MI6 Reviews the new James Bond Ultimate Edition DVD of the 1995 outing "GoldenEye"...

DVD Review - GoldenEye
6th February 2007

The James Bond movies have been brought into the 21st century with special 5.1 surround sound remastering, new film transfers and extra special features in the "Ultimate Editions" series. MI6 reviews the films and each of these features along with all the special new content.

Official Blurb
The effortlessly suave and sophisticated Pierce Brosnan makes his acclaimed debut as Agent 007 in the rip-roaring espionage thriller featuring the most eye-popping opening sequence yet! When an MI6 agent turns rogue and plans world domination with a terrifying satellite-borne weapon, Bond must pursue his former ally to Cuba, Monte Carlo, Switzerland and even Russia, all while dodging a sexy, deadly femme fatal who will stop at nothing to put the "squeeze" on the intrepid spy!

Data Stream
Region: 2
Release Date: 17th July 2006
Running Time: 125 minutes
Screen Format: 2:35:1 Anamorphic PAL
Soundtracks: English DTS 5.1, English DD5.1
Subtitles: English, English Captions, Greek, Danish, Dutch, Finish, Hindi, Norwegian, Swedish.

Audio Specs
English Dolby Digital 5.1 (448Kb/s)
English DTS 5.1 (768Kb/s)
English Audio Commentary Dolby Digital 2.0

 

Video
The colour and picture are clear and full. The most observant of Bond fans will notice subtle improvements by way of colour correction and contrast, but there are no glaring advancements to the "GoldenEye" picture.

Audio
The new DTS audio track comes to its forefront during the title sequence. The full range of audio and surround sound is mixed nicely with Tina Turner's powerful title song. However, at times the bass is over-dominant. Throughout the feature, the score is well mixed and the brooding baseline compliments the eeriest scenes.

On The DVD

  • DECLASSIFIED: MI6 VAULT
  • Deleted Scenes With Introductions by Director Martin Campbell
  • Directing Bond: The Martin Chronicles
  • Building a Better Bond: Pre-Production Featurette
  • The Return of Bond - The Start of Production Press Event
  • Driven To Bond: Remy Julienne
  • Anatomy of a Stunt: Tank Versus Perrier
  • Making It Small in Pictures: Derek Meddings
  • On Location With Peter Lamont
  • "GoldenEye" - The Secret Files
  • Pre-Title Sequence Storyboard Sequence With Director Martin Campbell
  • 007 MISSION CONTROL
  • Interactive Guide Into the World of GoldenEye
  • THE COMPLETE SPECIAL FEATURES LIBRARY - MISSION DOSSIER
  • Audio Commentary Featuring Martin Campbell and Michael G. Wilson
  • The World of 007 - Original 1995 Television Special Hosted by Elizabeth Hurley
  • The "GoldenEye" Video Journal
  • Promotional Featurette
  • "GoldenEye" Music Video Performed by Tina Turner
  • MINISTRY OF PROPAGANDA, Original Trailers, TV Spots & Radio Communications
 

New Bonus Features
Deleted Scenes - Four scenes removed from the final cut, complete with informative introductions from Martin Campbell. In most cases it is clear why the scenes were removed, but any fan will be excited to watch these for the first time.
Directing Bond: The Martin Chronicles - Behind the scenes footage laced with interviews from"GoldenEye" cast and crew discussing the directorship and style of New Zealand helmer Martin Campbell.
Building a Better Bond - Introduced by Michael G. Wilson, this is a 1994 featurette covers the re-birth of Bond and pre-production of "GoldenEye".
The Return of Bond - Behind the scenes at the first "GoldenEye" press day when Pierce Brosnan first greeted the world as 007!
Driven to Bond - Featurette touching on the work of legendary stunt arranger Remy Julienne and on set footage of the "GoldenEye" car chase sequence.
Anatomy of a Stunt - A behind the scenes look at the process of one single stunt. Complete with footage of the St. Petersburg set and tank chase.
Making It Small In Pictures - A tribute featurette to the work of model maker Derek Meddings and his contribution to the "GoldenEye" production. It was his last picture before passing away.
On Location With Peter Lamont - Location scouting for "GoldenEye" with an informative narration from production designer Peter Lamont. Footage includes a train yard in England, the Swiss Alps and Leavesden Aerodrome.

"GoldenEye" - The Secret Files - A "making of" featurette, beginning with the renovation of Leavesden Aerodrome to become a suitable studio and following the "GoldenEye" production in detail to create a comprehensive documentary.
Pre-Title Sequence Story Board - Martin Campbell discusses the uses and importance of storyboarding and gives viewers a glance at the “GoldenEye” pre-titles storyboard.

One Last Thing...
Besides Pierce Brosnan's full screen-test being absent (which as with the other Bond actors, may never escape Eon's vault), an opportunity was missed to cover the phenomenon of the Nintendo 64 title - still the best selling 007 videogame of all time.

MI6 Rating
Video
Audio
Special Features
Overall

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