When I first heard that the James Bond franchise was finally given the DVD release it so richly deserved, I gave out a hearty "Yay!" Finally, each film would be totally remastered and feature a slew of extras. Then, upon further review, I had to let out a slight sigh of despair. Like the previous DVD releases by MGM, these classics would only be available as the series of four boxed sets, and NOT chronologically. In fact, it seems as though Fox had die hard Bond fans in-mind. Just about any true fan of Bond films will acknowledge the six films featuring Sean Connery are, by far, the best, but those films are spread throughout the four boxed sets, meaning if you want just the Connery-era movies, you still have to buy them all. While I totally understand this marketing ploy (I can't imagine THAT many people pining for the Roger Moore Collection), it's sort of disappointing, especially since none of the movies are available individually. Still, I have to admit all these movies have been given a video & audio transfer that has rarely been equaled.

As a reviewer, I also must admit I gave out another hearty "Yay!" upon learning I'd be receiving screeners of this set (on a teacher's salary, this is a big deal). But again, my heart sank when what arrived was only one movie from Volume 2, "The Spy Who Loved Me." Don't get me wrong..."The Spy Who Loved Me" is arguably the best of the Roger Moore-era films, and definitely worth owning on its own, but as a die-hard Connery-is-the-only-Bond fan, I was somewhat let-down by the fact if I wanted to own the cream-of-the-crop in this series, I'd have to shell out hundreds of dollars. This second volume of the series includes "Spy", as well as "Thunderball," "A View to a Kill," "License to Kill," and "Die Another Day," essentially one film from each Bond incarnation. Of these films, "Thunderball" is the best one (though the weakest of the Connery movies). "View to a Kill" is, aside from "Moonraker," is the worst Roger Moore film, with the worst 'Bond girl' in Tawnya Roberts (though it does feature a deliciously villainous turn by Christopher Walken). "License to Kill" has Timothy Dalton as Bond; he's good, but the film itself isn't based on one of Ian Fleming's original stories...and it shows. "Die Another Day" features Pierce Brosnan, who is the best Bond since Connery, though the story relies way too much on special effects and outrageous plot devices (an invisible car?).

I can only judge the overall picture quality of the entire set by what I've been given, but if all the films in this set have been restored with the great care of "The Spy Who Loved Me," then it's worth owning for the transfer alone. I was blown away by how great the image was; "Spy" looks like a brand new film, presented in its original 2:35:1 aspect ratio. Apparently, each film was given a frame-by-frame restoration, and it shows. I don't know if the oldest film in the bunch ("Thunderball") looks as good, but I have to assume it does. The sound quality is equally impressive; "Spy" is rendered in both Dolby & DTS 5.1 sound, and it's arguable that these films have never sounded better.

Again, since I was given only one film in this set, I can only assume all five films are as loaded with extras as "The Spy Who Loved Me." There are two commentaries, a brand new one by Roger Moore, the other by director Lewis Gilbert, production designer Ken Adams & co-writers (among 15) Christopher Wood & Michael G. Wilson. Also included are several short featurettes both old & new, about the film's production with comments by various cast & crew, along with location footage. I especially enjoyed "The Interactive Guide to 'The Spy Who Loved Me'," which kept me busy for awhile. Rounding out the extras are some promotional spots, such as trailers, TV ads, and radio commercials.

Based on what I've been permitted to see, these boxed sets are worth owning simply for the outstanding transfers. Take away some of the goofy clothing, these look like brand new films. And the extra features also make it worthwhile for any casual Bond fan. But, as a die-hard Bond fan, a personally must take issue with the way these films are packaged. I think most would agree that the Connery films are the best, and being forced to invest in four different boxed sets to get them all is kind of a cheap shot, but there's no denying that all of the films have been wonderfully restored. Recommended. * These ratings are based solely on the quality & content of the single screener disc this site has received from the studio. Our ratings for this screener should not necessarily be applied to other discs in this boxed set.