MI6 reviews the new James Bond Ultimate Edition DVD of the 1987 outing "The Living Daylights"...

DVD Review - The Living Daylights
24th August 2006

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 reviews the films and each of these features along with all the special new content.

Official Blurb
Timothy Dalton is suave and lethal as superagent James Bond in this turbo-charged acting/adventure that pulls out the stops for excitement. Armed with a gadget-laden Aston Martin and his licence to kill, Agent 007 must stop a terrifying weapons conspiracy that may be linked to the Soviet military high command!

Data Stream
Region: 2
Release Date: 17th July 2006
Running Time: 130 minutes
Screen Format: 2.35:1 Anamorphic PAL
Soundtracks: English DD5.1, English DTS
Subtitles: English HOH, Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, Greek, 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 (224Kb/s)

 

Video
The Living Daylights has been restored and cleaned up by the amazing Lowry process. The image is near perfect; clear and sharp throughout. The colour levels are excellent and the blacks are solid giving the print a pristine look.

Audio
The DVD has two main audio tracks: the previously released Dolby Digital 5.1 and the newly remixed DTS track. The new DTS track is wholly average with very little difference between the previous Dolby Digital. The rear speakers and lower frequency channels seem under-used during the course of the film. The film's dialogue and optional commentary are clear and easily understood throughout the film.

On The DVD

  • DECLASSIFIED: MI6 VAULT
  • Deleted Scenes With Introduction by John Glen
  • Happy Anniversary, 007 Silver Anniversary Featurettes
  • Timothy Dalton: The New James Bond
  • Vienna Press Conference
  • Timothy Dalton: On Acting
  • Dalton and d'Abo Interviews
  • The Ice Chase Outtakes - Deleted Footage With Director John Glen Narration
  • 007 MISSION CONTROL
  • Interactive Guide Into the World of The Living Daylights
  • THE COMPLETE SPECIAL FEATURES LIBRARY - MISSION DOSSIER
  • Audio Commentary Featuring Director John Glen and Members of the Cast and Crew
  • Inside The Living Daylights
  • Ian Fleming: 007's Creator
  • 'The Living Daylights' Music Video Performed by a-ha
  • The Making of 'The Living Daylights' Music Video
  • MINISTRY OF PROPAGANDA, Original Trailers, TV Spots, Photo Gallery & Radio Communications
 

Bonus Features
Deleted Scenes: The Declassified: MI6 Vault is kicked off with two deleted scenes introduced by five-time James Bond director John Glen. A short 'Magic Carpet Ride' and 'Q's Lab: Extended Scene' are both insightful, however they were best left out of the film.
The Ice Chase with Director Introduction - an extended inter cut of behind the scenes and film footage by Arthur Wooster's second unit. An insightful behind the scenes look at the memorable car chase.
Happy Anniversary 007 - a round up of the 25 years of James Bond hosted by Roger Moore. The program ends with a promotional plug for The Living Daylights. This compilation is the best 'new' feature on the disc, however offers nothing new for the Bond enthusiast.
Silver Anniversary Featurettes - four short clips focusing on Cubby Broccoli and his views of Timothy Dalton as James Bond. The second is a introduction to the new Bond girl Maryam d'Abo. The third is Around The World With James Bond, a look at the locations of the latest James Bond film. The final short is a near two-minute look at Bond's new Aston Martin 'Volante' in The New Bond Car.
Timothy Dalton: The New James Bond / Vienna Press Conference - this is a fantastic feature which helps us see a new James Bond ushered in. The board is made up of cast and crew who answer the press questions.

Dalton and d'Abo Interviews - an interview with Dalton and d'Abo as they talk about the plans and hopes for the future of the new James Bond film.
Timothy Dalton On Acting - An insightful interview with Timothy Dalton on him taking on the Bond mantel.
007 Mission Control - A number of clips highlighting the must haves for any James Bond film. 007, Women, Allies, Villains, Mission Combat Manual, Q Branch and Exotic Locations - which is the only new featurette in this collection.

All other features were previously released on the Special Edition DVD.

One Last Thing....
Where is the alternative gun-barrel sequence used in early previews of the film, where Timothy Dalton leapt across the screen?

MI6 Rating
Video
Audio
Special Features
Overall

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