I’ve never been big on owning box sets while a franchise is still on-going, but in this instance, I might make an exception.  It’s true that James Bond has always remained a controversial character, and while he’s often described as misogynistic, sexist, and even a tad juvenile, he remains one of the most iconic heroes to ever grace the silver screen. For the first time ever, all twenty two 007 films will be made available for Blu-ray, nine of which have never been released in high definition — that is, until now.

Introducing Bond 50: The Complete 22 Film Collection Blu-ray box set. In addition to each film, the set will include over 130 hours of bonus content, some of which has never been released. Fox is handling this release, but it should be noted that the rights to Casino Royale remain with Sony. Given its inclusion with this set, we should probably be thankful. While the box set retails for initially retailed for $240, some recent listings have priced it as high as $300, and Amazon is currently offering the set at $199 for pre-order. There’s no word on when it’ll be ready to ship.

Skyfall? Sounds kind of … video game-y, doesn’t it? But that’s its name, Daniel Craig is back, Sam Mendes is directing, two lovely new Bond Girls are joining the ranks, and Javier Bardem is the bad guy. This one is reportedly unrelated to the plot arc from Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace (thankfully), instead dealing with the relationship between Bond and M. It seems like everything is in its right place — good thing MGM’s financial problems didn’t kill the series for good, especially since the last two films were so excellent. Who’s pumped for Craig vs. Bardem, man? Can’t wait for November 9th, 2012.

Michael Sacco is a freelance editor and writer.

There are so many drinking/bartending apps on the app store . So many in fact, that I’ve had a hard time picking one — that was until this little gem caught my eye. Have you ever wanted to drink like a spy? Never had the time to write 007’s recipes down in the middle of a film? The Bond Mixology iPhone app has you covered. Every recipe from every film, complete with recommended brands and scene notes. On top of that, they’ve even thrown in imdb profiles for the actors to add a smidge of authenticity. They even offer up proper alternatives for the mixers that are no longer being produced, and for only $1.99, it’s a steal. For more information, check out their official website.

Tim is a pro-blogger and freelance writer out of San Diego, California. In addition to Fanboy.com, he contributes to the ModernMethod Network of sites as the Features and Reviews Editor for the Japanese culture and entertainment blog, Japanator. He’s also an Assocaite Editor for their popular gaming blog, Destructoid, and the collectible toy culture blog, Tomopop. For more information, follow him on twitter, or check out TimSheehy.com.

We really weren’t sure what would happen to our favorite spy after MGM filed for bankruptcy back in November. Thankfully, it seems our worries can be put to rest. Sony Pictures has struck a deal with MGM to co-finance, theatrically market and distribute the Bond films — that is, both Bond 23 and 24, assuming everything goes accordingly. It’s safe to assume production will likely move ahead as soon as possible.

Not much is currently known about the plans for the next entry in the series. From what I’ve gathered, Sam Mendes is still attached to direct. Daniel Craig, and Dame Judi Dench are both expected to return, however everything else remains in the realm of rumor, such as the casting of No Country for Old Men star Javier Bardem. Now that nothing’s really left to hold up the production, let’s hope we start hearing some more details in the months to come.

Tim is a pro-blogger and freelance writer out of San Diego, California. In addition to Fanboy.com, he contributes to the ModernMethod Network of sites as the Features and Reviews Editor for the Japanese culture and entertainment blog, Japanator. He’s also an Assocaite Editor for their popular gaming blog, Destructoid, and the collectible toy culture blog, Tomopop. For more information, follow him on twitter, or check out TimSheehy.com.

I was just very saddened to read that Oscar winning composer John Barry has passed away — his scores have graced quite a few well known films and television shows over the years including a dozen James Bond films. His other well known scores included films like A Lion in Winter, Midnight Cowboy, The Black Hole, Out of Africa, Peggy Sue Got Married, and Dances with Wolves (just to name a few). Of course one of my favorites is the soundtrack to the film Beat Girl from 1960:

When I first heard that the upcoming Bond film would be delayed indefinitely while MGM executives attempt to sell the studio, I was terribly disappointed. Not only was MGM shelving their upcoming reboot of Robocop, and a remake of the 80’s classic Red Dawn, Eon was forced to halt production to a series of what I’ve considered some of the best Bond films in recent years. Thankfully, not all was lost. Rather than sit around and do nothing, they’ve decided to work with Activision on the next Bond video game — 007: Blood Stone. 

The game will also see Daniel Craig and Dame Judi Dench reprising their roles as Bond and M respectively. The duo will be joined by pop starlet Joss Stone, who also contributed the vocals for the intro sequence you can view above. The sequence itself is clearly inspired by the visuals witnessed in both Casino Royal and Quantum of Solace. Pretty, cool right? I don’t have a solid release date for the game, but you can expect to see it released on PC, DS, PS3, and Xbox 360.

Tim is a pro-blogger and freelance writer out of San Diego, California. In addition to Fanboy.com, he contributes to the ModernMethod Network of sites as the Features and Reviews Editor for the Japanese culture and entertainment blog, Japanator. He’s also an Assocaite Editor for the collectible toy culture blog, Tomopop. For more information, follow him on twitter, or check out TimSheehy.com.

Fanboys love their toys! And 2009 has been a great year for collectors of both high and low art, so we’ve put together our favorites from this year with an eye on unique twists on old themes. For example shown above O-No! Sushi by Andrew Bell is an urban toy reaction from a vegetarian to sushi.

007 fans should love the James Bond Girls Barbie Doll Assortment Case which features Honor Blackman in Goldfinger, Halle Berry in Die Another Day and Ursula Andress as Honey Ryder from Dr. No.

Godzilla MechaGodzilla Plush shows the soft lovable side of Godzilla’s nemesis.

Because diamonds are a kitty’s best friend! These faux diamonds on this ever so cute Crystallized Swarovski Hello Kitty MP3 Player caught our eyes.

It’s note quite a toy, but as collectors we loved how fashion designer Marc Ecko put together an entire line of hip looking Star Wars clothing.

This Where the Wild Things Are Max 400 Percent Kubrick Figure pays tribute to one of our favorite books from our collective childhood.

This Mobile Suit Gundam USB Memory device appeased our inner retro anime fanboy.

For Lucky Star fanboys this Lucky Star Nyamo USB Drive was too cute to pass up.

As a retrogaming fanboy my eyes lit up when I glanced at this NES Controller Business Card Case.

Batman? Check! Anime? Check! What can be cooler than this Batman Ame Comi Statue?

This Star Trek USB Communicator is more than a toy that plugs into your computer, in fact it’s a fully functional microphone and earphone that will work with Skype, MSN, AIM and iChat.

For fangurls who love cosplay this authentic Suzumiya Haruhi Cosplay Wig was a must have item for any anime con appearance.

From a quick glance I wasn’t too impressed with the mecha design of this Transformers Disney Label Mickey Mouse — the problem was that it just wasn’t cute enough! But of course the devil is in the details: If you look closely at the top you’ll see the classic Mickey Mouse enjoying being at the controls of his very own giant robot (which won us over).

I hate insects with a passion but my favorite new toy line of geek toys was Hexbugs — a collection of actual working robots each of which is equipped with a different type of sensor (light, sound, motion, etc.) which effects how it interacts with you. Here are the Hexbugs from their debut at the New York Toy Fair:

Mattel is getting brilliant with their marketing to collectors these days: Shown above is the James Bond Girls Barbie Doll Assortment Case. This set only has three Bond girls: They picked Honor Blackman in Goldfinger, Halle Berry in Die Another Day and Ursula Andress as Honey Ryder from Dr. No. For reference here are the real ladies of the silver screen:

Pussy Galore as played by Honor Blackman

Halle Berry in Die Another Day

Ursula Andress as Honey Ryder from Dr. No

Today is the 82nd birthday of Sir Roger George Moore, who sadly is known to most folks as “the James Bond that isn’t Sean Connery!” Now I know it’s a classic fanboy argument to rate each James Bond and then chastise poor Roger Moore for being too slick, too smooth and too English to be James Bond. Yet I think that’s an unfair argument because to really appreciate why Moore got the 007 role you have to go a few years back in time to 1962 when Moore made his name as The Saint.

The Saint actually pre-dated James Bond as the series of books dates to the late 1920s while Bond is a child of the Cold War era of the early 1950s. Unlike Bond our hero Simon Templar is a true gentleman who has a knack for disguise — he’s not so much a secret agent as a detective. With his model good looks and charm this in fact was THE role that Roger Moore was born to play. And he did it so well that the series lasted until 1969! In fact the series actually starts in black-and-white and finishes in color.

It takes talent to maintain 118 episodes of any show, and Moore could pack a good punch. If you haven’t seen this series you should make it a point of checking it out. My personal favorites are the older black-and-white episodes which have a wonderful magic to them. The production values on these shows is A+ and they’re almost like mini-movies.

After you watch The Saint you’ll understand why Moore landed the Bond role in the 70s. Frankly the only other actor from that era who could have played Bond was Patrick McGoohan who did so well with The Prisoner series (which was also produced by ITV). However Patrick turned down the role due to the violence. That left Moore as the logical choice for 007.

I think the problem is that people in their hearts wanted Sean Connery to make those films forever, but frankly I think Connery was wise to not run the franchise into the ground. The James Bond films need to reflect the era that they were shot in, and as talented as he was I’m not sure how Sean would have fit into the disco era. Instead I’d suggest that Moore with his smooth touch was the ultimate 007 for the 70s. He never tried to be Connery, instead he did his version of James Bond which was really Simon Templar with some amazing gadgets and much more exotic locations.

So on his birthday today don’t just cut Roger Moore some slack, but appreciate and embrace him as Simon Templar! The other thing is don’t view him as disco James Bond, but see him as the man who kept 007 cool and hip in the 70s when working for the man was very much out of style. In fact if you view some of those films within the context of their times instead of thinking of the 60s you’ll appreciate the fun that Moore had with the role.

In fact I think a more creative fanboy might ask he question: What’s the best Roger Moore 007 film? I think for me The Spy Who Loved Me would be my favorite. To me this 1977 film is disco James Bond at his very best, for starters you’ve got a strong start with the opening song by Carly Simon which is preceded by a a wonderful ski chase scene. By the way if you look at that opening scene you’ll notice that Moore is wearing a bright banana yellow jump suit. Now I ask you, could Sean Connery have worn that same suit and been seen as 007? I think not!

Happy Birthday Sir Roger Moore.

It’s 007 season again and countless fanboy hours will be wasted debating the merits of who was the best James Bond of all time — a sad process of sorting out the pecking order of a sad line up that started with Sean Connery and ends with Daniel Craig. And while I have my favorites in the role, the best James Bond of all time for my money is Patrick McGoohan.

In 1962 the first of the Bond films hit the screen with Sean Connery in the leading role as 007, and I have to admit (in terms of film history as we know it) Connery brought a real sense of magic to the role. However Ian Fleming’s choice for the role was David Niven who was much more high brow than Connery. In 1967 Niven did get his chance to play Bond in Casino Royale, but being a comedy it would be unfair to judge him on the role. But the key thing here is that Connery shouldn’t be thought of as the primordial secret agent by any means.

Which brings us back to Patrick McGoohan: He was not only offered the role of 007 (which he turned down) but he was also offered the role of The Saint (which he also turned down). However in spite of never being 007 it can be said that McGoohan’s work on Danger Man and later The Prisoner put him in a class above anyone who has played a secret agent on the small or large screen for all time.

The first thing that puts McGoohan a cut above the rest is that he started his career as a stage actor — so he’s able to bring a bit more dimension and ambiguity to playing a secret agent. When you’re watching McGoohan on the screen he’s never a flat cartoon character but instead a complex character with a past. Connery has the sex appeal and brute strength, but McGoohan is more than a pretty boy or a jock — you get the feeling that the wheels are turning upstairs and that he’s seen a bit of the world.

Another thing that places McGoohan above the rest was his insistence to reinvent the cliches of the secret agent. Upon returning to his role in Danger Man he insisted that the character always use his brains before using a gun and that there be no kissing. Can you imagine the likes of anyone who has ever played James Bond being able to pull off a secret agent role with those limitations? Not only that but with those limitations McGoohan makes his role even more believable.

And then of course there’s The Prisoner itself: The concept wasn’t his, but not only did he star in the show but he produced and wrote for it. The show itself might not only represent the best of the spy genre, but may be one of the best television series of all time (and at the very least would belong in anyone’s top ten list). While you can say that Ian Fleming put secret agents on the silver screen, with his creative input Patrick McGoohan made it into an art form that has yet to be topped.

Come November 14th I’ve got to so see this flick! I’m already in love with the poster art — it’s like James Bond is thinking “Yeah it’s perfectly normal to have some explosive residue on my designer tux while strolling down the desert with my fashion model friend with a handgun on hand to deal with any arch villains whom we might just run across in the hood”. Not only that but James Bond can even wear a hanky in his jacket pocket and make it look good…

My favorite John Barry theme is from the 1960 film Beat Girl, but with the current James Bond buzz I’m happy to see John Barry get some long overdue recognition for his talent.

John Barry invented the spy movie score
Unique arrangements ushered in a new genre of films

“Very few composers can be said to have created a new style of film music,” says David Arnold. “John Barry single-handedly created the spy genre.” Arnold, who recently completed scoring “Quantum of Solace” (his fifth James Bond score), has a long way to go to catch up to Barry’s record of 11 complete 007 scores (not counting his arrangement of the original “James Bond Theme” for “Dr. No”).

Arnold admires Barry’s accomplishments — saluting them in his 1997 album “Shaken and Stirred” — and Arnold’s Bond scores, from “Tomorrow Never Dies” to “Die Another Day,” still draw on the musical ideas that accompanied 007’s earliest film adventures 40 years ago. It was a combination of the time (the early ’60s), a collision of musical cultures (the end of the big-band era, the beginnings of rock) and the offbeat qualities of Ian Fleming’s creation that led to Barry’s unique mix of jazz, rock, pop and traditional orchestral writing.”

Here’s a great video of a record player playing a 1962 record of the James Bond theme, although I think the best way to appreciate John Barry is to close your eyes while listening to the score:

And here’s my personal favorite — the theme to Beat Girl: