If the subsequent deluxe laserdisc editions of the James Bond series are as amazing as the newly remastered all-CAV collector's edition of 'Goldfinger', then MGM/UA Home Video is sitting on a gold mine. With its packed-to-the-gills offering of supplementary goodies (some never before seen), the new THX-approved boxed set of 'Goldfinger' is--if you'll pardon the pun--worth its weight in gold. 'Goldfinger' is a 3-disc, 6-sided edition, presented in a handsome box utilizing original key art.
First the movie itself. The letterboxing measures in at roughly 1.75:1--this is identical to the previous MGM/UA CLV letterboxed edition as well as the Criterion Collection versions. This new disc was mastered using a new print of 'Goldfinger' that was struck from the original negative in 1994 on the occasion of the film's 30th anniversary. I always thought the Criterion edition boasted a terrific picture, and that the subsequent MGM/UA reissue was even better. The picture on this new THX version is the best yet! The colors are brighter, the image is sharper, the shadows are deeper, the gold is luminous. The movie is still in mono (only the opening credits sequence is in stereo), but the remastered sound offers a cleaner, crisper soundtrack that bests many modern-day stereophonic films.
The 109-minute film (the liner notes incorrectly list a running time of 115 minutes) has been spread across 4 sides, with side/platter breaks that duplicate the Criterion CAV version (which was immediately discontinued upon its release in 1991; more about this later).
There's an entire disc devoted to the massive supplementary section. There are two documentaries: 'The Making of Goldfinger', which explores every aspect of the film's creation; and 'The Goldfinger Phenomenon' which examines the film and its influence on pop culture. You'll also get a glimpse of a rare screen test by another actor for the part of Auric Goldfinger, lots of publicity and promotions materials, trailers, a look at the U.S. premiere, re-issue trailers, a commercial that touted the broadcast premiere, a Vicks 44 commercial featuring Harold Sakata as Oddjob, a brief featurette, a massive archive of stills, a look at the merchandising, even a cameo by Pierce Brosnan, the new James Bond, who recalls early childhood memories of seeing 'Goldfinger'.
The audio-only supplement on 'Goldfinger' runs nearly five hours. There are two separate audio commentary tracks that run concurrent with the film. One track is devoted to director Guy Hamilton, Lee Pfeiffer (a Bond authority and author of "The Incredible World of 007"), and other members of the cast (including excerpts of a 1964 radio interview with Sean Connery that are integrated into the commentary track). The second track features members of the production crew: composer John Barry, production designer Ken Adam, editor and future Bond director Peter Huntto and stuntmen and special effects technicians. There are also radio spots galore, and a full Sean Connery audio-only interview.
The audio-commentary tracks are fun, insightful and, due to their extensive roll-call, will stand up very well to repeated listenings. Some of the narration is similar to that of the now-discontinued Criterion Collection CAV edition, which featured Guy Hamilton, Peter Hunt, Ken Adam and the late screenwriter Richard Maibaum. That narration track was hosted by Bond fan and author Steven Jay Rubin, who, apparently, does not have a very enthusiastic fan in Albert Broccoli. When Broccoli (who was not consulted before that Criterion track was finalized and the discs were pressed and shipped to stores) heard the audio track, he had several objections, not the least of which was his feelings towards Rubin. At Broccoli's request, all unsold copies of the Criterion CAV editions of 'Goldfinger' (as well as 'Dr. No' and 'From Russia With Love', both with similarly "unapproved" audio tracks) were instantly recalled. The Criterion Collection now only offers these first three Bond films in CLV only, minus the narration tracks. If you own the CAV versions, you probably already know that they're very valuable collectors' items by now. If you should ever happen to come across one in a store that was mistakenly left on the shelves, pick it up!
Anyway, back to the new MGM version. It seems that no gold bar was left unturned during the exhaustive research for this special edition. Since it is the sixth laserdisc version of 'Goldfinger' one might be quick to dismiss this THX boxed set as yet another laserdisc company ploy to get people to merely "upgrade." But for what you get here, all previous editions of 'Goldfinger' can't hold a candle to this package. Even the 1991 CAV Criterion edition, which had a handful of nifty supplementaries, can't compare to this glorious new edition. If you don't already own it, do yourself a favor and add it to your collection!
Next up for MGM/UA is a THX-approved boxed set of 'Thunderball'--all-CAV, remastered for the first time in stereo and replete with the same exhaustively-researched gallery of supplemental goodies. All subsequent Bond THX boxed sets will be priced a bit higher than 'Goldfinger' due to the fact that all but two of the Bond films after 1964 were longer than 2 hours (and thus require a fifth side to complete the movie, making a fourth disc necessary).
Vital statistics: MGM/UA Home Video; 3 discs, 6 sides; CAV (one supplemental side in CLV); Widescreen (1.75:1); Digital Monaural; THX; Chapter Stops; Running Audio Commentary Tracks; $99.95.
S. Damien Segal.
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