It's Coming: Bond On Blu-ray

French site FilmsActu landed a huge scoop today, revealing that James Bond will arrive on Blu-ray by the year’s end.

High-Def Digest relays that six titles will be initially released in France – Dr. No, From Russia With Love, Thunderball, Live and Let Die, For Your Eyes Only and Die Another Day. The discs will hit shelves on 5 November, to coincide with the release of Quantum of Solace.

Only Casino Royale has been released on the format so far – and was a massive commercial hit.

FilmsActu notes the remaining 14 films should be released sometime next year, with the next batch possibly timed for release alongside Quantum of Solace‘s arrival on DVD and Blu-ray.

The site promises more information and specifications on the initial six Blu-ray releases in the near future.

The first 20 James Bond films were re-released on Ultimate Edition DVD in 2006, having undergone a state-of-the-art restoration process.

It should be stressed that these details only pertain to a French release – however, it bodes well for other releases around the world.

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

Hornby To Buy 007 Die-cast Maker Corgi For $15 Million

Model maker company Hornby is set to breathe new life in the die-cast model market after buying Corgi International yesterday for $15 million (£7.5 million).

The Times reports that that Hornby intends to revive the company well known for it’s 40+ year-long association with the James Bond series.

Frank Martin, chief executive of Hornby, said: ‘It is a fanastic brand and has a superb reputation worldwide. We intend to build its premier position in the market. The strategic fit with our existing business could not be better.’

Corgi’s owners put the business up for sale after struggles with paying suppliers and introducing new products. Hornby will be paying the US-based Corgi £7.5 million for the brand, tooling and intellectual property rights to Corgi Classics. An additional £800,000 for all existing stock.

The company is perhaps best known to 007 collectors for their phenomenally popular Aston Martin DB5 model–first launched in 1965. A prototype model sold for $2,100 at an auction this past October.

Hornby’s Martin stated that his priority was ‘satisfying the pent-up demand in the UK for Corgi classics’, but also intends to generate more exports to the US and continental Europe. Corgi’s sales have fallen to £6.5 million a year from as high as £18million in the late 1990s.

‘The core business of Corgi is the adult collector but one of the opportunities we have is to broaden the market by taking the brand to a younger audience,’ he said.

‘There is definitely still a place for these brands. I still don’t think that there is any substitute for the physical act of collecting these models, holding them and putting them in a display case.’

Lindsey Amrani, editor of Model Collector magazine, said: ‘Everyone will be relieved–there’s been a lot of speculation about the fate of Corgi and no models have been released this year. Hornby recently declared record profits and they have taken Airfix on and turned it around, so I think it will be a very good thing indeed.’

Most recently, Corgi showed off their Quantum of Solace/Casino Royale Bond figures and gadgets at the 2008 UK ToyFair. Hornby also recently confirmed a Quantum of Solace Scalextric racing set due for release later this year.

Keep watching CommanderBond.net for all the latest James Bond collecting news.

Corgi's James Bond 'Mission Arsenal' Gadgets Previewed

As recently posted on CommanderBond.net, the 2008 UK ToyFair saw Corgi unveiling it’s line-up of James Bond figures and collectibles to be released later this year as well as into 2009.

The 5″ action figures on hand included a forthcoming Quantum of Solace collection, featuring Daniel Craig’s James Bond and several other major characters from the film as well as a Casino Royale collection.

Furthermore, Bond collectors can also look forward to an Aston Martin DBS and a boat to be featured in one of the film’s chase sequences. These two items are planned for release alongside the figures in September 2008.

In addition to the action figures and vehicles, several 007 gadgets were also previewed at the show, and courtesy of Figures.com, can now be viewed online.

Collected under Corgi’s ‘Mission Arsenal’ label and also due with the Quantum of Solace figures in September, the Bond gadgets include:

• Nano Surveillance Camera (view)
• Pen with UV Ink Revealer (view)
• Crypto Decoder Device (view)
• MP3 Comlink Set (view)
• GPS Hideout Tracker (view)
• Secret Sender Cell Phones (view)

Details and retail prices are still to be finalized on these forthcoming ‘Mission Arsenal’ gadgets.

In August of last year, Corgi announced it had renewed its licence agreement with Eon Productions through 2010. The agreement includes all 21 James Bond films plus this year’s Quantum of Solace. It also includes any future films that may be released before the agreement lapses.

Corgi International CEO Michael Cookson said in August, “Corgi has had a long association with the James Bond license, and as a licensee for over 40 years on Die Cast, we truly believe that we have reached an agreement where we can use our expertise in both the mass and collectibles markets to release products to a fan base that is both core and aspirational, something that most people believe James Bond to be. Our product range will commence before the movie release in 2008 with classic movie product and replicas and continue with some strong and innovative mass market lines, and we are proud to continue our association with such a franchise.”

Keith Snelgrove, SVP Global Business Strategy for EON Productions, said, “We pride ourselves in the long-standing business relationships we have with many of our James Bond franchise partners. Corgi has been with us since the beginning, and we are excited to see the new range of both toys and prop replicas that Corgi International will bring to market in conjunction with our next film and beyond.”

Keep watching CommanderBond.net for all the latest news on the upcoming James Bond collectibles from Corgi.

Sideshow: No Daniel Craig Bond Figure In Near Future

Disappointing news for fans of the James Bond figures from Sideshow Collectibles.

Despite rumours that a Daniel Craig figure was finally on the way from the company last year, this doesn’t seem to be the case any more.

During a 2008 Toy Fair Question & Answer session posted on the official website, a fan asked if Sideshow was planning on adding to their extensive 007 series–specifically if a Sideshow 12-inch figure of Craig was coming soon.

The reply: ‘Never say never, but we don’t currently have any plans to release a Daniel Craig 12-inch in the near future.’

At least Bond fans have Corgi to reply upon. As previously reported on CommanderBond.net, a full set of Quantum of Solace 5″ figures, including two versions of Craig’s 007, “M” (Judi Dench), Mr White (Jesper Christensen), Dominic Greene (Mathieu Amalric), Camille (Olga Kurylenko), General Medrano (Joaquín Cosio) plus a character named ‘Elvis.’

Corgi will be releasing those figures, along with others from 2006’s Casino Royale, in September of this year. Click here for further details, including Corgi’s plans for many other Bond figures and vehicles later this year and in early 2009.

Stay tuned to CBn for all the latest James Bond collectible news.

Corgi's James Bond Action Figures Previewed

Action-Figure.com was on hand at the 2008 UK ToyFair, where Corgi unveiled its line up of James Bond figures for 2008 and 2009.

Collectors may be particularly interested in the Quantum of Solace range of figures, due out in September 2008. This collection of 5″ figures will include two versions of James Bond (Daniel Craig), “M” (Judi Dench), Mr White (Jesper Christensen), Dominic Greene (listed under the character’s earlier name of Maurice Green) (Mathieu Amalric), Camille (Olga Kurylenko) and General Medrano (Joaquín Cosio). A character named “Elvis” is also mysteriously listed.

A range of characters from 2006’s Casino Royale were also previewed, including two versions of James Bond (Daniel Craig), Vesper Lynd (Eva Green), Le Chiffre (Mads Mikkelsen).

A range of 7″ action figures based on the earlier James Bond films are scheduled for release in waves during 2008 and 2009.

Wave 1 (July 2008):

• Honey Ryder (Dr. No)
• Oddjob (Goldfinger)
• Scaramanga (The Man With The Golden Gun)
• Vesper Lynd (Casino Royale

Wave 2 (January 2009):

• Pussy Galore (Goldfinger)
• Solitaire (Live And Let Die)
• Baron Samedi (Live And Let Die)
• Jaws (Moonraker)

A number of James Bond vehicles were also on exhibition, including a display listing the Aston Martin DBS and a boat for release alongside the Quantum of Solace figures in September 2008; late last year, Daniel Craig was snapped at the helm of a speedboat during rehearsals for this year’s movie.

In August last year, Corgi announced it had renewed its licence agreement with Eon Productions through 2010. The agreement includes all 21 James Bond films plus this year’s Quantum of Solace. It also includes any future films that may be released before the agreement lapses.

Corgi International CEO Michael Cookson said in August, “Corgi has had a long association with the James Bond license, and as a licensee for over 40 years on Die Cast, we truly believe that we have reached an agreement where we can use our expertise in both the mass and collectibles markets to release products to a fan base that is both core and aspirational, something that most people believe James Bond to be. Our product range will commence before the movie release in 2008 with classic movie product and replicas and continue with some strong and innovative mass market lines, and we are proud to continue our association with such a franchise.”

Keith Snelgrove, SVP Global Business Strategy for EON Productions, said, “We pride ourselves in the long-standing business relationships we have with many of our James Bond franchise partners. Corgi has been with us since the beginning, and we are excited to see the new range of both toys and prop replicas that Corgi International will bring to market in conjunction with our next film and beyond.”

Point your browswers to Action-Figure.com for their exclusive coverage and images of these forthcoming collectables.

Keep watching CommanderBond.net for the latest James Bond news.

Hornby Confirms 'Quantum of Solace' Scalextric Racing Set

Back in December, CommanderBond.net reported that Scalextric, a major international brand of slot car racing, was rumoured to be planning a James Bond racing set that would be a tie-in to the newly-titled Quantum of Solace.

According to an article in the BBC News, parent company Hornby has today confirmed this, stating they have high hopes for the forthcoming James Bond set.

‘We’re delighted to have the licence for James Bond. Scalextric was very strong last year, largely because of the Lewis Hamilton effect,’ said chief executive Frank Martin.

The BBC News adds that the set will feature 007’s Aston Martin DBS and an Alfa Romeo as the chase car.

Bond collecters may recognize the company as the maker of the 1968 James Bond Car Chase set and other related 007 items.

Keep your eyes on the CommanderBond.net main page for all the latest news and complete coverage of Quantum of Solace.

Scalextric Planning 'Bond 22' Slot Car Racing Set

Scalextric, a major international brand of slot car racing, is rumoured to be planning a James Bond racing set that would be a tie-in to Daniel Craig’s Bond 22.

According to the Scalextric Racing blog, the company is planning to have the officially licenced 007 set out around the same time the film debuts in theatres in November 2008.

Scalextric’s other licences include Batman, The Amazing Spider-Man, The Simpsons, Transformers and The Italian Job.

Bond collecters may recognize the company as the maker of the 1968 James Bond Car Chase set and other related 007 items.

Keep watching CommanderBond.net for all the latest news from the world of James Bond.

James Bond Included On Master Replicas 2008 Product Line

Master Replicas, a company that has made replica products for a variety of licences, including James Bond and Star Wars, announced their planned product line for 2008.

Amongst several other Star Trek, Halo and Nintendo-related products, James Bond made is included with the following items:

• The Golden Gun LE
• The Golden Gun SE
• Underwater Breather LE (from Die Another Day)
• Wrist Dart Gun LE (from Moonraker)

Note that the above is just a sampling of 007-related items planned for 2008 and more could follow. Specific release dates were not announced.

Past Bond products from Master Replicas include the limited edition Aston Martin DB5 and DBS from Casino Royale and the Casino Royale film can with Carta Mundi card pack set (the latter is still available to purchase on the official website).

Keep watching CommanderBond.net for all the latest news from the world of 007.

Corgi Announces Limited Edition James Bond Sets

According to reports from James Bond Nederland and 007 Magazine OnLine, Corgi, who has been associated with the 007 series throughout four decades, has announced four brand new limited edition James Bond collector’s sets.

Limited to only 1500 units each, these four collector’s sets are also accompanied by a booklet biography written by Dave Worrall (whose other notable Bond books include The Essential Bond, The James Bond Diecasts of Corgi and The Most Famous Car In The World).

Currently availabe to order online, full details on these four sets follows below:

Aston Martin DB5 2-piece set – ‘Goldfinger’ & ‘Casino Royale’

A set that encapsulates the first and the last (well, latest). This two-piece set of 1:36 scale models includes a re-issue of the very first James Bond die-cast model released by Corgi in October 1965, the classic Goldfinger Aston Martin DB5, together with the latest DB5 from Casino Royale. The set comes in a film canister box and includes a booklet telling the history of Bond and Corgi.

• Order at Amazon.co.uk
• Order at Corgi.co.uk

James Bond – Sean Connery Era Set

This 1:36 scale set consists of the classic Aston Martin DB5 and the Rolls Royce III Sedance de Ville from Goldfinger, released in 1964 with Sean Connery as 007. The original (and definitive) James Bond, Connery starred in 6 of the films, five between 1962 and 1967, and a single return, Diamonds are Forever, in 1971. The set includes a booklet about his portrayal of 007.

• Order at Amazon.co.uk
• Order at Corgi.co.uk

James Bond – Roger Moore Era Set

As the booklet enclosed with this set will tell you in detail, Roger Moore personified the ultimate smooth James Bond between 1973 and 1985, appearing in the role no fewer than seven times. This two-piece set of 1:36 scale replicas reproduces the Lotus Esprit Underwater vehicle from The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) and the Lotus Turbo from For Your Eyes Only (1981).

• Order at Amazon.co.uk
• Order at Corgi.co.uk

James Bond – Pierce Brosnan Era Set

Both the Aston Martin Vanquish V12 and the Jaguar XKR in this two-piece 1:36 scale set of replicas reproduce the heroic cars from Die Another Day, the 20th film in the James Bond canon. The film was Pierce Brosnan’s fourth and final performance as the elegant secret agent appearing from 1995 to 2002. A booklet enclosed with the set outlines his career as 007.

• Order at Amazon.co.uk
• Order at Corgi.co.uk

Keep watching CommanderBond.net for all the latest news from the world of 007.

Corgi Celebrates Aston Martin 007 Milestone

Corgi International Limited has presented licencing partner EON Productions with a commemorative plaque, after selling more than seven million units of the phenomenally popular James Bond model car–the Aston Martin DB5.

Toy News reports that the company, famous among 007 fans for their vast collection of Bond-related die cast vehicles, also recently signed a new Worldwide Master Toy and Collectible License with EON, which will allow the company to produce and distribute action figures, vehicles, electronic role-play products, die-cast models, high specification RC items and high end replicas.

The agreement (which was announced back in August of this year) runs through until 2010 and covers the James Bond classic movie archive, the upcoming Bond 22, which is due for release in 2008, and any other moves released during the term.

Corgi has been a partner with EON Productions and their James Bond franchise for more than 40 years. The Aston Martin DB5, which was Corgi model #261, and initially launched in 1965 has remained one of the most popular Bond collectibles ever.

Keep watching CBn for all the latest news from the world of 007.