CommanderBond.net
  1. Bond girl Gemma Arterton joins The Little Dog Laughed

    By Devin Zydel on 2009-09-25

    Gemma Arterton, known best for her role as Bond girl Agent Strawberry Fields in last year’s Quantum of Solace, will be making her West End stage debut early next year.

    Gemma Arterton

    Gemma Arterton

    What’s On Stage reports that Arterton will join Rupert Friend and Tamsin Greig in the UK premiere of Douglas Carter Beane’s Tony Award-winning Broadway comedy The Little Dog Laughed, which opens on 20 January 2010 at the Garrick Theatre.

    Preview performances of the play are scheduled to commence on 8 January.

    The Little Dog Laughed is a cautionary tale of Hollywood film actor Mitchell (Friend) who wants to come out of the closet, his agent Diane (Greig) who wants him to stay in it and the love triangle created when Mitch falls for rent boy Alex, who has a girlfriend named Ellen (Arterton).

    Arterton first made her stage debut as Rosaline in the Globe’s 2007 production of Love’s Labour’s Lost.

    The Little Dog Laughed will be directed by Jamie Lloyd, whose other West End credits include Three Days of Rain, Piaf and the Pinter double bill of The Lover and The Collection.

    Ticket prices range from £19.00 to £59.50. For further information, visit What’s On Stage.

    Keep turning to the CommanderBond.net main page—as well as our brand new Twitter feed—for all the latest James Bond news and coverage.

  2. MGM battling bondholders and bankruptcy; James Bond in limbo

    By Devin Zydel on 2009-09-25

    The bad news continues for the debt-laden MGM Studios—home of the James Bond films.

    According to new updates at Deadline Hollywood Daily, the studio has made a conference call plea with its ‘very loud and very upset’ bondholders in order to try and stave off the threat of bankruptcy.

    The studio, which carries a burdening $3.7 billion in debt, is trying to work out a deal with the creditors to waive interest payments until February 2010. The company is in desperate need of $20 million in short-term cash flow to cover overhead, and an additional $150 million to get through the end of year and continue funding its projects, and to further start Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit (not having to make payments immediately provides the studio with some much-needed money to back their film production slate).

    Several bondholders have threatened that they will let the studio fall into bankruptcy, since they would then be first in line to eventually get paid.

    On the other hand, it is being argued by investment bankers that the immediate sale of MGM wouldn’t fetch more than $1.5 billion to $1.75 billion at auction—meaning that the bondholders would recover less than $.50 on the dollar.

    Either way, bankruptcy would almost certainly mean the loss of the lucrative James Bond series, the crown jewel in MGM’s film catalogue, among many other film franchises.

    Time will tell to see how things work out for the troubled studio. CommanderBond.net will keep you updated with all of the latest details.

  3. Limited-time Choose Your Bond Blu-ray Pack offer on Amazon.com

    By Devin Zydel on 2009-09-25
    James Bond Blu-ray Collection Three-Pack, Vol. 3

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

    007 fans in the United States who have yet to pick up the James Bond Blu-ray sets now have the perfect opportunity to do today.

    In a very limited-time offer that is only available today at Amazon.com, all three of the currently available James Bond Blu-ray Three-Pack sets have been slashed 57% from $69.99 to only $29.99 each.

    To add Bond to your shopping cart, follow the prompts on this Amazon.com page. Restrictions apply; see terms and conditions.

    The James Bond Blu-ray Three-Pack Vol. 1 boxed set contains: Dr. No, Live and Let Die and Die Another Day. Vol. 2 contains: From Russia With Love, Thunderball and For Your Eyes Only. Vol. 3 contains: Goldfinger, Moonraker and The World is not Enough.

    CommanderBond.net will keep you updated with complete coverage on all the latest James Bond Blu-ray news—be sure to check out our brand new Twitter feed as well.

    James Bond On Blu-ray
    Complete CommanderBond.net Coverage

    Latest news, cover artwork, ordering details, worldwide release dates, special features, technical specifications, special collections and more.

  4. Meet two James Bond film stars at UK's Vintage Magazine Shop

    By Devin Zydel on 2009-09-24

    Two James Bond film stars are scheduled to be making an appearance at the Vintage Magazine Shop in London next month.

    007 fans will be able to meet up with both Shirley Eaton (most memorable as a gold-painted Jill Masterson in Goldfinger) and Burt Kwouk (a three-time Bond film star with appearances in Goldfinger, Casino Royale (1967) and You Only Live Twice).

    They are scheduled to meet and greet and sign autographs for fans on Saturday, 10 October from 12:00 to 2:00pm.

    Visit the official Vintage Magazine Shop website for further details on this upcoming 007 signing.

    James Bond Film Stars Signing
    Saturday, 10 October 2009
    From 12 Noon
    Vintage Magazine Shop
    39-43 Brewer St.
    London, W1F 9UD
    020-7439-8525

    Keep your browsers locked on the CommanderBond.net main page—and our brand new Twitter feed—for all the latest news on James Bond-related events occurring around the world.

  5. Ian Fleming's Live and Let Die first edition shows up at bookstore

    By Devin Zydel on 2009-09-24

    The staff at a bookstore in Scotland got quite a surprise earlier this week when they discovered a first edition hardback copy of Ian Fleming’s Live and Let Die in a charity bin bag.

    Ian Fleming

    Ian Fleming

    As reported at Deadline Scotland, the James Bond novel was spotted alongside several other books in a bag of donations to the store.

    Tracking down a first edition Jonathan Cape copy of Live and Let Die is no easy (or cheap) task, considering the book is more than 50 years old and the first print run consisted of only 7,500 copies. It is Fleming’s second 007 novel following 1953’s Casino Royale.

    Bookshop manager Andy Crosby said: ‘007 seems to bring a bit of luck to our shop. We don’t know who donated the book but I would like to thank them very much for their extremely generous donation.’

    The shop plans to auction off the Bond novel at Bonhams in Oxford next week, with an estimated price set at £800.

    This is the second first edition copy of a Fleming novel to turn up at the shop recently after a copy of From Russia With Love, worth £300, turned up last year.

    Keep watching the CommanderBond.net main page—and our brand new Twitter feed—for the most up-to-date literary James Bond coverage on the web.

  6. Another James Bond theme for Shirley Bassey? Never say never…

    By Devin Zydel on 2009-09-23

    Welsh superstar and three-time 007 theme song performer Shirley Bassey held a grand reception at The Ritz in London earlier this week to preview her eagerly-anticipated new album, The Performance.

    Produced by current James Bond composer David Arnold, The Performance features songs penned by Manic Street Preachers, the Pet Shop Boys, Gary Barlow, KT Tunstall and Richard Hawley.

    The album, due out on 9 November, also marks the reunion of Bassey with longtime Bond regulars John Barry and Don Black, who last collaborated together in 1971 for Diamonds are Forever.

    As probably all Bond fans are aware, Bassey holds the record for the most 007 title tunes with Goldfinger, Diamonds and Moonraker. The Times was curious to see if she was at all interested in adding a fourth song to that list and posed the question to her at the London event.

    ‘Of course,’ she responded. ‘After doing three, why not do one more? But it’s not my choice, it’s up to the producers and composers, sadly.’

    Arnold, who was nearby, added in: ‘It depends on the storyline. James Bond isn’t about nostalgia, it’s about the present and future. But trust me, if the the song is right for her, then it would be incredible to have her sing. Never say never.’

    In any event, Bassey looks to keep quite busy in the weeks ahead as the album’s release nears. Paul Williams, Music Week magazine editor, commented: ‘She could be on the verge of a very big comeback indeed.’

    ‘Shirley Bassey is a truly iconic artist and one of the most successful British female singers of all time, but this new album gives her the potential of achieving the kind of commercial success she has not enjoyed in years.’

    ‘A truly remarkable cast list of songwriters has been gathered for it, from the likes of John Barry and Don Black, who have been behind her past signature songs like Diamonds Are Forever, to more contemporary names including Barlow and Wainwright.’

    ‘These great songwriters have brought out the best in Bassey’s voice and it all adds up to both a contemporary and classic-sounding album, which, if it gets the right exposure, will appeal to her long-term fan base and could well deliver many new fans as well.’

    ‘Given the number one record company, Universal, is behind this project, there is no doubt all the stops will be pulled out to make it a success and I know they are lining up some great promotion for her, including TV, to ensure word gets out about the album.’

    Keep watching the CommanderBond.net main page—and our Twitter feed—for more news on this exciting album.

  7. Daniel Craig's A Steady Rain boosts Broadway box office

    By Devin Zydel on 2009-09-22
    Daniel Craig

    Daniel Craig

    The presence of both Daniel Craig and Hugh Jackman proved to be a recipe for success in the just-released Broadway play A Steady Rain.

    According to Variety, the gritty drama was a huge success, making it’s way into the top three at Broadway’s box office last week.

    Opening at Manhattan’s Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre, A Steady Rain grossed a stunning $1,167,954 for eight performances in the production’s first full week on the boards—it proved to be a new house total for the theatre.

    As Variety notes, it’s quite a rare occurrence for a non-musical to crack the top 10, much less the top three. Craig and Jackman knocked Jersey Boys ($1,126,009) out of the number three slot, landing behind Wicked ($1,441,683) and Billy Elliot ($1,342,233). The average ticket price paid for the play was $136.

    Keep your browsers locked on the CommanderBond.net main page–as well as our brand new Twitter feed–for all the latest James Bond news and coverage.

  8. Quantum of Solace Game Walkthrough (PS2) – White's Estate (1)

    By Guest writer on 2009-09-21
    Stuck on a level? Not sure where to go next? Use this CommanderBond.net walkthough as your guide to Activision’s debut James Bond 007 game, Quantum of Solace.

    This Quantum of Solace: The Game walkthrough is applicable for the Playstation 2 platform.

    NOTE: To access the CommanderBond.net walkthrough for the Xbox 360, Playstation 3, Nintendo Wii and Windows PC platforms, click here.

    Quantum of Solace: The Game (PS2)

    Mission 1: White’s Estate

    Walkthrough by: CBn Forum member Jaws0178

    'Quantum of Solace' Game Box Art

    Quantum of Solace

    Okay, here we go. After watching the cutscene that basically follows the end of the Casino Royale movie, you’re off as secret agent James Bond. You start out in Mr. White’s garden. Now, this is more of a training level than anything, however, I will go ahead and run through the basics with you, the reader. Now, M and Tanner will fill you in on most of the pertinent information on controls, etc. This walkthrough will answer any questions you may have concerning the level. I will pick up the walkthrough after M releases you from the training section…

    1. And with the words, “Good luck 007”, we’re off. First step is to eliminate or subdue the baddie standing guard. Note that if you eliminate him, make sure you use a silenced weapon or you will attract undue attention. Once he has been dealt with, run to the left side of the staircase and use it for cover as the second henchman comes to do his patrol. Wait until he is heading back to terminate him. Once he is gone, either take out the third goon from a distance or run up to the second set of stairs and take him out there. After that, you are going to go right, using the wall as cover. Tanner will come on, informing you of the security camera and the hacking station. Heed his advice, and stay down. Once you are past the camera, if you did not destroy it, you can hack it instead. The hacking system goes like this: when you press triangle you will get a small computer screen that contains one circle with what is the directional controls on your controller. Outside of the circle, at each point is a box with randomly moving letters and numbers. When one of the arrows turns green, press the corresponding direction on your pad. If it turns red, do not mess with it, or you will lose time. The first hacking box is three digits, and you have 24 seconds to complete it. (Also, just a quick note, you can use the analog controls to do the hacking station.) Once you are done, go down the stairs and through the door to end this section and move on to the wine cellar beneath the estate.

    'Quantum of Solace'

    Quantum of Solace

    2. Welcome to the wine cellar. Run down the corridor and use either the wall or the pillar for cover. If you use the wall on the right, you are going to have to get to the other side, and you will be noticed. It’s up to you. The important is to eliminate the two baddies in front of you. Once they are gone, head toward the pillar where two more will be waiting for you. Exterminate them, and move along the big wine rack toward the next pillar, where two more are waiting at the end of the corridor. Once they have been terminated, move down the corridor to the end. Once you are there, climb the ladder. Before you do, however, make sure you gather up all the ammo.

    3. Okay, you are now on the bottom floor of the estate. Go through the only door to find a single guard standing sentry. It’s pretty much a waste of ammo to eliminate him, unless you just want to do so, otherwise subdue him by sneaking up behind him, and pressing triangle. Once he is out of the way, you can use the left wall for cover, so that you can get a feel for the place. There are two guards patrolling the upper floors. One on the second, one on the third. The briefcase is on the third floor, left side. Go through both doors, and to the safe. It’s a hacking station, with three digits and nineteen seconds to get them in.

    4. It’s a trap! A number of enemies have entered the estate. Basically, keep fighting them until Tanner tells you that Mr. White is trying to escape. Once he tells you, run for the front door to trigger a cutscene and typical Bond opening. That’s it. You’re done. Mission Complete.


    Quantum of Solace is currently available on the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii, Playstation 2, Nintendo DS and Windows PC platforms in the UK and US. Click here to order.

    Keep your eyes on the CommanderBond.net main page for the most up-to-date coverage of Activision’s Quantum of Solace.

  9. Rare: GoldenEye 007 revival incredibly unlikely

    By Devin Zydel on 2009-09-21

    GoldenEye 007 developer Rare has commented on the possibilities of a revival of the classic James Bond game—and their response is unfortunately not what the 007 community wants to hear.

    In a recent Q&A session on their official website, the developer responded to a question regarding whether or not the hit Bond game for the Nintendo 64 would ever be seen again on a different platform in the future.

    'GoldenEye 007'

    Their response: ‘That was some time ago, my friend. Fate was against us that day. Destiny conspired to raise the hurdles even as we attempted to clear them, resulting in unpleasant groinal injury.’

    ‘I suspect we’re long past the stage where an agreement was on the cards, but you never know. Stranger things have happened… somewhere… probably.’

    In the past, there had been endless stories speculating whether or not GoldenEye 007 would make its way onto the Nintendo Wii and/or Xbox LIVE Arcade and almost always the resulting answer was ‘no or not yet’ due to complicated rights issues. To read up further, click here to access the complete GoldenEye 007 news archive on CommanderBond.net.

    Keep watching the CommanderBond.net main page—and our brand new Twitter feed—for the most up-to-date James Bond coverage on the web.

  10. Titan's Ian Fleming James Bond Omnibus

    By Devin Zydel on 2009-09-21

    This upcoming Friday will mark the release of the newest addition to the illustrated 007 line-up from Titan Books: The James Bond Omnibus (Vol. 1).

    The James Bond Omnibus (Vol. 1) is the definitive collection of James Bond’s adventures in comic strip form, collecting together for the first time eleven of Bond’s most thrilling and dangerous missions, adapted from Fleming’s novels that inspired the James Bond movies.

    Titan's 'James Bond Omnibus (Vol. 1)'

    Titan’s James Bond Omnibus (Vol. 1)

    The first bumper volume of its kind from Titan, ‘Volume 001’ presents Casino Royale, Live and Let Die, Moonraker, Diamonds are Forever, From Russia With Love, Dr. No, Goldfinger, Risico, From a View to a Kill, For Your Eyes Only and Thunderball.

    Collected together with an introduction by Sir Roger Moore, this slick volume features over 300 pages of beautiful women, thrilling action, incredible gadgets and the odd Vodka Martini, shaken not stirred…

    This ultimate collection of Bond’s best is not to be missed!

    The James Bond Omnibus (Vol. 1) will showcase the work of writers Henry Gammidge, Anthony Hern and Peter O’Donnell and artist John McLusky.

    Printed as a flexi-bound paperback, The James Bond Omnibus (Vol. 1) will be released on 25 September in the UK and 20 October in the US. Pre-order links follow at the end of this article.

    Keep watching the CommanderBond.net main page—and our brand new Twitter feed—for the most up-to-date illustrated James Bond coverage on the web.