James Bond News - The SKYFALL edition
Published: Tue, 11/06/12
 |
Available to download for FREE until November 7
Available exclusively for Kindle from Amazon.
|
|
November 6, 2012 Hi Well, after all that waiting for "Skyfall" it's here (in Europe) or about to land (in the USA) and been both critically acclaimed and a massive commercial success, breaking box office records all over the place.I was lucky enough to go to the World Premiere in London thanks to my friends at MI6 and had a great time in London meeting family (well, briefly) and many people in the world of 007. If you're reading this before November 8 then make sure you download my Kindle book "The Complete Guide to the Drinks of James Bond", which is currently free (see the sidebar for the link). Anyway, catch up with what has been going on in this very busy month by following the links below! Until next time,
50 Years Of Bond Themes available 8th October:
The official 007 website has this afternoon announced two CD collections of digitally remastered music from fifty years of James Bond films. The first CD features the theme songs from the first 22 films (as well as We Have All The Time In The World by Louis Armstrong), while the second is a double CD [...] Read more...
Skyfall and James Bond’s 50th anniversary used to launch new British tourism campaign [Mail Online]:
A new advertising campaign kicks off this week using James Bond to boost tourism to Britain. The campaign will kick off this week to coincide with Global James Bond Day with the slogan ’Bond is GREAT Britain’ with print advertising and billboards in 21 countries such as Australia, Brazil, Germany and the US. A television ad will [...] Read more...
Ian Fleming found the Vesper “unpalatable”:
The Guardian published a Bond related article yesterday linking to an article from its archives yesterday (when it was the Manchester Guardian), which critised Ian Fleming’s writing; it also linked to Fleming’s response, which makes interesting reading, as he refers to what must be the Vesper, saying: I proceeded to invent a cocktail for Bond (which I sampled several months later [...] Read more...
Naomie Harris on being a Bond girl:
The Mail Online has a feature on Naomie Harris in which she discusses her role in Skyfall. She tells in an interview that her character, Eve, “has come a long way from the traditional Bond girl” and that “she’s very intelligent and highly ambitious – her aim is to be as capable as James Bond” [...] Read more...
Cubby Broccoli: 50 years of 007 on the big screen:
Earlier this week we took a look at the life of Harry Saltzman, who was one of the principal driving forces behind putting James Bond on the big screen. In this article we look at his partner, Cubby Broccoli, with whom he formed Eon Productions and Danjaq. Albert “Cubby” Broccoli was born on Long Island [...] Read more...
Sony releases ‘Skyfall’ tie-in ad:
Please upgrade your browser Sony is the latest official partner of Skyfall to release a TV ad featuring Daniel Craig as 007. You can watch the YouTube video above. Read more...
Toyota GT from ‘You Only Live Twice’ driven by Jay Leno:
Jay Leno recently got his hands on one of the Toyota GT convertibles used in the filming of You Only Live Twice. Only two convertibles were ever built, making it an exceptionally rare specimen. Read more...
Adele’s ‘Skyfall’ theme song released:
Please upgrade your browser The Skyfall theme was released at 0:07 hours BST this morning and made available to purchase online from iTunes. Performed by Adele, you can listen to it with the accompanying video above. Click here to buy ‘Skyfall’ from iTunes Read more...
The ‘Skyfall’ theme song – initial reaction:
Since a 90 second sample of Adele singing the Skyfall theme was released online earlier in the week many Bond fans were able to listen to part of the song in advance. However, today the song can be heard in its entirety after being released online at 0:07 hours online and available from iTunes. Read more...
Clip from ‘Skyfall’: Digger vs Train:
A clip from the pre-titles sequence from Skyfall has been released this morning showing 007 using a digger on the back of a train to cross to a passenger carriage, in some ways similar to the parkour sequence from Casino Royale. Read more...
Bond 50 video blog:
Please upgrade your browser Screenwriter John Logan, producers Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, director Sam Mendes, and actors Daniel Craig, Judi Dench, Ralph Fiennes and Albert Finney all talk briefly about 50 years of James Bond on the silver screen. Read more...
Bringing ‘Dr No’ to the big screen:
Although Ian Fleming tried and failed to bring his creation to the big screen, it took the combined efforts of a Canadian and Italian American to bring the first James Bond film to the big screen. This article takes a look at how Dr No came to be made. Interest in bringing Dr No to [...] Read more...
Adele hits iTunes number one in under ten hours with ‘Skyfall’:
Adele looks like she has another hit on her hands after Skyfall went to the number 1 spot on iTunes in just 10 hours. The single was released at 0:07 hours and, coinciding with Global James Bond Day, marking the 50th anniversary of Dr No, has received a massive publicity boost. According to a report [...] Read more...
How to Vacation Like 007 [Bloomberg]:
The video above on Bloomberg takes a look at some of the locations visited by James Bond in the last 50 years. Read more...
The Secrets of Skyfall:
EPIX, which is premiering "Everything or Nothing" in the US, has released a 10 minute video entitled "The Secrets of Skyfall" on YouTube. It appears that most of the footage has been seen before, including interviews with cast and crew. Read more...
Skyfall locations video blog:
Please upgrade your browser First assistant director, Michael Lerman, talks about the challenges and opportunities of shooting on location for Skyfall. The video is concentrated on Turkey. He explains how the location will often dictate how they change the action from the script. Read more...
Skyfall soundtrack titles revealed:
The cover art and track listing for the Skyfall soundtrack by Thomas Newman have finally been revealed, just a day after music editor Tony Lewis revealed via twitter that work had finally finished. Previously Lewis had said that the soundtrack would be spoiler free, after being lobbied by several prominent Bond tweeters (including @007dossier) to [...] Read more...
Christie’s James Bond auction wildly beats estimates:
Last Friday saw the auction of various pieces of Bondmania up at Christie’s. Entitled “50 Years of James Bond – The Auction”, 40 lots were available online, while 10 more were also available at an invitation charity action at Christie’s on Friday with proceeds going to twelve charitable organisations, which benefited from a total of [...] Read more...
Sunbeam Alpine: the first screen Bond car:
The Bond legend wouldn’t be the same without the cars but while the best known of these is the Aston Martin DB5 that first appeared in Goldfinger, Bond’s very first car was the Sunbeam Alpine from Dr No. 1962 Sunbeam Alpine series II roader (1592cc, top speed 160 km/h) In retrospect, the producers of Bond [...] Read more...
Best of Bond… James Bond now available from iTunes:
The 50th anniversary music compilation “Best of Bond… James Bond” is now available from iTunes. Including the themes from the first 22 films and musical cues from a number of scores, the compilation totals 50 tracks. Download Best of Bond… James Bond from iTunes Read more...
New international Skyfall TV spot released:
A new 23 second TV spot has been released today after being uploaded to YouTube. Read more...
Bond and Beyond: a musical celebration of 50 years of James Bond:
Professional musician Tim Mottershead recently attended “Bond and Beyond”, a concert given to celebrate the music from 50 years of James Bond films. At the concert the results of a poll to discover the nation’s favourite 007 themes was also revealed. I travelled by metro link to Salford Quays, which with the Lowry Theatre, Imperial War [...] Read more...
Globe-Trotter and James Bond for Skyfall:
Press release: Globe-Trotter are extremely proud to announce its very special involvement in the latest James Bond film, Skyfall, starring Daniel Craig. This is the biggest partnership Globe-Trotter has ever undertaken in their 115 year history, and who better to partner with than 007 himself, a true British icon. For Skyfall, the production team required [...] Read more...
Terence Young: 50 years of 007 on the big screen:
Although Ian Fleming will be forever credited with the creation of James Bond, director Terence Young was responsible in many ways for the evolution of the smooth suave agent that people would later fall in love with. Young’s appreciation for tailored suits, fine wines and beautiful women was remarkably similar to that of Bond and [...] Read more...
First ‘Skyfall’ reviews expected Friday:
The first press screening for Skyfall is due to take place on Friday, with early reviews expected on Friday night. Journalists have been tweeting photos of their tickets, such as those here. There seems to be a high level of anticipation for the film among those lucky enough to be invited certainly by Saturday morning [...] Read more...
30 second ‘Skyfall’ soundtrack previews now available:
Amazon.de has uploaded track previews for the Skyfall soundtrack, composed by Thomas Newman. The thirty each clips include a 30 second snippet of music and gives an idea of what to expect when the film is released. The soundtrack titles give little away, certainly less than some previous titles that have given away the death [...] Read more...
Bond… James Bond:
Please upgrade your browser Bond… James Bond. It wasn’t in Quantum of Solace, but it’s certainly back for Skyfall. Read more...
‘Skyfall’ Land Rover Defender on Display at Harrods [Motorward]:
Harrods department store in Knightsbridge currently has a Land Rover used in the filming of Skyfall on display in one of the windows. The Land Rover Defender was driven by Naomie Harris, who plays Eve, in the opening sequence of the forthcoming Bond film. Click here to read the full article Read more...
Omega’s limited edition ‘Skyfall’ watch [video]:
A short video of Omega's limited-edition Seamaster Planet Ocean watch has been posted on YouTube. With the 007 gun logo in place of the digit seven on the watch face, it doesn't really seem to be a serious timepiece, especially considering the cost , but each to their own taste. Read more...
Skyfall running time confirmed by BBFC:
The running time for Skyfall has been confirmed at 143 minutes according to a report by the Radio Times, which also says it has been rated 12A. The new James Bond movie Skyfall has been given a 12A certificate by the British Board of Film Classification and will run for 142m 58s. Read more...
Early feedback following ‘Skyfall’ press preview:
Members of the press were invited to a screening of Skyfall at the Odeon Leicester Square this evening. Here’s what some people who were lucky enough to attend have been saying: @VassosA: The new Bond film is tense, thrilling, tremendous. Funny in places too. Bond back on form #skyfall @BazaarUK: The question is.. Who isn’t [...] Read more...
Terence Young: 50 years of 007 on the big screen:
Although Ian Fleming will be forever credited with the creation of James Bond, director Terence Young was responsible in many ways for the evolution of the smooth suave agent that people would later fall in love with. Young’s appreciation for tailored suits, fine wines and beautiful women was remarkably similar to that of Bond and [...] Read more...
Jack Lord: 50 years of 007 on the big screen:
Although James Bond’s CIA buddy Felix Leiter has been played by a number of actors, Jack Lord’s portrayal of Leiter in Dr No probably remains the most memorable. Although he was approached to reprise his role as Felix Leiter in Goldfinger, he pulled out when agreements between the financial terms of his contract and the [...] Read more...
Skyfall reviews:
After last Friday’s first press screening in London there have been numerous reviews published over the weekend, a selection of which have been compiled below. While some claim to be spoiler free, all that I have looked at have told me more than I wanted to know, so if you really don’t want to learn [...] Read more...
Daniel Craig Thinks ‘Bond 24′ Is Coming Sooner Than Later:
MTV recently interviewed Daniel Craig about Skyfall and when they asked him about the timetable for Bond 24 he replied: “I think they’d like to [speed up the timetable], and I think that would be the plan. That was too long last time. [...] As long as we’ve got the script and we’re ready to [...] Read more...
Quantum of Solace posters:
Quantum of Solace posters with Daniel Craig as 007 Read more...
Skyfall posters:
Skyfall posters with Daniel Craig back as James Bond Read more...
Skyfall music video blog:
The latest video blog from 007.com takes a look behind the scenes at Skyfall's music, talking to composer Thomas Newman and trumpeter Derek Watkins, who has unbelievably played on every one of the Bond films to date. During the video Newman calls the James Bond Theme "classic and iconic". Read more...
Ursula Andress: 50 years of 007 on the big screen:
When Ursula Andress first appeared in Dr No, emerging from the Caribbean dressed in a white bikini, she not only got the pulses of millions racing, but also set the standard by which every following Bond girl would be judged. Cast as Honey Ryder, she helped launch what would eventually become one of the world’s [...] Read more...
Barbara Broccoli dismisses 3D for Bond 24:
In a recent interview Barbara Broccoli scuppered the hopes of anyone wishing to see Bond 24 in 3D. She said that they currently have no plans on shooting in 3D, and felt that the James Bond films were not really suitable for 3D anyway due to the fast moving action and quick cuts. Her half brother, [...] Read more...
Learning the art of James Bond’s cocktails:
One element strongly associated with 007 is his drinking, with “shaken, not stirred” almost guaranteed to recall the world’s most famous secret agent in the mind of anyone in the English speaking world. While his vodka martinis have become something of a cliché, at least Daniel Craig got to drink something else in Casino Royale, with [...] Read more...
Sam Mendes could return for another Bond. But only if he can match ‘Skyfall’:
In an interview with Time Out, Sam Mendes discusses Skyfall, telling the interviewer that when he started working on the project he was surprised at how opinionated he was about how to make a good James Bond film. Mendes finishes the interview by saying that he enjoyed the experience enough to make another Bond film. However, he [...] Read more...
Unlock the 007 in you. You have 70 seconds! [Coke Zero]:
Coke Zero, official partner on Skyfall, as released a new video showing how rail commuters were challenged to unlock their inner 007 and win tickets for Skyfall. Naturally, with a variety of obstacles to contend with, it wasn't as easy as it first appeared. Read more...
Learn to mix 007′s cocktails in London with “License To Swill”:
Barz8 Events is running a series of 007 themed cocktail classes in London timed to coincide with the UK release of Skyfall. We attended a class earlier in the week and found it to be a great night out , which you can read about here. Attendees can expect to be shown how to mix [...] Read more...
Sam Mendes: Bond movie Skyfall’s not the limit [Independent]:
The Independent features a profile of Skyfall director Sam Mendes, noting he is a lifelong Bond fan. Making his debut with American Beauty,Skyfall is Mendes’ sixth feature film and with each he takes pains to avoid a signature style. Read the full article here Read more...
Skyfall two minute trailer:
The final trailer for Skyfall was released by Sony on Thursday. The trailer is just over two minutes long, and consists of previously seen footage from other trailers and TV spots. Watch it on YouTube above. Read more...
How to eat like 007 [Mail Online]:
The Mail Online today has an article taking a look at James Bond’s favourite foods. Covering such things as scrambled eggs, caviar, dressed crab, roast grouse, smoked salmon and lamb cutlets with asparagus, the article notes that thanks to rationing the meals described by Ian Fleming would have seemed impossible exotic to the average reader [...] Read more...
Watch the Skyfall Royal Premiere online:
Today will see the eyes of the world focused on the Royal Albert Hall in London as Skyfalll’s cast and crews are joined by a glittering array of talent on the red carpet at the Royal World Premiere of the 23rd James Bond film. Sony are providing a live stream of the event, which you [...] Read more...
Report from Skyfall’s Royal World Premiere:
Please upgrade your browser On Tuesday night the cast and crew of Skyfall were joined by celebrities and other guests to walk the red carpet for the film’s Royal World Premiere. Prince Charles attended the event at London’s Royal Albert Hall with the Duchess of Cornwall with procedes going to charities supporting past and present members of the [...] Read more...
MI6 Confidential #18 now available:
To celebrate the release of the 23rd adventure, MI6 Confidential takes you behind the scenes of the shoot with an exhaustive account of the production. Also in this issue, Daniel Craig gives MI6 a candid interview about his role both on screen and off and Sam Mendes comments on the return of some of the classic Bond [...] Read more...
Skyfall drinks: 50 year old Macallan whisky:
One of the drinks featuring in Skyfall is a bottle of 50 year old Macallan whisky, which Silva mentions is Bond’s favourite. A bottle of this extremely rare whisky was sold at Bonhams in June for £17,500 (numbered 3 of just 500 bottles produced), putting it out of reach of most Bond fans. However, bottle number 328 [...] Read more...
John Logan hired to pen Bond 24 as Purvis and Wade reportedly move on:
The Mail Online claims in an article published earlier this morning that Bond 24 will start filming around this time next year for a 2014 release. The article also claims that Neal Purvis and Robert Wade, who have been screenwriters of the Bond films since The World Is Not Enough (1999), have decided to call [...] Read more...
Screenwriter John Logan signed for Bond 24 and 25:
John Logan has reportedly signed for the next two James Bond films according to reports, and has already begun work on Bond 24. This does fit in with the news from early summer that Eon were looking to sign a writer or writers imminently and, earlier this week, that long time writers Purvis and Wade [...] Read more...
Skyfall smashes UK box office records:
According to an article published yesterday by Deadline Hollywodd, Skyfall is estimated to have grossed $77.7 million in its first weekend, hitting the number one spot in all markets it has been released in, 76% more than Casino Royale and 30% more than Quantum of Solace. IMAX is thought to have accounted for $3.5 million of [...] Read more...
Follow in James Bond’s footsteps in the City of Spies [Mail Online]:
Following the city’s appearance in Skyfall, the Mail Online were guided around Istanbul by local film producer Ali Akdeniza, who coordinated the Turkish location shoot. Filming in Istanbul included a rooftop motorbike chase, and additional scenes were filmed in Adana, eastern Turkey, and Fethiye on the south coast. The article mentions both the book and film versions of [...] Read more...
The Spy Who Loved Me, Ian Fleming’s literary experiment:
British newspaper The Guardian ran an interesting story on Friday regarding The Spy Who Love Me, which saw Ian Fleming abandon his tried and tested formula for the James Bond novels in favour of writing a story from the point of view of the heroine. The article argues that the book demonstrates some of Fleming [...] Read more...
The Spy Who Loved Me , Ian Fleming’s literary experiment:
British newspaper The Guardian ran an interesting story on Friday regarding The Spy Who Love Me, which saw Ian Fleming abandon his tried and tested formula for the James Bond novels in favour of writing a story from the point of view of the heroine. The article argues that the book demonstrates some of Fleming [...] Read more...
Skyfall’s opening UK box office take confirmed:
Eon Productions and partners have confirmed that Skyfall earned £20.1 million up until Sunday, making it the most successful opening weekend for a Bond film ever. The film went on general release accross the UK and Ireland on Friday, opening in 587 cinemas. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive and it is also the first 007 film to [...] Read more...
The drinks of Skyfall:
There were expectations regarding the potential prominent product placement of Heineken (a lager beer) in the latest Bond installment, Skyfall. Well, lo and behold, it appeared at least 5 times. It is the first drinks brand that we see, even making the pre-title sequence. Despite its numerous appearances, I didn’t find it that intrusive (and [...] Read more...
Behind the scenes with Honda on Skyfall:
A new video blog has been released by Honda, who supplied the bikes used in Skyfall's pre-title sequence. The video goes behind the scenes to look at how the stunt team prepared for the chase in Istanbul. Stunt coordinator Gary Powell explains how they practiced prior to heading for Istanbul, while second unit director Alexander Witt and some of the stunt team discuss some of the challenges faced in filming the rooftop sequence. Read more...
James Bond poster app now available for iPhone and iPad:
Dorling Kindersley has released a version of its recent book of James Bond posters as an app on the iTunes store. Available for iPhone and iPad, the app 105 posters, including rare and previously unpublished posters from all over the world. The app also includes a slideshow facility, with the option to select your favourite posters. Click here to [...] Read more...
Bond 24 not the first of two film story arc according to Daniel Craig:
Last week it was announced that John Logan would be penning Bond 24 and 25, after pitching a two film story arc to Eon Productions. However, Daniel Craig has scotched that rumour saying in an interview that they could only work on one film at a time and that given the six-month shoots there was [...] Read more...
Skyfall hits $100 million – best ever opening week in the UK:
According to Deadline Hollywood Skyfall will imminently break the $100 million figure at the box office in all territories it’s been released to so far. Separately, the official 007 twitter feed has announced that Skyfall broke the UK record for the best opening week. With the budget on the film lower than both Casino Royale [...] Read more...
Celebrate the US release of “Skyfall” with James Bond drinks book, free for Kindle until November 7:
While the new James Bond movie “Skyfall” smashed box office records when it was released across Europe at the end of October, US audiences have to wait until November 8. To help celebrate the eagerly awaited US release of “Skyfall”, the second edition of “The Complete Guide to the Drinks of James Bond” by David [...] Read more...
Daniel Craig wants Sam Mendes back for Bond 24 according to the Express:
Daniel Craig has spoken about how he would like Sam Mendes to return for Bond 24, according to a report by the Express. The article quotes an unnamed MGM source as saying that Craig and Mendes have a lot of ideas left for another Bond film, which contradicts what Mendes said in a recent interview. He [...] Read more...
Skyfall takes $156 M in second week:
Skyfall continues to be the number one film worldwide according to box office figures published by Rentrak Corporation. The company, which specialises estimating box office returns for movies, reported that Skyfall took $156 million worldwide in its second week, making a total of $287 million so far. That is not a bad figure considering the [...] Read more...
Behind the scenes Bond features available from iTunes for free:
To celebrate 50 years of cinematic James Bond, MGM has uploaded a number of features to iTunes, which can be downloaded and viewed for free. According to the dates on iTunes the video series, “Fifty Years of James Bond: Behind the Scenes”, was uploaded in September and if you already have the Ultimate Edition DVDs [...] Read more...
|
