James Bond Enthusiasts Weekend announced for September 2010

Ever thought of what it would be like to live a night in the alluring world of James Bond? Are you up to the challenge of testing your knowledge of 007 film and book trivia in competition against some of the most passionate aficionados anywhere?

Mark your calendars for the weekend of September 10 through 11 when a special “James Bond Enthusiasts Weekend” will be held in Columbia, Pennsylvania. Here’s an advance look at the Top Secret dossier of events:

Friday—September 10, 2010:

Bond themed Casino Night (black tie optional)

6:00-10:00 PM

Saturday—September 11, 2010:

“Bond Watches, James Bond Watches” Exhibit Tours / Q&A	10:00 AM & 11:00 AM
Jeopardy-style game show, 007 style (advanced sign-up required)	1:00-2:00 PM
Discussion of Ian Fleming’s James Bond Books	2:00-3:00 PM
“Bond Watches, James Bond Watches” Exhibit Tours / Q&A	3:00 PM
Drink Seminar / Sampling (black tie optional)	5:00 PM-8:00 PM
James Bond Film Screening: For Your Eyes Only	8:00-10:00 PM

Those who attend are encouraged to dress as their favorite James Bond character, whether it is one of the glamorous Bond girls, infamous villain, henchman, or Agent 007 himself. Anonymous judges will be present to decide on the best dressed character. Guests of all ages are allowed to attend. The kick-off Casino Night will include classic casino games such as Poker, Blackjack, and slot machines.

Prizes will be awarded to participants with the highest chip count at the casino night, character clothing, and the winner of “Bond Jeopardy.”

The “James Bond Enthusiasts Weekend” is being held in complement to the first-of-its-kind “Bond Watches, James Bond Watches” exhibit at the National Watch & Clock Museum. This display will include the widest selection of 007-related watch models ever collected, representing all brands in the Eon Productions movies and officially-licensed timepieces. Highlighting the exhibit will be none other than the only known Rolex owned and worn by Bond-creator Ian Fleming—believed to be his reference for the original, literary James Bond wristwatch.

“We chose For Your Eyes Only as the Bond film to cap off this weekend because of how well it brings together so many aspects of what the Museum has accomplished here,” notes Dell Deaton, of JamesBondWatches.com and Bond Watches exhibit guest curator. “The plot draws heavily on vintage Fleming story elements. It proved the Eon Productions film franchise under the solo lead of Cubby Broccoli would continue to thrive into its third decade.

“It also features two fine examples from among the Bond watches supplied as product placements by Seiko U.K. Consumer models of each will be on display and discussed as part of the guided exhibit tours we’re providing as part of the ‘James Bond Enthusiasts Weekend.'”

Co-sponsors of the “Bond Watches, James Bond Watches” exhibit include Watchmakers International, which is exclusively responsible for bringing in the original Ian Fleming Rolex Explorer 1016 to the entire run of this year-long exhibit, and Revolution magazine, “the technical guide to luxury watches.” See www.watchmakers.com and www.horomundi.com for more information.

Dell Deaton is guest curator of this “Bond Watches, James Bond Watches” exhibition and author-creator of the JamesBondWatches.com website. He is a member of both the National Watch & Clock Association and American Marketing Association, and an internationally recognized expert on Ian Fleming and James Bond horology.

The National Watch and Clock Museum is operated by the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors, Inc., a nonprofit 501(c)(3) association close to 20,000 members, representing 52 countries. April through November the Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. December through March hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Discounts are available to seniors, students, AAA members, and groups of 10 or more. Groups of 10 or more are encouraged to call ahead. For more program information, directions, or general Museum information, visit our website on www.nawcc.org or call 717-684-8261.

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Danger Society: The Young Bond Dossier paperback now shipping

Charlie Higson’s indepth guide to the Young James Bond series is shipping a few days early from Amazon.co.uk.

This new paperback edition of Danger Society: The Young Bond Dossier is published by Puffin Books and retails for £6.99.

Touted as the complete and definitive guide to Higson’s Young Bond, the aptly-titled Danger Society: The Young Bond Dossier includes in-depth character profiles, information on the cars, weapons and exotic locations, plus photographs, maps, and illustrations by artist Kev Walker.

As an added bonus, the book also features a brand new Young Bond story by Higson entitled A Hard Man to Kill. For more details on that story, click here.

• Order the UK paperback edition of Danger Society: The Young Bond Dossier from Amazon.co.uk

As always, keep turning to the CommanderBond.net main page and our Discussion Forums for all the latest Young Bond-related news.

Edinburgh Film Fest to mark Sir Sean Connery's 80th birthday

Edinburgh invited to celebrate with
Sir Sean Connery

In celebration of Sir Sean Connery’s 80th year, and his dedicated support of the Festival as Patron since 1992, he will be attending a Special Gala of one of his best-loved films in the Festival Theatre, sponsored by our newest supporter, Bank of Scotland.

The Bank of Scotland Gala will be John Huston’s classic The Man Who Would Be King on Sunday 20 June, and will give the audience at Edinburgh’s Festival Theatre the opportunity to show their appreciation for Sir Sean Connery’s stellar career, his support of the EIFF and his upcoming birthday celebration in August.

Hannah McGill, Artistic Director of the EIFF said:

“This event is a fitting way to celebrate Sir Sean’s 80 years – almost twenty of which he has given to support EIFF as Patron! He is a great friend of the Festival and we look forward to celebrating this amid the glitter of the Festival Theatre.

“We are immensely grateful to Bank of Scotland for their support and are delighted to welcome them on board.”

The Bank of Scotland Gala will be an opportunity for the public audience to spend a glamorous evening in the company of Scotland’s biggest international star, Sir Sean Connery, who has described the The Man Who Would Be King as one of his personal favourites. Tickets will go on sale for the event at midday on Thursday 3 June.

Susan Rice, Managing Director of Lloyds Banking Group Scotland said:

“Bank of Scotland is delighted to support the 64th Edinburgh International Film Festival by sponsoring such a timeless classic.

“EIFF is a wonderful opportunity for us all to see work by some of the best and brightest established film talent, as well as those by the newest, upcoming stars. I am sure this year’s superb programme of films and events will delight people of all ages.”

For full details, visit the official Edinburgh International Film Festival website.

Keep turning to the CommanderBond.net main page and our Discussion Forums for all the latest news from the world of James Bond.

Revisioning 007: James Bond and Casino Royale due out in September '10

Way back in October 2008, CommanderBond.net first reported on a brand new James Bond book from author Christopher Lindner: Revisioning 007: James Bond and Casino Royale.

Originally due out in May/June 2009 in both the UK and US, the release dates came and went, but the book oddly never hit store bookshelves. Whatever the case for the delays may have been, it now appears that literary 007 fans will finally have a chance to pick up this book later this year as a new release date as just been posted on Amazon.com.

1 September is the new release date for the Bond title from Wallflower Press and pre-orders are currently being taken at Amazon.com (no new updates on Amazon UK as of yet).

The publication blurb for Revisioning 007: James Bond and Casino Royale follows below:

Revisioning 007 is a lively collection of new essays on the reinvention of James Bond in the 2006 film Casino Royale, starring Daniel Craig in his first appearance as Agent 007. Treating Casino Royale as a case study in popular film culture and as a significant turning point in the 007 series, the book offers innovative readings of the film and its inte-rrelations with the Bond franchise, the culture industry and recent developments in cinema, society and world politics.

Essay topics range from the analysis of 007’s masochism, voyeurism and hyper-mobility, to the examination of the film’s testicular torture scene, the links between international politics and high-stakes gambling and the changing role of the secret agent in a post-9/11 world order.

Pre-order Revisioning 007: James Bond and Casino Royale:

• Order the US hardback edition of Revisioning 007: James Bond and Casino Royale from Amazon.com
• Order the US paperback edition of Revisioning 007: James Bond and Casino Royale from Amazon.com

Keep turning to the CommanderBond.net main page and our Discussion Forums for the most up-to-date literary James Bond coverage on the web.

Daniel Craig's Flashbacks of a Fool released in US

Daniel Craig’s Flashbacks of a Fool is now available on Blu-ray in the United States.

Anchor Bay Entertainment has released the 2008 drama on the high-def format with a retail price of $17.98, however Amazon.com is currently offering the title at a nearly 50% discount.

Daniel Craig delivers a startling performance as Joe Scott, a washed-up Hollywood star adrift in a haze of sex, drugs and squandered fame. But when he receives news of the sudden death of his childhood best friend, Joe flashes back to his younger self (played by Harry Eden of Oliver Twist) in his small English seaside village and the summer of innocence and tragedy that would change his life forever. Olivia Williams (The Sixth Sense), Claire Forlani (CSI:NY) and Eve co-star in this powerful drama about love, loss and one man s journey to redemption, executive produced by Daniel Craig and featuring songs by Scott Walker, David Bowie and Roxy Music.

Order Flashbacks of a Fool online:

• Order Flashbacks of a Fool (Blu-ray) from Amazon.com

Keep turning to the CommanderBond.net main page and our Discussion Forums for all the latest news from the world of James Bond.

Goldfinger's Aston Martin DB4 stand-in sells for 84,000 pounds

The numbers are in from this past weekend’s Aston Martin auction held by Bonhams and the event proved to be a record-breaking success.

According to Auto123, the Newport Pagnell sale brought generated an astonishing £4.7 million (about $6.7 million). Bidders from all around the world, including Hong Kong, Czech Republic, Australia and the US took part in the proceedings.

Of particular note to James Bond fans and collectors was a 1962 Aston Martin DB4 Series IV Vantage up for sale. As earlier reported on CommanderBond.net, this car was used as a test stand-in for 1964’s Goldfinger, which ultimately featured the famous DB5 model.

Pegged to sell for between £40-60,000, the Aston exceeded expectations and eventually went for £84,000 ($120,000).

For full results from the sale, visit the official Bonhams website.

Stay tuned to the CommanderBond.net main page and be sure to visit our Discussion Forums for all the latest 007 news from the world of James Bond.

MGM's future now in hands of debt holders, not management

Los Angeles Times – After nine months of tumult over the future of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, the storied movie studio’s fate now rests in the hands of debt holders with little experience in the entertainment business.

Hedge funds that control large chunks of MGM’s $3.7-billion debt, including Anchorage Advisors and Highland Capital Management, are ignoring a 2-month-old acquisition offer from Time Warner Inc. and a restructuring plan backed by Chief Executive Stephen Cooper, a turnaround expert brought in last year, to reboot the studio with $1 billion in new capital.

The hedge funds, which would own the studio by swapping debt for equity, have balked at raising that much money and are seeking to keep MGM afloat at significantly lower cost, according to people close to the matter. The debt holders are now at odds with MGM management over how ambitious a plan is needed to salvage the studio.

The internal divide and lingering uncertainty demonstrate how tortured MGM’s reorganization process has been and how the balance of power has shifted from management to lenders.

“Now that MGM’s debt holders are in control of the company, they have a steep learning curve to get up to speed on a complex business,” said Clark Hallren, managing partner of entertainment banking advisory firm Clear Scope Partners, who is not involved in the process.

In recent weeks they have also met with veteran Hollywood executives, including former News Corp. President Peter Chernin, onetime Warner Bros. co-Chairman Terry Semel, and Joe Roth, who previously ran Walt Disney Studios and 20th Century Fox, to seek their advice and gauge their interest in running the studio.

The debt holders are considering a strategic partnership with such companies as Summit Entertainment, the independent studio behind the Twilight movies, and production and financing company Spyglass Entertainment. In exchange for equity in a restructured MGM, the partner would oversee a small production slate and manage the 86-year-old studio’s 4,000-title library, which controls the James Bond franchise.

But a cohesive plan has yet to materialize and must be accompanied by the none-too-simple task of raising money for operations and new movies.

Cooper, who previously was tapped to oversee troubled companies such as Enron and Krispy Kreme, was brought in last August by MGM’s owners to restructure the company’s crippling debt. The studio assumed the liability when it was acquired in 2005 by an investment group that included private equity funds Providence Equity Partners and Texas Pacific Group.

Cooper and his team, including two executives from his firm Zolfo Cooper who work full time in MGM’s Century City headquarters, determined the best course was to recapitalize the company and maintain its independence, a person familiar with the process said.

However, MGM’s debt holders didn’t want to inject more capital into the beleaguered studio. Instead, last fall they pushed Cooper to sell the company.

They couldn’t have picked a worse time. Film libraries have eroded in value recently as consumers have cut back on DVD purchases. A drawn-out sale process that lasted into the spring led to several initial bidders, including Lions Gate Entertainment and industrialist Len Blavatnik, dropping out. By May, only Time Warner’s $1.5-billion offer remained.

MGM’s creditors had hoped for much higher bids. Over the last six months a group of hedge funds including Anchorage, Highland and Davidson Kempner Capital Management bought a substantial amount of the studio’s debt at more than 50 cents, and in some cases more than 60 cents, on the dollar. That meant they would have to sell the studio for well over $2 billion just to break even.

Though Time Warner’s bid has not been officially rejected, people at the media giant’s Warner Bros. studio have been frustrated by the protracted process, in part because it and MGM co-own the rights to movies based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit, which are currently in development.

MGM’s lenders are still weighing options as they grant one waiver after another on the studio’s interest payments. Cooper’s plan calls for MGM to continue producing and distributing six to eight films a year, while less ambitious and costly proposals include making fewer movies and having partners co-finance and possibly distribute them.

MGM motion picture group Chairwoman Mary Parent, who has been running day-to-day operations for the last two years, has been left to hold together the company and its nearly 500 employees with no visibility on its future. Her tasks include dealing with filmmakers whose projects are in limbo.

“I’m a very bad Sherlock Holmes trying to figure out what’s happening over there,” said producer Bradley Thomas, who along with his director partners Peter and Bobby Farrelly has been attempting to make a film at MGM based on the Three Stooges. “I feel impotent. We can’t do anything until it’s resolved.”

In April, the longtime producers of James Bond movies announced that they were indefinitely postponing a planned 23rd installment because of the “continuing uncertainty surrounding the future of MGM.”

The only picture left on MGM’s release slate this year is a remake of the Reagan-era classic Red Dawn. Scheduled for release in November, the film doesn’t yet have a marketing plan or even, as is standard six months out, a first trailer.

“We all would like to have closure on what will become of the studio,” said Red Dawn producer Beau Flynn.

Keep your browsers pointed to the CommanderBond.net main page and our Discussion Forums for all the latest James Bond news.

Ursula Andress takes top spot in new swimsuit moments poll

Nearly fifty years on and the debut Bond girl is still topping polls around the world.

Ursula Andress captured the number one spot in a new poll of the top ten swimsuit moments of all time for her memorable entrance as Honey Ryder in Dr. No.

Another Bond girl was also featured in the top ten as Halle Berry—in a scene that echoed the famous Dr. No entrance—placed fifth for her role as Jinx in Die Another Day.

Other top ten finalists included Raquel Welch, Bo Derek and Farrah Fawcett.

The Sun reports that the British poll for online boutique Sandstorm measured the responses of more than 2,000 men and women nationwide.

Keep turning to the CommanderBond.net main page and our Discussion Forums for all the latest news from the world of James Bond.

Final reservations for Operation Euro2010 James Bond film tour

Final reservations are taking place for the upcoming Operation Euro2010 James Bond film tour—the ultimate James Bond film location tour presented by ThemePartyPeople. As the tour is close to capacity, be sure to either phone 407-491-7737 or email [email protected] to be sure you don’t miss out.

Tour itinerary details follow below:

OPERATION: EURO2010

Exclusive 11 Day Bus/Train tour of Europe, as seen and experienced through James Bond’s most famous films and visits to other film sites from The Bourne Identity, Star Wars, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Ronin, Charade, Mission Impossible, The Da Vinci Code, Moulin Rouge, Oceans 11 and more! A limited invitation event for the discerning James Bond traveler as well as an in-depth tour of Europe’s most requested vacation spots for non-agents.

Theme Party People, who created the sell-out “070707” Casino Royale Tour of Nassau and the Ocho Rios/Key West visits in the “LTK2009” Licence to Kill 20th Anniversary Tour have partnered with famed world travel company, GLOBUS TOURS, to provide an all-encompassing European vacation for film fans. Bond, Bourne and Beyond EURO2010 will provide luxury accommodations, multilingual tour guides to the film sites, sounds and tastes of Italy, France and Switzerland, along with the usual Theme Party People accent on the fun and lifestyle of our favorite film secret agents.

For general information and itinerary detail contact Theme Party People at [email protected].

Our Mission Itinerary Highlights*:

Day 1– 21 Aug/Sat- Board your overnight transatlantic flight

Day 2– 22 Aug/Sun Venice- Arrive Venice, Italy, luxury accommodations near St. Marks, Square. The day is yours to enjoy. An Evening James Bond Lifestyle Cocktail Reception at our hotel to officially begin our Operation: Euro2010 and then you are free to go explore Venice after dark.

Day 3– 23 Aug/Mon- Venice- Canal boat and walking tour of From Russia with Love, Moonraker and Casino Royale film locations. From the hotel, walk to the Fish Market (Pescheria); next, board a canal boat and travel to Ca’Rezzonico followed by Palazzo Pisani where you will enjoy a coffee break. It was this location that is featured in the finale of Casino Royale. Continue on to ST. MARK’S SQUARE and the byzantine BASILICA, lavish DOGES’ PALACE and the BRIDGE OF SIGHS. Also watch skilled GLASS-BLOWERS fashion their delicate objects in an age-old traditional manner. End with a late afternoon Gondola boat ride if you wish and the evening is on your own to enjoy the Square, Ernest Hemingway’s favorite watering hole, Harry’s Bar or dine along the Rialto Bridge.

Day 4– 24 Aug/Tue – Venice- Cortina d’Amprezzo-Board a private water-taxi and depart Venice for the mainland where you board a luxury “007” motorcoach. Begin your drive north to the jewel of the Dolomites; Cortina d’Amprezzo. After checking in to the hotel, tour the locations from For Your Eyes Only including the Piazza Venezia, where Bond and Melana fight off the motorcycle attack and the Olympic Ski Jump, the Ice Stadium and the Observation Terrace of Mount Tofana.

Day 5– 25 Aug/Wed – Cortina d’Amprezzo-Lake Como- An early departure takes you westward through the alpine regions of Italy. Upon arrival in Lake Como, tour two Villas; first view the Villa la Gaeta, Mr. White’s villa in Casino Royale on a BOAT EXCURSION on Lake Como. Next; enjoy a private tour of the VILLA DEL BALBIANELLO, as featured in Casino Royale as the recovery hospital for James Bond and is also featured in Star Wars: Attack of the Clones. Look for George Clooney’s villa featured in Oceans 12. Next, enjoy a VESPER MARTINI RECEPTION LAKESIDE (weather permitting). The remainder of the day is at leisure to create your own.

Day 6– 26 Aug/Thu – Lake Como-Interlaken, Switzerland -After breakfast depart the hotel and drive through the Ticino countryside, through the Alps into Switzerland. The first stop is LOCARNO’S VERZASCA DAM; you will recognize this location from the opening bungee jump stunt of GoldenEye. Approximately 2 hours of leisure time will be provided for “007 Activities”. Continue on to Furka Pass, Andematt region for a photo-stop at the overlook from Goldfinger. Additional locations will be viewed as you proceed through the wondrous Gotthard Pass en route to your Interlaken hotel. This evening join your Tour Director for DINNER IN THE SWISS ALPS. After a stroll in lovely Interlaken, take the funicular railway to the Harder Kulm summit, where you will savor a delicious dinner at the panoramic restaurant while enjoying breathtaking views of Lake Brienz, Lake Thun and the surrounding countryside. (B,D)

Note: All activities at the Dam are independent of Globus or Theme Party People. Passengers choosing to participate in the activities do so at their own risk.

Day 7– 27 Aug/Fri- Interlaken- A day dedicated to the 1969 film, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. Visit the train station at LAUTENBRUNNEN, where Bond first is greeted by SPECTRE’s Irma Bunt and the areas used in the film for Bond’s escape with Tracy. Next, begin your CABLE CAR ascent up to the Jungfrau Alpine Range and to the famous “Blofeld lair”, the rotating mountaintop restaurant – Piz Gloria. While here, enjoy COCKTAILS and a PRIVATE SHOWING of highlights of the film in the 007 Theatre. Then a real treat; dine on the house specialty, “James Bond Spaghetti” in the main restaurant. Time for photos and souvenirs before returning to your Interlaken hotel.

Day 8– 28 Aug/Sat- Interlaken-Geneva-This morning board your luxury motorcoach and journey west for a visit to the SWISS BANKS OF GENEVA. The remainder of the day is at leisure; as this is the center of Switzerland’s watch making industry, Omega shopping along the boulevard is a must. There are clubs and casinos to enjoy on your own. An optional excursion to Castle Chillon, where Lord Byron was held prisoner is available.

Day 9– 29 Aug/Sun – Geneva-Paris, France- Board the TGV, the bullet train featured in Mission Impossible. While traveling at 200 mph, view the mountain regions of Chamonix, where Bond and Elektra ski in The World is Not Enough. Afternoon arrival in Paris; and transfer for a BATEAU MOUCHE LUNCH CRUISE on the Seine, as featured in A View to a Kill, Ronin and Charade. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore the City of Lights!

Day 10– 30 Aug/Mon – Paris-Chateau Country Excursion-Leave your hotel this morning and prepare to visit three famous chateaus. First, CHATEAU CHANTILLY, the residence of Zorin in A View to a Kill. Next, VAUX-LE-VICOMTE, the Drax castle of Moonraker and the grounds where Hugo Drax and Bond spend the day quail hunting. While here enjoy lunch at the restaurant L’ECUREUIL. Finally is the CHATEAU D’ANET, from the opening sequence of Thunderball, where Bond lifts off in his jet pack. The beautiful grounds and gardens of these locations are not to be missed. Tonight, MOULIN ROUGE, an exciting evening at the world-renowned Parisian cabaret. Dinner with half a bottle of wine is served during the show. A glass of champagne completes your evening in style.

Day 11– 31 Aug/Tue – Paris- Sightseeing with a Local Guide features the Arc de Triomphe, Opéra, Madeleine, Louvre, and Champs-Elysées. Stop for a photo at the SPECTRE headquarters from Thunderball. We follow river bank locations where scenes from The Bourne Identity, A View to a Kill and National Treasure 2 were lensed. Visit magnificent NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL, and for a panoramic view, take the elevator to the second floor of the EIFFEL TOWER. After enjoying the view, continue to RESTAURANT ALTITUDE 95 for lunch featured in A View to a Kill; be sure to avoid Mayday and her stinging butterfly. The afternoon is at leisure to rest, walk the bridges or shop for special keepsakes. This evening join fellow agents for Operation: EURO2010 Grand Finale evening cocktail reception and then the city is yours to enjoy once more.

Day 12– 01 Sep/Wed- Paris- After breakfast one group transfer to the airport will be provided for passengers departing. A second group transfer will be provided to Disneyland Paris* for those wishing to extend their stay. There will have post-tour options to Versailles or the Louvre for those wishing to add more to this exciting and fun packed adventure.

Operation: EURO2010
$3995.00 per person *

Visit ThemePartyPeople.com for full information, including booking and deposit details, registration forms and related information.

As always, keep turning to the CommanderBond.net main page and our Discussion Forums for all the latest James Bond 007 news.

Goldfinger screening at California's Cinema City Theatre on 9 June

Cinema City Theatres in Anaheim, California has announced their 2010 line-up of films for their Golden Age of Cinema series and James Bond has made the cut.

007 fans will be able to catch a special screening of Sean Connery’s Goldfinger on Wednesday, 9 June at 7:00pm.

Admission to this Bond screening is $7.00 per person (no passes permitted). The theatre is located at 5635 East La Palma Ave., Anaheim Hills, California.

For ticket information or further details, phone 714-970-6700 or visit the official website.

As always, keep turning to the CommanderBond.net main page and our Discussion Forums for all the latest James Bond 007 news.