'Goldfinger' Screening With Bond Girl Shirley Eaton

007 fans will be able to experience Sean Connery’s third James Bond film, Goldfinger, on the big screen on Sunday, 9 September 2007 as part of the BBC Film Festival in Glasgow, UK.

In addition to the screening of Goldfinger, Shirley Eaton, who played the role of ill-fated Bond girl Jill Masterson, will also be one of the guests attending the event.

Other films to be screened include Spider-man 3 and Notes on a Scandal.

The BBC Film Festival will be held at the Glasgow Green on Sunday, 9 September. Tickets to this event are free, but there is a limited availability. Visit the official website or phone 08709 020 777 for further information.

Says Alan Yentob, the BBC’s Creative Director: ‘The festival is a fantastic opportunity to highlight the BBC’s commitment to film and to celebrate the pivotal role we can play at every stage of origination, production, promotion and broadcast. I’m delighted Glasgow was chosen as the host city for the event, especially given the Glaswegian reputation for being voracious cinema-goers. I hope the festival will be seen as an opportunity not just to watch great films for free, but to find out more about how films are produced and even how to make a film of your own.’

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Related Articles

• Goldfinger – Film Articles

"He has to deal with revenge."

As the press junket starts up for Daniel Craig’s sci-fi remake, The Invasion, expect the actor to be continuously quizzed about the future of James Bond. Good news for us 007 fans! First up is an interview with the Chicago Sun-Times.

“I think that we’ve set up an idea now that there’s an organisation out there,” said Craig, when asked where he’d like to see the character go in the yet-to-be-titled Bond 22. “He also has to deal with revenge because he has lost the girl. I think the process [of how he becomes Bond] is still happening. We haven’t finished the [story] arc. Bond is still maybe too headstrong and he doesn’t make all of the right decisions. I want to continue what we’ve set up in the last movie.”

“We made a good movie and I just want another good movie.”

Craig also spoke about that other spy with the initials J.B. “The ‘Bourne’ series … are superb movies. They’ve kind of brought things to a grittier way, which I really appreciate in an action hero. I like to see these people really dig in.”

“I also like the old Michael Caine spy movies that they were doing in the ’60s. The landscape has [also] changed politically, but I don’t think we’re any less confused then we ever were. That’s why people love good action or sci-fi films or even the James Bond series. We want action heroes who might not know all the answers, but at least they know who the bad guy is and can try to get him or them.”

The actor, whose first 007 outing, Casino Royale, was a huge critical and commercial hit last year, also spoke about the pressures of being propelled into the media spotlight. “It’s a huge deal, but [my family] are very proud of me and seem to be very happy. I’ve been acting a long time now and so it’s not like I haven’t been doing things and they haven’t noticed things. This is a big deal, but this hasn’t come out of the blue.”

To read the full interview, in which Craig talks about The Invasion, The Golden Compass and how he spends his much-deserved breaks, click on over to the Chicago Sun-Times.

Keep watching CBn for all the latest James Bond news.

Looking Back: 'Never Dream Of Dying'

The CBn ‘Looking Back…’ series now moves onto Raymond Benson’s fifth original James Bond novel, Never Dream Of Dying. First released in May of 2001, this was Benson’s final novel of the Union Trilogy. CBn takes an indepth look back at Never Dream Of Dying. Included are publication details, trivia notes about the book and CBn Forum fan reactions…

In Raymond Benson’s chilling new James Bond novel, Bond comes face to face at last with the most cunning criminal mastermind he has ever fought–the blind genius behind the brutal organization called the Union.

It begins at a movie studio in Nice where a police raid goes horribly wrong, killing innocent men, women and even children. It continues in an English prison, where a dead man discloses an intriguing secret about the brutal criminal organisation called the Union. The trail leads James Bond to Paris, where he meets the tantalising movie star Tylyn Mignonne and embarks on a voyage of sensual discovery.

But Tylyn is in mortal danger. Her husband, a volatile French film producer, has not forgiven his glamorous wife for ending their troubled marriage–and he is connected to the Union’s thugs.

Meanwhile Bond’s friend, French agent Mathis, has disappeared while tracking down the Union’s mysterious leader, Le Gérant. Bond’s journey takes him to a thrilling underwater brush with death, a chase through the Corsican wilderness, a surprise encounter with an old friend–and a final confrontation with a twisted criminal genius.

UK First Edition Hodder & Stoughton Hardback

Trivia

Never Dream Of Dying is the final book of the Union trilogy–the other two being High Time To Kill and Doubleshot.

Unlike some previous James Bond novels by Raymond Benson, Never Dream Of Dying was the author’s original choice for the title.

The US G.K. Hall Large Print hardback edition of Never Dream Of Dying shares the same cover as the US Putnam hardback.

The name ‘Tylyn’ is taken from a Playboy playmate that was a friend of Raymond Benson.

While being promoted to the Captain status in later John Gardner James Bond novels, here 007 is a Commander once again.

The author’s fifth original James Bond novel (he’s also adapted two of the recent big-screen adventures) is classic Bond. Here we have a larger-than-life villain (the mysterious leader of the Union, an international terrorist organization), a diabolical plot (yes, it involves world domination), lots of action, and plenty of snappy Bond dialogue…

The Booklist

What sets this book apart from its two predecessors in the Union series, however, is not just a better constructed and more gripping plot, but also the humanisation of Bond… he has rediscovered the mood and psyche of the self-assured and, at times, humorous assassin… Bond is human, after all, and Benson has him looking deep within himself.

The Journal

Release Timeline

• 2001: 1st British Hodder & Stoughton Hardback Edition
• 2001: 1st American Putnam Hardback Edition
• 2001: 1st British Coronet Paperback Edition
• 2001: 1st American G.K. Hall Large Print Hardback Edition
• 2002: 1st British Windsor/Chivers Press Large Print Hardback Edition
• 2002: 1st American Jove Paperback Edition

Forum Reviews

***WARNING***: Some of the following reviews contain major spoilers regarding this novel.

I loved Never Dream Of Dying, and if they were to only make one of the continuation novels into a film, this would probably be the one that I would choose to adapt.

CBn Forum member tdalton

Whilst I cannot say Never Dream Of Dying is my favourite Benson (Doubleshot is my favourite, followed closely by Zero Minus Ten), I still loved it! Of course, the Union and their leader return, so naturally I was excited to read their next adventure (as I read the trilogy as soon as each novel was released and therefore obviously in order). My only disappointment with the novel is the fact that Le Gérant may be dead. However, Benson saved himself beautifully, by allowing his return.

I was also surprised with his treatment of Draco, though I wasn’t necessarily annoyed with it. Raymond, himself explained to me, in one of the interviews I did with him, that Draco is a villain, pure and simple (he’s head of the Union Corse!). So it’s quite reasonable that he should turn on Bond, especially after Bond got his daughter involved with Blofeld in the first place!

The locations in the novel are also beautifully mapped out and described by Benson. Such as France and Corsica…

The novel also has some extremely tense moments, such as the early scenes in France, as well as Bond’s animal dream. This passage is particularly impressive and well thought out.

Overall, it’s still a strong novel. Great villain, interesting Bond girl, the return of Mathis, a torture sequence, a confrontation with Le Gérant and the return of Draco. Benson does it again for me.

CBn Forum member James Boldman

Benson took on a bit more than he could chew by incorporating Draco. The Draco “twist” actually takes over the majority of the book really and leaves Le Gérant in the dust. Honestly, he didn’t need to incorporate the second wife and child being killed into this. Revenge over Tracy was enough even with the significant time difference.

CBn Forum member Willowhugger

Never Dream Of Dying is my #1 favorite Benson book.

CBn Forum member zencat

Not my favorite of Benson’s, mostly due to the Draco issue, but I do believe it has the best torture and escape sequence of any of the Benson novels. Made me flinch. Hell, makes me flinch just thinking about it right now.

CBn Forum member clinkeroo

It’s quite a good read, but not as well-crafted or enjoyable as The Man with the Red Tattoo (Benson’s best, in my opinion) or Zero Minus Ten. Much better than the dire High Time To Kill, though. A fun timekiller.

CBn Forum member Loomis

This was the first Benson book I read last year, before moving backwards down the line (I had been a hold-out thinking no one could really match Fleming’s Bond) and I absolutely loved this book. It was a great set up and I just couldn’t put it down. By far, the best of Benson’s novels.

CBn Forum member Agent 0011

I liked Never Dream Of Dying very much. It is very interesting and it is hard to stop reading, but it doesn’t really seem Bond. I don’t like that the movie things are involved and the climax at Cannes… if it had not been for that it would have been a masterpiece. Well, the book is better than High Time To Kill, but not better than Doubleshot.

The ending on Corsica when attacking the Union is great! But I would have enjoyed it more if Bond and Le Gérant had a bigger fight with each other…

CBn Forum member Kronsteen

'Hurricane Gold' Audiobook Cover Art Unveiled

The Young Bond Dossier has once again dug up Gold… Hurricane Gold! Today, the website brings us a first look at the cover artwork for the UK audiobook edition of Charlie Higson’s fourth Young Bond novel.

As with the UK audiobooks of SilverFin, Blood Fever and Double Or Die, Hurricane Gold will be read by Charlie Higson himself. This abridged audiobook is due for release on 6 September, the same day as the UK hardcover edition.

To have a gander at the artwork, head on over to The Young Bond Dossier.

Keep watching CBn for all the latest breaking James Bond news.

Order the UK hardback edition of Hurricane Gold from Amazon.co.uk.

Order the UK audiobook edition of Hurricane Gold from Amazon.co.uk.

Discuss the UK audiobook of ‘Hurricane Gold’ in this thread on the CBn Forums, the largest James Bond 007 forum on the Internet. Thanks to Qwerty.

Media Marks Passing Of John Gardner

The world’s media has begun to mark the passing of James Bond author John Gardner by publication of several obituaries.

The Stratford-upon-Avon Herald – where Gardner worked as a theatre critic in the 1950s and 1960s – published a lengthy biographical obituary with some fascinating insight into the writer’s lengthy career. The obituary quotes a 2005 interview with Gardner, in which he discussed his appointment as a 007 continuation author.

In 1979 John was approached to take on the writing of a set of new Bond novels. “Like a fool I said yes,” John told the Herald in 2005. “I was writing my own books almost side by side with the Bond books. I would hate to be remembered as the bloke who took over Bond. I would probably prefer not to be remembered at all.”

The obituary also features a number of absorbing anecdotes, including the author’s very own run-in with the KGB.

When he was working for the Herald, John reported from the Shakespeare Festival in Stratford, Ontario, did a lecture tour of the United States and visited Moscow with the RSC with Peter Brook and Paul Scofield, where he was arrested by the KGB.

“I don’t know why I was arrested,” he said. “They decided they didn’t like my face. They told me, ‘You’re under arrest. You’re not telling the truth’. A woman with a lovely moustache said, ‘I don’t think so’, every time I kept repeating my story. Then another lady rushed in and said, ‘Journalist!’. They then said, ‘You can go back to your hotel now’.”.

washingtonpost.com also published an obituary of the James Bond author, which looks at Gardner’s own vision for Ian Fleming’s character.

Regarded as serious and thoughtful, Mr. Gardner was said to lack sympathy for Bond’s obsession with high-end brand names and luxury products or for Bond’s restrictive view of the role of women.

But Mr. Gardner said he viewed writing the new Bond series as a challenge, and “once I got the bit between my teeth, I wasn’t going to let go.”

He said that he had hoped to add depth and dimension to the character, to make him grow and to bring him out of the world of fantasy into reality. Mr. Gardner’s approach was reflected in matters such as giving Bond a concern for gas mileage and putting him behind the wheel of a sturdy and sensible Saab.

If not sacrilege, it was close, Mr. Gardner said, and “the die-hard fans wouldn’t have any of it.” Recognizing himself as an entertainer above all else, Mr. Gardner bowed to marketplace demands. Although critics sometimes looked askance, a number of his Bond books made the New York Times bestseller list.

To read the both obituaries in their entirety, each rich in detail about the author’s life and career, please visit the websites of the Stratford-upon-Avon Herald and washingtonpost.com.

Related articles

• John Gardner (1926-2007)
• Raymond Benson & IFP Remember John Gardner

To discuss this news, please visit this thread on the CBn Forums.

Raymond Benson Remembers John Gardner

Raymond Benson, author of nine James Bond novels (including three film novelisations), has posted a message on his website reflecting on the life of John Gardner, who passed away on 3 August.

Benson previously critiqued the work of Gardner, who penned 16 Bond novels (including two novelisations), in his book, The James Bond Bedside Companion, before becoming a 007 author himself.

Benson’s reflections read as follows.

I was saddened to hear of John Gardner’s passing. I had my first book-signing (THE JAMES BOND BEDSIDE COMPANION) in 1984 alongside John Gardner at the Mysterious Bookshop in New York (he was signing ROLE OF HONOR). Even though I made criticisms, as well as praises, of his Bond novels in my BEDSIDE COMPANION, we became friends and stayed in touch throughout the years. I have fond memories of my visit to his Virginia home for a weekend in 1993 to write an extended piece on John and his works for 007 Magazine. I have nothing but respect for John and the legacy he left. We’ve lost an artist with true integrity.

Raymond Benson, 8 August

To view the message – which includes a photograph of both authors at a book signing in 1984 – please visit Raymond Benson’s website.

Update

Ian Fleming Publications have also paid tribute to John Gardner on their website. Their message reads as follows.

All at Ian Fleming Publications Limited were saddened and shocked to hear of the death of John Gardner on Friday 3rd August.

John was a highly respected and admired member of the Bond family and he will be great missed.

Our thoughts at this time are with his family.

Ian Fleming Publications, 8 August

Related article

• John Gardner (1926-2007)

To discuss these messages, visit this thread on the CBn Forums.
With thanks to CBn Forum Member zencat.

'Bond, James Bond: The World Of 007' At Hofstra University

Back in July, CBn reported that Raymond Benson had been named the 2007 Joseph G. Astman Distinguished Conference Scholar for the upcoming conference ‘Bond, James Bond–the World of 007’ at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York which is taking place in November 2007. Full details on the event follow:

‘Bond, James Bond: The World Of 007’

The Hofstra Cultural Center has plans underway for a conference on James Bond, Bond, James Bond: The World of 007, that will take place Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, November 6, 7, and 8, 2007. Events will include the screening of a number of Bond films, panel discussions on topics related to Bond including Bond villians, Bond women and Bond gadgets; examination of Bond on the page and Bond on the screen, with the inclusion of a celebrity or two associated with the Bond films. Ideas, possible participation, papers and panel proposals in the form of a two-page abstract are encouraged.

Inquiries and abstracts are asked to be submitted by email no later than August 15, 2007.

Invited guests include:

• Robert Davi (Joseph G. Astman Distinguished Conference Artist) is an actor who has appeared in over 60 movies and played Franz Sanchez in License to Kill. In addition, he played FBI Agent Bailey Malone for four and a half years on NBC’s Profiler.
• Raymond Benson (Joseph G. Astman Distinguished Conference Scholar) is an author, composer and stage director, who wrote The James Bond Bedside Companion as well as novelizations of Bond screenplays and was commissioned to write six original Bond novels. He was also the Vice President of the James Bond 007 Fan Club, and is on the board of directors of the Ian Fleming Foundation.
• Lee Pfeiffer, author, editor and publisher of The Essential James Bond: An Authorized Guide to the World of 007, James Bond’s London and The Art of James Bond. He is also a documentary producer who produced The Goldfinger Phenomenon and The Making of Thunderball, The Making of Goldfinger & The Thunderball Phenomenon.
• Lois H. Gresh is Technical Communications Director of the Department of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math at the University of Rochester, and co-author of The Science of James Bond (with Robert Weinberg).

Conference Events: Panels and presentations from among the following topics:

Writing Bond (novels and screenplays)
Bond’s villians
Bond Girls Grow Up (55 years of change)
Bond and the World of Spies
Location, Location, Location: Bond Goes Around the World
American Ornithologist, Author of Birds of the West Indies: The Real James Bond
Bond and Q’s Gadgets (cars, weapons and other gimmicks fit for super-heroes)
Pre-Conference Events: Film Screenings of Bond Films.

Post-Conference Event: Friday, November 9, 2007 at 8 p.m.

License to Swing: the Music of James Bond

A concert featuring the songs and music from the James Bond films, as part of the Joseph G. Astman International Concert Series. Pianist Ted Howe and his quartet, with special guest vocalists, will take you on an exciting jazz excursion into the timeless music of 007. Featuring selections by such composers as John Barry, Lionel Bart and Anthony Newley, you’ll thrill to new adaptations of familiar James Bond themes including From Russia With Love, Diamonds are Forever, You Only Live Twice and many more.

For further contact information, visit the official Hofstra Cultural Center website.

Keep watching CBn for all the latest details on James Bond events.

Discuss this James Bond news in this thread on the CBn Forums, the largest James Bond 007 forum on the internet.

Casino Royale DVD Overview

CBn rounds up all the latest news regarding the DVD release of Daniel Craig’s first James Bond 007 film, Casino Royale…

Originally posted on 7 March 2007. | Updated on 7 August 2007.

Overview

Like the original DVD release of 2002’s Die Another Day, the Casino Royale DVD will be a two-disc collector’s edition. Releases on the PSP and Blu-ray DVD formats are also included. The region 1 release date is scheduled for Tuesday, 13 March 2007 with the region 2 release date on Monday, 19 March.

Plot Synopsis

Casino Royale introduces James Bond before he holds his license to kill. But Bond is no less dangerous, and with two professional assassinations in quick succession, he is elevated to “00” status. “M” (Judi Dench), head of the British Secret Service, sends the newly-promoted 007 on his first mission that takes him to Madagascar, the Bahamas and eventually leads him to Montenegro to face Le Chiffre, a ruthless financier under threat from his terrorist clientele, who is attempting to restore his funds in a high-stakes poker game at the Casino Royale. “M” places Bond under the watchful eye of the Treasury official Vesper Lynd. At first skeptical of what value Vesper can provide, Bond’s interest in her deepens as they brave danger together. Le Chiffre’s cunning and cruelty come to bear on them both in a way Bond could never imagine, and he learns his most important lesson: Trust no one.

Ordering Details

Region 1:

• Release Date: 13 March 2007
• Retail Price: $28.95 (DVD)
• Retail Price: $28.95 (PSP)
• Retail Price: $38.95 (Blu-ray DVD)
• Format: DVD / Blu-ray DVD / Sony PSP
• Two-Disc Collector’s Edition
• Anamorphic Widescreen Presentation
• English Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
• French Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround Sound
• Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
• Subtitles: English, French, Spanish
• Order (Widescreen DVD) – Amazon.com
• Order (Full Screen DVD) – Amazon.com
• Order (PSP) – Amazon.com
• Order (Blu-ray DVD) – Amazon.com

Region 2:

• Release Date: 19 March 2007
• Retail Price: £19.99 (DVD)
• Retail Price: £12.99 (PSP)
• Retail Price: £24.99 (Blu-ray DVD)
• Format: DVD / Blu-ray DVD / Sony PSP
• Two-Disc Collector’s Edition
• Anamorphic Widescreen Presentation
• English Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
• French Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround Sound
• Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
• Subtitles: English, French, Spanish
• Order (DVD) – Amazon.co.uk
• Order (Single Disc DVD) – Amazon.co.uk
• Order (PSP) – Amazon.co.uk
• Order (Blu-ray DVD) – Amazon.co.uk

Region 3:

• Release Date: 15 February 2007
• Two-Disc Collector’s Edition
• Anamorphic Widescreen Presentation
• English Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound / DTS 5.1
• Subtitles: English, Thai, Korean, Chinese
• Order (DVD) – CD WOW!

Region 4:

• Release Date: 4 April 2007
• Retail Price: $39.95 (DVD)
• Two-Disc Collector’s Edition
• Anamorphic Widescreen Presentation
• English Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
• Italian Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
• Subtitles: English, Italian
• Order (DVD) – Atlantic DVD

Special Features

• Becoming Bond: An intimate look at how Daniel Craig became the newest James Bond
• James Bond For Real: A look at Casino Royale‘s action and stunts
• Bond Girls Are Forever: A look at the leading ladies of the film
• Chris Cornell ‘You Know My Name’ Music Video

Earlier reports indicated the addition of ‘5 news wraps’ and a ‘Death In Venice’ featurette, but it appears these were ultimately not included. The initial DVD release of Die Another Day contained over seven hours of special features, including two seperate audio commentaries: one with Michael G. Wilson and Lee Tamahori and the other with Pierce Brosnan and Rosamund Pike. In the case of Casino Royale, there is no audio commentary and a grand total of roughly 90 minutes of special features.

The ‘Bond Girls Are Forever’ featurette is the same documentary (hosted by Bond girl Maryam d’Abo) released around the time of Die Another Day, but with the addition of new interviews with Eva Green (Vesper Lynd) and Caterina Murino (Solange).

Unlike the original DVD release of Die Another Day, the region 1 and 2 releases of Casino Royale will feature the exact same listing of special features.

Cover Artwork & Menu Screen Caps

The region 1, 2, 3, and 4 DVDs all use the same cover arwork–the international ‘A’ poster. The back cover artwork includes the quote “Daniel Craig is the best Bond in the franchise’s history.” – Joshua Rothkopt, TIME OUT NEW YORK.

Front Cover Artwork / Back Cover Artwork / Menu Screen Caps

Click here to view the promotional flyer for the DVD.

DVD Sales & Records

As with the phenomenal theatrical release of Casino Royale, the DVD and Blu-ray sales have been equally as successful:

On 13 March it was reported that the Blu-ray edition of the film cracked the amazon.com top 10 list of the best selling DVDs–a first for a high-definition release–peaking at #8. Additionally, the Casino Royale Blu-ray disc outsold its nearest competition, The Departed, by 9-to-1.

As of 27 March, the Blu-ray edition had already sold more than 100,000 units and was breaking records for the greatest number of high-definition copies sold in one day, said SPHE Worldwide President, David Bishop. ‘As a point of comparison, the first DVD title to ship 100,000 units took approximately 11 months (Air Force One in early 1998),’ said Bishop. ‘Casino Royale on Blu-ray has done it in far less time and is clearly demonstrating the format’s robust growth in the marketplace.’

Director Martin Campbell was equally impressed, and commented ‘It’s just unbelievable. Clearly, it’s fantastic. The comparison between standard def DVD and Blu-ray is quite stunning and quite transparent to the master. It’s precisely what would make me want to buy a copy.’

Reuters reported that the DVD edition quickly soared to the #1 spot for DVD sales in the US after being released on 13 March. The film pushed Borat to the #3 position on the Nielsen VideoScan’s First Alert sales chart, while The Holiday opened in the #2 position.

For rentals, Casino Royale was again in the top spot; generating an estimated $9.2 million in revenue. The Holiday opened in the #3 position with $8 million.

In the UK, the Casino Royale broke the record for the fastest week one UK DVD sales, selling an impressive 1,622,852 copies since its release on 19 March (region 2).

DVD Exclusives (Region 1 & 2)

Several retailers (both online and in-store) are offering exclusives to those who purchase the Casino Royale DVD. Full details:

Wal-Mart Stores (Region 1): Accompanying the two-disc special edition of Casino Royale is a set that includes poker cards and a collectible chip. Order – Walmart.com (Also available instore).

Target Stores (Region 1): Accompanying the two-disc special edition of Casino Royale is a 40-page mini-book version of Bond on Set: Filming Casino Royale by Greg Williams, which features many photographs from the film. This DVD exclusive was initially advertised as special ‘making-of’ DVD.

Best Buy (Region 1): The Double O Section reports that Best Buy stores will be offering a small Corgi Aston Martin DBS vehicle as the extra that will accompany the Casino Royale DVD. BestBuy.com – Further details and pictures.

Circuit City (Region 1): Circuit City stores will be offering a collectible coin (modeled after one of the Casino Royale poker chip designs) to those who buy either the DVD or Blu-ray edition.

HMV (Region 2): Accompanying the two-disc special edition of Casino Royale is a 40-page mini-book version of Bond on Set: Filming Casino Royale by Greg Williams, which features many photographs from the film. Order – HMV.

WHSmith / Virgin Stores (Region 2): For those who pre-ordered from WHSmith, the Casino Royale DVD comes with a movie tie-in edition of Ian Fleming’s original 007 novel of the same name. Virgin Stores are offering a series of art cards for those who purchase the DVD as well.

Reviews

Several reviews of the Casino Royale DVD have appeared online:

The Blu-ray DVD version of Casino Royale earned eight out of a possible 10 points at IGN. Earning high points for video and audio, the 007 film is let down mostly in the extras category. ‘The disc’s got it all: a great transfer, a powerful soundtrack with a great dynamic range, and even a few worthwhile extras to boot. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that Martin Campbell’s new take on the long-running 007 franchise served up some killer action and drama…’

The region 3 edition of Casino Royale earned similar praise at DVD Active. ‘Casino Royale is an excellent movie that surpassed my expectations and among all of the reinventions Bond has undergone down the years, this is the most ambitious. On this DVD it is presented very well, in particular the sound quality, and it is a good decision to put the extras on a separate disc so their inclusion doesn’t impact the disc space used for the movie…’

Casino Royale earned four out of five stars in the video category in the DVD Talk review. The Bond film scored perfectly in the audio category, but only managed two and a half stars in the special features category.

The Casino Royale DVD earned an overall score of A- at UGO, with the extras being the only major drawback. ‘As a DVD, Casino Royale doesn’t kick as much ass as the movie, but it does offer a great dose of action to tide fans over until the inevitable ultimate and extended editions.’

ZAP2it was somewhat more pleased with the bonus features–they ‘complement but don’t overwhelm’ according to the reviewer. ‘It’s appropriate then that the 2-disc DVD is similarly restrained, classy and informative. The bonus features generally celebrate Bond as an iconic figure with only one extra, “James Bond: For Real,” geared towards behind-the-scenes action on the film itself…’

The Blu-ray edition also scored well in the DVD Talk review. This edition earned four or more stars (out of a possible five) in every category, with the exception of–yes, big surprise–the special features, where it earned three. The final thought: ‘Casino Royale is a terrific revitalization of the James Bond franchise, and this Blu-ray edition has excellent picture and sound, as well as a couple of interesting supplements. How could it not come highly recommended?’

Sebastien Foucan Signing

Sebastien Foucan, who played the free-running villain Mollaka in the opening scenes of Casino Royale signed copies of the DVD at the HMV store at 150 Oxford Street in London at 1:30pm on 19 March 2007 (the date of the region 2 release). Click here to view photographs from the event.

DVD Giveaway (Region 4)

The Herald Sun offered a competition to Australian 007 fans to win a Casino Royale DVD, (region 4 edition) plus the mini-edition of the book Bond On Set: Filming Casino Royale.

Playstation 3 Tie-in

According to a report from Three Speech, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe has announced that the first 500,000 purchasers of Playstation 3 system who registered on the Playstation Network would receive a Blu-ray disc of Daniel Craig’s first James Bond film, Casino Royale.

Explaining the offer, Darren Carter, VP Brand and Consumer Marketing said, ‘The Playstation Network unlocks the broad range of interactive entertainment features of Playstation 3. It’s easy to set up, offers free online gaming, has great tools for staying in touch with friends and family, and includes a wide variety of content for download through the Playstation Store.’

‘All this, and more, will enable users to experience a whole new world of interactive entertainment, and that is why we are offering the phenomenal incentive of Casino Royale, on Blu-ray disc, to PS3 owners who register on the Playstation Network. Casino Royale not only makes the most of the features and capabilities of the Blu-ray format, but is one of the most exciting and entertaining movies to debut on Blu-ray this year.’

Stay tuned to CBn for all the latest Casino Royale DVD coverage.

Related Casino Royale Articles

John Gardner (1926-2007)

John Gardner, author of 14 James Bond continuation novels, has passed at the age of 80. He died on Friday, 3 August 2007 near his home in Basingstoke from a heart attack.

According to his daughter, Alexis, John Gardner phoned her at the time: ‘He told me he’d had a bit of a turn and thought he’d fainted. Two doctors happened to be passing and–typical of him–he said he didn’t need an ambulance. Then he took a turn for the worse and was rushed to hospital.’

In a career that has spanned over 40 years and over 50 novels and short story collections, John Gardner’s adventures featured many memorable characters including Boysie Oakes and, naturally, James Bond.

Biography

John Gardner was born in Seaton Delaval, Northumberland, UK on 20 November 1926. Educated at King Alfred’s School and Wantage, Gardner graduated from St. John’s College in Cambridge and did postgraduate study at Oxford. Gardner then volunteered for service in the Royal Marines during World War II.

John Gardner’s father was a clergyman in the Church of England and encouraged Gardner to follow in his footsteps. Gardner was then ordained and served as a priest for seven years before deciding he did not have the proper vocation and withdrew from the clergy.

After a career that included journalism and theatre, John Gardner eventually moved onto writing novels. In 1964, his debut work, The Liquidator, was published. The novel featured a character named Boysie Oakes who has been recruited as a British secret agent because he is believed to be the perfect candidate for the job–when in fact, Oakes shows the character traits of a coward who would much rather be someplace else. The Liquidator was published just as Bondmania was sweeping throughout the world and became an instant success. It was adapted into a film in 1965 while a further seven novels featuring Oakes followed. The final novel was Killer For A Song in 1976.

After finding success with the Boysie Oakes series, Gardner continued with spy adventures in the novels featuring Derek Torry and Herbie Kruger throughout the next three decades. Additionally, he wrote three novels featuring the Railton family in the late 80’s and two novels using the character of Professor James Moriarty (archenemy of detective Sherlock Holmes) in the mid 70’s.

It was in 1981 that John Gardner was approached by Glidrose (Ian Fleming Publications) to see if he was interested in writing some James Bond continuation novels. After discussing the matter with his agent, he accepted and the result was Licence Renewed in May of 1981–the return of the literary 007.

Licence Renewed, which was met with favourable sales and reviews was followed by a further 13 Bond adventures, culminating with the publication of COLD (Cold Fall in the US) in 1996. Gardner also penned two novelizations during his tenure as the continuation author: Licence Renewed in 1989 and GoldenEye in 1995.

It was near the end of his Bond career, that John Gardner fell ill with cancer. Living in the US at the time, he eventually moved back to the UK in order to avoid the high medical costs associated with battling the disease.

Around the same time in 1997, Margaret Mercer, his wife of 45 years, passed away. At this point, he took a break from writing until 2001 when Day of Absolution was published and met with wide praise from literary critics. A new series featuring his character Detective Sergeant Suzie Mountford followed in 2002 with the publication of Bottled Spider.

While writing the Suzie Mountford novels, John Gardner (having moved back to the UK) reignited a friendship with his university sweetheart Patricia, whom he split from in 1949. He used her maiden name for the character of Mountford and the couple were engaged for a second time in 2004.

John Gardner’s final published work was 2004’s Troubled Midnight–the fourth novel in the Suzie Mountford series. The fifth novel, entitled No Human Enemy, will be published posthumously on 27 August 2007 in the UK.

‘James Bond Is Back’

John Gardner will always be associated with his many James Bond adventures for 007 fans. Whether it was the double-triple crosses, the return of SPECTRE, or the Silver Beast, there was–and still is–always something to discuss about each of his Bond continuation novels.

Over the past three years, CBn revisited each and every one of his sixteen James Bond adventures. Featuring trivia and reactions and reviews from forum members, take a look back at…

• Licence Renewed
• For Special Services
• Icebreaker
• Role Of Honour
• Nobody Lives Forever
• No Deals, Mr. Bond
• Scorpius
• Licence To Kill
• Win, Lose Or Die
• Brokenclaw
• The Man From Barbarossa
• Death Is Forever
• Never Send Flowers
• SeaFire
• GoldenEye
• COLD

CBn wishes the best to the family and friends of John Gardner.

To discuss this article, visit this thread on the CBn Forums. With thanks to John-Gardner.com, Rodcollins.com, and The Young Bond Dossier.

Raymond Benson's 'A Hard Day's Death' Coming In Spring 2008

According to an update on the official website for Raymond Benson, a new novel entitled A Hard Day’s Death is due for release in spring 2008.

The thriller takes place in the nasty, dangerous world of rock ‘n’ roll and involves a private investigator who must solve the murder of a famous rock star. Told with tongue firmly in cheek, this humorous romp will especially appeal to readers who know their music. Real-life rock stars make cameo appearances throughout the story, and Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull has already said this about the book: ‘Raymond Benson cuts a frantic dash through the world of Rock and Roll. Thrills-a-plenty and backstage passes to the magical mystery musical twilight zone…’

A Hard Day’s Death will be published in mass market paperback by Leisure Books.

007 fans best know Benson as the author of six James Bond continuation novels, three short stories and the film novelizations for Tomorrow Never Dies, The World Is Not Enough and Die Another Day. Click here for CBn’s four-part interview with Raymond Benson.

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

Discuss this James Bond news in this thread on the CBn Forums, the largest James Bond 007 forum on the internet. With thanks to K1Bond007.

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