Casino Royale (www.the-usher.com)

"It takes two kills to become a double-0"

It takes two kills to become a 00 and M's (Dench) candidate has just made the grade. When his first mission to capture a bomb-making terrorist, goes disastrous wrong in the eyes of his superiors, he discovers a trail that takes him to the Caribbean and onto the radar of Le Chiffre (Mikkelsen), banker to the world's terrorists. After averting an incident that should have made Le Chiffre and his backers a large amount of money, the terrorist is forced to enter a high stakes poker game at Casino Royale in Montenegro and M has no option but so assign the best cards player in MI6 to stop him winning. Bond, James Bond (Craig).

After four years away from the silver screen, the world's favourite secret agent returns but this is a very different James Bond.

After four extremely successful outings as 007, Pierce Bronson was forced relinquish his licence to kill as the Broccoli family decided to leave the formula that had served them so well for twenty movies. The last remaining Ian Fleming novel that hasn't been officially adapted by the spy franchise gave them the chance to, in essence restart Bond from the very beginning. Before he was suave and sophisticated and jetsetted around the world becoming the bane of every evil genius intent on world domination, Bond was a completely different kind of MI6 agent.

Described by M as a blunt instrument, this is James Bond as he is just been promoted to 00 status and is still too become the super agent that we know he will become. His fighting technique is rough and brutal, he takes unnecessary risks, he has little experience of the finer things in life and is brash and distant with everyone. This is definitely not the Bond have seen twenty times before, which is a good thing.

Some critics, fans and other moviegoers have felt that the Brosnan era had seen the Bond films become too fantastical. With invisible cars, outrageous gadgets and sequences that looked more at home on a Playstation game, Bond's world had become almost too unbelievable. 'Casino Royale' is definitely grounded in reality however. This is a place were Bond can be hurt, be covered in blood and see the consequences of his actions. His newly acquired licence to kill comes at a cost to him and anyone who gets close to him. This is a steep learning curve for Bond as he hones the skills that will make him MI6's greatest secret agent.

Here we discover the answers to many of the questions that have plagued fans since Sean Connery first donned the tuxedo and picked up his Walther PPK. What makes him treat women the way he does, when did he drive his first Aston Martin, did he always drink vodka martinis and why is he so distant from everyone? This film finally answers all of questions and more as Bond is (re)defined for a new generation.

The big question wasn't if James Bond could be reinvented and restarted however it was if Daniel Craig could step into the shoes previously worn by Connery, Lazenby, Moore, Dalton and Brosnan. After a lot of apprehension by fans and critics alike, it was the first blond Bond who had a change the minds of everyone and the great news is that Daniel Craig succeeds on every level. While he might not have the look that everyone might expect of Bond, it is his presence and most importantly his skill as an actor that allows him to excel in the role and quickly make it his own. Not since Sean Connery first appeared in 'Dr No' has an actor totally defined a character. You cannot compare Craig's performance to any other Bond, as he is raw, powerful and undefined, nothing like the super-agent we have grown to love over the last twenty movies. He is the new Bond and he could be destined to become one, if not the best 007.

The supporting cast is also makes a real impact. Mads Mikkelsen's Le Chiffre is a classic Bond villain but one that has his own agenda to save his own skin. Answering to a higher power, this poker playing genius who shed's tears of blood is an excellent nemesis for the rookie Bond and one that pushes him into becoming a true 00. Judi Dench returns as M, which for some was a puzzling choice when she was involved so prominently in the Brosnan era and now she turns up to make Bond a 00. She is as good as ever and even more commanding in her role as usual however. Giancarlo Giannini is his usual classy self as Mathis. Jeffrey Wright introduces himself to CIA agent Felix Leiter. It is the Bond girls that always cause a stir however and Caterina Murino and Eva Green are no different. Bond's first romantic encounter is Solange, played by the beautiful Caterina Murino who is your more traditional Bond girl but it is Eva Green's Vesper Lynd that is very different. She is a very talented actress in her own right and she makes the HM treasury agent a believeable counterfoil to Bond's advances.

Bond would be nothing without the action and the stunts and fights see a return to the more realistic style of the earlier films. Here we see Daniel Craig get his hands dirty and come out with cuts, bruises and injuries as the series moves away from computer assisted super explosive stunt sequences that plagued 'Die Another Day'. The action is still amazing and exhilarating, as you'd expect but with everything happening in camera and Daniel Craig performing many of his own stunts, this is more believable than anything that appeared during Brosnan's tenure.

'Casino Royale' restarts the Bond franchise with a bang. This is a very different 007 than what we have been used to. He is raw, brutal and uncompromising in his approach to his first mission as a 00 but it is a welcome one. The big thing is that Daniel Craig doesn't disappoint as the world's most famous secret agent and quickly makes the role his own. This is the best Bond since 'Goldfinger' and one of the best action movies of all time. Bond, James Bond is back.

Casino Royale: Deluxe Edition Blu-Ray

PICTURE & SOUND

The Blu-Ray disc presents the movie in High Definition wide screen 2:35 up to 1080p, with Dolby TrueHD 5.1 surround sound. This is one of the best examples of how a high definition movie should be presented.

BONUS FEATURES

Disc 1

Picture in-Picture Commentary with director Martin Campbell and producer Michael G. Wilson
For 'Casino Royale', director Martin Campbell and producer Michael G. Wilson appear on screen while the movie plans. This is an informative and interesting track about the restart of the James Bond franchise, taking you through every scene and the influences behind the first true depiction of Ian Fleming's original, first Bond novel.

Crew Commentary
Producer Barbara Broccoli and the creative team behind 'Casino Royale' provide an informative, technical commentary for the movie. With contributions from production design, visual effects, costumes, cinematography, casting and editing. This gives you a fascinating insight into the production of a Bond movie.

Know your Double-O: The Ultimate James Bond Quiz
Play an interactive quiz to see if you have what it takes to become one of her Majesty's secret agents.

Trailers
Previews of 'Hancock', '21' and 'Vantage Point'

BD Live
Log onto BD Live and view the latest previews and news from Sony Pictures

Disc 2

Deleted Scenes (7.48 mins/High Definition)
Entitled 'Rescue & Recovery', 'Squandering Government funds', 'Cricket Pavilion' and 'Gettler raises Bond's suspicions', these deleted scenes suffer from the lack of a commentary or introduction to reveal why they were removed.

The Road to Casino Royale (26.34 mins/High Definition)
Producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, screenwriter Robert Wade, Professor Rick Jewell from USC School of Cinematic Arts and co-author of 'James Bond: The Legacy' John Clark talk about the long journey of bringing 'Casino Royale' to the silver screen. From the 50s TV version, the 60s spoof movie adaptation and onto the new version, this is a fascinating insight into how Ian Fleming's first Bond novel came to become a movie.

Ian Fleming's Incredible Creation (21.14 mins/High Definition)
Producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, director Martin Campbell, screenwriters Robert Wade, Neal Purvis and Paul Haggis, co-author of 'James Bond: The Legacy' John Clark and author of 'The Life of Ian Fleming' John Pearson talk about the restart of the Bond franchise. Here we see how Fleming's real life, during the Second World War, influenced his writing in the 50s and how James Bond was a reflection of himself, and what he wanted to do after the war had finish. This is a must watch for anyone who wants to know more about the origins of the world's most famous secret agent.

James Bond in the Bahamas (24.16 mins/High Definition)
Producer Michael G. Wilson, director Martin Campbell, screenwriters Neal Purvis and Robert Wade, executive producer Anthony Waye and production designer Peter Lamont talk about returning the Bond franchise to the Bahamas. The featurette covers the Paradise Island shoot and how the islands have large connection with Bond.

Ian Fleming: The Secret Road to Paradise (24.28 mins/High Definition)
Producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, director Martin Campbell, co-author of 'James Bond: The Legacy' John Clark and executive producer Anthony Waye talk about the connection between the James Bond franchise and the Bahamas. Looking at all of the movies that were shot there and Fleming's love of the islands.

Death in Venice (23.19/High Definition)
Director Martin Campbell, producer Michael G. Wilson, executive producer Anthony Waye, screenwriters Robert Wade, Neal Purvis and Paul Haggis and stars Daniel Craig and Eva Green talk about sinking the Palazzo, filming in Venice and creating the set at Pinewood studios.

Becoming Bond (27.24 mins/High Definition)
Director Martin Campbell, executive producer Barbara Broccoli, producer Michael G. Wilson, casting director Debbie McWilliams, screenwriters Paul Haggis, Robert Wade and Neal Purvis, stunt coordinator Gary Powell and stars Daniel Craig, Eva Green, Mads Mikkelsen, Caterina Murino and Jeffrey Wright introduce you to the new James Bond and the re-ignition of the franchise. From Daniel Craig introduction to the completing of the film, the featurette takes you behind the scenes of the latest Bond movie.

James Bond: For Real (24.33 mins/High Definition)
Director Martin Campbell, special effects supervisor Chris Corbould, stunt coordinator Gary Powell, producer Michael G. Wilson, art director Peter Francis and stars Daniel Craig and Sebastien Foucan reveal how the stunts of the film returned to the reality of the early films when everything was done with stuntmen and the stars.

OVERALL

The deluxe edition Blu-Ray edition of 'Casino Royale' is one that fans of James Bond should definitely think of investing in. The commentary tracks are excellent. The featurettes don't just cover the production of the movie but also look at the author Ian Fleming, the adaptation of the book and the connection between 007 and the Bahamas. It is just a shame that this wasn't the original release but for once, this is worth a re-buy.

BLU-RAY

Original DVD Release

PICTURE & SOUND

Presented in Anamorphic Widescreen 2.35:1 with Dolby Digital 5.1, the movie is presented well.

BONUS FEATURES

Disc 1

Trailers
Previews of 'Stranger than Fiction', 'The Pursuit of Happyness' and 'Spider-Man 3'

Disc 2

Becoming Bond (26.16 mins)
Director Martin Campbell, executive producer Barbara Broccoli, producer Michael G. Wilson, casting director Debbie McWilliams, screenwriters Paul Haggis, Robert Wade and Neal Purvis, stunt coordinator Gary Powell and stars Daniel Craig, Eva Green, Mads Mikkelsen, Caterina Murino and Jeffrey Wright introduce you to the new James Bond and the re-ignition of the franchise. From Daniel Craig introduction to the completing of the film, the featurette takes you behind the scenes of the latest Bond movie.

James Bond: For Real (23.12 mins)
Director Martin Campbell, special effects supervisor Chris Corbould, stunt coordinator Gary Powell, producer Michael G. Wilson, art director Peter Francis and stars Daniel Craig and Sebastien Foucan reveal how the stunts of the film returned to the reality of the early films when everything was done with stuntmen and the stars.

Bond Girls are Forever (47.52 mins)
Introduced by Maryam d'Abo from 'The Living Daylights', this documentary covers everything you wanted to know about the most beautiful aspect of the franchise, the Bond girls. With interviews with Halle Berry, Ursula Andress, Honor Blackman, Luciana Paluzzo, Jill St.John, Jane Seymour, Maud Adams, Corey Lowell, Michelle Yeoh, Rosamund Pike and Eva Green talk about getting close to Bond and Judi Dench and Samantha Bond talk about been M and Moneypenny.

Chris Cornell Music Video
Watch the music video for the open sequence theme song called 'You know my name' to 'Casino Royale'.

OVERALL

The DVD Treatment for 'Casino Royale' is good but not as good as some of the previous Bond releases. There is no commentary track and it would have been great to see Daniel Craig's audition tape. Fans will be pleased but they might have been expecting more.

DVD

Bond Movies

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2006