James Bond 'Ultimate Edition' DVDs Officially Announced
While most Bond fans have known about this for some time, Sony has officially announced that all 20 James Bond films will be released as “Ultimate Edition” DVDs. A preview for the new collector sets is attached to the Sony/Columbia DVD release of Fun with Dick and Jane.
The preview confirms that all 20 films (Dr. No through Die Another Day) will be remastered and restored using a “breakthrough digital process” by Lowry Digital, radically improving both picture and sound. They will all feature DTS 5.1 surround sound, and each will feature loads of new extras including “never before seen footage” and “Top Secret Files” on “The Bond Women” and “Exotic Locations.”
As previously reported, Sir Roger Moore will provide commentary for all his movies on a separate audio track. Sir Roger recorded his commentary in Monaco during September of last year.
In November, John Lowry of Lowery Digital spoke about the remastering process. “The major difference we get using high-definition scanning and processing is the higher resolution that migrates to the DVD. It breaks the rules, but it works. You Only Live Twice was one of the films we worked on to demonstrate the process to studio executives. Comparing that with the prior results – it was like a brand-new movie. These are stunning – they’ll blow your socks off.”
One thing that is still not known is the release date. However, it makes sense that at least one of the new Collector Sets will be released to coincide with the November 17 release of the latest Bond film Casino Royale, which sees the debut of Daniel Craig as 007.
Stay tuned to CBn for all the latest on the upcoming James Bond Ultimate Edition DVDs.