'Quantum of Solace' Debuts At #2 In US Home Video Sales

Quantum of Solace

Following up reports from both the UK and Australia, home video sales for Quantum of Solace in the US have now come in.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Daniel Craig’s second James Bond film debuted in the #2 spot overall for the week ending 29 March. Summit Entertainment’s megahit Twilight, entering its second week of sales, prevented 007 from taking the top spot.

However, Quantum of Solace did top both the Nielsen VideoScan Blu-ray Disc chart and Home Media Magazine’s video rental chart for the week. The Blu-ray disc edition of the Bond film accounted for 28% of the title’s total sales.

Twilight emerged as the winner on the digital download chart. The film came in #1 on on Apple’s iTunes chart, while Bond debuted in second place. MGM reports half the purchases were in HD.

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Marc Forster Working On New 'Quantum of Solace' Blu-ray/DVD

Surprise, surprise: a new Quantum of Solace Blu-ray/DVD is in the works.

Just days after the 22nd James Bond film has hit home video, director Marc Forster has revealed to the Toronto Sun that he will be working on a bigger and better edition.

‘With this first DVD, it all happened pretty fast and I didn’t really have the time. I was only a little bit involved. But I will be working on the second DVD. I will be much more involved in that, putting pieces on,’ said Forster.

New special features will include audio commentaries and behind-the-scenes featurettes, among others. ‘It is much more in-depth,’ he stated.

However, the Quantum director isn’t quite sure exactly how much he wants to reveal about the making of this Bond film.

He said: ‘It used to be that cinema was magic for us and we really didn’t know how certain things were done. It was the sense of this mystery box. Today, because of DVD, people are so aware of how everything is being realized. And I think there are still certain things that should remain a mystery because that makes it interesting.’

Quantum of Solace

One particular item he is debating about is the original cliffhanger ending to the film in which Daniel Craig’s 007 confronts Mr. White. Originally tipped to be included on this first DVD/Blu-ray release of the film, the one-minute long scene also includes the cut ‘Bond, James Bond’ line.

‘It wasn’t cut because of that sentence,’ Forster explains. ‘It was cut for other reasons. I think it worked but it is still better how it is. It’s not on this DVD and we are still discussing whether we should put it in the next one. On one hand, I think it would be cool for the audience to see it. On the other hand, I think it would be more interesting to keep it a mystery.’

No release date information has been announced regarding this new edition of Quantum of Solace. CommanderBond.net will keep you updated with all of the latest information as it becomes available.

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'From Russia with Love' Screening In Phoenix

From Russia with Love

A screening of From Russia with Love is scheduled to take place in Phoenix this upcoming Friday night.

Sean Connery’s second James Bond film is the latest entry in the Movies in the Park series at Biltmore Fashion Park. Running through 24 April, the screenings take place at 7:30pm on Friday nights and are free of charge to guests. Featuring classic films and American favorites, Movies in the Park is a great way to spend a Friday evening under the stars.

Biltmore Fashion Park is located at 2502 East Camelback Road, #216, Phoenix, Arizona 85016.

For further information regarding this From Russia with Love screening, phone 602-955-1963 or visit the official website.

Keep watching CommanderBond.net for all the latest 007-related news from around the world.

'Quantum' Bond Girls At The Empire Awards

As earlier reported on the CommanderBond.net main page, Bond girls Olga Kurylenko and Gemma Arterton were in attendance at Sunday evening’s Empire Awards ceremony, where Quantum of Solace came away with two awards, including Best Thriller.

Both of film’s leading ladies spoke to Absolute Radio on the red carpet before and after the event.

Olga Kurylenko

When asked if she’d return in a future Bond film, Kurylenko stated: ‘I don’t know that. If they want me to, I’ll do it because it’s really one of the most amazing experiences one can have. If you were there, then you’d know what I’m talking about, so of course.’

Walking out of the ceremony with Quantum‘s Best Thriller award in hand, Kurylenko said she was going to hand the award off to producer Barbara Broccoli.

‘It’s all the people that worked on the movie that deserve it. We were… I don’t know how many… 300 I think and immense work has been done on the film and everyone worked so hard.’

Click on the below links to view the interviews:

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Bond Girl Gemma Arterton Kisses And Tells

Following internet rumours sparked from a kiss between Gemma Arterton and Jake Gyllenhaal for the upcoming Disney epic, Prince Of Persia: The Sands Of Time, the Bond girl set the story straight and discussed her work in Quantum of Solace with the Sydney Morning Herald.

Gemma Arterton is Agent Strawberry Fields in Quantum of Solace

‘I didn’t tongue Jake Gyllenhaal,’ laughs the 23-year-old British actress. ‘That was a misquote and a half. Somebody asked me if I used my tongue and I said, ‘Well, I gave him a kiss and perhaps my tongue slipped’ and I thought, “Oh God no, what have I done?”‘

‘And then they said that I tongued him, which I didn’t. Which he’s probably very upset about and Reese Witherspoon is also probably a bit upset as well. You know, you snogged my boyfriend. No I didn’t, it was an accident.’

Arterton continues, giggling: ‘Yeah, I think I did the same with Daniel [Craig]. I get so carried away and he is an incredible kisser.’

Even with relatively limited screen time, Arterton’s Agent Strawberry Fields was generally viewed as a highlight in the 22nd James Bond film.

‘I never, ever, ever thought I’d be considered for Bond,’ she stated. ‘And when I got it, it was so out of this world that I decided I wasn’t going to put any pressure on myself and I wasn’t going to try and live up to anybody’s expectations and I was just going to enjoy it. And I did.’

‘I just did it,’ says Arterton of her love scene, which took place on her first day of shooting on Quantum. ‘Then Daniel started kissing up my back and … I went, “Oh my God, this is crazy.” But I never think about things too much, which is sometimes good and sometimes bad.’

‘I just keep taking it as it comes but it was a bit weird when my mum called. She said, “What are you doing?” I said, “I’m kissing Daniel Craig.” It was very out of this world.’

Her next role will be in Louis Leterrier’s upcoming remake of Clash of The Titans opposite Sam Worthington, who was one of the contenders for the role of 007 before it ultimately went to Craig.

‘I hope he’s nice because we have to fall in love,’ laughs Arterton. The film has a March 2010 release date.

Keep turning to the CommanderBond.net main page for all the latest James Bond news and coverage.

James Bond Voted #1 Hero In Entertainment Weekly Poll

James Bond has been named Hollywood’s number one hero in a new poll from Entertainment Weekly.

The IMDb reports that 007 beat the likes Superman, Spiderman and Indiana Jones (who came in second place) to grab the top spot in the magazines Top 20 Heroes poll.

Other heroes that made the top ten included Sigourney Weaver’s Alien heroine Ellen Ripley, Robin Hood, Spider-Man and Die Hard‘s John McClane.

Keep your browsers locked on the CommanderBond.net main page for all the latest news from the world of James Bond.

'Quantum of Solace' Bags Two Wins At The Empire Awards

James Bond has once again triumphed at the Empire Awards, scoring two wins out of its five nominations.

Quantum of Solace

Quantum of Solace fought off stiff competition (including Best Picture winner No Country For Old Men) to take home Best Thriller at last night’s ceremony.

“It’s such a pleasure being here tonight and I’m very happy to receive this award,” said Olga Kurylenko, who accepted the trophy. “First of all I’d like to thank all the readers of Empire for supporting our film, and I accept this award on behalf of everyone who worked on Quantum of Solace. It was wonderful to work with people from the UK – by now it feels like home to me because I’ve spent so much time here. I especially want to thank Barbara Broccoli, Michael Wilson, Marc Forster and of course Daniel Craig.”

Meanwhile, Gemma Arterton scored a win for Best Newcomer. Last year, Arterton appeared in Quantum of Solace and RocknRolla. She has been previously nominated for her role in St Trinian’s.

“I’m completely winging this,” Arterton said during her acceptance speech. “I never prepare for anything. Watching that I realise how wonderful all the nominees are, really and truly, especially Toby [Kebbell] who’s a good friend of mine. But thank you all very much, it does mean a lot. Have a great night everyone!”

A full list of winners for the categories in which Quantum of Solace was nominated is below.

Best Thriller

• Quantum of Solace (winner)
• No Country For Old Men
• Changeling
• Gone Baby Gone
• Eagle Eye

Best Actor

• Daniel Craig – Quantum of Solace
• Daniel Day Lewis – There Will Be Blood
• Christian Bale – The Dark Knight (winner)
• Robert Downey Jr – Iron Man
• Johnny Depp – Sweeney Todd

Best Actress

• Olga Kurylenko – Quantum of Solace
• Angelina Jolie – Changeling
• Ellen Page – Juno
• Sally Hawkins – Happy Go Lucky
• Helena Bonham Carter – Sweeney Todd) (winner)

Best Newcomer

• Gemma Arterton (winner)
• Robert Pattinson
• Jim Sturgess
• Toby Kebell
• Hayley Atwell

Best Soundtrack

• Quantum of Solace
• Mamma Mia! (winner)
• Sweeney Todd
• RocknRolla
• There Will Be Blood

In 2007, Casino Royale conquered at the awards, landing Best Film, Best Actor (Daniel Craig) and Best Newcomer (Eva Green).

Keep turning to the CommanderBond.net main page for all the latest James Bond news and coverage.

Bond Girl Max Versterhalt Discusses 007 On 'Dave White Presents'

When you think of Bond girls, the name Max Versterhalt might not jump to mind. However, she not only appeared in Roger Moore’s 1981 For Your Eyes Only, she was originally intended to be one of its stars.

For Your Eyes Only

On the next edition of the online radio show, ‘Dave White Presents,’ Max tells her story, of how a poster of her promoting Greek tourism brought her to the attention of Cubby Broccoli, what went on during the filming of the casino scene, and what she thought of Roger Moore and director John Glen. She discusses a new website currently being constructed about ‘Bond Girls of Color.’ In addition, ‘Dave White Presents’ will debut some of Max’s newly recorded jazz tunes not yet heard anywhere else!

The other guests are Lonnie Burr, an original member of the Mickey Mouse Club Mouseketeers and David Vasquez, author of Mr. Swan’s Big Idea; The Revitalization of America’s Railroads.

These interviews, plus the usual “predictably unpredictable” comedy bits, will first air this Tuesday, 31 March, at 7:30 p.m. Pacific time, 10:30 EST over–WWW.KSAV.org.

On April 1, the show will become available for 24/7 access at WWW.audioentertainment.org.

Keep your browsers locked on the CommanderBond.net main page for all the latest news from the world of James Bond.

James Bond Is Australia's Biggest Home Entertainment Seller Of '09

James Bond in Quantum of Solace

Following up the news that Quantum of Solace had become the biggest home entertainment release in the UK for 2009, Film Ink reports that this success has also continued in Australia.

According to the site, Daniel Craig’s second James Bond film has become the number one seller for 2009, with sales of 77,096 units on Blu-ray and DVD during the first week of release.

Of these 77,096 units, Film Ink notes that the percentage of Blu-ray sales was at 17%, an industry record.

‘Bond remains one of the world’s largest and most successful film franchises of all time,’ stated Chris Dunn, Managing Director of Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.

‘It’s certainly no surprise that fans would be very excited to own Quantum of Solace in all of its high-definition glory on Blu-ray Disc–a truly thrilling viewing experience.’

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'Quantum of Solace' On Blu-ray/DVD – What The Critics Said (Part III)

Daniel Craig is James Bond in Quantum of Solace

QUANTUM OF SOLACE – BLU-RAY/DVD

WHAT THE CRITICS SAID (PART III)

Daniel Craig confirms in Quantum that he’s the best Bond since Connery [Blu-ray]

That’s certainly led to some mixed reviews for Quantum. Some fans have complained because it’s a departure from the more traditional stand-alone Bond adventure format, and critics bemoan the fact that there’s not as much humor and style, and that there’s too much action up front, and that the film is too short. Here’s what I say to all that: NUTS!

Let me give you a bit of sage advice. The best thing you can do for yourself going into Quantum, is to re-watch Casino Royale first, preferably RIGHT beforehand. You’ll be glad you did, because this movie picks up literally one hour after the last film ended, and there’s no recap. You’re thrust right smack into the middle of the action, going 100kph with lead flying, and you’d better be ready for it. ‘Cause if you’re not, you’re gonna be left in the dust pretty quickly…

Read on…

The Digital Bits

This instalment looks fine, but the story itself is suffering

★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

With a third Craig outing assured, perhaps they will pick up the dramatic pace as well as the frantic action stakes. With the introduction of an organisation that is pitted against Bond the next instalment could go somewhere interesting. But with his “revenge” thread sorted out (sort of?) the writers are going to have to come up with something very interesting. Perhaps a decent villain(s) and maybe less Bond girls’ next time out instead of retreading the conventions of past glories. They were wise to drop the whole Q Gadgets and Moneypenny aspects, now maybe they can drop a few more Bond conventions and truly make the next one different…

Read on…

Den of Geek

Quantum of Solace is an intensely exciting James Bond adventure [Blu-ray]

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Quantum of Solace is an exceptional James Bond picture that was unfairly maligned by critics. Perhaps the film’s abrupt beginning, which starts without alerting audiences to the plot of the previous film, caught viewers who weren’t intimately familiar with Casino Royale off guard. As such, viewers of Quantum of Solace are advised to re- watch Casino Royale immediately prior to beginning the film. MGM’s Blu-ray presentation of the film is first rate; its reference grade video and audio set new standards in Blu-ray quality. Those on the lookout for supplements, however, will be disappointed in the slim selection of extras included with the release. Quantum of Solace is an intensely exciting James Bond adventure that ties up loose ends from Casino Royale, while cementing Daniel Craig’s place among the best Bonds in history. Quantum of Solace receives my highest recommendation…

Read on…

Blu-ray.com

Quantum of Solace is a fine Bond adventure, but it doesn’t quite stack up against Casino Royale [Blu-ray]

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Solace is not operating on the flashy mediocrity of Brosnan’s films, but it’s also not doing the stakes Royale established justice. It’s the Bond movie we don’t mind having as a diversion, but it’s not the Bond film we deserve. Daniel Craig is arguably the best Bond since Connery, he should be sparring with Vesper or Le Chiffre equivalents, not Paul Greengrass-ing over rooftops and into sinkholes.

The first direct sequel in the Bond series, QoS picks up shortly after Casino Royale and finds 007 (Daniel Craig) investigating the shadowy network that recruited Vesper to serve as its double agent. M (Dame Judi Dench) fears that Bond is merely on a personal vendetta, but the secret agent insists that he is only concerned with doing his duty. During his globe-hopping quest — which takes him to Italy, Haiti, Austria and, finally, Bolivia — Bond identifies several leading members of the mysterious Quantum organization, including eco-friendly tycoon Dominic Greene (Mathieu Amalric)…

Read on…

IGN

Pretty much a full-throttled rollercoaster ride [Blu-ray]

Like in Casino Royale, Bond basically stumbles his way through the conspiracy using violence and his quick thinking to put the pieces together in time to save the world–or at least the part of the world he is in at the time.

Once again, I think Daniel Craig’s portrayal of Bond was great, and he seems to be more comfortable with the character in his second outing. This is not a comical Bond, a flirting Bond, or even a Connery Bond. Craig’s Bond is one part thug and one part cold blooded assassin.

Some critics knock the franchise’s reinvention as being too similar to the Bourne films, but I think they have finally gotten it right. Not since the early Sean Connery Bond films, has the character felt real (although he does have more than a few Superman moments in this one), and I give credit to Craig’s stripped down and reserved performance as Bond…

Read on…

Monsters and Critics

Quantum Of Solace is still a fine slam-bang Bond movie for the new generation

Coming off the knockout punch that was Daniel Craig’s debut in Casino Royale, there had to be a little Bond letdown, and Quantum Of Solace is it. From the weird title, to the aneurysm-inducing action, to the convoluted plot and oddly diluted villain, there’s a lot by which to be under-whelmed. However, Craig’s performance is a fine piece of work, bringing real emotion and subtlety to a character that’s often just a cartoon. It’s certainly not great Bond, revealing numerous opportunities to tweak the formula, but Quantum Of Solace is still a fine slam-bang Bond movie for the new generation, with touches of real grace. This two-disc special edition is Recommended…

Read on…

DVD Talk

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