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The James Bond 007 Special Edition DVD Collection, Volume 2

The James Bond 007 Special Edition DVD Collection, Volume 2

List Price: $124.96
Your Price: $87.47
Product Info Reviews

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Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Can't wait for this Set!
Review: I am expecting an awesome boxed set! I got the first collection for Christmas last year, and now the remaining Bond films will be available. I have really enjoyed the quality of the DVD's -- each entry menu is intriguingly cool and greets you in an interesting new way. The films are very well restored, and when you watch the trailers, you can really tell the difference. Remember that together these films span 40 years!

This set of 007 films includes "Moonraker" -- often bashed, I remember it fondly, with Drax and Jaws and some humor and campy 007 space action it's something that's been absent from many of the TV runs . . . can't wait to watch it again. And also one of my all time favorites -- Connery's "You Only Live Twice", vs Blofeld and with Ninjas and carnivorous space ships. This was the inspiration for Dr Evil! Also Roger Moore's For Your Eyes only is one of his finest. The set also includes the Lazenby 007, one I hardly remember, but I'm looking forward to it. This set will go nicely with the 7 solid entrants from part 1, and should be much better than set #3.

Another tip -- MGM/UA is releasing 20 bond films in these sets. But if you want to be thorough, see Sean Connery's finale "Never Say Never Again" and maybe even get the 007 spoof "Casino Royale". That will finish the entire James Bond collection. Athough many people disparage it, I grabbed Never Say Never for a few bucks at a local mart, and it does have Kim Basinger!!

James Bond Collection Volume 2 is a great piece for those building DVD Collections or who just love Bond Films. It has some of the best Bond there is -- I can't wait to get it!

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: Not closed captioned in English
Review: I bought this box set as a birthday present for a friend who is hard of hearing, thinking that he could use the closed caption option.

I was shocked to find that all the DVD's in all of the James Bond boxed sets are NOT closed captioned in English!
They are only closed captioned in French and Spanish.

How can they sell these these DVDs in the USA, label them as "closed captioned" and not state on the box that they are NOT closed captioned in English?

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: A must own DVD collection
Review: I finally broke down to purchase all three volumes for a complete James Bond set on DVD. Finding all of the sets online brand new was very difficult. The price was one of the best here for total shipped price.One word, "WOW". The packaging was very nice. The special editions of each 007 movies are loaded with impressive extras. After viewing the actual movies, I found the video excellent and the sound quality a huge upgrade from my Bond VHS versions. It was like watching them for the first time on DVD. In my opinion, these sets are classics for any DVD collection. I did not regret my purchase.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Bond heaven
Review: I got the first boxed set and have been waiting patiently for the 2nd and 3rd and now I have them. This is rare opportunity for the Bond-o-phile to own ever Bond film on DVD. Like the volumes in the first set each individual DVD is chock full of special features and documentaries so as you progress through the series you learn the history of the Bond films themselves. Many of these I've never seen so I'm looking forward to seeing those. If you love Bond then bite the bullet and get them all then settle back with a vodka martini, shaken not stirred, and enjoy them for years to come.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: An Endearing Man of Distinction
Review: John Barry began his "official" scoring duties in tandem with his screen credit on FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE bringing a highly recognizable and definitive substantiating sound to the Bond series that distinguished it with his unique and inimitable musical style. That has been a hallmark, which brings a cohesive quality to the whole series even in Barry's absence. FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE is considered to be one of the better Bond films in the series. It follows the directorial style of DR. NO but embellishes it with layer upon layer of style, mood and a richly woven texture unique to the cinematic world of 007. Sean Connery continues his portrayal of the character in the Fleming literary mold but simultaneously continues to refine his performance adding more depth to the character's worldliness, intellect, social graces and wry humor. The plot also offers a more substantial challenge to Bond and poses a dichotomy of villainy represented by the unwitting Soviets and the independent criminal organization known as S.P.E.C.T.R.E. headed by Blofeld (named in the end credits). FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE is exceptional filmmaking.
YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE is the fifth film in the series and gives us a resourceful and intelligent James Bond reminiscent of FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE as he seeks out his contact in Japan during the early scenes. Eventually Bond falls into the mode of the impervious hero created in THUNDERBALL. In the first hour the pace is deliberate, but never boring or unentertaining, ending with Bond flying "Little Nellie," delivered by "Q," into an engaging aerial dogfight with four helicopters. As it moves into the second hour more of the science fiction and fantasy elements take center stage. The film peregrinates until it gets to the excellently filmed battle between Tanaka's ninjas and Blofeld's private army in his Volcano lair. Bond and Blofeld finally come face to face. John Barry composed one of his best scores for this film filled with great musical action vignettes, mood and flavor of the Japanese locale. YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE contained elements of espionage, action, thrills, adventure and science fiction making it entertaining all around.
DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER sees the return of Sean Connery as James Bond after a one-film hiatus. After the very Fleming-like ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE and George Lazenby's single performance of a no-nonsense Bond, DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER brought the series to a new kinder and gentler level. The plot is confusing at times but it really doesn't matter because the film does not take itself too serious. DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER, though not a suspense epic, remains an entertaining exposition bringing Bond into the 70s. It is also a very stylized film thanks to Ken Adam's designs for the Willard Whyte penthouse and Blofeld's cavernous mud bath lair and John Barry's above-and-beyond score. These elements were visually opulent and pleasing to the eye and ear making this an extraordinary film of universal appeal.
MOONRAKER plays like a compendium of the entire series running the gamut from the serious to the fanciful. MOONRAKER contains many elements to please the diverse tastes of the millions of Bond fans. That is the magic of MOONRAKER. There is incredible action in this film. The free-fall sequence is one of the best pre-title sequences of the series. The boat chase in the South American jungle is truly thrilling. Bond's fight in the Venetian glass museum is a classic. John Barry's score is exquisite and moving, one of his most unique. The dialogue by Christopher Wood is witty and intelligent. MOONRAKER has it all.
In FOR YOUR EYES ONLY 007 gets rough as he goes up against an international tycoon on the payroll of the Soviets. This is an action packed film, with picturesque European and Mediterranean locales and a very exciting score by Bill Conti. The sinking of the St. Georges, the attack on Kristatos' warehouse and Bond kicking Locque's car, with Locque still inside, off the cliff were high points that were excellently filmed.
THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS introduces Timothy Dalton as 007 and it brings the series back to its roots. Dalton's performance brings comparisons to Sean Connery over other actors that have filled the role. The film looks more like a product of the 60s as it brings Bond behind the "Iron Curtain" and up against the KGB. An emotionally charged pre-title sequence on the cliffs of Gibraltar introduces the new James Bond and is a highlight of the entire series. Alec Mills' rich and colorful cinematography and John Barry's best Bond score in years make this a nostalgic rebirth of James Bond and returns the viewer to his unparalleled stylish world. The plot involves a defecting Russian general but there is more than meets the eye and Bond must use his "instincts" to the disapproval of M to ferret out the truth. Dalton immediately puts his stamp on the role as the thinking man's Bond and he displays a distinct dislike for bureaucracy but remains the ever-dedicated civil servant. THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS is one of the best films of the James Bond series.
THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH is somewhat a throwback to what Timothy Dalton was demonstrated with his interpretation of James Bond. Infrequently in an action film series does one of its entries attempt to deal with the persona of its hero with equal intensity as it handles the plot. This is the case with THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH. Visually this film shows how James Bond develops an obsession for a woman for whom he has become intrigued with, her having been mistreated by British Intelligence (in Bond's vision), and the effect it has on him. The results are devastating. All being said, Pierce Brosnan really has the part of James Bond down to an art and science. THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH is one of the most intriguing films of the series.
This DVD Volume demonstrates the versatility and diversity of the world of James Bond.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: A Superb Collection
Review: Let me just say, I am pleased with MGM's decision to release all of the Bond films for this holiday season.

FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE is my third favorite Bond film. I felt that this was Sean Connery's finest hour. John Barry's score is perfect for the chilling felling that this film gives off. I would buy this set for this movie alone.
****

YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE has great locales and a heart-pumping plot. However, it is not that special. This film overdoes the whole Japanese theme too much. But, the last half hour is back in the Bond tradition. Donald Pleasance is fantastic as the super-villan Ernst Stavro Blofeld. Even because of the comic-book-like scenes, this is a great 007 flick.
***

DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER is more like a Republic serial than a movie 007 film, but, it is great fun to watch. Probably, the most raunchiest one out there, but it is great. The homo-sexual henchman, Mr. Wint & Mr. Kidd make the movie as well does Charles Gray as the final Blofeld. A great film in the first half but it does bog down at the end. Great fun though!!!
***

MOONRAKER is silly, over-the-top, has poor special effects, and I love it. This is probably the poorest Bond film but it is an awesome treat on a rainy day. However, this Bond film is big and I mean big! It covers three continents and space. It definitley shows that the cast had an awesome time making this. Once again, silly but entertaining.
**1/2

FOR YOUR EYES ONLY is like watching the grass grow compared to Moonraker. But it is not bad. A very realistic film which covers many aspects of the early Connery Bonds. However, is slow at many points and can be boring for people who watch the Bonds for the action scenes.
**1/2

THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS has possibly the most realistic plot. This is Timothy Dalton's first appearance as 007. After reading the Ian Fleming novels, I find him to be most similar to the way his creator viewed him. I expected this movie to have a great Russian plot but is doesn't, you'll have to wait until GoldenEye for that. Definitely the most forgettable.
**1/2

THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH has an intresting plot, a brilliant villan, and a delicious villaness. Sophie Marceau plays the disturbed Elektra King brilliantly. I feel that in this film Pierce Brosnan finally feels comfortable in the role of 007. However this is a sad hour for Bond lovers. This is Desmond Llewellyn's last time for playing the gadget wizard "Q".
***

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Good Selection
Review: Like the third boxed set, a few titles you can live without, but some good movies are in here:

From Russia With Love - slow by today's movie standards but an excellent Bond film. Bond's gadgets are very practical and he's only human in this one. Don't miss the gypsy girls fighting or Tatiana getting ready to meet Bond!

You Only Live Twice - not as interesting as the novel although the girls and the custom Toyota were good to look at. Bond finally meets Ernst Stavro Blofeld.

Diamonds Are Forever - the funniest Bond of them all. I enjoy this one even though there were some glaring questions like how does a car on two wheels suddenly go up on the other two wheels and why would diamonds around a laser make it more powerful than if they were in the laser?

Moonraker - the outerspace battle is as boring as the underwater battle in Thunderball and Jaws is as inept as he is indestructible in this one. Plot is certainly more up to date than that in Fleming's novel, but didn't have much to offer except women in skimpy outfits and a good fight scene in the glass museum.

For Your Eyes Only - decent movie, often played for laughs. Teaches you not to mess with women wielding crossbows.

The Living Daylights - Timothy Dalton attempted to bring Bond more in line with Fleming's down to earth, human spy. Although Dalton may have been just a bit too serious as Bond, this is one of my favorite Bond films. The opening is terrific and we see a Bond with his own moral code doing what he must.

The World is not Enough - Bond's family motto and a good film. Brosnan's line as he kills the true villain of the piece is reminisent of some of Connery's better lines. Most fantastic opening sequences of any movie!

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Ya gotta take the lumps with the good stuff
Review: Make no mistake, there's some good stuff in this boxed set.

There's also "Moonraker," which nobody in the world would ever buy on purpose.

Nevertheless...

There are two reasons to buy this set: either you're collecting Bond movies (and who could blame you?); or you think it's a good deal to get a couple of good movies all at once. If you're a collector, nothing I say will persuade you one way or the other. But, if you're looking to get a good deal on some good movies, this isn't a bad way to do it.

Basically, if you get four good movies out of a boxed set at this price, you come out ahead. Out of the seven movies in this box, exactly four of them are good, and one other is pretty decent if you ignore some of the acting. For your money, you get "From Russia with Love," "For Your Eyes Only," "The Living Daylights" and "You Only Live Twice."

Unfortunately, you also get "Moonraker." It's easy enough to just not watch it, though, and that leaves you with six watchable movies, four of which are actually good, and are a good representation of the Bond series. From Connery's spy-based earlier stuff ("From Russia..." & "You Only Live Twice") to Moore's cool confidence ("For Your Eyes Only") to Dalton's hard-edged action ("Living Daylights"), you get a good overview. While I'm not a huge fan of the Brosnan movies, he's an excellent amalgamation of those three Bond aspects. So, even though the plots of his films are pretty weak and derivative ("Goldeneye" being the most original of them), Brosnan's "World is Not Enough" is worth watching, and rounds out this set nicely. Just ignore Denise Richards (worst Bond girl ever... bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad), and you'll do fine.

All in all, Volume 1 is a better deal, but if you're sick like I am, you'll end up with all three sets eventually.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: A serious presentation for owning the collection
Review: MGM offers a new chance for 007's fans to have the complete collection by presenting the complete collection in three sets (except Never Say Never Again, available at Amazon for $13).

I do not agree with various comments from other reviewers complaining about the bad marketing of MGM, since they have already presented the movies in singles and in three sets before. And by presenting them, once again, with improved quality and logic price in three packages, there is no harm at all.

What is beautiful in James Bond movies is the concept. The imminent illusion of the "non-reality" in all his movies is something comfortable to every potential viewer. No one would be offended by the unbreakable hotshot imperialist; timely, everybody would enjoy the sophistication, manners and cold-blood brutality of a professional spy (and gentleman) mastering the world and women' hearts.

There is always something new in every movie, the sequence of the incidents, the very well woven plots and the presentation of psycho genius personalities or pathetic authoritarian leaders or governments. All are offered in new ways, new places and from different points of view that would necessary put you in suspense. The British sense of humor and the mysterious touch added to the colors of the hero have a lot of show-off in comparison to American-made movies, where heroes are presented from reality and where "nobody care if you believe it or not".

My best movies are "Diamonds Are For Ever", "The Spy Who Loved Me" and "Die Another Day"; but I always have a reason to watch other titles for the 10th or 20th time (I already saw "Die Another Day" for three times).

Probably, it is the best collection ever made to date, so if you believe that action movies are an important part of real Cinema, and that real entertainment is a just aim of it, I believe that you are having a very good chance to have the best of it in a very reasonable price. I am personally grabbing the chance to replace my old VHS collection with this sophisticated DVD one, I started with the first set and I am buying the other two, one in every next month.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Don't Forget "Never Say Never Again"
Review: Not sure why, but in all 3 DVD Collections, "NEVER SAY NEVER AGAIN" is not included. So that for the TRUE Jams Bond fan, you cannot say "and it does not say on the packaging(s) that if you have all 3 sets you'll have a "complete" set. Adding "Never Say Never Again" (which you have to purchase seperate) sets you up with having the COMPLETE Bond Collection (unless you consider CASINO ROYALE to be the first movie then you'd want that one).


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