58 replies to this topic

[SecretAgentFan]

Just got the massive new book "THE JAMES BOND ARCHIVES".

It´s enormous, not only in size but also in scope (even bigger than the wonderful volume on Stanley Kubrick). It´ll take weeks to go through it and write a proper review but from just leafing through I am flabbergasted, shocked and amazed.

If you want one book that encapsulates EVERYTHING YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW about ALL BOND FILMS INCLUDING SKYFALL, featuring mesmerizing RARE photos in the typical HUGE AND PRISTINE printing done in every book of Taschen Verlag, then this is the one.

It´s so huge and heavy it will need one shelve alone but that´s okay. This one, "Catching Bullets" and "The Making of On Her Majesty´s Secret Service" - and you´re set.

The first edition features part of an actual celluloid copy of "Dr.No", if that´s not nerdy enough for you.

AND...

SPOILER? SENSATION?

It also features photos from Daniel Craig´s screen test for "Casino Royale".

A complete review will follow.

[Dustin]

Did you get the German or English edition, SecretAgentFan? I note the English edition comes some 20 Euros cheaper.

[Iceskater101]

where did you buy the book? That looks really interesting.

[thecasinoroyale]

SAF - one word answer - Is this worth approx £90 for a hardcore 007 fan?

[S K Y F A L L]

Sounds amazing and the Craig screen test photos, I'm glad you like it.

[iexpectu2die]

How comprehensive is the Skyfall coverage? In most official books the 'latest' film feels tacked on at the end.

[SecretAgentFan]

Did you get the German or English edition, SecretAgentFan? I note the English edition comes some 20 Euros cheaper.

I live in Cologne where the Taschen Verlag has its base. They are selling the English edition with an additional German translation flyer at 150 Euros.

where did you buy the book? That looks really interesting.

In Cologne, Germany.

SAF - one word answer - Is this worth approx £90 for a hardcore 007 fan?

It would be worth even more.

How comprehensive is the Skyfall coverage? In most official books the 'latest' film feels tacked on at the end.

It´s not just tacked on but a full chapter with nice and rare photos as well. The other chapters, of course, are longer.

[Dustin]

Well, deal then.

[thecasinoroyale]

Sold! Thanks SAF - great that you've had a hands on.

[stromberg]

Did you get the German or English edition, SecretAgentFan? I note the English edition comes some 20 Euros cheaper.

I live in Cologne where the Taschen Verlag has its base. They are selling the English edition with an additional German translation flyer at 150 Euros.

Oh, very good to hear that. I was unsure about which edition to buy (or maybe ask Santa for it).
I got both versions of 'The Legacy', but two versions of 'Archives' would be a bit much. Is it a comßlete translation, or just the basics?

[SecretAgentFan]

From my first leafing through I would say it is a complete translation.

But, boy, is this book massive!

And I just found very interesting details about the script development of QOS. Turns out that P & W´s first draft had an extremely different (and mightily interesting) plot. Only the beginning (mid-chase opening, questioning, action sequence) were kept. Bond´s relationship with Vesper would have been in the center of the film, with Bond being haunted by his memories.

[thecasinoroyale]

Ok, stop teasing SAF - I need to see this!

[SecretAgentFan]

It´s really embarassing how much I adore this item. As if I were doing heavy promotion for it.

But I dare anyone to look at this and say: aah, nothing to see here. Won´t happen.

Is it too expensive? Heck, sure I would have loved to pay less for it. But it´s really worth it for me. And a truly fitting tribute to the golden anniversary, authorized by EON.

It surely will put some of those rumors flying around to rest, since everybody involved with the films gets to spill the beans.


OH, AND I FORGOT TO MENTION:

Even though this book is approved of by EON it also covers the Feldman-"Casino Royale" AND "NEVER SAY NEVER AGAIN"!!!!

[thecasinoroyale]

I never understand why that 'Casino Royale' and 'Never Say Never Again' are included in EON James Bond products, even though 'NSNA' challenged 'Octopussy' and lost, I don't know what else they want to include as it's nothing to do with EON, bar the name and legal history which can be mentioned in 'Thunderball'.

Just my gripe with not liking or appreciating 'NSNA' probably!

[SecretAgentFan]

I applaud EON, actually, for allowing these "other projects" to be included since it is a celebration of all things cinematic 007.

[thecasinoroyale]

True, hence why I've yet to be involved in one of these projects!

I suppose there is more to the film than just the name, all the behind-the-scenes activities and relationships that drove EON to their decisions. I'm back tracking now thinking about it because the exploration of that film-era was really interesting in the 'Everything Or Nothing' documentary, so I guess in a decent documenated written fashion it should also be interesting.

[lechero]

Remember that EON now owns the rights to both CR67 and NSNA, so they're not exactly promoting their competition at this point.

[thecasinoroyale]

...I did not know that lechero, thanks!

[SecretAgentFan]

I did not either!

Hey, if they own the rights to NSNA they could relase a better BD of it.

Then again, I think they will rather let it fade away into total obscurity. (Although I do like the first half of the film - and Connery, Brandauer & Carrera are really good in it.)

[Loomis]

I was looking at this book at a shop in London the other day. The main problem, aside from the hefty albeit understandably high price tag, is that you practically need to be a bodybuilder to even pick it up. That aside, though, it does look absolutely amazing. I'd love to get a copy, although I'd also need to purchase a sizeable and sturdy coffee table to put it on.

[SecretAgentFan]

True. But hey, a James Bond book that is good for your health...

[Dustin]

Oh my god...

This IS huge.

Mine came in it's own 007-branded carton case, with a grip to carry it like an attaché case. Coffee table definitely necessary for this.

Contents: on first leafing through (some random 20 pages or so) splendid material, photos I've never before seen (didn't know the Lotus chase of TSWLM was shot partially from a second Lotus, atop the boot; unused poster art for OHMSS I haven't seen before; MR story boards, TLD pts chase shooting on parts of Gibraltar I wouldn't have dared jogging on, much less drive a MOD Landy; countless other things).

This is the money; every penny of it...

[thecasinoroyale]

Great stuff Dustin - really helping convince me to buy this!

[Solex Agitator]

There are also the two Golden Editions...

http://m.taschen.com...n_a_no_1250.htm

http://m.taschen.com...b_no_251500.htm

I dare say these are quite the worthy investment for the signed Ken Adam prints alone...

Edited by Solex Agitator, 07 November 2012 - 02:11 PM.

[thecasinoroyale]

"Good god!"

I'd have to sell my lungs to afford that - even though it does like priceless!

[DamnCoffee]

I will buy this book if it's the last thing I ever do.

[I never miss]

Must...buy...it...
Looks like the Bond book to end all Bond books. Think I'll wear gloves when I read it!

[Double-0-Seven]

Sounds like a very promising and intriguing Bond book! Hopefully Santa brings me a copy.

[Major Tallon]

Mine arrived yesterday. It's massive, beautifully illustrated, and chocked with interesting stuff.

[thecasinoroyale]

Got mine on my Xmas list!