CommanderBond.net
  1. Dom Perignon James Bond Centenary Celebrations

    By Devin Zydel on 2008-10-08

    Dom Perignon, a brand long associated with the character of a James Bond, was the featured champagne at the grand ‘Story of James Bond. A Tribute to Ian Fleming’ centenary celebration event, held this past Sunday at the London Palladium Theatre.

    Dom Perignon Celebrates the Centenary Year of Ian Fleming, Creator of James Bond

    Ian Fleming

    Ian Fleming

    On the occasion of “The Story of James Bond. A Tribute to Ian Fleming”, arranged by Ian Fleming’s niece, Lucy Fleming, to mark the final event in the Ian Fleming Centenary year at the London Palladium Theatre on Sunday 5 October 2008, Dom Perignon paid tribute to the iconic author as the official and exclusive champagne partner of the private After Show Party.

    Dom Perignon Vintage 2000, the iconic luxury champagne was served to the VIP guests to celebrate the centenary of Ian Fleming and James Bond’s fondness for Dom Perignon, as described in Moonraker:

    “Bond smiled… ‘Yes,’ he said,… ‘I believe I would like to drink champagne this evening…’The wine-waiter was pleased. ‘If I may suggest it, sir, the Dom Perignon ’46. I understand that France only sells it for dollars, sir, so you don’t often see it in London…’ Bond smiled his agreement”

    No doubt that all VIP guests at this special party also agreed…

    A glittering host of stars attended the After Show Party: Sir Roger Moore, Gemma Arterton, Rosamund Pike, Jeremy Irons, Mica Paris, Samantha Bond, Stephen Fry, Joanna Lumley, Lesley Manville,Toby Stephens, Jo Gibb, Laura Michelle Kelly, Joely Richardson, …

    Pictures on rexpictures.com

    FROM DOM PERIGNON VINTAGE 1946 TO DOM PERIGNON VINTAGE 2000 : A VINTAGE LOVE STORY

    Dom Perignon has often been featured on-screen (and-off) in the lives of some of the worlds most iconic characters — one of which was, of course, Ian Fleming’s extraordinary creation James Bond, whose love for Dom Perignon even made it into the pages of Moonraker

    From Moonraker to today, Dom Perignon has preserved its timeless style and iconic status, but instead of the vintage 1946 served to James Bond in Moonraker, Dom Perignon served the exceptional vintage 2000, a vintage that was received with pure pleasure by all who tasted it. Fresh, crystalline, and sharp, the first nose unveiled an unusual dimension, an aquatic vegetal world with secret touches of white pepper and gardenia. The wine then revealed airy, gentle richness before exhaling peaty scents. On the palate, the attack burst forth, before maturing into a sensual fullness that winds around itself… An indefinable je ne sais quoi, never upsetting the integrity of the wine, had worked its charm… seducing everybody.

    The unmistakable Dom Perignon Style…

    Surely, Ian Fleming would have approved of this choice!

    A TRIBUTE TO CREATORS AND STARS

    Going beyond a certain classicism in the spirit of Dom Perignon, Vintage 2000 is an emblematic homage to the creation of Champagne, and to the most iconic stars and characters of all times, who continue to elect Dom Perignon as their favourite.

    In fact, this is the extraordinary destiny of a champagne which is–since the visionary work of Dom Perignon in the 18th century–much more than champagne: Dom Perignon is an inspired creation for inspiring people, and probably since Moonraker one of the most desired weapons in the world!

    Stay tuned to the CommanderBond.net main page for all the latest worldwide James Bond news.

  2. 'Bond On Set: Filming Quantum of Solace' Now Available

    By Devin Zydel on 2008-10-06

    Photographer Greg Williams’ new book, Bond on Set: Filming Quantum of Solace, is released today in the UK.

    It’s just one of the endless literary 007 releases of this year, but many James Bond fans seem to look forward to each new instalment to the Bond on Set series with much more anticipation.

    Filming Quantum of Solace follows up similar releases by Williams for Casino Royale and Die Another Day before it.

    The 144-page hardback is published by Dorling Kindersley and retails for £25. A US release follows on 20 October.

    Bond girls, cool gadgets, explosive scenes and much, much more – get behind the scenes of Quantum of Solace. Experience the glamour of film-making on location with premier celebrity photographer Greg Williams and follow the making of Quantum of Solace. Featuring an exclusive interview with Daniel Craig on the making of Quantum of Solace and never-seen-before shots of the cast and creators – spy them shooting spectacular scenes and relaxing between takes. Candid soundbites from the actors and revealing inside information promise intriguing insights into the making of the film. Get up close and personal with the makers of Quantum of Solace. Make it your mission to read it today.

    Order online:

    To keep track of all the upcoming 007 releases, events, television shows, and more–just keep your eyes on the CBn Calendar, located on the right panel of our main page.

  3. 'The Shadow War': Mission Six

    By Matt Weston on 2008-10-03

    The penultimate mission in the first ever James Bond alternate reality game, The Shadow War, is here!

    British and Soviet spies should have received their briefing via email this week…

    This week you need to get across the Austrian Alps, without being caught and using as many different modes of transport as necessary. Whatever it takes, but you’re on your own and there are enemy agents on your tail. Did we mention that the clock is ticking?

    Recruits will have also received the first details on next week’s mission – the culmination of the entire Shadow War game…

    IMPORTANT NOTICE:Wed 8th October 5pm in London
    Log in LIVE to the dramatic live finale of The Shadow War where the SIS will be up against the OGPU. You’ll need all your skills, and Charlie Higson will be sending you live video messages! All will be revealed so be there.

    It’s not too late to sign up for the Shadow War, the innovative Young Bond alternate reality game, based on Charlie Higson’s bestselling novels. Simply head over to the official Shadow War website to register.

    Keep watching CommanderBond.net for all the latest developments regarding Young Bond and The Shadow War.

  4. 'Special Effects Superman: The Art And Effects Of Derek Meddings' Released In UK

    By Devin Zydel on 2008-10-02

    Special Effects Superman: The Art And Effects Of Derek Meddings

    Special Effects Superman: The Art And Effects Of Derek Meddings has been released today in the UK and is now shipping from Amazon.co.uk.

    The book, which CommanderBond.net first reported on in May of this year, is written by Martin Shubrook and Paul Shubrook and is published by Shubrook Bros Publications. The 160-page hardback retails for £25 in the UK.

    All orders placed through this website will be entered into a drawing to win signed copy by Sir Roger Moore, who provides an introduction to the book.

    007 fans best know Meddings for his visual effects and miniature effects contributions on the following six James Bond films: Live and Let Die, The Man with the Golden Gun, The Spy Who Loved Me, Moonraker, For Your Eyes Only and GoldenEye.

    Dr. Kananga: ‘He always did have an inflated opinion of himself’.

    After his career in the film industry took flight with Gerry Anderson in 1957, Derek Meddings proceeded to head the effects team and design every major vehicle for the hit British television series, Thunderbirds, Captain Scarlet and UFO. When the Anderson studio closed in 1970, Derek moved into movies and headed the effects on over 20 motion pictures.

    His effects accolades include; six James Bond films from Roger Moore’s Live and Let Die to Pierce Brosnan’s GoldenEye, Batman, Supergirl, Santa Claus: The Movie and The Neverending Story. Derek Meddings also headed the miniature effects on the first two Superman films and won an Oscar for his achievements on Superman: The Movie.

    Special Effects Superman is a tribute to Derek Meddings and his amazing career. The book will include over 300 ‘on set’ photographs from the Meddings family collection and stories from those who worked with Derek throughout his career.

    Stay tuned to the CBn main page for all the latest literary James Bond news.

  5. Ian Fleming's 'Quantum of Solace' Cover Art Revealed

    By Devin Zydel on 2008-10-02

    In early July, CommanderBond.net first reported that October 2008 would see the book release of Ian Fleming’s Quantum of Solace in the UK.

    Today, we can report that cover artwork that will accompany the hardback and paperback editions of this book. Click to view:

    Hardback cover | Paperback cover

    Similar in contents to the recently released Quantum of Solace: The Complete James Bond Short Stories collection, this forthcoming release brings together the nine 007 short stories that make up the For Your Eyes Only and Octopussy & The Living Daylights collections).

    Scheduled for publication on 30 October, the hardback and paperback editions of Quantum of Solace will retail for £20.00 and £6.99, respectively.

    Pre-order online:

    Keep watching the CommanderBond.net main page for the most complete literary James Bond coverage on the web.

    To keep track of all the upcoming 007 releases, events, television shows, and more–just keep your eyes on the CBn Calendar, located on the right panel of our main page.

  6. 'The Man With The Golden Touch: How The Bond Films Conquered The World'

    By Matt Weston on 2008-10-01

    An all-new book examining the phenomenon of the James Bond movies, The Man With The Golden Touch: How The Bond Films Conquered The World by Sinclair McKay, is out now in the UK and can be ordered from Amazon.co.uk.

    When Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman set out to make what they expected to be the first of three or four movies based on the espionage novels of Ian Fleming they can hardly have dreamt that they were founding a business that would still be going strong nearly half a century later. Yet the role of James Bond, which transformed Sean Connery’s career in 1962 when Dr. No came out, still retained its star-making power in 2006 when Daniel Craig made his Bond debut in Casino Royale. This is the story of how, with the odd misstep along the way, the owners of the Bond franchise, Eon Productions, have contrived to keep James Bond abreast of the zeitgeist and at the top of the charts for 45 years, through 21 films featuring six Bonds, three M’s, two Q’s and three Moneypennies. Thanks to the films, Fleming’s original creation has been transformed from a black sheep of the post-war English upper classes into a figure with universal appeal, constantly evolving to keep pace with changing social and political circumstances.

    Having interviewed people concerned with all aspects of the films, Sinclair Mckay is ideally placed to describe how the Bond ‘brand’ has been managed over the years as well as to give us the inside stories of the supporting cast of Bond girls, Bond villains, Bond cars and Bond gadgetry.This book covers the 45-year history of the world’s most successful film franchise. It shows how Eon Productions has kept James Bond abreast of the zeitgeist and at the top of the charts through 21 films featuring six Bonds, 3 M’s, 2 Q’s and 3 Moneypennies. It tells the stories behind the ‘Bond’ girls, the ‘Bond’ villains, the ‘Bond’ songs and title sequences, the ‘Bond’ cars and gadgetry.

    A six-page preview of the book can be found at Waterstones.com.

    Keep watching CommanderBond.net for the most up-to-date James Bond news on the web.

  7. 'By Royal Command' International Edition Now Available

    By Devin Zydel on 2008-09-30

    The international paperback edition of Charlie Higson’s fifth Young James Bond novel, By Royal Command, is now available.

    Charlie Higson’s By Royal Command

    First announced on the CommanderBond.net main page towards the beginning of 2008, this edition of By Royal Command was officially published on 29 September, following up the UK hardback release earlier this month. Head over to the Young Bond Dossier for your first look at the cover artwork.

    As literary 007 collectors are no doubt aware, international/’Open Market’ paperback editions of Bond novels can be quite difficult to come by for collectors as they mark the first true appearance of the book in a paperback format and are often printed in limited quantities.

    International paperback editions were previously issued for both Hurricane Gold and SilverFin–both appearing almost identical in appearance to the UK hardback original.

    Stay tuned to the CommanderBond.net main page for all the latest By Royal Command and literary James Bond coverage.

  8. Sir Roger Moore's 'My Word Is My Bond' Available Now

    By Devin Zydel on 2008-09-29

    The wait for Sir Roger Moore’s autobiography, My Word Is My Bond, is over for 007 fans in the UK as the book is now shipping from Amazon.co.uk.

    The book is published in hardback by Michael O’Mara Books, while a limited edition and audiobook version are also due in early October.

    Sir Roger will be embarking upon a world tour in mid-October to promote My Word Is My Bond. Locations include Paris, New York, Melbourne, Sydney, and Holland. Click here for further details on the book signings scheduled in the UK and New York.

    The quintessential suave hero, Roger Moore has had an extraordinary career that has spanned seven decades, from early television to the golden age of Hollywood and on to international superstardom.

    Dashing, handsome and every inch the archetypal English gentleman, he is unforgettable as The Saint, as Lord Brett Sinclair in The Persuaders! and, of course, as James Bond, making seven blockbusting films as arguably the most debonair of the 007s.

    For the first time, Roger shares his recollections of playing some of the world’s most famous roles alongside a host of legendary stars. With myriad stories from his personal life–from his childhood in London and experiences during the Second World War, to the happy and turbulent times in his later life. Along with anecdotes about his encounters with the stars and his wonderful memories from the heyday of Hollywood, My Word is My Bond is as frank, funny and disarmingly charming as the legend himself.

    The US release of My Word is My Bond will follow on 4 November. Order online:

  9. 'SilverFin' Graphic Novel Slips Out Early

    By Devin Zydel on 2008-09-28

    While it isn’t due for official release until the end of next week, the SilverFin graphic novel has slipped out early and is now shipping from Amazon.co.uk.

    Adapted from author Charlie Higson’s debut Young James Bond adventure by artist Kev Walker, SilverFin: The Graphic Novel features more than 300 full-colour illustrations.

    The blurb follows:

    It’s James Bond’s first day at Eton, and already he’s met his first enemy. This is the start of an adventure that will take him from the school playing fields to the remote shores of Loch Silverfin and a terrifying discovery that threatens to unleash a new breed of warfare.

    The hugely anticipated first-ever Young Bond graphic novel, adapted from Charlie Higson’s bestselling SilverFin, explosively illustrated by Young Bond artist Kev Walker.

    Walker, who has contributed to the official Young Bond website, is also responsible for the cover art on the US releases of Blood Fever and Double Or Die.

    Be sure to order soon as Amazon.co.uk currently has the price slashed 50% off retail.

    Stay tuned to the CommanderBond.net main page for all the latest details on the SilverFin graphic novel and all Young Bond-related news.

  10. 'The Shadow War': Mission Five

    By Matt Weston on 2008-09-27

    Participants in the first James Bond alternate reality game ever, The Shadow War, will have received their fifth mission this week…

    This week you need to unravel the message you found in Lisbon so we need you to go back to Keithly, back to where this all began. Something’s going on there, there’s someone mysterious on the move and YOU need to find out what’s going on.

    Charlie Higson’s By Royal Command

    Charlie Higson’s fifth Young Bond novel, By Royal Command is now in bookstores across Canada. Canadian bookstores receive the UK editions of the Young Bond novels, which means any of the 20 copies containing a secret code might have found their way across the Atlantic. To date, not a single copy with the alternate codeword has emerged, so get hunting and be sure to let us know if you’re holding a lucky copy of the novel on the CommanderBond.net Forums.

    It’s not too late to sign up for the Shadow War, the innovative Young Bond alternate reality game, based on Charlie Higson’s bestselling novels. Simply head over to the official Shadow War website to register.

    Keep watching CommanderBond.net for all the latest developments regarding Young Bond and The Shadow War.