ultimate Edition DVDs is all you could reasonably ask for. And the box itself is commendably designed in an eye-pleasing and space effective way.

So, accepting it for what it is and what it attempts, I’m very happy with the box set. Not even my significant other has raised objections over this addition to the household. Mind you, her embracing the seriously overblown Titanic Limited Collector Edition Multi-format Blu-ray Box set – complete with postcards, replica menus, telegrams and whatnot – as a birthday gift has seriously undermined her position to criticize geeky collective behaviour on my part. The gift that keeps giving indeed.

[Henry-Jones-Sr]

I still don't know what new extras you guys could possibly want. The Ultimate Edition DVDs covered everything.

So what happens when you insist on scraping the barrel? You get the Bond 50 'bonus disc' which everyone loathes.

[SolidWaffle]

I'm really on the fence about buying this. I haven't got any of the films on blu-ray but I bought the UEs when it came out and I'm concerned I'll be blindsided with a new format in like two years and then I'll be buying things again. I really don't mind the lack of new extras. I really am satisfied with the UEs and I don't want kitschy things that will let them sell it at a higher price.

[clublos]

I heard a rumor that Walmart had their single blu-rays out early, so I went over there this afternoon and sure enough, they had all the single release blu-rays out, including their 3 exclusives, in a nice display. As I already own the previously-released blu-rays, I declined the box set (and the possibility of scratched discs and impossibly difficult cardboard holders) and decided I'd pick up only the ones I'm missing. I realize that it's a "better deal" to buy the set, but in my eyes spending $90 is better than spending $150. Today I honored the 50th anniversary by purchasing not the best, not my favorite, not even one of the mediocre Bonds. I bought the one that I watched over and over as a child, the one that I love for its overt comedy, the one that I enjoy the most. Tonight, it's Diamonds.

HOWEVER, I noticed something that some of you might want to know. The Inside Diamonds Are Forever feature has not been upgraded like the other Inside... features of the previously released blu-rays. The others had been re-configured to a 16x9 aspect ratio, with different titles and better quality images. I remember a thread here from a year or two ago where the necessity of this was discussed, but I found it curious that this has not been done for the remainder of the blu-ray releases.

Also (and forgive me if this has already been discussed here), the 5.1 audio track has been removed. The only options are DTS, Mono and the various other languages. I always watch them with the mono track selected as I loathe the newly added sound effects to the others, so this really isn't a sore spot for me.

Anyway, I'll be adding the individual releases to my collection sporadically over the next several months to complete my collection, and most likely Darren's custom covers because alternating cover designs simply won't do.

[Matt_13]

OHMSS looks tremendous.

[thecasinoroyale]

I'm going to wait for Christmas for this set I think.

My UE DVDs serve the purpose of proving outstanding extra features, and with the launch of Sky Movies 007 HD, I will have all the Bonds at my fingertips anytime for October, which will satisfy my need until 'Skyfall' is out for a Bond fix.

If there is nothing exceptionally new on this set other than a sprinkling of new documentaries (videoblogs can bee seen on You Tube for now), and apart from nice artwork, my £90 will wait until Christmas when my other half can buy it for me!

[thecasinoroyale]

Just seen this little Bond Bargain stand at my local Asda store, all the DVDs with new packaging for £3 each!

[Vauxhall]

Great to see! Nowhere near bored of the new, fresh cover art yet. I'm particularly keen on the choice of shot for GOLDFINGER.

[thecasinoroyale]

I don't dislike them either, some of them have great, un-used poses and shots, as you say with 'Goldfinger', it's almost iconic. Same too with 'GoldenEye', 'From Russia With Love' and 'On Her Majesty's Secret Service'. I admit I was chuffed too, seeing them in a private stand in the shops!

Almost tempted to grab some just to have another collection, but I have to draw the line somewhere!

[Vauxhall]

The image on the HMV website suggests there are individual photo cards for each film (pictured in the front of shot). Did anyone get this particular special pre-order? Looks quite nice, but I guess they're not stored particularly smartly!

[Henry-Jones-Sr]

Vauxhall, I got the art cards with my HMV pre-order.

The art cards are nicely reproduced movie posters in postcard form. The image quality of each poster is excellent, and much better than any of the individually sold postcards that I've seen (and bought) over the years.

The art cards are not in any way part of the box set. They came in a little plastic seal-able bag which was unceremoniously floating around in the cardboard box which HMV used to ship the Bond 50 box set.

Anyway, they're nice to own, but as I type this it's dawning on me that I can't remember where I put them!

[scaramunga]

I thought Diamonds Are Forever looked amazing! The DTS HD MA audio is very good too. I have never heard the film and it's dialogue so clearly!

Watched a bit of Daylights, but have been very busy this week.

The bonus disc is a dud. oh well. I wanted the films all on blu ray!

On the Inside docs yes it is true, MGM and Fox did not bring in John Cork's team to upgrade the docs to HD.
It's too bad, but I can see why too. Probably a limitation of the project cost.

Highly recommended set!! Not sure what Amazon is selling it for now. I think Target is at $170 this week.

[Vauxhall]

Vauxhall, I got the art cards with my HMV pre-order.

The art cards are nicely reproduced movie posters in postcard form. The image quality of each poster is excellent, and much better than any of the individually sold postcards that I've seen (and bought) over the years.

The art cards are not in any way part of the box set. They came in a little plastic seal-able bag which was unceremoniously floating around in the cardboard box which HMV used to ship the Bond 50 box set.

Anyway, they're nice to own, but as I type this it's dawning on me that I can't remember where I put them!

Thanks for the reply! That's good to know. For a variety of reasons, I'm not getting my Blu-ray set until after SKYFALL, so will give it some careful consideration over the next few weeks. Hope you find the cards!

[Cody]

Was anyone here able to get the Best Buy exclusive individual releases? I was able to get the Walmart and Target ones, but the Best Buy I went to didn't get any exclusives and there's no trace of their existence on the Best Buy website.

Edited to add: The rumor I'm seeing going around now is that Best Buy is waiting an extra three weeks and putting their exclusives out on the 23rd.

[scissorpuppy007]

So I have been scanning through some bonus features and what do I notice? They edited the Goldeneye teaser trailer!

As bond walks out and shoots the 7 it freeze frames and then the music montage starts. They cut out the part where he walks to camera to reveal Brosnan's face and he says "You were expecting someone else?"

WHY? I loved this trailer, are they scared that little moment takes away from the Craig era or something?

Edited by scissorpuppy007, 03 October 2012 - 12:24 AM.

[Gregbert007]

Was anyone here able to get the Best Buy exclusive individual releases? I was able to get the Walmart and Target ones, but the Best Buy I went to didn't get any exclusives and there's no trace of their existence on the Best Buy website.

Edited to add: The rumor I'm seeing going around now is that Best Buy is waiting an extra three weeks and putting their exclusives out on the 23rd.

I found this out the hard way.
<childish tantrum>
This is BS! I have been collecting the single BD releases and now am just 3 away. I am a consumer ready to buy now. Stupid Best Buy. I really wanted OHMSS as I am writing an article for this film and wanted to watch the Blue Ray! Very disappointing!
</childish tantrum>

[JB007YH]

So Amazon is offering me a $10 giftcard instead of the poster book since the publisher pulled it. Def got screwed! The book in itself was $50 retail, how does $10 come close?

Edited by JB007YH, 03 October 2012 - 01:31 AM.

[scaramunga]

Was anyone here able to get the Best Buy exclusive individual releases? I was able to get the Walmart and Target ones, but the Best Buy I went to didn't get any exclusives and there's no trace of their existence on the Best Buy website.

Edited to add: The rumor I'm seeing going around now is that Best Buy is waiting an extra three weeks and putting their exclusives out on the 23rd.

I read this online too. Pretty lame of Best Buy.
The whole thing of offering those 9 titles as different store exclusives is really silly.

One store should've bought the rights or they should've just sold them at all retailers.

Anyway. Sorry that consumers are having to wait on those! That really stinks!!

So Amazon is offering me a $10 giftcard instead of the poster book since the publisher pulled it. Def got screwed! The book in itself was $50 retail, how does $10 come close?

It was a condensed version of the full size DK posters book.

$10 off the set sounds like a decent deal. Not sure if Amazon's price on the set has gone up.
It's a great set and worth picking up.

It's Bond on blu ray! All of the films!

[quantumofsolace]

John Glen interview - talks about this collection and other Bond stuff

http://www.denofgeek...-the-big-screen

[Double-0-Seven]

Mine should be in sometime this week. I was holding off slightly until I started to see some reviews. The positives I'm reading (such as quality packaging and superb transfers) definitely outweigh the negatives (lack of new special features ranks at the top there). The most important thing is having the whole collection in a slick set in full HD glory. I can't wait until it comes in.

[Athena007]

Now on the CBn front page...

The BOND 50 Blu-ray Set Review

[thecasinoroyale]

An interesting and very good review Athena - certianly helping me make up my mind to buy it now, or wait until Christmas and stick with the movies on UE DVD and the Sky Movies HD channel until 'Skyfall' is out...!

[Messervy]

Just recieved mine yesterday evening. Didn't have time to check it out thouroughly, but from what I did see, this is positively gorgeous! The packaging is splendid, it really lives up to a 50th birthday expectations. And the BR quality seems to be very sharp and bright.
Can't wait to look into it more deeply!

[DamnCoffee]

Fantastic review, Athena! It was a joy to read!

[SecretAgentFan]

Wonderful! The awful truth...

[Odd Jobbies]

As forecast, there's no new material on the QOS blu-ray.

Maybe the deleted scenes contain story content that somehow contradicts events in Skyfall, or material that Skyfall does anew !!

Of course i'm talking about Guy Haines, so perhaps this is a signal that Skyfall wraps up Quantum's loose ends in it's own way.

This would explain why Eon wouldn't want that material released on disc before Skyfall's release. However, all they'd need to do is delay the set's release til after Skyfall premiere's, so count this as a highly speculative theory.

Edited by Odd Jobbies, 04 October 2012 - 11:19 AM.

[Matt_13]

Glad to see I wasn't the only one who thought the The World is Not Enough transfer was iffy. Great review!

[thecasinoroyale]

So annoyed at the lack of attention payed to 'Quantum Of Solace', as this to some fans will serve as the predecessor to 'Skyfall', obviously not a direct sequel, but still part of the canon, so it would be nice to see any additional scenes or moments that craft Bond to the man we will meet in a few weeks.

As for the menu not being changed...lazy.

I always feel, if you're going to do a box-set of films, make sure all the covers match, the menus match and they actually feel and look like they belong together, in that 1 unique set, not just cobbled together in a bundle deal.

[Bill]

I own all the Region 1 Special Edition and Ultimate Edition DVDs, as well as both the original and 3 disc releases of CR, and the 2009 release of QoS.

So, to clarify, aside from the improved picture quality of Blu Ray (and CR menu), are the only new features in this set the new packaging and the Bonus Disc? Not even new commentaries?

A little disappointing if that is the case.

[Essence]

Question: Is OHMSS in this set like the SE daylight edition http://img120.images...hermaj21pu6.png
or the UE Night edition? http://img301.images...cretservwd2.png