'You Only Live Twice' Celebrates 40 Years

‘You Only Love Twice’ litho by Jeff Marshall

40 years ago today Sean Connery’s fifth James Bond film, You Only Live Twice, held its world premiere at the Odeon Leicester Square in London. Emphasizing the fact that Connery ‘IS’ James Bond as a result of competiton from the unofficial Casino Royale spoof, the film went on to ultimately gross over $111 million worldwide. It was the first step down in the box office history of 007 (Thunderball had previouslly taken in $141.2 million), but the film was still a massive success.

CBn takes a look back at what some of the critics have had to say about You Only Live Twice throughout its 40 year history…

The plot itself is protracting and quite confusing for a Bond film, ultimately just a distraction from one of Bond’s most memorable adventures…

Christopher Null, FilmCritic.com

Even more surprising than his being chosen to adapt a Bond novel is that none of Dahl’s gifts for dark humor or sparkling writing is evident. Although the script is good, it is a direct descendent of all of the preceding Bond scripts and breaks no new ground…

Steve Rhodes, Internet Reviews

A great deal of money was spent on the fifth Bond epic in an attempt to duplicate this mystique, but in You Only Live Twice the formula fails to work its magic. Like its predecessor Thunderball, another below-par entry, this one is top-heavy with gadgets but weak on plotting and getting everything to work at the same time…

Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

It also has the rare aspect of a Bond film having a real feel for the exotic locations. Whereas most Bond films are content simply to go somewhere beautiful for nice backgrounds, Gilbert really dips the film into the beauty of the Japan. This respect shows in one extended sequence where Bond is initiated into Japanese life from Ninja school to a fishermans life (it goes without saying however that Connery couldn’t look less Japanese if he tried)…

MP Bartley, eFilmCritic.com

You Only Live Twice is classic 007 from top to bottom. Although some may think it’s a little too light, the action and soundtrack place this one near the top in the entire Bond series…

Ryan Cracknell, Apollo Guide

Nevertheless, any Bond movie with Sean Connery can’t be all bad, and there are the usual chases, fights, and amazing stunts–all sprinkled with a dash of Japanese flavoring. Bond learns what it means to be a ninja, and gets an opportunity to put that knowledge to use as he zigs and zags, avoiding assassination attempts. Then there’s the usual assortment of women, both European and Asian, for Britain’s most dashing secret service agent to romance. In short, while You Only Live Twice falls somewhere in the middle of the 007 film heap, it still offers that unique brand of wit, style, and adventure that only comes with Bond.

James Berardinelli, ReelViews

But the plot seems more directionless than most Bond efforts, the emphasis on scenic beauty and stunning set pieces rather than on intrigue or suspense. There are death-defying escapades, naturally, but they appear more contrived than ever…

John J. Puccio, DVDTOWN

This movie stands trial for being lifeless, over-the-top, and just plain odd. You Only Live Twice is unfairly maligned; people accuse Connery of boredom and they find the action fantastical. Those claims can be supported, but You Only Live Twice is a landmark in the series. It is the first Bond film with a mostly original script, and it is the film that establishes the template for later films in the series…

Rob Lineberger, DVD Verdict

If interested in further reviews of You Only Live Twice, be sure to check out this article in the ‘CBn Reviews…’ series or add your own thoughts on the CBn Forums.

To discuss these ‘You Only Live Twice’ reviews, visit this thread on the CBn Forums, the largest James Bond 007 forum on the internet.

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Third Wave Of Individual James Bond 007 'Ultimate Edition' DVDs Announced

Following up the first and second waves of inidividual James Bond 007 ‘Ultimate Edition’ DVDs that were released in February and May in the US, the third set of titles have been announced:

Currently discounted to $9.99 and available to pre-order at amazon.com, the titles include: Dr. No, Diamonds Are Forever, Live And Let Die, Octopussy, A View To A Kill and Tomorrow Never Dies. They will be released on 4 September 2007.

Note that the new individual DVDs for On Her Majesty’s Secret Service and Die Another Day are not yet listed on amazon.

Keep in mind that these are the single-disc editions. There are no special features, with the exception of audio commentaries. The cover artwork remains the same as that used for the four US boxed set collections. They are featured in normal DVD case packaging, and not the slimcases contained in the current boxed sets.

Click here for CommanderBond.net’s full round-up of all the latest James Bond 007 ‘Ultimate Edition’ DVD news: front and back cover art, box cover art, worldwide release dates, menu and screen caps, new certificates, ordering details, special features, technical specs, and more.

Keep watching CBn for all the latest James Bond 007 news.

Stories Confirmed For 'Shark Bait' James Bond Collection

The Young Bond Dossier has confirmed the stories that will be included in the newest Titan James Bond 007 collection, Shark Bait.

In addition to the title story, the collection will include Doomcrack and The Xanadu Connection (which CBn first made mention of in late May). Special features include the second part of an article centering on the Bond adventures in US comic strips.

What is interesting to note about this collection is that both Shark Bait and The Xanadu Connection were not originally syndicated in UK newspapers (while almost every other James Bond comic strip was). Doomcrack represents the first of ultimately five Bond comic strips serialised in the Daily Star and is the one and only time Harry North worked as the artist.

Titan’s Shark Bait collection is set for release on 12 February 2008 and can be pre-ordered online.

Stay tuned to CBn for all the latest news on the Titan James Bond comic strip releases, including the upcoming Titan collection: Death Wing.

Discuss this Titan James Bond news in this thread on the CBn Forums. Thanks to CBn Forum member ‘zencat.’

'James Bond: The Authorised Biography Of 007' Cover Art Revealed

The cover art for the reprint of John Pearson’s James Bond: The Authorised Biography Of 007 has now been revealed at amazon.co.uk, reports the Young Bond Dossier.

CBn first alerted Bond fans to the reprint of this often overlooked 007 novel back in summer 2006. After being delayed a full year, James Bond: The Authorised Biography Of 007 is set to ship on 4 October 2007 and can be pre-ordered for a discounted price of £12.53.

The novel is a ‘true’ biography (of sorts) of agent James Bond, covering the events of his life from his childhood up to the many adventures described in Ian Fleming’s 007 adventures. It was last printed in 1986 (by Grafton in the UK and Grove Press in the US), making it one of the most difficult titles to come by. This new edition will be published by Century. Bond fans should jump on this opportunity and pre-order soon.

It was a strong face, certainly–the eyes pale grey and very cold, the mouth was hard, the dark hair–grey-streaked now–still fell in the authentic comma over the forehead.’ This is how John Pearson reacted to his first encounter with the real James Bond, an encounter probably unique in the annals of thriller writing. He went on to write the bestselling authorised biography of Ian Fleming. At the time, like most of the world, he assumed that James Bond was nothing more than a character in Fleming’s highly charged imagination. Then he began to have his doubts. Doubts which were reaching such a pitch that the British secret service were trying to warn him off the scent. Despite this, he finally became convinced that James Bond was not only real, but actually alive. Thanks to a change in policy within the secret service, he was invited to embark upon a companion volume to his life of Fleming. This resulting book must be one of the most extraordinary biographies of our times–the authorised life of a myth, the official biography of James Bond. Here, Pearson reveals amazing adventures, situations and incidents only hinted at in Ian Fleming’s books; the story of Bond’s life, the Bonds of Glencoe; the night he lost his wallet and his virginity in Paris–and found his first love; his first assignment–to save the bank at Monte Carlo; his duel with the S.S.; his women, scandals and tastes–all here revealed. This promises to show a side of Bond never seen before.

Pre-order James Bond: The Authorised Biography of 007 from Amazon.co.uk (4 October 2007).

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

Discuss this news in this thread on the CBn Forums, the largest James Bond forum in the world. Thanks to CBn Forum member ‘zencat.’

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James Bond Double Feature In July 2007

Two James Bond films will be shown back to back early July in Austin, Texas as part of the 2007 Summer Classic Film Series at the Paramount Theatre.

Sean Connery’s first two 007 films–Dr. No and From Russia With Love will play back to back on Thursday, 12 July.

Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for children under 12, students with ID and Seniors 65+.

The Paramount Theatre is located at 713 Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78701. For more information, phone 512-472-5470 or visit the official website.

Keep watching CBn for all the latest James Bond news.

Discuss this James Bond 007 news in this thread on the CBn Forums, the largest James Bond 007 forum on the internet. Thanks to CBn Forum member ‘RazorBlade.’

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Will Martin Campbell Return For 'Bond 22'?

With the Bond 22 rumours and news now in full swing, many James Bond fans have been hoping that Martin Campbell (GoldenEye, Casino Royale) would return for Daniel Craig’s second 007 outing.

Variety reports that Campbell is in negotiations to direct Unstoppable, a 20th Century Fox drama about a runaway train carrying a cargo of toxic chemicals. As a result, the likelihood of his return for Bond 22 is very slim.

Written by Live Free or Die Hard scribe Mark Bomback, the drama pits an engineer and his conductor in a race against time. They’re chasing the runaway train in a separate locomotive and need to bring it under control before it derails on a curve and causes a toxic spill that will decimate a town.

Back in March 2007, CBn reported that Campbell had left the field open, saying: ‘After GoldenEye, I was asked to do subsequent Bonds, but I declined because it felt as if I’d be repeating myself. But this one is based on a Bond that’s more interesting. To be honest, I would just say I’d never say never.’

CBn will keep you updated with all the latest news, rumours and details regarding Bond 22.

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Trailer For Daniel Craig's 'The Invasion' Online

The trailer for The Invasion, one of Daniel Craig’s many upcoming non-James Bond films, has now been posted online according to Cinematical.

The film, which also stars Nicole Kidman and Jeremy Northam, centers on a mysterious, mind-altering epidemic that has infected mankind. When a Washington, D.C. psychiatrist (Kidman) discovers that the outbreak seems to be extraterrestrial in origin, she struggles with help from a colleague (Craig) to save her son from infection in this sci-fi thriller.

The Invasion, directed by Oliver Hirschbiegel, is due for release on 17 August 2007.

Other current and upcoming projects for Craig include The Golden Compass, I, Lucifer, Flashbacks Of A Fool and Defiance. He will return as 007 in Bond 22, due out in November 2008.

Keep watching CBn for all the latest James Bond news.

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

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'Double Or Die' To Be Published As 'Poker Fatal' In France

According to a report from JamesBond-fr.com, Charlie Higson’s third Young James Bond novel, Double Or Die, is due for release in France later this year.

The novel will be published under the title Poker Fatal and will be released in October. As with the previous releases of SilverFin and Blood Fever, Double Or Die will be published by Gallimard Jeunesse.

Keep watching CBn for all the latest Young Bond news.

Discuss this Young James Bond news in this thread on the CBn Forums, the largest James Bond 007 forum on the internet. With thanks to Guillaume and The Young Bond Dossier.

Sir Sean Connery Not Returning In 'Indiana Jones IV'

Sir Sean Connery has finally announced his decision on Indiana Jones IV: he’s not coming back.

For months, numerous reports on the status of the fourth Indiana Jones adventure have all made mention of the fact that no-one was quite sure whether or not the former James Bond would reprise his role as Professor Henry Jones from 1989’s Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

With official details on the cast now posted online at IndianaJones.com, it is quite clear Connery isn’t returning. In a statement, he said:

‘I get asked the question so often, I thought it best to make an announcement. I thought long and hard about it and if anything could have pulled me out of retirement it would have been an Indiana Jones film. I love working with Steven and George, and it goes without saying that it is an honor to have Harrison as my son. But in the end, retirement is just too damned much fun. I, do however, have one bit of advice for Junior: Demand that the critters be digital, the cliffs be low, and for goodness sake keep that whip by your side at all times in case you need to escape from the stunt coordinator! This is a remarkable cast, and I can only say, “Break a leg, everyone.” I’ll see you on May 22, 2008, at the theater!’

Connery’s final film role was Allan Quatermain in the 2003 critical and commercial failure, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.

Shooting on Indiana Jones IV begins this summer with a release date set for 22 May 2008. The film stars Harrison Ford, Shia LaBeouf, Cate Blanchett, Ray Winstone and John Hurt.

Keep watching CBn for all the latest James Bond news.

Discuss this James Bond 007 news in this thread on the CBn Forums, the largest James Bond 007 forum on the internet. Thanks to CBn Forum member ‘Ry.’

Lyricist Don Black Inducted Into Songwriters Hall Of Fame

Lyricist Don Black, who has written the title themes for several James Bond films over the years, will be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame tomorrow along with Jackson Browne, Irving Burgie, Michael Masser and the songwriting team of Bobby Weinstein and the late Teddy Randazzo–reports USA Today.

007 fans know Black best for his lyricist credits on Thunderball, Diamonds Are Forever, The Man With The Golden Gun, Surrender, The World Is Not Enough and Only Myself To Blame.

Some of his famous non-Bond work includes the theme for Born Free (which earned him an Academy Award) and the title song of the 1972 horror film Ben, which centers on a lonely boy whose only friend is a rodent named Ben.

‘When it came to writing about a rat, I said, “You can’t write about a rat.” I mean, I’m not going to use words like “cheese,”‘ laughed Black. ‘I thought the best thing to do is write about friendship.’ The song, performed by Michael Jackson, proved to be an enduring pop classic.

Discussing Kanye West’s rap hit remake of Shirley Bassey’s Diamonds Are Forever, Black said the reinvention of the song was ‘great fun.’

‘That’s the way you keep a song going. I thought he did a fantastic job. Obviously it isn’t my world but it made me very trendy with my son. I started wearing bling.’

Black, who is also a Tony Award-winner, told The Associated Press that receiving the Songwriters Hall honor ‘means more to me than you can imagine. When I was growing up in the east of London as a little boy, all my heroes were the people who are on this invitation,’ he said.

Keep watching CBn for all the latest James Bond news.

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