James Bond on BD

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard Ringenbach 

        

             Ron,

 

   Have you heard any news about the remaining bond movies or the status of MGM? I am hoping that by now someone has made some kind of a decision concerning the status of MGM as well as the release of the rest of the bond movies to BD. It sure is strange that MGM continues to release other movies to BD,but can't release the remainder of the Bond movies to BD. Any news would be appreciated very much!

 

                                                                                                 Thanks!

                                                                                   Richard Ringenbach

MGM is talking to Spyglass to run their studio and move it through a dedicated backruptcy. There is agreement with the bond holders in that they would become owners.  The only hold back is where would the money come from for production of new films.  No one wants to put any up or loan any. 

We are still months away from a final solution.

The Bond Blu-rays are dead until this is sorted out.  Eon receives money from the sales and do not want any amount from new releases to held up in bankruptcy court where they could lose a large chunk of it.  They do have a say so in when and how the movies are released.
 

Looks like there won't be any more Bond blus until the next film hits theatres:

http://www.thedigitalbits.com/#mytwocents

Now that Bill Hunt has discussed this....

I spoke with MGM directly a few months back

about the future of Bond releases to Blu-ray.

I was also told that they were waiting for the

next film to hit theaters before releasing the

next wave of James Bond BD titles.

I didn't want to post that information on the

forum directly as I didn't secure permission

from the studio to do so nor did they wish

to offer an official response when I requested

one at the beginning of the year.

However, that is where we stand on the future

of James Bond on Blu-ray.  Unfortunately, now

with MGM's financial situation it doesn't look like

the next Bond film will happen in the near or late

future.   

My guess is that they may choose the "Dollar today" option before long. I recall at least one VHS release of Bond during the long early 90s hiatus. One of the tapes even had a Goldeneye trailer. But of course, that was a different world. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy_G 

My guess is that they may choose the "Dollar today" option before long. I recall at least one VHS release of Bond during the long early 90s hiatus. One of the tapes even had a Goldeneye trailer. But of course, that was a different world. 

Doesn't sound so different. :)
 

It seems that MGM investors have a deal with Spyglass, with an option out, if anyone else comes to the table to buy the company out.  It appears that Warner's is still in the hunt with a 1.6 billion bid and Carl Icahn is circling.  But as of now, it appears that MGM will file for bankruptcy in September and push all investors to take a piece of ownership for their debt.  When that is completed they are to go out a raise 400 to 500 million for new production (that should cover Bond and Hobbit).  The question is where will that money come from or other words, who in their right mind would loan MGM more money.  Also Spyglass is out of money too and is looking at this deal as a way to get back into business using the loan money.  Spyglass will place their owned films, including The Sixth Sense, into the MGM library and "experts" value the combined libraries at 1.9 billion.

Its hard not to root for WB. . .

Warner Brothers owns enough franchises already.

I'd rather see the Bond franchise owned by somebody who thinks outside the Warner Brothers box (or EON box for that matter).

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard--W 

Warner Brothers owns enough franchises already.

I'd rather see the Bond franchise owned by somebody who thinks outside the Warner Brothers box (or EON box for that matter).

The problem is: What other studio has the resources to dedicate to the Bond films to do them right? I think most people would agree that Warner would do right by the Bond series.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sam Favate 

The problem is: What other studio has the resources to dedicate to the Bond films to do them right? I think most people would agree that Warner would do right by the Bond series.

You mean do right by the Bond films financially?

Yes, certainly, although there is such a thing as over-producing.

Warner Brothers treatment of most of its franchises disappoint me from a creative point of view.

They impose the same agenda on everything.

I would rather see Disney gain control of Bond than Warner Brothers.

I'm trying to think of the name of that television company that made the Horatio Hornblower films a few years ago. Those producers really knew what they were doing. Andrew Grieve, I think the director was. Again, go for people who think outside the studio box.

No offense, Richard but you seem to have a really difficult time accepting that not everyone thinks exactly how you do.

No offense, Travis but you seem to have a really difficult time accepting that not everyone thinks exactly how you do.

ccccaaaannnnn'ttttwwwwwaaaaaiiiitttttmmmmmmmuuuuuccccchhhhhlllllooonnngggeeeerrr!!!1

Has anyone seen any news regarding the rest of the Bond films being made available on Blu-ray?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Dobbs 

Has anyone seen any news regarding the rest of the Bond films being made available on Blu-ray?

MGM still has not made a determination on who they are picking as a distributor of their new films which leaves any Bond Blu-rays up in the air.  While the money is on Sony getting the deal, I am having doubts since an announcement has not been made.  MGM made it clear that whoever will eventually be their film distributor, will also  have to handle their home entertainment releases, new and catalog.
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Dobbs 

Man this is killing me. I need my Bond fix. Anyone have any updates?

It has been reported on other sites, including The Digital Bits and MI6-HQ, that MGM is planning a huge Bond promotion in Q4 2012, including all the films on BD. It will tie in to the 50th Anniversary celebrations, and the cinema release of Skyfall.

There will be a major announcement concerning the 

upcoming James Bond Blu-ray releases for 2012 made

on January 10th at Cedia.

Every Day there is news about more classic titles being released in Blu-ray for 2012.  This could end up being the golden year for titles. 

Glad to see the announcement won't be long in coming. Another couple of weeks, and we should know the game plan for the year.

This is very cool and about time. :) 

I grew-up with James Bond, it will be great to have all the movies once again.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattAlbie60 

Honestly, I can't imagine how they'll make something like DR. NO or FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE better, audio and visually speaking. If they do, that's great, and if its a huge difference I'll gladly buy it, but unless its a massive improvement somehow or it has like, the single best Blu-ray packaging ever, I won't be rebuying anything I already have. I am looking forward to stuff like GOLDENEYE that isn't out on Blu yet, though.

I'm with you. I have bought the Bond films more often than just about any other movies (apart from maybe The Wizard of Oz). I am completely satisfied with the way most of them look, so it would take something monumental to get me to invest in them again.