I saw the original version of NSNA for the first time today. I must say how much better many of the scenes are in Blofelds Cat's reworkings. Most notably the opening scene, as White Knight really adds so much to the scene, and when compared to the NSNA title song in the sequence, the comparison is amazing. It is so much better with the Bondian music, rather than the dull title track of the original music.
Lucky! You were, essentially, exposed to NSNA via an EONised edition. Altough, I wish he kept the original title music, if anything it is the movie's main song. He could at least keep that one... Anywho, this project was always a dream of mine, really nice it came true.
And, also, I was wondering if Blofeld's Cat has tinkered the ending... You know, with the 007 coming around Connery's face. I always LOVED that!
For the main theme I'd use Sneaker Pimps 6 Underground, or even Propellerheads' OHMSS, with clips from past Connery movies put in there. The pts is quite slow, so perhaps could do with a fast theme really, to make up for that. Or maybe Duran Duran's Come Undone even.
These would all be interesting. But somehow, I feel that, since damage is done, the main title theme (sung by Lani Hall) should be there. "History Repeating", while enjoyable (and sung by Shirley Bassey, a much better -and Bondian- singer overall!), is not really NSNA's main title theme. Thats one change I didn't like. Yet I understand this was a personal choice by the editor, and since he's had the time and put the effort to make this thing, he's entitles to it.
I LOVE the Bond 77 theme, and works really well for the chase scene.
I am also in favor of images from past Bond movies as a title sequence, since re-using Maurice Binder's title sequence is useless, IMO, and because the actual sequence is from TB, it really creates a feeling of a remake even further.
An idea would be, to put scenes from all Bond movies, up to 1979's MR. I exclude FYEO and OP for a good reason: If put chronologically, FYEO could very well serve as an ending/climax to the Blofeld/SPECTRE scenario that was left wide open in NSNA. It would actually give an extra meaning to FYEO, as after Connery's one-off, Moore's back for three more!
Anywho, show, like in OHMSS, a series of well known scenes from the 60's and 70's Bond movies, even MR, to show that this is the same man from the other ones. To tie further, continuity-wise, that Moore is the same Bond Connery is on this film. Its a great opportunity for continuity, not unlike OHMSS.
For music, either NSNA's original title theme sung by Lani Hall (my choice), or something instrumental. Napoleon Plural's suggestions come to mind, but what about The 007 Theme playing all over? Its an idea...
Blofeld's Cat, did you keep the ending from the original NSNA intact? Or did you trim it? I liked how the 007 insignia came around his face... A true end to the original Bond.
Interesting stuff Jimmy, though I'd personally skirt around having some of the Moore films in the credits (I bet Blofeld's Cat is getting ticked off with us reediting his masterwork! ;% ) because it might just be distracting, it's clear that Connery's Bond has been sidelined at the beginning of the film...
Can't stand the Lani Hall theme, you're on your own there Jimmy! Not sure about the finale with the cheesy wink, or indeed Rowan Atkinson turning up. That's one area where I'd butcher the film and just try some weird reediting to end it on a different note... Bond looking pensive but not with suspicion at Rowan's approach, but with a voiceover from the past, then a mini flashback of his past movies to end on a high, or with Lisa Stanfeld's All The Right Places song which is a bit cheesy but at least it's John Barry.
Actually you could dub that song in the background of Bond's massage scene with Domino, that would work well too...
No, I like the wink and the 007 logo around Connery's face. I hope Blofeld's Cat kept that. And with Small-Fawcett, it allows for FYEO to happen as a direct sequel, finishing off Blofeld once and for all.
Ideally, when he winks, a small rendition of the James Bond Theme plays. But Nobody Does It Better is also good...
What do you mean? Its no longer Connery winking and the 007 symbol coming around him? I really think this was an ideal and superbly fitting way to "goodbye" Connery as Bond.
Still, I think I would have prefered, the official 007 logo around him. When I first saw the movie, I really liked the farewell touch of 007. This movie, more so than AVTAK or DAD (especially DAD), is designed to be a farewell picture.
Why don't you see for yourself and get a copy from my furry friend? Seriously, I don't want to spoil the WHOLE experience. But that's basically it, the whole ending is tinkered as you guessed it would be.
I have! But while I'm waiting for it, I thought I might ask... Besides, I have seen all the clips on the site of his.
Personally, I'm OK with all of them. EXCEPT for the main titles. While the song is a good listening experience, I really don't like how it insinuates what we'll see is TB, remade. I mean, aren't certain canon Bond films remakes of each other? Take Lewis Gilbert's Bond films, for instace... Nearly identical plots, with varieties inbetween... Just like NSNA and TB, really.
Other than the main title theme, I'm pretty much ok with what I have seen. Thing is, I like NSNA, as it is apparent in my list of favorite Bond films on my left...
Well, the song was one of the key problems with the whole movie and the PTS was the first thing to be done really. At that point, there was no plan to make the project for the whole movie. So it was just natural that the sequence would stay.
I'm perfectly satisfied with the results as well, except for the music during the horse chase, but I already mentioned that. And NSNA IS a remake and it will have to carry that mark forever. In fact, if it weren't a remake, it would never exist.
I know, but I never let my anjoyment of the movie be ruined by that fact. As I said, certain Bond movies (TSWLM and MR) have indeed copied others (TSWLM copied YOLT, MR copied TSWLM), only with more originally and different thought put into them. Yet still, I enjoyed those movies for what they were, on their own.
"History Repeating" really doesn't help the overall target of the movie, which is to keep it as a Bond movie to be watched alongside other Bond movies. If anything, TMWTGG had a terrible song, but its part of its legacy.
Seriously, NSNA's theme didn't have to be changed. I agree with the rest of the changes, though...
I have the James Bond-The Legacy book, and I found that some of the money put into NSNA came from Rocky III because Taliafilm was or partly Talia Shire (Adrian)'s company, and some of the money she had earned from starring in Rocky III was used to help NSNA when it was struggling in production.
There was a tv special on the BBC about Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais(?) not so long ago.They were hired by Sean Connery to add some humour and polish to the NSNA script which they did,even recycling jokes from their sitcom staple Porridge.Speaking of their time on the film they commented that the whole thing was something of a shambles and that every single day the crew expected the film to be shut-down because of legal tangles.They seemed to indicate that no one expected the film to ever actually make it onto the bigscreen and said they had actually thought about writing a book about the experience.
As much as I prefer the official Bond music, I think the EON-ised edition is more just an attractive disguise rather than improving the movie. I thought the film was a miserable excuse for a Bond movie. Even Rowan Atkinson failed to be funny. The motorcycle chase is a good one, but the plot is poor, and I thought the game played by Largo and Bond was a silly idea. It just cheapened the movie for me. Why couldn't they just play Chemin de fer?
I thought Octopussy was a terrible excuse for stunts, when they should've concetrated on an, otherwise, strong story.
Also, there are several instances where NSNA was better than any other Bond film for a long time. It captured Bond's essence, and even provided an interesting twist with the aging factor.
Really, NSNA is a truer Bond film than any of the 70's Bond films ever hoped to be.
I got it! What if the title sequence uses the 007 theme instead of any song? I believe this would be most fitting, if:
The title sequence has clips from the Bond films in the 70's (except the space shots in MR, we don't want to provoke), without any of the Bond actors, but rather, events of him hitting someone from the back, like Chandler's fall in TSWLM, clips of the various villains Bond has faced in that decade, and some of the most explosive sequences cut short, all this while John Barry's 007 theme plays out. This is to show how Bond has been in semi-retirement, and these past events are reminisced in him and to us. I left out FYEO because, if this is to be an EON re-edit, it has to be placed before FEYO for continuity reasons. Of course, the color for the title sequence will be hugely varied. I think it could work. What do you think Blofeld's Cat?
That way, we won't get to hear Lani Hall's NSNA (although I'm quite fond of that song) and still get a unique title sequence.
People, I have seen Never Say McClory Again! Or, as it is mostly known as, Never Say Never Again Special Edition!
And I must say, I finally feel as if it was an official entry (which I always did, but this re-edit just re-affirmed the position). It remains a great movie, and the Bond touches that are done by music (aside from some bad musical choices) is excellent. It will definetely make you like the film more.
And most of all, those who didn't like it, will at least accept it as part of the series. Its THAT good.
I think you will, Pierce. It has some bad musical choices (biggest being the horseback scene), but overall its a nice re-edit. Abou 98% of the movie's soundtrack has been replaced with Bond and Bond-alike music. Even the title song.
I tell you, you will at least appreciate it as a Bond film of the EON kind.
I think you will, Pierce. It has some bad musical choices (biggest being the horseback scene), but overall its a nice re-edit. Abou 98% of the movie's soundtrack has been replaced with Bond and Bond-alike music. Even the title song.
I tell you, you will at least appreciate it as a Bond film of the EON kind.
Comments
And, also, I was wondering if Blofeld's Cat has tinkered the ending... You know, with the 007 coming around Connery's face. I always LOVED that!
I LOVE the Bond 77 theme, and works really well for the chase scene.
I am also in favor of images from past Bond movies as a title sequence, since re-using Maurice Binder's title sequence is useless, IMO, and because the actual sequence is from TB, it really creates a feeling of a remake even further.
An idea would be, to put scenes from all Bond movies, up to 1979's MR. I exclude FYEO and OP for a good reason: If put chronologically, FYEO could very well serve as an ending/climax to the Blofeld/SPECTRE scenario that was left wide open in NSNA. It would actually give an extra meaning to FYEO, as after Connery's one-off, Moore's back for three more!
Anywho, show, like in OHMSS, a series of well known scenes from the 60's and 70's Bond movies, even MR, to show that this is the same man from the other ones. To tie further, continuity-wise, that Moore is the same Bond Connery is on this film. Its a great opportunity for continuity, not unlike OHMSS.
For music, either NSNA's original title theme sung by Lani Hall (my choice), or something instrumental. Napoleon Plural's suggestions come to mind, but what about The 007 Theme playing all over? Its an idea...
Blofeld's Cat, did you keep the ending from the original NSNA intact? Or did you trim it? I liked how the 007 insignia came around his face... A true end to the original Bond.
Well?
Can't stand the Lani Hall theme, you're on your own there Jimmy! Not sure about the finale with the cheesy wink, or indeed Rowan Atkinson turning up. That's one area where I'd butcher the film and just try some weird reediting to end it on a different note... Bond looking pensive but not with suspicion at Rowan's approach, but with a voiceover from the past, then a mini flashback of his past movies to end on a high, or with Lisa Stanfeld's All The Right Places song which is a bit cheesy but at least it's John Barry.
Actually you could dub that song in the background of Bond's massage scene with Domino, that would work well too...
Roger Moore 1927-2017
Ideally, when he winks, a small rendition of the James Bond Theme plays. But Nobody Does It Better is also good...
You hit the nail on the head with the second one. And don't worry, while the finale is tinkered, it's essentially the same with a different image.
Please, elaborate The Cat... I'm all ears!
Maybe its the fact that I am a Greek and could very possibly misinterpret this, but do you mean that something else surounds him when he winks?
You're English is flawless, don't worry. You got it right. Think. Something round... related to bond... and iconic! What can it be?
Still, I think I would have prefered, the official 007 logo around him. When I first saw the movie, I really liked the farewell touch of 007. This movie, more so than AVTAK or DAD (especially DAD), is designed to be a farewell picture.
Anywho, is it nice? I mean, does it fit?
Personally, I'm OK with all of them. EXCEPT for the main titles. While the song is a good listening experience, I really don't like how it insinuates what we'll see is TB, remade. I mean, aren't certain canon Bond films remakes of each other? Take Lewis Gilbert's Bond films, for instace... Nearly identical plots, with varieties inbetween... Just like NSNA and TB, really.
Other than the main title theme, I'm pretty much ok with what I have seen. Thing is, I like NSNA, as it is apparent in my list of favorite Bond films on my left...
I'm perfectly satisfied with the results as well, except for the music during the horse chase, but I already mentioned that. And NSNA IS a remake and it will have to carry that mark forever. In fact, if it weren't a remake, it would never exist.
"History Repeating" really doesn't help the overall target of the movie, which is to keep it as a Bond movie to be watched alongside other Bond movies. If anything, TMWTGG had a terrible song, but its part of its legacy.
Seriously, NSNA's theme didn't have to be changed. I agree with the rest of the changes, though...
But if Blofeld's Cat was to make a re-edit of the movie with John Barry-exclusive material, what would it be?
Really, EON tried to stop this film, yet earned money from it... Really sad.
And if anyone asks me, "Warhead" read much better than many Bond movies. If only they filmed that, instead of NSNA...
Still, I love NSNA. As said before, my favorite Connery Bond after FRWL and GF (and a very good tie-up with DR. NO).
Also, there are several instances where NSNA was better than any other Bond film for a long time. It captured Bond's essence, and even provided an interesting twist with the aging factor.
Really, NSNA is a truer Bond film than any of the 70's Bond films ever hoped to be.
The title sequence has clips from the Bond films in the 70's (except the space shots in MR, we don't want to provoke), without any of the Bond actors, but rather, events of him hitting someone from the back, like Chandler's fall in TSWLM, clips of the various villains Bond has faced in that decade, and some of the most explosive sequences cut short, all this while John Barry's 007 theme plays out. This is to show how Bond has been in semi-retirement, and these past events are reminisced in him and to us. I left out FYEO because, if this is to be an EON re-edit, it has to be placed before FEYO for continuity reasons. Of course, the color for the title sequence will be hugely varied. I think it could work. What do you think Blofeld's Cat?
That way, we won't get to hear Lani Hall's NSNA (although I'm quite fond of that song) and still get a unique title sequence.
And I must say, I finally feel as if it was an official entry (which I always did, but this re-edit just re-affirmed the position). It remains a great movie, and the Bond touches that are done by music (aside from some bad musical choices) is excellent. It will definetely make you like the film more.
And most of all, those who didn't like it, will at least accept it as part of the series. Its THAT good.
Bravo Blofeld's Cat!
I tell you, you will at least appreciate it as a Bond film of the EON kind.
And I suggest this to everyone, really...
I wonder if Blofeld's Cat has tried out any of our suggestions, with any success?
Roger Moore 1927-2017
I will take your word on that.