James Bond Ultimate Collection 3 [DVD] [1995] [Region 1] [US Import] [NTSC]

Volume 3 of the recently released Bond DVD sets is without a doubt the best of the 4. Each film in this set ranks among the better to best Bond pictures ever. No lame duds such as Die Another Die or Moonraker are included, just very solid installments. GoldenEye is the crown jewel of the set for me personally, as it was the first one I saw as a child, thus becoming my favorite. From Russia With Love is my second favorite Bond film, not just in this set, but period. Connery never bettered his preformance in this film and Robert Shaw as Red Grant is simply one of the greatest Bond villians ever. The plots of both these films push them to the head of the pack as they are interesting, exciting, and actually make sense, unlike say The World is not Enough. Live and Let Die marked Roger Moore's debut as Bond and I believe this to be his second best turn in the role. The Spy Who Loved Me (not included in this set, would be his best I believe) However, Live and Let Die as well as For Your Eyes Only are stellar Moore films. He was best in these earlier additions. His last two just didnt cut it for me, the man was too old. However in these two he is in top form, just like the films themselves. And finally, On Her Majesty's Secret Service is another grand achievment in the Bond universe. It shows a side of Bond that was not shown again until this year's Casino Royale. Bond is in love, and actually becomes a married man. Its a very realistic and exciting film with Telly Savalis as the infamous Blofeld. George Lazenby delivers a respectable preformance as Bond. Its actually suprising that he didn't do a second film because he does very well in the role. I cant say enough good about this particular set. Its just simply great and the extra material goes a long way in supporting that. It may be awhile before I own all the sets, but I'm in no rush at all as I enjoy Volume 3. 10 out of 10 for this set.

This set is easily the best of the Bond sets to be released. First there's Goldeneye, which is almost univerally accepted as Brosnan's best Bond film. Not only did it revitalize the series and set up Bond for his post-Cold War adventures, but it also proved that the generic Bond formula could be reworked to great effect. Plus, it introduced Dame Judi Dench as M. Live and Let Die, For Your Eyes Only, and From Russia With Love are all fine Bond fare, but the other bookend of this set is another gem. On Her Majesty's Secret Service is well known for many things, but perhaps it is most loved for being George Lazenby's only go at the iconic figure. Some love it simply because they hate Lazenby's portrayal and they are grateful that his first Bond film was also his last. I, along with many other fans, love it because Lazenby is actually a rather good Bond, and the movie itself is quite entertaining regardless of who plays the title character (it's definitely one of the most serious Bond films ever made). All in all, this set is probably the most balanced of the four releases, as each film is an important entry in the Bond universe to some extent.

I've also reviewed the first two volumes but I honestly believe that Volume Three is the best. I plan on getting them all and have the entire series for the first time in my life but, if I had to pick a single best volume, it would be this one.

FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE has the most solid Cold War story of all the films and everyone is firing on all pistons. Connery IS Bond in this one, making the character his own, and Robert Shaw and Lotte Lenya as the villians are among the best.

ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE is George Lazenby's only film and it remains a controversial entry in the series. Myself, I loved it. Diana Rigg is awesome, the photography and editing are great, and the story feels like it has more meat on its bones than any other film.

(These first two films probably come closest to the Ian Fleming novels).

LIVE AND LET DIE is Moore's first appearance as Bond. It has a hit Paul McCartney & Wings song and a 19-year-old Jane Seymour, along with a very charismatic villian in Yaphet Kotto. The boat chase is still thrilling and Sheriff J.W. Pepper is still hilarious.

GOLDENEYE is Brosnan's first appearance as Bond and remains his best film. Wonderful use of Russian locales, particularly the "graveyard" of Communist statues, and the deadliest Bond girl since Pussy Galore.

FOR YOUR EYES ONLY was an attempt to get back to better stories after the overblown epics of the Seventies.

So, as far as I'm concerned, there isn't a bad one in the lot. Like I said, I plan on getting them all--but this one looks like the best.

Enjoy!