DVD Review: James Bond Ultimate Collection Vol. 1-4

By Jeff Swindoll Dec 23, 2006, 22:04 GMT

All four volumes of the James Bond Ultimate Collection are now available on DVD

Bond is back and MGM and Fox are celebrating by re-releasing the entire run of Bond films in four volumes.  These sets, dubbed the James Bond Ultimate Collection, offer something old (most special features) and something new (delicious new transfers). 

First let me tell you where I’m coming from about this set, from a consumer’s point of view.  Frankly, I have the two volume box sets released in 2002 and I was planning on staying with that. 

Even though I am a fan of all the Bond films (to a degree, some are better than others mind you), I figured that I could stick with my 2002 box sets.  That is until something terrible happened….to my wallet.  MGM/Fox sent us some samples so that we could judge the quality of the transfers and my wallet was toast.

The world's most famous opening shot

Simply put, the movies have been digitally cleaned (scrubbed might be a better word) frame-by-frame by Lowry Digital Images and each one of them looks gorgeous.  That alone is worth the upgrade.  Sure there’s some gravy called special features, but the image upgrade is well worth it. 

The set reminds me of a wedding – something old (most of the special features), something new (new commentaries from Sir Roger Moore, new digital transfers, some new special features), and something blue (umm…oh yeah, the box for volume two).  Remember, we have all the time in the world. 

Spanning over 40 years beginning with the release of Dr. No on October 7, 1962, the James Bond 007 films have become one of the most popular franchises of all time among movie fans around the world.  These collections are a must own for James Bond lovers - whether their favorite 007 is Sean Connery, Roger Moore, George Lazenby, Timothy Dalton or Pierce Brosnan.

The sets have 5 films each.  Vol. 1 contains Goldfinger, Diamonds are Forever, The Man with the Golden Gun, The Living Daylights, and The World is Not Enough.  Vol. 2 contains Thunderball, The Spy Who Loved Me, A View to a Kill, License to Kill, and Die Another Day. Vol. 3 has Goldeneye, Live and Let Die, For Your Eyes Only, From Russia with Love, and On Her Majesty's Secret Service. Vol. 4 has Dr. No, You Only Live Twice, Octopussy, Tomorrow Never Dies, Moonraker.

A shot from one of the animated menus

In keeping with the last set, the movies are not in chronological order.  I’m not sure what order they’re in, but I guess actor sets were not an idea.  Sean Connery, Roger  Moore, and Pierce Brosnan collections would’ve worked out, but that leaves Timothy Dalton and George Lazenby with rather slim sets.  I do suppose they try and give you a selection of different Bond actors in each set (save for Lazenby), but I would’ve preferred chronological order. 

Each set has a 007 Mission Control which is basically a selection of clips collected from each movie.  Frankly, not a very useful feature in my opinion.  They’ve also divvied up the trailers, commercials, radio spots, etc. into a section called the Ministry of Propaganda. 

Each all-new DVD features never-before-seen footage from the Bond archives, including long-anticipated deleted scenes.  Other bonus material includes rare interviews, long sought-after documentaries, new menus, interactive film guides, and brand new featurettes.

“Wonderful chaps, all of them” (to steal a line from a British science fiction show) is how I’d have to express my feelings for James Bond.  Each one of them has their own appeal and I’ve always found something to like in each of the films.  The Bond films are international favorites and these new box sets are must haves if you care about how your Bond looks.

If you don’t, then you might want to stick with those 2002 DVDs.  Another catch is that the films are only available, at this time, in the sets I’ve mentioned.  I’ve heard no word of the studio releasing each title separately (that might change someday). 

I expect you to die, Mr Bond

I do suppose that I should caution that high-def version will no doubt be on the horizon one day (maybe when the format war is over?).  If you’re a Bond fan and don’t have any of the previous DVDs then you’ll want to snatch these up.

James Bond Ultimate Collection, Vol. 1 is now available  at Amazon. Visit the DVD database for more information.  James Bond Ultimate Collection, Vol. 2 is now available at Amazon. Visit the DVD database for more information. James Bond Ultimate Collection, Vol. 3 is now available at Amazon. Visit the DVD database for more information. James Bond Ultimate Collection, Vol. 4 is now available at Amazon. Visit the DVD database for more information. As of yet, the four volumes are available in the UK.