Spectre (4K UHD/Blu-ray)

Reinvention. Most 50-year olds have a difficult time when it comes to adapting. Changing trends and tastes often leave those 50 and up on the other side of relevancy. Recognizing this fact and the formulaic approach the franchise had taken while being charged with protecting its legacy, Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson rolled the dice and rebooted the beloved James Bond franchise nine years ago. Rather than amp up the spectacle, Daniel Craig’s adventures became character-driven with SPECTRE becoming the most personal Bond film yet in the franchise’s 24th film. Kudos should be lavished on director Sam Mendes, who almost did not direct this feature after being paralyzed by the rousing financial success of SKYFALL. How does on top the highest-grossing feature in the film’s franchise? Not by turning things on its head, but continuing the quest that Martin Campbell first began in CASINO ROYALE in 2006. Mendes even made the weakest of the Craig entry’s, QUANTUM OF SOLACE, relevant with a few well-placed plot points and lines of dialogue. All of which neatly wraps up Craig’s opening arc or final turn as Ian Fleming’s spy with a license to kill (depending on which media outlet one believes on the actor’s decision to continue in the role). Each actor’s run as Bond can usually be defined in one theme. Sean Connery’s was the first and set the tone for the five actors to follow. Roger Moore’s of course are recalled fondly and are a product of the time and the actor as the thespian took a more humorous approach. Craig’s run can be explained in two words, personal and grit, which takes its cues from the two of fans most beloved entries, FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE and ON HER MAJESTY’S SECRET SERVICE. Starting in Casino Royale, which showed Bond falling in love again on screen, Craig showed a vulnerability that resulted in a hardened shell. Bond became all about business, however it still remained personal as Quantum of Solace immediately continued the Royale’s story. Skyfall seemed to veer off that path a bit, while still a personal and perhaps love story for Bond, but Mendes showed his skill by bringing it all back together for Spectre. Craig’s Bond is forced to finish the journey he began, with some truly personal ties that might either annoy or intrigue audience members. Whichever, no one will see this entry coming, and isn’t that what’s most important. Spectre is also a terrific opportunity for Mendes, Craig and the executive producers to show audiences why 007 is still relevant in this time of surveillance and drones. Mendes provides a terrific commentary on today’s governments and their requests for its citizens to surrender more personal freedoms in the guise of protection. Granted, while there is not some evil empire lurking in the background like Spectre pulling the strings and causing explosions and anarchy around the globe under the mask of terrorist attacks (or is there?), it is still an important idea to consider. Introducing three new actors in beloved roles in Skyfall was another reason that compelled Mendes to return, and he does not waste the trios skills, as Ralph Fiennes, Ben Whishaw and Naomie Harris all shine in roles established in Bond lore as M, Q and Moneypenny, respectively. Fiennes especially, whose M is tasked with reining in a Bond who has appeared to have gone rogue in this film is spectacular and it was nice to see an actor of his quality not sidelined in a typical bureaucratic role. It is hard not to love what Fiennes has done with a former one-dimensional character in his two appearances. By the way, Spectre not only pays tribute to Craig’s run as 007, but gives a terrific nods to all the films before with David Bautista’s menacing turn, Christoph Waltz’s performance, plus a new DB Aston Martin, parachute stunt, a train ride and more. All of which honors the franchise while continuing to update and make it fresh. Double-O seven has been gambling ever since audience’s first saw him appear on the big screen, whether it has been rolling the dice, going all in, or leaping off buildings, cranes, helicopters and more. Broccoli and Wilson’s goal of new-found relevance in this age of CG extravaganza has been realized, in spades. Plus, audiences get a happy ending.

Good 007 movie

I have enjoyed the James Bond movies for years. I was very skeptical when Daniel Craig was to star as James Bond. Now, I enjoy watching him play James Bond and doing it well. I am sad to see him go. I enjoyed watching Spectre with the few new gadgets and the loyal team members. I have seen many different reviews of the movie. Some pick every seen to death and list every flaw they can think of. Others, are short and say whether they liked it or not. I found it to be a very entertaining movie. There are always going to be things in a movie that you may not like. For instance, in the beginning of the movie, I would like to know who the girl is that is with James Bond and where he found her and what is her relevance to the story or is there any. Obviously not, but she is with him from the start of the scene. I enjoyed how the movie flowed and the story line itself. The action scenes were well done in typical James Bond fashion. The scenery was beautiful and parts were breath taking. I think it is a very good movie. Not as good as Skyfall but still a very entertaining movie with an interesting story line that goes way back in the Bond history. Love the historical car at the end too. I hope that they can come up with another good script. It would be nice if Craig would do one more Bond. If not, I hope they can find a good replacement to start another series of James Bond movies. I would recommend this movie.

While this Bond entry is fun and most entertaining, I find it almost as silly as Dr No. Nevertheless, it is a most have for Bond enthusiasts! I failed to inform that Mr. Craig wears his clothes way too tight, not only in this film but in all the other Bond films as well. Someone should speak to Tom Ford, an adjustment is required!

It isn't as bad as some of the Roger Moore movies. Yes, there is a LOT of action, and yes, there are a lot of GREAT actors (and after seeing Andrew Scott, I half expected to see Sherlock and Dr Watson make an appearance). But it did not replace by favorite Bond movie (Skyfall) nor my second favorite (Godlfinger). But it is a toss up for number 3-5 (Live and Let Die (yes, corny, but again - some great actors) and Casino Royale (the latest version)). Christoph Waltz is a great actor - but was it just me, or was he too subdued in this movie? And Sam Smith doing the opening song? Ok, upon seeing how it fits with the movie, I will give him a passing grade - but it is a weak song. Goldfinger is still the best - Live and Let Die - You Only Live Twice - Thunderball - Skyfall - and Diamonds Are Forever round out my picks for the best songs. Poor Sam is below those. Please do not think I did not enjoy the movie - I did - hence the 5-star rating - and I will continue to watch it. And I am sure, as with most movies, I will start picking up on things I missed the previous times. I HIGHLY recommend this movie. Daniel Craig is the best Bond (I know - Sean Connery was before Skyfall), and he delivers on the action in this one as well. The ending left a question mark. That is all I am going to say. Anyway - the above are just my OPINION - nothing quantitive or qualitative about it. Enjoy the movie.

The DVD arrived promptly and was in good condition

D'une manière générale, j'apprécie les "James Bond". Celui-ci ne fait pas exception à la règle et c'est pourquoi j'ai souhaité avoir ce DVD dans ma collection. Toutefois, ma déception a été de ne pouvoir le regarder avec un de mes lecteur DVD car (provenant des USA) il n'est pas compatible avec les régions du groupe 2 mais seulement avec celles du groupe 1. Je n'ai pu le regarder, une fois, sur mon ordinateur qu'en modifiant ponctuellement ce groupe; ce qui ne peut-être fait que 5 fois. Donc, je ne ferai plus ce type d'achat sur votre site pour éviter ce genre de déception. J'ai peut-être mal lu le descriptif de ce produit sur votre site et dès lors c'est de ma faute, et le conclusion en est la même que précedemment.

Spectre is a very good movie, starring Daniel Craig.

Only works USA region

No nos ha gustado nada. Pesada, aburrida y sin el glomour que esperarias ver en una peli de 007. Dudo que vuelva a ver este blue-ray.