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  1. Gear Up Like James Bond With Sony

    By Devin Zydel on 2006-10-31

    It was previously announced on CBn that Sony had begun promotion of Casino Royale with its new limited edition 007 gear.

    ‘To celebrate the release of Casino Royale, Sony is proud to present The Bond Collection. These Limited Collector’s Editions of Sony products feature the classic “007” engraving and impressive Sony engineering. Sleek and sophisticated, Bond Collection VAIO laptops, Cyber-shot cameras, and 1GB MicroVault add adventure and style to the everyday.’

    Most recently, Laptop Logic reported that even more Bond gear has been added to the collection, including the 007 VAIO UX and the 007 Micro Vault. Pictures of this new Bond gear can be viewed online here.

    Gear Up Like James Bond with Sony Electronics

    Sony Sells 007-Branded Gear and Offers Chance to Win Prizes in the Online Game ‘Try Your Hand at Casino Royale

    Sony Electronics is offering movie fans and gadget-lovers an opportunity to gear-up like Bond with Sony’s exclusive Bond Collection(TM) products in anticipation of the upcoming James Bond film Casino Royale, which will be released worldwide on November 17, 2006 from Columbia Pictures and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios.

    The collection, available exclusively on http://www.sonystyle.com/casinoroyale and in Sony Style retail stores across the country, features limited-edition 007-branded models of VAIO(R) TX and UX series ultra-portable PCs, Cyber-shot(R) digital cameras and Micro-Vault(TM) media storage devices. All of these products will feature the 007 logo and the VAIO PCs will come pre-loaded with exclusive Casino Royale content, such as wallpapers and screensavers. Each limited production 007 model is numbered and comes with a certificate of authenticity.

    “Both James Bond and Sony have always provided a cool-factor that consumers have grown to love,” said Hiro Kawano, Sony Electronics’ Senior Vice President for Sony Style. “We are excited to be able to offer these collector’s items exclusively through Sony Style.”

    To take the Bond experience to the next level, consumers can try their hands at one of four Sony-product branded casino games at http://www.sony.com/casinoroyale. Players can choose from BRAVIA(TM) Blackjack, VAIO(R)/Intel poker, Cyber-shot(R) T-50 slots or Blu-ray Disc(TM) roulette. Now through Nov. 17, participants with a winning hand receive a printable game chip, redeemable at participating retailers, including Sony Style, for a chance to win prizes, including a $50,000 Sony merchandise prize package, a $5,000 shopping spree, and a weekend getaway for two. Not only can you gear up like Bond, you can play like him too.

    The Bond Collection products can be purchased as a bundle which includes a choice of either the VAIO VGN-UX007 along with 007 Cyber-shot DSC-T50 and a 1GB Micro Vault for approximately $3,200 or the VAIO VGN-TX007 with the Cyber-shot DSC-T50 and 1GB MicroVault for approximately $3,900. The bundles come with an aluminum attache carrying case and a James Bond welcome kit. The 007 Cyber-shot DSC-T50 and the Micro Vault can be purchased individually for approximately $600 and $60, respectively. The Bond Collection will be available starting November 10, with pre-orders currently available on http://www.sonystyle.com/casinoroyale.

    Daniel Craig stars as “007” James Bond, the smoothest, sexiest, most lethal agent on Her Majesty’s Secret Service in Casino Royale. Based on the first Bond book written by Ian Fleming, the story recounts the making of the world’s greatest secret agent. Martin Campbell is directing the 21st adventure in the 44-year-old franchise, from a screenplay by Neal Purvis & Robert Wade and Paul Haggis.

    James Bond’s first “007” mission leads him to Le Chiffre (Mads Mikkelsen), banker to the world’s terrorists. In order to stop him, and bring down the terrorist network, Bond must beat Le Chiffre in a high-stakes poker game at Casino Royale. Bond is initially annoyed when a beautiful British Treasury official, Vesper Lynd (Eva Green) is assigned to deliver his stake for the game and watch over the government’s money. But, as Bond and Vesper survive a series of lethal attacks by Le Chiffre and his henchmen, a mutual attraction develops leading them both into further danger and events that will shape Bond’s life forever.

    About Sony:

    Sony manufactures audio, video, communications and information technology products for the global consumer and professional markets. With its music, pictures, game and online businesses, Sony is uniquely positioned to be one of the World’s Leading Consumer Brands. Sony recorded consolidated annual sales of EUR 54.96 billion (yen 7,475 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006 and it employs approximately 158,500 people worldwide.

    In Europe, Sony recorded consolidated annual sales of EUR 12.61 billion (yen 1,715 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006, based on an average market exchange rate for the same period of yen 136 to the EUR. Sony Europe, headquartered at the Sony Center am Potsdamer Platz in Berlin, is responsible for the company’s European electronics business and registered consolidated sales of EUR 8.22 billion (yen 1,118 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006.

    For more information on Sony Europe, please visit http://www.sony-europe.com/ and http://www.sony-europe.com/presscenter.

    About EON Productions:

    Eon Productions/Danjaq, LLC, is owned by the Broccoli family and has produced twenty James Bond films since 1962, including Die Another Day. The Bond films, produced by Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, make up the most successful franchise in film history and include the recent blockbuster films GoldenEye, Tomorrow Never Dies, The World Is Not Enough and Die Another Day. Eon Productions and Danjaq, LLC, are affiliate companies and control all worldwide merchandising of the James Bond franchise.

    About Columbia Pictures:

    Columbia Pictures, part of the Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group, is a Sony Pictures Entertainment company. Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America (SCA), a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE’s global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; digital content creation and distribution; worldwide channel investments; home entertainment acquisition and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of filmed entertainment in 67 countries. Sony Pictures Entertainment can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.sonypictures.com/.

    About Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.:

    Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. is an independent, privately-held motion picture, television, home video, and theatrical production and distribution company. The company owns the world’s largest library of modern films, comprising approximately 4,000 titles, and over 10,400 episodes of television programming. Its film library has received 208 Academy Awards(R), one of the largest award-winning collections in the world, and includes numerous successful film franchises, including James Bond, Pink Panther and Rocky. MGM is owned by an investor consortium comprised of Sony Corporation of America, Providence Equity Partners, Texas Pacific Group, Comcast Corporation and DLJ Merchant Banking Partners. For more information, visit http://www.mgm.com/.

    PR Newswire

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

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  2. Casino Royale International Release Dates

    By Devin Zydel on 2006-10-30

    The official Sony Pictures’ ‘Casino Royale’ website has updated its list of international release dates for the newest James Bond 007 film. CBn collects all international release dates for Casino Royale here. Several of the release dates have changed since they were first announced–the majority becoming earlier (most recently, the UK general release has been moved up one day to 16 November)–CBn updates the list.

    Updates will be made as they become available.

    Casino Royale International Release Dates

    North America

    Canada …… 17 November 2006
    United States …… 17 November 2006

    Europe

    Austria …… 24 November 2006
    Belgium …… 22 November 2006
    Bulgaria …… 24 November 2006
    Croatia …… 23 November 2006
    Czech Republic …… 16 November 2006
    Denmark …… 24 November 2006
    Estonia …… 17 November 2006
    Finland …… 24 November 2006
    France …… 22 November 2006
    Germany …… 23 November 2006
    Greece …… 16 November 2006
    Hungary …… 7 December 2006
    Iceland …… 17 November 2006
    Italy …… 5 January 2007
    Latvia …… 17 November 2006
    Lithuania …… 17 November 2006
    Netherlands …… 23 November 2006
    Norway …… 24 November 2006
    Poland …… 17 November 2006
    Portugal …… 23 November 2006
    Romania …… 24 November 2006
    Russia …… 16 November 2006
    Serbia & Montenegro …… 23 November 2006
    Slovakia …… 16 November 2006
    Slovenia …… 23 November 2006
    Spain …… 24 November 2006
    Sweden …… 24 November 2006
    Switzerland (French) …… 22 November 2006
    Switzerland (German) …… 23 November 2006
    Switzerland (Italian) …… 5 January 2007
    Turkey …… 17 November 2006
    United Kingdom …… 16 November 2006

    Latin America

    América Central …… 21 December 2006
    Argentina …… 7 December 2006
    Bolivia …… 25 December 2006
    Brazil …… 15 December 2006
    Chile …… 7 December 2006
    Colombia …… 7 December 2006
    Ecuador …… 8 December 2006
    Mexico …… 8 December 2006
    Peru …… 7 December 2006
    Puerto Rico …… 16 November 2006
    Uruguay …… 25 December 2006
    Venezuela …… 8 December 2006

    Asia Pacific

    Australia …… 7 December 2006
    China …… 30 January 2007
    Hong Kong …… 21 December 2006
    India …… 17 December 2006
    Indonesia …… 15 November 2006
    Japan …… 1 December 2006
    Korea …… 21 December 2006
    Malaysia …… 16 November 2006
    New Zealand …… 7 December 2006
    Philippines …… 15 November 2006
    Singapore …… 16 November 2006
    Thailand …… 16 November 2006
    Taiwan …… 17 November 2006

    Middle East / Africa

    Bahrain …… 15 November 2006
    Egypt …… 15 November 2006
    Israel …… 16 November 2006
    Jordan …… 15 November 2006
    Kenya …… 1 December 2006
    Kuwait …… 15 November 2006
    Lebanon …… 15 November 2006
    Nigeria …… 1 December 2006
    Oman …… 15 November 2006
    Qatar …… 16 November 2006
    South Africa …… 1 December 2006
    Syria …… 16 November 2006
    United Arab Emirates …… 16 November 2006

    Stay tuned to CBn for all the latest news on Casino Royale and all things James Bond 007.

    Casino Royale is the 21st James Bond 007 film produced by franchise holders Eon Productions. The MGM/Columbia Pictures production began shooting in January and is due for release worldwide on 17 November 2006. Starring Daniel Craig as James Bond, it is currently being filmed in the Czech Republic, the Bahamas, Italy and the UK.

    The film co-stars Eva Green, Mads Mikkelsen, Jeffrey Wright, Judi Dench, Giancarlo Giannini, Caterina Murino, Simon Abkarian, Tobias Menzies, Ivana Milicevic, Clemens Schick, Ludger Pistor, Claudio Santamaria, and Isaach De Bankole.

  3. Win A Casino Royale Japanese Flyer

    By righty007 on 2006-10-30

    CommanderBond.net has a Casino Royale Japanese flyer to give away to one lucky reader!

    Test Pic

    FRONT: “My, what lovely eyes you have, Mr Bond.”

    For a chance to win, all you need to do is answer the following five questions:

    1. James Bond visits Japan in which film?
    2. Which Raymond Benson novel is set primarily in Japan?
    3. What intelligence agency does Bond’s ally, Tiger Tanaka, work for in both the novels and the film?
    4. What is the name of the Japanese woman Bond impregnates in Ian Fleming’s You Only Live Twice?
    5. The “007 The Man With the Red Tattoo Museum” is located on which Japanese island?

    Test Pic

    BACK: “My, what lovely scars you have, Mr Bond.”

    Send your answers in a personal message on the CBn forums to ‘Righty007’, with the subject ‘Japanese Flyer Competition’, by clicking this link. If you’re not currently a member, you can register for free by clicking here.

    Answers must be sent in by Friday, November 10th.

    All those who answer correctly will go in for the draw and the winner will be chosen at random and sent a Personal Message (PM) via the CBn Forums to the Screen Name they provided to inform them of their winning. The winner must respond to this PM within 3 days with the requested information (name, mailing address, etc.) or another winner will be chosen. The winner will be announced once shipping information has been received. CommanderBond.net cannot be held responsible for loss or damage during the shipping of the flyer.

  4. Casino Royale Japanese Poster Revealed Online

    By Devin Zydel on 2006-10-29

    Recently added to the official Japanese website for the newest James Bond film, Casino Royale is a brand new poster for the film.

    This new Casino Royale poster features a shot of Daniel Craig as 007 with the Casino Royale and Aston Martin DBs located to the right. Bond girl Eva Green is also featured very prominently along with the 007 logo to the left.

    The one line of text on the poster runs: ‘Story tells how James Bond becomes 007.’

    Click here to view this Casino Royale poster online.

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

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  5. New Version Of Chris Cornell's 'You Know My Name'

    By Devin Zydel on 2006-10-29

    It has been posted on the CBn Forums that a third version of the title song for Casino Royale–Chris Cornell’s ‘You Know My Name’ has been released online.

    This new version, which can be listened to here on Myspace, is strikingly different to the previous version which was released on Cornell’s own MySpace page in that it features hardly any orchestration.

    The music video for Cornell’s ‘You Know My Name’, is set to be premiered on MTV’s “Making The Video” on 31 October 2006 at 10:00 AM (EST). Full listing here on Yahoo TV.

    Listen to the new version of Chris Cornell’s ‘You Know My Name’ here.

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

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  6. Casino Royale Sony Ericsson Commercial Online

    By Devin Zydel on 2006-10-29

    CBn earlier reported that Sony Ericsson, one of the promotional partners for Casino Royale, had set up its own website promoting the new James Bond film and their featured products.

    The website has recently been updated with a Casino Royale commercial which includes several clips from the film as well as Chris Cornell’s main title song, ‘You Know My Name.’

    To view the commercial, visit the Sony website here, and after choosing your respective country, click on ‘Headquarters,’ then the ‘Footage’ icon, and finally the ‘Sony Ericsson K800’ icon.

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

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  7. Casino Royale To Set Record Opening In India

    By Devin Zydel on 2006-10-28

    The Times of India reports that Casino Royale will be setting a unique record upon its theatrical release in India.

    The 21st James Bond film has been marked with 500 prints for release–the highest ever for any Hollywood film. The previous record was 304 prints for 2004’s Spider-Man 2. Pierce Brosnan’s final 007 outing, Die Another Day had 261.

    ‘James Bond has a huge equity in India and his films have always been a hit in this country,’ said Uday Singh of Sony Pictures, India.

    A film trade analyst was quoted as saying: ‘Till about two years ago, Hollywood films would release in India almost two months after their worldwide release. The change underlines the business Hollywood films now get in India.’

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

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  8. Preston's Casino Royale Charity Premiere Details

    By Devin Zydel on 2006-10-28

    The Lancashire Evening Post reports today on yet another of the charity premieres for Casino Royale, this time in Preston.

    According to the report, Coronation Street‘s Samia Smith, Anthony Cotton, and Bill Ward, who play Maria Sutherland, Sean Tully and Charlie Stubbs, along with Will Mellor and Ralf Little, who are characters Gaz and Jonny in Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, are among the list of invited guests to the event.

    The Vue cinema at The Capitol Centre, Walton-le-Dale will be holding the premiere of the 21st James Bond film on Wednesday, 15 November–the same date as the charity premieres in Yorkshire, Cardiff, Edinburgh, and Livingston.

    The MediCinema charity–which provides cinema screens in hospitals–is expected to receive over £60,000.

    Producer Barbara Broccoli said: ‘I have had lovely letters in the past, from patients and their loved ones thanking us for our support of MediCinema. With its cinemas in hospitals, MediCinema provides a much needed escape for the patients.’

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

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  9. Ian Fleming James Bond Reprints Now Available

    By Devin Zydel on 2006-10-28

    All 14 reprints of the James Bond 007 novels by Ian Fleming are now shipping from amazon.co.uk.

    All 14 of the 007 novels now feature the retro cover artwork created by Roseanne Serra and Richie Fahey which was used for the 2002/2003 Penguin US editions. They also feature brand new introductions by a collection of different authors. The complete list is: Jeffery Deaver, Louise Welsh, Michael Dibdin, Jonathan Kellerman, Charlie Higson, Simon Winder, Ben Schott, Barry Eisler, David Wolstencroft, Nick Stone, Val McDermid, Mo Hayder, Charles Cumming, and Robert Ryan.

    In addition, Penguin Modern Classics, which released 10 of the Ian Fleming Bond novels back in mid-2004, completed their series on 5 October 2006 with the addition of For Your Eyes Only, The Spy Who Loved Me, The Man With The Golden Gun, and Octopussy And The Living Daylights. The cover art is available on Amazon UK and each novel can be ordered for a price of £7.99.

    Order the Ian Fleming James Bond Novels

    Penguin Reprints – 26 October 2006

    Casino Royale – Jeffery Deaver …… Amazon.co.uk
    Live And Let Die – Louise Welsh …… Amazon.co.uk
    Moonraker – Michael Dibdin …… Amazon.co.uk
    Diamonds Are Forever – Jonathan Kellerman …… Amazon.co.uk
    From Russia With Love – Charlie Higson …… Amazon.co.uk
    Dr. No – Simon Winder …… Amazon.co.uk
    Goldfinger – Ben Schott …… Amazon.co.uk
    For Your Eyes Only – Barry Eisler …… Amazon.co.uk
    Thunderball – David Wolstencroft …… Amazon.co.uk
    The Spy Who Loved Me – Nick Stone …… Amazon.co.uk
    On Her Majesty’s Secret Service – Val McDermid …… Amazon.co.uk
    You Only Live Twice – Mo Hayder …… Amazon.co.uk
    The Man With The Golden Gun – Charles Cumming …… Amazon.co.uk
    Octopussy And The Living Daylights – Robert Ryan …… Amazon.co.uk

    Penguin Modern Classics – 5 October 2006

    For Your Eyes Only …… Amazon.co.uk
    The Spy Who Loved Me …… Amazon.co.uk
    The Man With The Golden Gun …… Amazon.co.uk
    Octopussy And The Living Daylights …… Amazon.co.uk

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

  10. Casino Royale Features A 'Star' Performance By Sunseeker

    By Devin Zydel on 2006-10-28

    It was confirmed on CBn back in May 2006 that Sunseeker motoryachts would be featured in the 21st official James Bond film, Casino Royale.

    Sunseeker motoryachts, which were previously featured in The World Is Not Enough and Die Another Day, provided the company’s XS 2000 and Predator 108 for sequences filmed in central Europe, the Bahamas, and in studio. Photographs of the XS 2000 can be viewed here.

    According to this press release from bymynews, Sunseeker turned in a ‘star’ performance for Casino Royale

    Star performance by Sunseeker in new James Bond film Casino Royale

    Featuring Sunseeker motoryachts for the third time in succession, the production of the forthcoming 007 film Casino Royale has proved to be the company’s greatest James Bond assignment to date. As a result, Sunseeker’s stunning Predator 108 was filmed on location in the Bahamas and the company also built full-scale models of accommodation on board for transportation to film studios in Prague. In total, five Sunseeker motoryachts were used and two feature in the film.

    Working closely with Sunseeker’s designers and drawing office, film producers EON Productions took 6 weeks to create full-scale sets of the Predator 108’s Deck Saloon, Aft Cockpit and Master Stateroom, duplicating every aspect of equipment, luxury and style in the finest detail. Once created, the film sets were dismantled in the UK, transported and constructed in Prague, and mounted on a giant hydraulic platform to simulate the movement of the sea during filming.

    According to Martin Guscott, representing Sunseeker’s design and manufacturing team, the operation was a major logistical exercise for the company. ‘Production teams on both sides collaborated on the design and build of each section, and to provide the finishing touch Sunseeker supplied a full complement of the highest quality furniture and fittings. Even the switches and dials in the Cockpit were identical to the real thing!’ he said.

    Due for worldwide release in November 2006, Casino Royale features a number of Sunseeker motoryachts on locations from the Bahamas to central Europe including a sequence involving the company’s high performance XS 2000 and a sea plane.

    Commenting on Sunseeker’s appearance in yet another James Bond film, the company’s managing director Robert Braithwaite MBE said: ‘As a privately-owned British company and a leading worldwide brand associated with luxury, style and performance there’s a great deal of synergy with the quality and distinction represented by every Bond film. Worldwide exposure of this kind can further enhance awareness and recognition, and benefit our efforts to increase and extend international sales activity.’

    Other James Bond films which have featured Sunseeker motoryachts include Die Another Day (2002) and The World Is Not Enough (1999) in which Sunseeker’s Superhawk 34 sped down London’s River Thames at over 60 mph in the longest-ever Bond pre-title sequence.

    A global leader in the design and build of luxury motor yachts, Sunseeker International exports 99% of its product range and employs over 1,800 highly trained staff in their shipyards on Britain’s South Coast. Sunseeker International is widely recognised as the pre-eminent marine brand in the world today.

    bymynews

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

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