Madonna Song Slammed Again

Sir Elton John has has expressed his opinion on the 20th Bond film’s  title song. He claims; “It hasn’t got a tune – James Bond themes are usually very camp and this one’s different”. Elton himself admits to being a fan of Madonna who appears opposite Pierce Brosnan, as fencing instructor, “Verity”, in Die Another Day.

In the same statement, the singer suggested; “They should have gone for somebody like Lulu and Shirley Bassey, or maybe I’m in that league.”. It’s thought that he chose to show his view on the song after composer, David Arnold, who wrote the movies’ score, gave a similar criticism just a few days ago.

Elton has been suggested to take on the task of performing a track, by Bond fans throughout the world. Perhaps, this is the man producers should look to for Bond 21. He is clearly interested, and with the help of Bond composer and fan, David Arnold, he might just be able to produce a piece of music, true to the series roots, that will impress the fans and the critics alike.

Be sure to discuss the subject in this thread of CBn’s Die Another Day Forums!

Rachel Grant Becomes TV Cop

Rachel Grant is to set to take on the role of Detective Constable Jenny Chen in the series; “Blue Murder“. The series will focus on her work in Machester’s police force, and is set to begin filming next month.

The 25 year old actress recentley appeared in “Die Another Day” in which she played a Chinease secret service agent, using the alias; Peaceful Mountains Of Desire. It is thought that this was the role which won-over the series’ producer, Jane Mcnaught. She describes the series as “a fresh take on modern day policing set in contemporary Manchester.”

Two 90-minute shows are currentley in pre-poduction with high-hopes of continuing with a full television series. Grant will star alongside Caroline Quentin, who is to play a Detective Inspector trying to run her career, and maintain a homelife.

This is yet another step-up for Grant whom in the past has appeared as a regular dancer on the BBC-run show; “Top Of The Pops“, aswell as presenting the Sci-Fi Channel on British television.

Former Bond Girl Carey Lowell Marries…

Reports are coming in that Bond girl; Carey Lowell has married her long-term boyfriend at a secret ceremony that took place last week at the couples’ home. The 41 year old star of 1989’s License To Kill, married boyfriend Richard Gere, famous for his role in Pretty Woman.

To prevent the paparazzi catching wind of the wedding, it was a family only event with only Carey’s daughter from her last marriage, and their son Homer in attendance for the New York ceremony.

Before landing her role as Pam Bouvier, opposite Timothy Dalton, she was one of Americas most chased after models, doing work for such names as Calvin Klein, and Ralph Lauren to name but a few. Her acting debut came just three years before taking on her later 007 role, when she starred with Robin Williams in Club Paradise.

When she landed her role for License To Kill, Carey became one of the first set of transitional Bond girls, to change the label from the traditional blonde bimbo, to what six years later would appear as the sophisticated and intelligent women that Bond girls are known as today.

Minichamps Jaguar XKR 1:18

As fierce as the stare of Rick Yune himself portraying the role of Zao, is the Jaguar XKR. For most of us the 370 horsepower beast remains little more than a fantasy, we envy those lucky few (super villains included) who have the chance to take pleasure in the sheer outrageousness of the cabriolet version, especially Zao himself, who has his car fitted out with the latest state-of-the-art weaponry, which is set to give even Bond, a “run for his money”.

Now, thanks to Minichamps (of the Beanstalk Group) we can all experience the thrill of owning a custom painted; green XKR, at 1:18th its size. The model produced in a series along with the Aston Martin Vanquish, and Ford Thunderbird, as seen in Die Another Day, comes complete with the gadgets seen on screen. These include, missiles concealed within the lining of the doors, these are accessible by an access panel on the lower exterior of the doors. However, unlike their on-screen counterparts, they sadly do not fire.

Towards the back of the car are mortars, fitted within the boot/trunk area. In the movie these can be accessed by the door lifting upwards, and the very back of the car, the part where the license plate is mounted, flipping down at around forty-five degrees, to allow for clearance from the car upon deployment. Again, these do not mechanically fire, however they do look spectacular, and this makes up for it.

There are yet more explosives located at the front side of the car. The engine-grill rises by use of two small levers on the underside of the model. When moved in the appropriate direction, either side of the grill very smoothly slides out of site to reveal replica rockets stored behind them. This section of the model is very nicely crafted, it has a fluid motion to its mechanics, and it looks superb, as does the miniaturized replica of the 370 horsepower engine, which has been accurately transferred from the actual vehicle.

The topside of the car features a breakaway section, which reveals a gatling gun hidden beneath it, inside the soft-top storage unit. The replica-weapon rises from a resting arrangement, and folds out into a higher-sitting attack mode. Once fully in position, the gun can be manipulated into a pose, by swivelling it from its pivot point. A nice touch, to the cars most menacing feature.

Finishing touches to the model include; tyre chains, which on-screen are used to help Zao manoeuvre his car across a frozen Icelandic lake. Stickers are applied to locations such as the engine, and interior of the car, including its imitation leather-upholstery. The paint job is also completed to a level of satisfaction, found on other cars located within this models suggested retail price.

Overall, I believe it to be an accurate collectors piece, which portrays the car as menacingly as Zao drives it in the 20th instalment to the James Bond series of films. Both a great car, and also a great model.

40th Anniversary Omega Seamaster

The obvious place to start is from the beginning, so here we go… James Bond, possibly the most immaculately dressed, and sophisticated man in history, the fact that he isn’t a real person means nothing, on the big screen he’s still dressed to kill. Today we see him kitted out in his Church’s Oxford shoes, tailor made Brioni suits, one design ties normally reserved for politicians and royalty, this list goes on and on. But what finishes the “Bond Look”, 99% of the time its his watch, whether it be the Rolex of the Connery years, the Seiko of the Moore era, or today’s latest incarnation of 007’s time telling equipment; The Omega Seamaster.

With a new Bond, came a new watch for 007, 1995’s GoldenEye saw Pierce Brosnan step into the Oxfords’ and on his wrist was an Omega Seamaster, to celebrate the new marriage between the James Bond franchise and the Swiss watchmaker, Omega produced a limited number of special edition Seamaster’s with the phrase “James Bond’s Choice” located on the bottom side. They were all snapped up immediately, and meanwhile the standard Seamaster sold equally as well.

Three films later and it was time for the 40th anniversary of the cinematic hero that James Bond has become. Spanning 20 films, the 007 series has gone from strength to strength, and Omega found themselves ready to commemorate 007 once more. London, England, and Omega call a press conference, the photographers snap up pictures of Pierce Brosnan as he unveils to an eager audience the new 40th anniversary Omega Seamaster Professional Chronometer.

At home, I was still saving my pennies for the standard Seamaster, but with the news of the soon to be released special edition, I had to rethink my ways. Raising the extra cash I needed i managed to come up with the full £1300 required to purchase the watch. By this time it was September, the watch had been on sale for over a month, and I was worried that the 10,007 pieces produced might have already sold out, in a similar fashion to 1995’s special edition. I was wrong.

I found myself sitting in Goldsmiths Jewellers’, the sales assistant; Claire, produced a white cube-like cardboard box, from which she revealed a beautifully crafted blue leather gift box with a design located on the top reading; “40 Years Of James Bond, Limited Series”, surrounding this text was the familiar image of the gun-barrel sequence from the start of each film, i knew then that this was to be a very special piece of jewellery.

Passing me the box, I opened it up, and discovered inside the stainless steel watch, complete with its many 007 logos’ and additions. First off, and the most easy to spot is, on the dial is a steel “007” logo, cut and then placed neatly below the hands of the watch. Underneath this, on the dial itself are more 007 logos about 60 in all, etched into the dark blue background. These only appear when the watch is shimmered into the light, revealing its true purpose – to celebrate 40 years of the world’s greatest secret agent. On the bottom side of the watch, is the same design which is found on the gift box, this replaces the normal Seamaster image that is found engraved into the back. Along with this is what reads; “04,519 / 10,007” signifying the limited number of pieces produced, and how mine in particular corresponds into the batch.

Moving down again, on the bracelets safety catch, which reads “Omega Seamaster Professional”, is the welcome addition of yet another 007 logo. Although there are many of these logos the designers have successfully incorporated them without making the watch appear to be cheap or tacky.

Other than those changes, they have chosen to stay very much in-touch with the model Bond has been wearing on-screen. I’ve been wearing the watch for about two months now, and I have to say that I have no regrets about spending such a large about of money on a watch. If kept in “pristine condition”, it is likely that in time (lets’ say about 214 years) the watch will start to gain a higher value, and become even more collectable that it already is.

I’d like to congratulate Omega, in creating a truly stunning piece of jewellery, keeping James look good, and for accepting my cash. A beautiful piece, truly magnificent!

40 Years Of Ursula Andress

It was almost 40 years ago to the day that Ursula Andress stepped out from the water in Dr No’s “Crab Key”, at that very moment, and despite being unaware at the time, Andress was creating what has now become one of the most recognised images in cinematic history, a scene kept sacred by Bond fans the world over. She was the first of a new breed of female lead roles. The very first Bond girl.

The Swiss beauty arose from the waves wearing a white bikini, and hunting knife, which she strapped to her side. This stunning scene amazed fans worldwide including Michael Apted, who would later go on to direct the 19^th Bond film; The World Is Not Enough. Apted says that he himself and his generation “never really recovered from seeing Ursula Andress coming out of the water”, costume designers throughout the years have tried to play homage to this scene in Dr No, none more that 007’s current costume designer; Lindy Hemming.

Working on GoldenEye, Lindy was required to produce a look for modern woman, Natalya (played by Izabella Scorupco), one of which was a white bikini needed for a scene that takes place on a Cuban beach. When asked in interview Lindy revealed the bikini was “from La Pearla” and was her “homage to Ursula Andress”. With the 20^th film in the series now nearing completion, it is also known that Bond girl Jinx, who is played by Halle Berry, also wears one of Lindy’s homage’s to Ursula; an orange bikini in a similar style, with the added touch of a hunting knife.

Although relatively unknown at the time the movie was released, and still kept quiet by Bond bosses today… this woman – Ursula Andress who has been honoured and billed as the ultimate Bond girl (something she still likes to be called in today’s world of politically correctness) had in fact had her entire dialogue dubbed by another actress. There are a few odd pieces of sound heard from Ursula, but on the most part all of Honey Ryder’s sounds, and all of her spoken words are the work of an actress who to this day, the Bond bosses at Eon Productions have refused reveal the identity of.

Although her beauty was unsurpassed, it has to be said the acting was not the best seen in cinema at that time, ever her voice-work was not her own… so why do most of us still grant Ursula the title of the “Ultimate Bond Girl”? Well, it’s simple, in the entire 40 year history of the Bond movies, never have we seen a character who brought with them such a presence and on-screen qualities that made us feel that we no longer required to watch and see, even acknowledge the appearance of the man the movie was about… Mr James Bond.

For example, in the scene where we first meet her, both Bond and the audience almost instantly falls in love with the character, and the actress who makes her physically possible, we feel that we need to know more about her, to understand who and what she is, and become closer to her. All the time we are doing this we place this character, 007, to one side, and leave the suave agent until a few moments later. She is one of only a few people throughout the series who have been able to do this, it is indeed something very special to be able to borrow the attention from the man who is perhaps the most followed, and admired action hero in cinematic history.

Andress has become somewhat of a model to all of today’s Bond women, they dream of being able to have the effect and leave such a meaningful and lasting impression upon the world, to catch the magic that was Honey Ryder for 2 hours of film. It is an actresses fantasy, but alas it isn’t possible, many have tried and all have failed, to try and become this historic character is an impossible and one time only event. For this reason, the women in Bond have evolved, chosen to select the greatest merits of the character – her glamour, and presence, tried to embrace them, and using this knowledge create their own fun, sexy, and aptly named “Bond Girl” with which they can honour the woman who started it all… 40 years ago.

Ford Release James Bond Edition Thunderbird

To celebrate the collaboration of the Ford Motor Company and James Bond – Ford plan to release 700 special limited editions of their Thunderbird model due for release in spring, 2003.

The car will be built to the same specification’s as the one driven by Halle Berry in Die Another Day. It will also feature the specially produced “coral” paint colour as well as the 007 logo to feature prominently on its bodywork. Jan Valentic, vice president of Ford’s global marketing described product placement in the James Bond series by saying:

There’s no single product placement in the industry more iconic than James Bond’s car.”

And Ford make full use of this quote in the latest James Bond movie by also equipping producers with a 460-horsepower Aston Martin V12 Vanquish, and a 400-horsepower Jaguar XKR Roadster.

The news of the new car was announced this Thursday by Valentic, and follows on from previous James Bond car manufacturer BMW, who produced a limited edition – 007 edition Z3 model, which was built to the same specifications as the one driven by Pierce Brosnan in 1995’s GoldenEye. This move by BMW made them the talk of the marketing world and the car sold out within a matter of hours. Valentic also said;

No other films better capture the aggressive performance of the chase scene and sex appeal of the spy game better than the James Bond films.

Although the series is a marketers dream come true, to advertise in a James Bond film does not come cheap. It was rumoured that Ford is spending $70 million on its James Bond promotional deal. However, Valentic told reporters that this number was incorrect and has refused to reveal the correct amount.

The coral coloured Thunderbird will be produced beginning Spring 2003, however with such a small number being built, and the added appeal of James Bond, they are expected to sell very quickly. A final price has not yet been revealed, however pre-orders are thought to be taking place.

Sunbeam Alpine

The Sunbeam Apline in Dr. No was to be the first car we would ever see James Bond driving. 007 drives the Alpine to Miss Taro’s residence located high-up in the mountains. During the journey, James Bond is given chase by the villainous “3-blind-mice”.

• Manufacturer: Sunbeam
• Model: Alpine
• Top Speed: 101.1 mph
• Acceleration: 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 13.6 seconds
• Engine Capacity: 1592cc

During the high-speed chase, James Bond is able to drive underneath a construction crane, which causes the “3-blind-mice” to swerve off of the cliff trapped inside their funeral car. During its fall the car explodes, killings its occupants. Bond tells the workman operating the crane that they “…were on their way to a funeral”.

This is first example we see of James Bond’s legendary driving skills. The chase marks the first of many which will set the standard for modern vehicle action, innovating some of the most unique and awe-inspiring stunts ever created.

Outside of the film, the Sunbeam Alpine was a successful rally-car. Winning competitions throughout the world, it was rarely beaten and won its teams many cups and trophies throughout its racing career.

Bentley Mark IV

James Bond’s famed Bentley was shown in From Russia With Love, for the first and only time before its replacement by “The Bond Mobile.” The Mark IV is one of the few vehicles to be shown in the series not to feature any gadgetry. The only real novelty was a car phone, which although common today was quite impressive and exclusive in 1963!

• Manufacturer: Bentley
• Model: Mark IV
• Top Speed: n/a
• Acceleration: n/a
• Engine Capacity: n/a

The Bentley is only shown briefly – while James Bond is talking on the phone, and when he invites Sylvia Trench into the car for “lunch”. Closing the hood of the car, James Bond’s intentions for lunch become increasingly clear in a classic 007 moment.

A true gentleman’s car, the Mark IV showed early on the level of sophistication that 007 took with him wherever he went.

Aston Martin DB5

1000 were produced, one of the most sought after vehicles of its time. Produced at Aston Martin’s “Newport Pagnell” facility close by to Pinewood Studios, Bucks, and fitted with engine number; “400/P/4”, and chassis; “DP/216/1 “, this silver birch Aston Martin DB5 was destined to become “The Most Famous Car In The World”. It would be become the vehicle of choice for British secret service agent; James Bond.

• Manufacturer: Aston Martin
• Model: DB5
• Top Speed: 145.2 mph (232.3 km/h)
• Acceleration: 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 7.1 seconds
• Engine Capacity: 3995cc

John Stears, a special-effects expert approached the Aston Martin car company about using one of their cars in the next James Bond film; Goldfinger. However he had to explain to them that Eon productions, the makers of the film, could not afford to purchase one from them. Still, Stears asked if Eon could borrow one for the filming of the movie; but Aston Martin refused them, informing Stears that they “are not in the lending business”. However, they would still be happy to sell them a car.

After much negotiating they struck a deal; Aston Martin offered them a prototype car based on a much modified DB4. This was on the condition that it was returned at the end of the production, and they could use it for their own promotional and publicity purposes. The car was his! Stears and his crew now set about turning this luxury British sports car into a four wheeled arsenal of weaponry and gadgets.

Although two cars were given to Stears, only one was fitted with the working gadgets, however it was later adapted for Aston Martin’s publicity deal with matching gadgetry to the other car, and later went on to star in Thunderball.

The DB5 featured some of the most amazing gadgets ever to appear in a James Bond car and has since been dubbed by fans; “The Bond Mobile”. Among its arsenal were rotating number plates to avoid the car being identified as foreign, and also to confuse pursuers, into thinking it was a different vehicle. The gear stick housed a little-red button (which has since been spoofed in films such as; “Men In Black”), when pushed the button released a section of the roof, and activated a passenger side ejector seat.

Housed in the trunk/boot of the car was a bulletproof shield, this aided James Bond by blocking him from enemy fire from the reverse of his Aston Martin. These gadgets were all controlled by a control panel hidden beneath the forward arm-rest (this was later replaced with a champagne refrigerator). The console also controlled two .30 calibre Browning machine guns, which were located behind the front-side indicators. Next to these, were a section of the car’s bumper that could be used as hydraulic battering rams, perfect for knocking through doors or causing damage to an enemy vehicle.
Moving to the rear-end of the DB5, behind the light’s cluster were a jet-powered oil release system, and also defence mechanism to disperse pronged calthrops to burst the tyres of any pursuing nemesis. Other smaller details included, a gun tray hidden beneath the drivers seat, a telephone system that was concealed within the door-panel of the driver’s side, and lastly radar equipment located below the radio that was used to track Auric Goldfinger in Switzerland.

The DB5 remains the “most famous car in the world”, and Stears and his team did an amazing job, implementing the many gadgets that helped create a long and brilliant tradition of spy-cars in both the Bond films, and the genre in general. The “Bond mobile”, remains the object of desire to James Bond fans at shows throughout the world, and the most significant vehicle in the history of the British sports car manufacturer who built her, all those years ago.