Corgi Regains James Bond Licence

In May of last year, it was announced that Model maker company Hornby had announced plans to purchase Corgi International, a company known for its 40+ year-long association with the James Bond series.

Since then, Hornby had been working to regain the lucrative 007 licence in order for Corgi to be able to produce more Bond models. Toy News reports today that a brand new deal has finally been arranged, bringing the licence back to the company.

Corgi will be bringing back the die-cast 1:36 scale Bond cars and will be launching products associated with both the classic 007 films as well as the forthcoming Bond 23.

Frank Martin, chief executive of Hornby commented: ‘We are delighted to have the Bond licence back with the Corgi brand. It was a “must get” after acquisition of Corgi last year as we feel it the perfect association for Corgi.’

After missing the opportunity to release tie-in models for last year’s Quantum of Solace, Corgi has lined up a new Daniel Craig Era set, which is due this May, priced at £30.00. Additionally, the Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace DBS are available in a Showcase ‘Fit the Box’ Scale, at £4.99.

A Pierce Brosnan Era set will follow in April at £30.00 and the Aston Martin Vanquish and the BMW 750i are both available in 1:36 scale (£13.99), along with the Showcase ‘Fit the Box’ Scale Aston Martin Vanquish (£4.99).

Also due in April is the the Roger Moore Era set (£30.00) and the 007 Lotus Turbo in a 1:36 scale (£13.99).

Complimenting these will be the release of the Sean Connery Era set (£30.00) and Little Nellie as a Showcase ‘Fit the Box’ Scale (£4.99). The Gyrocopter and Rolls Royce are available in 1:36 Scale (£13.99).

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

'Never Say Never Again' Collector's Edition Now Available For Pre-order

Never Say Never Again Collector’s Edition

Last month, CommanderBond.net reported that Sean Connery’s final adventure as James Bond–1983’s Never Say Never Again–would finally be released on Blu-ray this upcoming March in an all-new Collector’s Edition.

Pre-order links for the Bond film (it will simultaneously be released on DVD as well with brand new special features) are now listed at Amazon.com at a discounted rate:

• Order the Never Say Never Again Collector’s Edition from Amazon.com (Blu-ray)
• Order the Never Say Never Again Collector’s Edition from Amazon.com (DVD)

The Never Say Never Again Collector’s Edition will be released alongside the Blu-ray discs for Goldfinger, Moonraker, The World Is Not Enough and Quantum of Solace on 24 March.

To date, there is still no confirmation that this edition will be released in the UK as well.

Stay tuned to the CommanderBond.net main page for all the latest 007 collecting news.

James Bond On Blu-ray
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Latest news, cover artwork, ordering details, worldwide release dates, special features, technical specifications, special collections and more.

'Never Say Never Again' Collector's Edition Cover Art

Never Say Never Again Collector’s Edition

Just yesterday it was announced that Sean Connery’s final James Bond adventure, 1983’s Never Say Never Again, was being released on Blu-ray and DVD as a Collector’s Edition with all-new special features.

We now have cover art for this forthcoming release, which is due out on 24 March 2009 alongside the Blu-ray editions of Goldfinger, Moonraker, The World Is Not Enough and Quantum of Solace.

DVD Times points out that the Never Say Never Again Collector’s Edition will retail for $34.99 (Blu-ray) and $19.98 (DVD).

Pre-order links are forthcoming.

James Bond On Blu-ray (UK)

James Bond On Blu-ray (US)

Stay tuned to the CommanderBond.net main page for all the latest 007 collecting news.

'Never Say Never Again' Announced On Blu-ray Disc

MGM and Fox Home Entertainment today made the surprising announcement that the 1983 non-Eon James Bond film, Never Say Never Again, will arrive on Blu-ray Disc on 24 March, 2009, the same day as Goldfinger, Moonraker, The World Is Not Enough and Quantum of Solace.

A brand new DVD edition will also hit shelves.

Both releases will include a range of long-overdue bonus features, which will hopefully shed light on this important piece of James Bond history.

• Commentary with Director Irvin Kershner and James Bond Historian Steven Jay Rubin
• The Big Gamble
• Sean is Back
• The Girls of Never Say Never Again
• Theatrical Trailer
• Photo Gallery

Pre-order details and cover art is forthcoming.

James Bond On Blu-ray (UK)

James Bond On Blu-ray (US)

Stay tuned to the CommanderBond.net main page for all the latest 007 collecting news.

Three New James Bond Blu-ray Discs Available For Pre-order

James Bond Blu-ray Collection Three-Pack, Vol. 3

In addition to the upcoming home entertainment release of Daniel Craig’s Quantum of Solace, James Bond fans can look forward to three additional 007 adventures making their debut on the Blu-ray format.

Due out on 24 March are Goldfinger, Moonraker and The World is not Enough.

These Blu-ray Bond films will be available to purchase separately (retailing at $34.99 each) or can be purchased together in the James Bond Blu-ray Collection Three-Pack, Vol. 3 (no announced retail yet, but likely $89.98).

Currently, these newly announced titles are only available to pre-order from Amazon.com.

The first wave of 007 Blu-ray titles–Dr. No, From Russia With Love, Thunderball, Live and Let Die, For Your Eyes Only and Die Another Day–were released in October 2008.

James Bond On Blu-ray (UK)

James Bond On Blu-ray (US)

Stay tuned to the CommanderBond.net main page for all the latest 007 collecting news.

Ian Fleming's 'You Only Live Twice' Sells For $84,000 At Auction

A special copy of Ian Fleming’s penultimate James Bond novel, 1964’s You Only Live Twice has sold for $84,000 (£56,000) at an auction.

As first reported on the CommanderBond.net main page last month, this copy of the book is inscribed by Ian Fleming to the ornithologist who’s name was used for the literary spy.

The novel was sold along with many other notable pieces of 007 memorabilia at the 33rd Profiles in History Hollywood Memorabilia auction, which took place this past Thursday.

This copy of You Only Live Twice was expected to fetch between $60,000 and $80,000 at the sale.

Roald Dahl’s original handwritten second draft screenplay for the Bond film of the same name sold for $96,000 (£64,000). It was estimated at $30,000 to $50,000.

Ian Fleming’s inscribed copy of You Only Live Twice to the ‘real’ James Bond

Ian Fleming’s You Only Live Twice (Jonathan Cape, 1964). First British edition. Orig. black cloth boards lettered in silver (spine a bit cocked, light offsetting to endpapers), pictorial dust jacket after a design by Richard Chopping (very fine). Inscribed by Fleming on the front free endpaper, “To the real James Bond from the thief of his identity. Ian Fleming, Feb. 5, 1964, (a great day!)”. When writing Casino Royale in the early 50s, Fleming needed a name for his soon-to-be famous fictional secret agent. He looked no further than the coffee table of his home in Jamaica, where he found inspiration in a copy of Birds of the West Indies by American Ornithologist James Bond. It was not until 1964 that the two authors met in person, when Fleming received the real James Bond at the Jamaican home where 007 was born. Fleming gave Bond a prepublication copy of You Only Live Twice as a memento of his visit, signing it as above. It was the only book ever inscribed for the real-life Bond by Fleming, who died several months after the meeting. Includes a copy of How 007 Got His Name (Collins, 1966, 1st ed.) by Mrs. James Bond and a dust jacket for the book Birds of the West Indies by James Bond. You Only Live Twice housed in a custom half morocco clamshell slipcase. The ultimate James Bond association! Fleming acknowledges the source of secret agent 007’s name!

Keep your eyes on the CommanderBond.net main page for all the latest news on James Bond-related events happening around the world.

Kevin McClory's 'Warhead' Script Sells For Nearly 50,000 Pounds At Auction

A 1976 script for Warhead–a James Bond film that never was–sold for an astonishing £46,850 ($68,000) at Christie’s Pop Culture: Entertainment Memorabilia auction, making it the highest-selling lot featured.

The Telegraph reports that this coveted 007 collector’s item far exceeded initial expectations of &pound2,000 – £3,000.

Credited to Kevin McClory, Sean Connery and Len Deighton, this script includes production details and a cast list featuring James Bond, Ernst Stavros Blofeld, Felix Leiter, Moneypenny, M, Q and Bond girls Justine Lovesit and Fatima Blush (the latter of these two ultimately appearing in 1983’s Never Say Never Again).

A photograph of the three authors of the screenplay, taken at McClory’s home in Ireland during their collaboration on the project is also included.

Furthermore, McClory’s shooting script for Never Say Never Again, featuring storyboards, was also included in the lot. [Click here for complete details on the lot].

Katherine Williams, popular culture specialist at Christie’s, said: ‘The Pop Culture: Entertainment Memorabilia sale witnessed a busy saleroom, with numerous international bidders on the telephone and on Christie’s LIVE.’

‘We are delighted with the robust prices achieved for pieces associated with screen icons, including the the script of an unmade James Bond film which sold for £46,850, and Marilyn Monroe’s glamourous fur stole which reached £42,050 and jacket which fetched £39,650. The beautiful collection of rare vintage photographs of Marlene Dietrich totalled £27,361.’

‘Numerous lots far exceeded pre-sale expectations, demonstrating the continued appeal and durability of the pop culture market.’

Keep your eyes on the CommanderBond.net main page for all the latest news on James Bond-related events happening around the world.

Limited Time Blu-ray Bond Special At Amazon.com

30 November UPDATE:
Amazon.com has since removed the $15 ‘best value discount’ from this offer. Accordingly, the total price is now $54.94 as opposed to $39.94.

If you’ve been waiting for the prices to drop before purchasing James Bond on Blu-ray, then it’s likely going to be a long time before a deal as good as this one comes along again.

James Bond on Blu-ray

As reported at BigPictureBigSound, all six of the currently available Bond Blu-ray discs (not including the Casino Royale Collector’s Edition) can be purchased at Amazon.com for a total price of $39.94–a considerable discount from the $210 list price of all the discs and even the $108 sale Amazon typically runs.

The discount is being offered as part of Amazon’s Buy More and Save More on Blu-ray sale, which runs through 11:59pm (PT) on 7 December 2008.

At the above Amazon page, select all six of the 007 Blu-ray discs and add them to the shopping cart. Select the “Super Saver Shipping” at check-out, where the $50 promotional discount will be applied as well as a $15 ‘best value discount’.

Do note that specific terms and conditions apply and that this promotion can be discontinued at any time. Visit Amazon.com for full details.

Stay tuned to the CommanderBond.net main page for all the latest 007 collecting news.

"To the real James Bond from the thief of his identity…"

A very important piece of James Bond history is among the 007 collectables to be auctioned off at the 33rd Profiles in History Hollywood Memorabilia auction on December 11: a copy of You Only Live Twice inscribed by Ian Fleming to the ornithologist whose name he used for the character of James Bond – the only book Fleming ever inscribed to the real Bond.

The only 007 book to ever be inscribed to the “real” James Bond is expected to fetch between $60,000 and $80,000 at auction next month

The first edition of Fleming’s 1964 James Bond novel is inscribed by the author as follows…

To the real James Bond from the thief of his identity,

Ian Fleming
Feb. 5 1964
(A great day!)

Fleming gave the book to the real James Bond on the only occassion that the pair met. The book is expected to fetch between $60,000 and $80,000. Profiles in History’s full description follows…

The inscription to the “real” James Bond

Ian Fleming’s You Only Live Twice (Jonathan Cape, 1964). First British edition. Orig. black cloth boards lettered in silver (spine a bit cocked, light offsetting to endpapers), pictorial dust jacket after a design by Richard Chopping (very fine). Inscribed by Fleming on the front free endpaper, “To the real James Bond from the thief of his identity. Ian Fleming, Feb. 5, 1964, (a great day!)”. When writing Casino Royale in the early 50s, Fleming needed a name for his soon-to-be famous fictional secret agent. He looked no further than the coffee table of his home in Jamaica, where he found inspiration in a copy of Birds of the West Indies by American Ornithologist James Bond. It was not until 1964 that the two authors met in person, when Fleming received the real James Bond at the Jamaican home where 007 was born. Fleming gave Bond a prepublication copy of You Only Live Twice as a memento of his visit, signing it as above. It was the only book ever inscribed for the real-life Bond by Fleming, who died several months after the meeting. Includes a copy of How 007 Got His Name (Collins, 1966, 1st ed.) by Mrs. James Bond and a dust jacket for the book Birds of the West Indies by James Bond. You Only Live Twice housed in a custom half morocco clamshell slipcase. The ultimate James Bond association! Fleming acknowledges the source of secret agent 007’s name!

A range of other Ian Fleming books and James Bond items are also to be auctioned. Below is the full list of 007 collectables to go under the hammer.

• Lot #91: From the library of Ian Fleming, Humoresque by Humbert Wolfe – $1,200–$1,500 (details…)
• Lot #92: Noel Coward drawing of Ian Fleming dated 1939 – $8,000–$12,000 (details…)
• Lot #93: Original portrait proof photograph of author Ian Fleming published on the back cover of his first James Bond novel, Casino Royale – $3,000–$5,000 (details…)
• Lot #94: First American edition of Casino Royale inscribed by Ian Fleming – $12,000–$15,000 (details…)
• Lot #95: First British edition of From Russia With Love by Ian Fleming (Ian Fleming’s personal copy with his corrections on five pages) – $18,000–$20,000 (details…)
• Lot #96: First British edition of Goldfinger, inscribed by Ian Fleming – $30,000–$50,000 (details…)
• Lot #97: First British edition of For Your Eyes Only, inscribed by Ian Fleming – $20,000–$30,000 (details…)
• Lot #98: First British edition of Thunderball inscribed by Ian Fleming $25,000–$35,000 – (details…)
• Lot #99: Original poster advertising Ian Fleming’s James Bond novel, Thunderball – $4,000–$6,000 (details…)
• Lot #100: Collection of original photographs of Sean Connery and Ursula Andress from Dr. No – $1,000–$1,500 (details…)
• Lot #101: Rare Ian Fleming handwritten letter with great content regarding Dr. No, as he was writing the book – $8,000–$12,000 (details…)
• Lot #102: First British edition of The Spy Who Loved Me, inscribed by Ian Fleming to Richard Chopping – $40,000–$60,000 (details…)
• Lot #103: First British edition of You Only Live Twice inscribed by Ian Fleming to the real James Bond – $60,000–$80,000 (details…)
• Lot #104: Second draft original handwritten manuscript of You Only Live Twice signed by Roald Dahl – $30,000–$50,000 (details…)
• Lot #105: You Only Live Twice (Mimeographed)film typescript written by Roald Dahl – $3,000–$5,000 (details…)
• Lot #106: Original hand-drawn Ken Adams set design from You Only Live Twice (Asian Spa) – $2,000–$3,000 (details…)
• Lot #107: Original hand-drawn Ken Adams set design from You Only Live Twice (Asian Bedroom) – $2,000–$3,000 (details…)
• Lot #110: James Bond Moonraker original second advance one-sheet poster artwork – $15,000–$18,000 (details…)
• Lot #111: James Bond A View To A Kill original first advance one-sheet poster artwork – $12,000–$15,000 (details…)
• Lot #112: Pierce Brosnan’s rubber stunt pistol from Tomorrow Never Dies – $6,000–$8,000 (details…)

The auction will take place at 11:00 am PST at Profiles in History, 26901 Agoura Rd Ste 150, Calabasas Hills, CA 91301. Full details can be found at the Profiles In History website.

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

Six New Blu-ray James Bond Titles Announced For March '09

The second wave of James Bond on Blu-ray titles has been announced, due for release in March 2009.

The six new titles include: Goldfinger, Diamonds are Forever, The Spy Who Loved Me, Licence To Kill, GoldenEye and The World is not Enough.

This second wave of Blu-ray Bond discs are slated for a Region 4 release on Wednesday, 18 March 2009 and can currently be pre-ordered at EzyDVD.

While there are currently no listings at Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk, it is a likely bet that the Region 1 and 2 releases of these 007 discs will be around the same March date, when Quantum of Solace will also be hitting Blu-ray/DVD.

The first wave of titles–Dr. No, From Russia With Love, Thunderball, Live and Let Die, For Your Eyes Only and Die Another Day–were released this past October and can be ordered online:

James Bond On Blu-ray (UK)

James Bond On Blu-ray (US)

Stay tuned to the CommanderBond.net main page for all the latest 007 collecting news.