'Quantum of Solace' Grabs #1 Spot At International Box Office

Here we go again…

Weekend box office numbers for Quantum of Solace have come in and the totals are sure to make Sony Pictures and MGM very happy.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, the 22nd James Bond film, which opened in the UK, France and Sweden, grossed a spectacular $38.6 million from 2,123 screens, easily grabbing the #1 spot at the box office.

More record-breaking for the film was in store for the UK following the news that Quantum‘s Friday debut of £4.94 million ($8 million) was the best ever. Playing on 1,150 screens, the 007 film earned £15.7 million ($25.3 million) over the weekend, becoming the biggest three-day opening ever in the UK.

Surpassing Casino Royale‘s equally impressive box office debut by 35%, the film had an incredibly strong per-screen average of $22,000.

The good news continued to the French and Swedish markets, where Quantum of Solace smashed the series’ record in the former with a $10.6 million total from 824 sites (per-screen average was $12,864). In Sweden, the the film shattered Royale‘s record by 31%, taking in $2.7 million from 149 sites (average of $18,121 per screen).

‘No other international release in 2008 has grossed more [playing in] fewer than 27 territories,’ said Mark Zucker, Sony’s president of international distribution.

The $38.6 million weekend debut for Daniel Craig’s second Bond film also pushed Sony’s international box office for 2008 past the $1 billion mark.

This upcoming weekend will see the film expand to 57 new markets and then debut in the United States the following weekend.

CommanderBond.net will be tracking all the box office numbers as Quantum continues to debut around the world in the upcoming weeks. Stay tuned.

As always, keep your browsers pointed to CBn for all the latest-breaking James Bond news.

Cigar Aficionado's James Bond Special

Amongst the numerous James Bond specials being promoted by magazines as Quantum of Solace hits theatres, fans will want to keep an eye out for the new edition of Cigar Aficionado.

This special November/December issue of the magazine features a 007 section written by David Giammarco, who literary Bond fans may recognize as the author of For Your Eyes Only: Behind the Scenes of the James Bond Films.

This exclusive 16-page Quantum of Solace special includes on set interviews with Daniel Craig, Olga Kurylenko, Gemma Arterton, Mathieu Amalric, Marc Forster, Barbara Broccoli, Michael G. Wilson. Also featured is a profile of creator Ian Fleming and the Bond films, incorporating interviews with those involved during the 46-year history of the cinematic 007.

The Cigar Aficionado Quantum of Solace special (with Craig on the cover) is currently available in both the UK and US.

As always, make CommanderBond.net your #1 source for all the latest news and information on Quantum of Solace.

'The Music Is Bond… James Bond' Hits Auckland On 22 November

007 fans in Australia will want to add this upcoming event to their calendars. On Saturday, 22 November, Auckland’s Aotea Centre will host ‘The Music Is Bond… James Bond’–a stunning concert showcasing 45 years of music from the Bond films.

Full press release follows below:

THE MUSIC IS BOND… JAMES BOND

Auckland, Aotea Centre, November 22.
Bookings: The Edge www.the-edge.co.nz

‘The Music is Bond… James Bond’ is set to take over the Aotea Centre in Auckland on November 22. This stunning concert, featuring five of our most talented performers — will showcase the hit songs and music from 45 fabulous years of iconic James Bond films.

From 1962’s Dr No through to 2008’s Quantum of Solace, the songlist spans the generations, including the James Bond Theme to songs such as Goldfinger, From Russia With Love, Live and Let Die, For Your Eyes Only and The Spy Who Loved Me.

Featuring a stunning line up of vocalists and 20 piece orchestra, this brilliant show will pay homage to some of the world’s leading artists to have performed the Bond hits including Shirley Bassey, Tina Turner, Tom Jones, and most recently Alicia Keys.

The show’s producer, Tim Beveridge says he’s always been a fan of the Bond films and the show has taken months of planning and selecting the right performers to make it work.

“Every New Zealander would be familiar with the iconic Bond songs such as Goldfinger, From Russia with Love and Live and Let Die. They span generations and I’m sure everyone will have their favourites,” says Beveridge.

Many were successful hits in their day with some nominated for Academy Awards.

November sees the release of the latest of the latest James Bond Film Quantum of Solace.

Tim has assembled a top line up of NZ’s most talented and versatile vocalists in the form of Tina cross, Taisha, (both of Ladykillers fame), jazz siren Caitlin Smith and newcomer Rebecca Wright.

The show’s musical arranger is Mark Dennison who has worked with a bevy of international stars including Shirley Bassey who recorded Goldfinger from the 1964 Bond film of the same title.

For fans of the Bond films it will be a perfect night of entertainment to leave them shaken, if not a little stirred…

The Music is Bond… James Bond
Proudly presented by SKYCITY in association with Coast and Mazda
Aotea Centre, Auckland
8 pm, 22 November, 2008

Tickets will be available from The Edge outlets and online at www.the-edge.co.nz.

Keep your eyes on the CommanderBond.net main page for all the latest James Bond news.

Barbara Broccoli: Shaking And Stirring James Bond

‘Don’t screw it up.’

It’s a phrase one often heard from producer Albert R. ‘Cubby’ Broccoli in reference to making a brand new James Bond film and it carries on today with Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson helming the incredibly successful phenomenon that is 007.

In an interview with the St. Petersburg Times, Broccoli discusses the importance of following her father’s dedicated approach in making the films and why Bond remains such a popular character almost five decades after 1962’s Dr. No was released in theatres.

‘We do feel very strongly about carrying on his legacy,’ says Broccoli, who was honoured with the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire award earlier this year along with Wilson for their services to the film industry.

‘When my father and Harry [Saltzman] got the rights to these films they created this genre. There wasn’t this type of movie before Dr. No and From Russia with Love. John Barry created this kind of music. Peter Hunt, who edited those first movies, revolutionized that concept. Terence Young, an amazing director, gave it a look and a style. And Sean Connery simply burst onto the screen.’

‘We stand on tall shoulders here, and we have to keep up what they began,’ she says.

Broccoli began her official association with the 007 series on 1983’s Octopussy, where she was an executive assistant. She continued this role for A View to a Kill. For The Living Daylights and Licence To Kill, she served as an associate producer along with Bond regular Tom Pevsner, before becoming a producer along with Wilson for GoldenEye onwards.

‘I was very close to my father. Absolutely adored and worshipped him. I think if he’d been running a pizzeria I’d be making pizzas. It had a lot to do with who he was. He was great company, entertaining, a really down-to-earth guy and a great teacher because he shared his knowledge.’

She continues: ‘His basic rule was: Put the money on the screen. He believed, as I do, that there’s a lot of goodwill out there for the Bond movies. People constantly come up and say: “Oh, my dad used to take me,” or “We’d go as a family; I really knew I was grown up when they’d let me see a Bond movie.” All the stories we get from people are about the Bond movies being part of their family experience.’

As many Bond fans are well aware, Cubby was incredibly devoted to the series, taking time to produce only two non-Bond films, Call Me Bwana and an adaptation of Ian Fleming’s Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

‘He felt, like: “No, I’ve got to pay attention, I’ve got to make these movies really good because there is an expectation.” That was something he conveyed to us. Michael and I feel strongly the same way.’

Like her father before her, Broccoli spends the majority of her time helming the Bond adventures, the latest of which, Quantum of Solace, is currently opening around the world. Her one major non-Bond producing credit was a recent London stage adaptation of Fleming’s Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

‘[My father] said whenever you’re stuck just go back to Fleming. That’s something we’ve always done.’

‘In between movies we read all the books and short stories again, not because there are things there that haven’t been shot but to kind of saturate ourselves in that world again. It’s the character of Bond that has sustained these films.’

Keep your eye on the CommanderBond.net main page for all the latest James Bond news and coverage.

Be Part Of The 00-Action At Harrods

Harrods, the London-based largest department store in the world, is getting into the James Bond celebrations just as Quantum of Solace begins to debut in theatres.

Be part of the action at Harrods

To celebrate the long awaited release of the latest Bond film, Quantum of Solace, we’re showcasing an unmissable array of 007 icons at Harrods.

Visit our Knightsbridge store until January 2009 to view the very same Sunseeker speedboat (exhibited until 22nd November 2008) and Aston Martin DBS driven by Bond in Quantum of Solace, on display in our Brompton Road windows. The Aston Martin DBS is one of only five used in the film worldwide.

Plus, get an up-close peek at the Tom Ford suit and black Prada dress worn by Daniel Craig and Olga Kurylenko, modelled as part of this unique window display. A limited number of replica versions of these garments are on sale exclusively at Harrods.

You can also take a bite of Bond’s style with a globally acclaimed Omega watch. Visit our Fine Jewellery Room, ground floor for further information.

To watch the new film in optimum audio and visual glory, check out the latest home entertainment technology in our Sony department, third floor.

When you’ve finished perusing these exciting Bond collections, you can share in 007’s favourite off-duty indulgence — a glass of fine Bollinger Champagne. View the bottles on display in our specially built Bollinger Champagne Bar. Located for a limited time only in Harrods’ front windows, the Bollinger Bar inspires a toast to the return of Britain’s favourite spy.

Those who favour a soft refreshment can also purchase the new limited-edition glass Coke Zero bottle with a special Bond design, available exclusively from Harrods’ Food Halls, ground floor.

If this action packed line-up isn’t enough to leave you thoroughly shaken and stirred, you can also enjoy clips from Quantum of Solace playing in a compelling motion-sensitive exhibit in our Brompton Road windows.

For further information, visit the official Harrods website.

Make CommanderBond.net your #1 source for all the latest news and information on Quantum of Solace.

Daniel Craig On 'Live with Regis and Kelly' On 12 November

007 fans will want to keep an eye out for an upcoming Daniel Craig talk show appearance.

Craig will be discussing his second time around as James Bond on the Live with Regis and Kelly talk show on Wednesday, 12 November–just two days before Quantum of Solace debuts in US theatres.

The show is broadcast at various times Monday through Friday. To find your local affiliate carrying the show, visit the official website.

Stay up-to-date with complete James Bond coverage at CommanderBond.net–your #1 source for all the latest Quantum of Solace clips and news.

Andrew Lycett Uncovers The Real 'Quantum of Solace'

Ian Fleming biographer Andrew Lycett has written an article for this weekend’s Guardian, in which he reveals the incident that inspired the James Bond author to write “Quantum of Solace”, the 007 short story that lends its name to the current record-breaking film.

“Quantum of Solace”, which was ultimately published in the 1960 short story collection For Your Eyes Only, is a decidedly un-Bondian tale, in which 007, after making a passing remark at a dinner party about his desire to marry an air hostess, is told the story of a disintegrating marriage.

The fascinating tale that inspired the short story began in 1959, as Fleming, suffering burnout from Bond, set about writing a short story collection as a way to avoid penning a fully-fledged novel. Lycett writes…

So [Fleming] turned to his girlfriend in Jamaica, Blanche Blackwell, for the real-life tale that became his story “Quantum of Solace”. Blackwell revealed how, in 1938, she had visited her then husband, Joe Blackwell, in Mandeville, where he had been seconded to the local constabulary at the time of a rebellion that threatened to bring the colony to its knees. She had been appalled to witness one of his fellow officers being humiliated by his wife’s very public extramarital affair.

She had been reminded of these events when her friend, Sylvia Foot, the wife of a recent governor general, asked her to help an unfortunate woman who had been abandoned by her husband, a former deputy police commissioner on the island. This was Elspeth Smith, the brazen adulteress of Mandeville. According to Foot, the police officer, Clive Smith, had become deputy commissioner in Jamaica. But his wife’s infidelities rankled. After a trip abroad, he told her he would no longer communicate, except in writing. When, a year later, she asked for a divorce and alimony, he informed her she would be financially secure since she had the house, the car and all the furnishings. Soon afterwards, he moved to Barbados as commissioner of police. When Elspeth Smith came to sell up, she found nothing paid for. Thus Foot’s appeal for charity. But Blackwell, recalling Elspeth’s behaviour in 1938, felt no inclination to help.

Fleming changed the Smiths’ home to Bermuda and made the policeman a diplomat, but kept the gist of the story, which in his version was told to Bond in an after-dinner conversation in Nassau about the nature of marriage. He had the narrator, the governor of the Bahamas, defining the Quantum of Solace as a precise equation of the amount of comfort necessary between two people if love is to flourish. If this figure is zero, there can be no love. Bond clearly understood, for he added that “when the other person not only makes you feel insecure but actually seems to want to destroy you … you’ve got to get away to save yourself”.

Blackwell at least received recompense for her authorial help. Fleming acknowledged her role by giving her what he called “a fat present” – in reality a slim wristwatch from Cartier. At last, a true Bond touch.

To read the whole article, visit guardian.co.uk.

“Quantum of Solace” is the title story in the newly-released Quantum of Solace: The Complete James Bond Short Stories, available in hardcover, paperback and as a Penguin Modern Classic.

Keep watching CommanderBond.net for the most up-to-date literary 007 news on the web.

BBC Radio 7 Broadcasts 1990 Adaptation Of Ian Fleming's 'You Only Live Twice'

Following last week’s broadcast of Alex Jennings reading Ian Fleming’s debut James Bond novel, Casino Royale, BBC Radio 7 are this weekend broadcasting the 1990 radio adaptation of Fleming’s 1964 Bond novel, You Only Live Twice.

The adaptation is faithful to Fleming’s original novel, unlike the 1967 movie starring Sean Connery.

The 90-minute broadcast is also available to download for the next seven days from the BBC Radio 7 website.

British actor Michael Jayston, who appeared in mini-series Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy and currently stars in ITV soap “Emmerdale”, plays James Bond.

Alex Jennings’ reading of Casino Royale is also still available from the BBC Radio 7 website, but hurry – there’s only one day remaining to hear episode one.

Keep watching CommanderBond.net for the most up-to-date literary 007 news on the web.

'By Royal Command' Paperback Artwork Revealed

The Young Bond Dossier, the official source for Young Bond news, has scored the paperback artwork to Charlie Higson’s fifth entry into the literary James Bond canon.

The cover artwork reprises the Union Jack motif that appeared on the hardcover edition. Portions of the cover will be finished in silver foil.

By Royal Command will be released in paperback on 28 May, 2008, on the 101st anniversary of Ian Fleming’s birth. But if you can’t wait, you can order the gorgeous hardcover release from the Amazon link below.

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

Titan's James Bond Returns In 'Polestar'

Even though Amazon is pegging the release date in November, Polestar, the latest addition to Titan’s James Bond collection, is now available in both the UK and US.

This brand new Titan collection brings together five 007 adventures in total. In addition to the title story, included are: Flittermouse, The Scent Of Danger, Snake Goddess and Double Eagle.

Bond girl Valerie Leon, who had appearances in both The Spy Who Loved Me and Never Say Never Again, provides the introduction. As a result of the numerous stories to be featured this time around, the Polestar collection showcases the work of writer Jim Lawrence and artists Yaroslav Horak and John McLusky.

Flittermouse was first published immediately before Polestar and the two stories together represent the final section of Series Five that was first serialised in the Daily Star.

The next three stories, The Scent Of Danger, Snake Goddess and Double Eagle, complete Series Five and represent the final entries of Titan’s James Bond checklist. These strips were syndicated in non-UK newspapers. Mclusky worked with Lawrence on The Scent Of Danger, while Horak returned for the final two stories, Snake Goddess and Double Eagle.

The legend continues! Stand by for more adventures with the world’s greatest and most famous secret agent, James Bond, as some of his most thrilling missions are collected for the first time ever in a deluxe collectors’ library edition! This bumper action-packed volume collects ultra rare Bond stories that have not been seen since their original syndication: Flittermouse, The Scent of Danger, Snake Goddess, Double Eagle and Polestar! Plus a new introduction by Bond girl Valerie Leon (The Spy Who Loved Me), features on Ian Fleming’s home “GoldenEye” and a look at the rarely seen Bond Zig Zag comics series, this latest explosive volume is not to be missed!

To order the Polestar collection, scroll down to the links provided in the CBn checklist below.

Stay tuned to the CommanderBond.net main page for complete coverage of all the latest Titan James Bond releases.