5 comments about Warren Miller's Cold Fusion.

1. Blending music with ski/snowboard video and travel this is a must see. If you dont want to go to a mountain afterwards then you have no soul. My only complaint is that it is already geared towards people that already love to ski/snowboard. I would have liked more descriptions of the terrain and better shots showing just how steep some of those cliffs are. For people that have never skied this movie will be slow going at first but patient - it gets better. Again my only complaint is that it assumes people watching already know what powder and big mountains feel like. A little extra effort could have been made to portray that to the new skier.



2. I've never purchased a Warren Miller film before and didn't know what to expect. After watching Cold Fusion, I'm now shopping for my next purchase. This movie features great skiing and snowboarding segments as well as some cool base jumping scenes. And who would have thought you can ski in Kenya? I'm not a big fan of harder music, but thought the soundtrack complemented the movie wonderfully. I had no "ghosting" or other image problems as mentioned in one review (note that the user was talking about a VHS, not the DVD). I didn't give it a full five stars because of a couple slower segments that didn't have much "extreme" stuff in it. It was still interesting, but personally, I bought this for all the big mountain and backcountry shots. I also thought the Nissan sponsorship got a little ridiculous when they zoomed in on the hood ornament. What is this, a commercial? Other than those couple of issues (very minor), I thought this was a great take and would recommend it to any ski or snowboard fanatic.



3. I watch this video on some channel on T.V. one night and knew I had to own it!
   
   I don't even ski (or jump off buildings for that matter)but who doesn't want to watch guys doing amazing "oh my gosh! " EXTREME SPORT activities.
   
   I loved the music too.
   And the the way it was shot by Warren Miller.
   
   I would highly recommend this movie to anyone. In fact I've already bought it for some...



4. Great skiing, great music and a variety of locations. Warren Miller does it the best!



5. The best of the Warren Miller collection I believe. The music and cinematography go hand in hand. This documentary will get you up and skiing in no time.

3 comments about Warren Miller: No Boundaries.

1. Hey Amazon-
   Your "Better together" Deal is for the SAME DVD that is in the box set. You might want to fix that!!!!



2. Wareen really hits the mark on this one, with skiing boarding and telemark, from everycorner of the globe.. This set is fit for all ages, and the soundtracks are off the hook. Everyone gets a taste of Heli, Snocat And tram serviced alpine terrain, It's awesome! Definately a night before the slopes box set, and A blizzard in the middle of summer!



3. We take these on every ski trip and they're a blast to watch. Warren Miller never goes out of style. This set has updated music and amazing personalities. Enjoy!

5 comments about Warren Miller's Power of Snow Collection (Storm/Cold Fusion/Ride/Fifty).

1. Warren Miller movies are for pure entertainment. He beautifully composes a wide array of environments and riders into a work of art, and it shouldn't be too hard to appreciate his amazing film-making ability.



2. For anyone who is really into winter skiing, Warren Miller's films rock and outshine most other ski vidoes or films readily available on this subject. A prior reviewer of Warren Miller films stated that you don't learn much about ski technique from his films. But I would disagree, while they are not true instruction videos, they show what can be done on skis, boards, or whatever riding gear you prefer, if you have the will and desire to go WOW. My kids started watching Miller's films and as a result of seeing what one can do with a good pair of skis or a good board they have gone from regular downhill skiing to terrain park and extreme skiing.
   As far as this particular package of Warren Miller films goes, this package of videos is great, but unfortunately, it does not represent Miller's best work -- my favorite are Snowriders and Snowriders 2 -- and the films in this package include a lot of footage from prior Warren Miller films.
   But for anyone looking for footage of extreme skiing, go with any Warren Miller product of the last ten years, including "Storm," "Coldfusion," "Ride," and "Fifty."



3. I would have given this one a 5 but the DVD, Ride, dropped it to a 4. Ride, is a sub par job which feels as if it is trying to mimic a Warren Miller film. All the other DVDs in this collection are great and make the package worth the price.



4. Always been a Warren Miller fan but this box set is perfect for covering all the amazing technical and silly aspects of the slopes that Miller is so well known for. Bought this for a pre-ski motivational get together and it was a huge hit...new yearly ski trip tradition.



5. This Box set is amazing...it just makes me want to be a ski bumb for the rest of my life. I just want to travel the world as a professional skier for Warren Miller..."If you don't do it this year, you will be one year older when you do" Quote by Warren Miller (in almost every movie)...awesome guy...

5 comments about Ski School 2.

1. After having seen the original Ski School, I guess I was expecting a little too much from the sequel. It turned out that I was expecting way too much. With the only semi-recognizable character (Dean Cameron, whom I still consider brilliant) having to carry the movie, which consisted of an awful plot and even worse acting, it really turned into a one man show. But, if you have an hour and a half and you think you need to punish yourself, then this is for you.



2. A Sequel To A Obvious Ripp Off Of Animal House, This College Party Comedy Nonetheless, Is Hilarious Due To The Comic Mastery Of Dean Cameron Who Plays The Leader Of A Wacky Bunch Of Ski Bums...Dave Marshak (Cameron) And His Entarage Of Skiing Party Animals Are Threatened To Be Thrown Out Of The Resort Due To Beth's (Heather Cambell) Sinester And Humdrum New Boyfriend...Dave Embarks To Save Them From Their Unwilling Departure From The Resort And To Rescue Beth From Boredom...



3. The original Ski School is one of my favorite films. When I heard about this film I was so excited to see what happens next. Seeing Dean Cameron come back as Dave was wonderful and he still has that flare he had in the first. While I admit the second is not as hysterical as the first, it still is wacky and entertaining. "Chicken Dance!!" :O)



4. There have been great sequels like Godfather II but none have ever reached the cinamatic heights of Ski School 2. Dean Cameron reminds me of the young Tom Hanks in the classic Volunteers another awesome movie from the 80s. The skiing montages and footage are sweet and I defy you to find a better movie to enjoy with your buddies over delicious beers.

   They don't make silly comedies like these anymore and thats a damn crime. I love a great art film like anyone else but plot-lite silly films that you can watch just for a good laugh just aren't out there anymore. I honestly tell my friends that this is one of my all time favorite films and I am not kidding. Give it a watch - I can promise three things: 1) lewd and silly physical comedy, 2) goofball antics, and 3) gratuitous nudity in the classic 80s style. God bless Dean Cameron and all the wacky people that made Ski School 2!




5. "Ski School 2" is a departure from its predecessor. Whereas the first "Ski School" was a party film, the sequel is a romantic comedy, albeit a romantic comedy geared more for the guys than the ladies. I love the first film, so in comparison, "Ski School 2" comes up short. However when judged on its own, the film still gives a nice, warm, comfortable feeling of entertainment. It may not have you rolling on the floor like the first film, but it is more dater-friendly.
   
   The DVD is minimal, really bare bones. It consists of nothing but the standard FBI warnings and the feature title track itself. There are no menus of any kind. The film does have chapter breaks, but there is no chapter selection menu. There is only one audio option, Dolby 2.1. On the bright side, the picture is crisp.
   
   Despite the minimal philosophy of this DVD, in the end I decided the film itself was all I really wanted. I've been waiting on pins and needles for the original film to come out on DVD. My reaction when I heard about this item when it was recently released was one of cautious optimism. Perhaps one day the original film will be released. In the meantime, I marginally recommend this purchase to anyone who likes "Ski School 2" or anyone who wants a fun, silly, low-brow romantic comedy. However, due to the fact that this isn't the original "Ski School" and that the DVD is minimal, I can only give it three stars.

5 comments about Warren Miller's Storm.

1. I cant believe anybody would ever watch this for instructional value, because thats not what its for. It is purely for entertainment purposes (which is exactly what this movie is). This movie has a kick butt soundtrack and awesome footage of sweet skiiers ripping up the slopes. This is by far the best Warren Miller film yet and I recommend it to all skiers.



2. I bought this movie off of the reviews given. In truth, this was not that great of a warren miller film. The soundtracks weren't that great, and the filming and angle was just average. Journey is a great movie, and really can't be beat. Journey is my favorite ski movie ever, and It would be a much better buy than Storm.



3. I'm a non-skier, and I found the photography beautiful. The skier in the family loved seeing the different mountains around the world and loved the element of danger.



4. WM did a real good job, and its been over 5 years since the release, so don't freak out about the HD issue as the bulk of the video is very clear and the iris/focal/angle concerns are darn good.
   
   I noticed a sound track complaint - very personal - ALL of the audio, editing, frame angles, lighting, etc. is typical high grade work of WM, and a few tracks of audio are not for hospice folks.
   
   Bring this DVD or cloan it to drive during your next adventure trip. - Or, watch it before you leave your home - It just plain ROCKS!
   
   PS - I'm 50 years old per the clock - the movie works from young of body and ....young of mind.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Who is this for? Adventure types, students of video art, and the women that want us. :-)



5. 
   You can't help but feel humbled by the tricks these riders seem to nail with ease in Warren Miller's Storm. You will be really blown away if you have ever tried to ski or snowboard, and will still be amazed if you haven't. In some scenes just staying up is a feat considering the steep runs and vertical drops. And if you've ever worked a film crew or a camera, you have to be humbled by how difficult it is to capture shots like these. Even one of these tricks can require hours to set up, and here you have hundreds or thousands of runs and tricks strung between interviews, story-lines and amazing backdrops. The result is simply breath-taking.
   
   Warren Miller's narration gives the transitions from place to place continuity and credibility. There can't be too many serious skiers and snowboarders who aren't already familiar with his signature voice and lasting legacy.
   
   From Steamboat in Colorado, Whistler in BC, the Marines training facility in California, to the Alps of Europe, this footage takes you everywhere. We even get to retrace Shackelton's journey from the Faulklands to South Georgia just before Antarctica.
   
   One thing applies to all these locations: don't try any of this. That includes at home or away from home. Even accomplished riders have to bow down before these 100 foot drops and vertical runs of hard-packed snow.
   
   There's a mix of stuff here. From watching the Marine's train in ice water, to seeing snowboarders and skateboarders try to nail their tricks, this is not a pure skiing video. There's even cross country, hiking, and bike tricks thrown in. But no matter what you are watching, this is amazing to watch. The slow motion shots of snow shooting up on a landing, the shots with the sun fading into the background, this is just beautiful filming.
   
   Not to beat a dead horse, but there is no instruction here. There's only one way to learn to ski, snowboard, or almost anything else. That's by doing it. Even if there was a way to learn by watching a DVD, you can be sure that DVD would be much longer than a few hours. :) And to repeat what I said before, chances are unless you are one of the people who was profiled here you won't be doing any of this in your lifetime. That' makes watching this all the more enjoyable.
   
   The soundtrack is good, and definitely well mixed for the shots and transitions. But the beauty here is the eye-candy. Here we get to watch some of the world's best riders do things in open terrain that most of us can only dream of.
   
   As for me, watching this has me wondering how long the season goes on in other parts of the world. Get this DVD or download the video if you love the beauty of excellent skiing and snowboarding.
   
   Enjoy!

5 comments about Warren Miller's Higher Ground.

1. My husband and I watched this on TV and thought it was so incredible! We wanted to watch it again and again, so we bought it...it is so exhilerating! This we highly recommend, it is awesome! We purchased 4 copies to give as gifts and we are going to buy everything we can find Warren Miller did...not to mention the Soundtracks! The music is awesome! This movie keeps you on the edge of your seat with excitement, but gives you a peace with the scenery...with much laughter, amazement, and history. It is probably more a documentary, but you don't feel like it! My husband is in his late 60's and I am in my mid 30's..it is for all age groups...and something clean for kids to watch!



2. Warren Miller movies always leave me yearning for fresh powder and the cold on my face. If you ski, this will make you want to hit the slopes. If you don't ski, it will make you want to learn. That's exactly what I did after I saw my first Warren Miller movie. Took myself to the mountains and learned to ski. Go ahead and give it a go. You'll be glad you did.



3. Very good movie. I am a Warren Miller movie buff, but this one stands above his other recent efforts. Also, there is fun bonus footage featuring Glen Plake.



4. This doesn't really offer anything new to someone who has watched many ski videos. Bored.



5. 1. part about kids skiing in Aspen, they are really good.
   2. The world's luckiest right turn..avoiding an avalanche taking an entire hillside down, skiier turned right, not clear if skiier saw it or heard it and turned but what is silly is that narrator has no follow-up or insight to offer on these interesting little bits.
   
   Too much talk by folks who just ski ... it is'nt like they are interesting to hear beyond the usual. Some of the conversations are not too bad, but they just get repetitive

5 comments about Steep [Blu-ray].

1. "Steep" is a great movie which does not just show nice freeride stunts. It
   tells the whole story about extreme free skiing starting from the 70s. The
   shots are of a very high quality. For me, it one of the best ski films I
   have ever seen.



2. Steep is excellent. It was well thought out, and well put together. I am glad I purchased it, and I will surely watch it many more times as the years go by.



3. How long can you watch folks make some jumps and then others drone through excessive dialogue? After, it is'nt the skiiers minds on display, its their physical prowess and courage no doubt but some of the conversations are really terribly sophomoric and perfect for passing out on the couch, funny that should happen watching a ski movie. The worst part is you see some heavy powder skis, you see the mountain tearing up and coming down right behind the skiier and the film cuts away to some other guy doing overdone backflips somewhere. The elegance and art of skiing is lost and one has this feeling of never really seeing a full run. Youtube posts are much better. A bit of a waste of money and time. Well, the producers made some revenue since I bought a few of these. Verdict: dont bother, go to youtube, search for extreme skiing, ski jumps etc. much better content and fully loaded clips



4. This movie is amazing!From a non skier to a powder hound like me, this movie won't fail to inspire!
   Steep tells the story of extreme skiing from the fifties through to the current day. It follows the lives of some of the skiing worlds most groundbreaking figures, and in some cases, tells the story of their deaths.
   Jaw dropping cinematography. Awe inspiring scenery. Fluid and captivating storytelling.
   Need I saw more? This movie belongs on every skiers shelf, or should I say in every skiers DVD player. I've watched it at least a half a dozen times in the two weeks I've owned it.
   You should too.



5. This one of those movies that is a must if you love big mountain steep skiing. It covers the subject from the early days through the present. There is no time wasted in the terrain park, it's all in the really big mountains of the world. Watch it, then watch it again to see all that you missed the first time.

5 comments about For Your Eyes Only.

1. Agent 007 is assigned to retrieve the ATAC system which went down with a sunken ship and must do so before it falls in the hands of the enemy. He teams up with the lovely Carole Bouquet, a pale, raven-haired vigilante who is also after the bad guys to avenge the brutal murder of her parents in Greece.
   
   "For Your Eyes Only" is a top-notch, wildly entertaining entry into the Bond series. The stunts and action sequences are spectacular. There are spectacular car chases, ski chases, exotic locations, some beautiful underwater photography and as expected, beautiful women. Roger Moore is at his best as 007 James Bond. Despite his age, his charm is intact and his performance here is much grittier than his previous, more humorous portrayals of the celebrated secret agent. Although the film, like previous installments, is grossly over-the-top, it's all done brilliantly and the films pace is virtually flawless. Scene after scene, we are rewarded with suspense, awesome stunts, beautiful photography and I must state that Carol Bouquet's portrayal as a tough-as-nails beauty with a velvet hand in an iron glove is a pleasure to watch. Too bad she is one of the least famous of the Bond girls.
   
   "For Your Eyes Only" is one of my favorite films of the never-ending series, alongside "The Spy Who Loved Me" and "Let and Live Die" and technically, I find it one of the best in the entire catalogue. 007 is tougher, meaner and the live action stunt sequences are a refreshing change from the over-top-CGI-Brosnan Bond entries that the newer generation have grown accustomed to.
   
   Highly recommended and a must have for any DVD collection



2. I'll go out on a limb and say that this is my favorite Bond movie ever - period. After the sci-fi fantasy feel of Moonraker, James Bond has been brought back down to Earth - so to speak - in an adventure that is upmost classic in all regards, and highly memorable to the very end. Roger Moore's much improved performance after Moonraker proves he can be ever much as Bond as Connery or the rest of them.
   
   Even the pre-credits scene gives Bond a chance to conclude some unfinished business from the days of SPECTRE. The first image we see is Bond standing above his wife's tombstone, and soon hostage aboard a helicopter piloted by remote by a man who looks like no other than Bond's old nemesis - Blofeld. He's even got the same white cat with him. But before the opening credits and theme begin, it would appear that Blofeld's end has finally come - especially since he never returns again in a Bond film.
   
   The plot is more down to Earth this time around too, and quite more realistic, pitting countries against one another instead of a super-villain attempting to take over the planet. There is however, a load of villains in the story, but all working for each other who in the end, have a connection to Russia. The plot revolves around an English system known as ATAC, which is top secret tracking controls. The ship carrying the ATAC system has gone down in the ocean, and various criminal minds hired by Russia are sent out to find the system, but along comes James Bond and a girl named Melina (who's parent's were murdered by these men) to find the system first.
   
   In addition to a well paced and written plot, the charcaters are certainly above average in this Bond film, both in performance and interest. As stated earlier, Roger Moore proves he can still be Bond and the Bond girl - Melina - is actually an intelligent Bond girl who shows she can have a great use in a Bond movie to get the job done. The villains, especially Kristatos and Eric Kriegler, both prove themselves as well. Kristatos - the main villain in the film - is intelligent and certainly has character. Kriegler is the KBG hitman, who gives Bond plenty of fights and chases throughout a variety of action scenes.
   
   The locations in For Your Eyes Only are also among some of the best. The films begins in Spain, and travels to the snow covered mountains in Northern Italy, followed by both land, underwater, and mountain locations in Greece. All the scenes are beautifully shot, including the action scenes that were filmed in these locations as well.
   
   The action is certainly non-stop in this film, and just about every type of action you can think of is in this movie from beginning to end. In addition to the numerous shootout and one on one fights, there is a car chase scene in Spain, plenty of ski chases on the slopes in Italy, underwater action, mountain climbing suspense, and a wonderfully shot scene of Bond and Melina being dragged through shallow water and coral reefs amongst the sharks. The list goes on.
   
   What joy it is to see that after some interesting (yet fun) films, Bond has returned to his roots - and with a silent bang. For Your Eyes Only doesn't have the ridiculous feel of Moonraker for sure, but quitely, this one snuck up, loaded with tons of action, great characters, loacations, and a well-written story that is a must own film period.
   
   Acting - 4.5
   Action - 5
   Characters - 5
   Story - 4.5
   Overall - 5



3. I remember going to see this more than once when it came out & really liking it. After the overblown hi-tech space opera "Moonraker", "For Your Eyes Only" came as a relief. The producers must have re-evaluated what direction the franchise was taking & decided to get Bond back to basics. The decision couldn't have come at a better time; "For Your Eyes Only" ranks as one of Roger Moore's best outings alongside "The Spy Who Loved Me". Here, the gadgetry is minimized & it's all about "the man" again as Moore plays him with lean determination.
   FYEO includes one of the best Bond openings ever: A "humanizing" moment with Bond placing flowers on his wife's grave--a really nice touch connecting the film with "On Her Majesty's Secret Secret Service" in nostalgic poignancy--and climaxing the scene with a wild helicopter ride as Bond is menaced by an old nemesis (anyone remember a classic Bond foe with a bald head & white cat?).
   The supporting cast is top-notch: Topol as an ally from the Greek underworld; Julian Glover lends sinister presence as the baddie; and there's even an amusing subplot as Bond is pursued by a much-too-young future Olympic skater.
   My personal favorite of the Moore-driven Bond films & a terrific effort.



4. After the cartoony but still entertaining Moonraker, Roger Moore gets back to Ian Fleming basics. This time Bond has to retreive and return an ATAC machine before the bad guys use it for their own evil ends.
   
   With this 5th go-around as 007, Moore turns in his grittiest, toughest, and best overall performance as Bond! Carole Bouquet has solid presence as the beautiful, resourceful, and revenge-minded Melina Havelock. As Milos Columbo, Topol is a scene stealer! In my own humble opinion, he's the best Bond male ally in the film series history! British pro Julian Glover gives a wonderfully chameleon-like performance as Bond Baddie Aristotle Kristatos. He is almost overshadowed by Michael Gothard who plays henchman Loque with silent and deadly relish! If this movie has one major debit in the casting department its Lynn-Holly Johnson. She is way too young and cute to be a Bond girl!
   
   Former Bond film editor John Glen though, knows his stuff as he takes over the directing reins. He brings the right amount of energy, style, vigor, and realism to his first Bond effort. This Bond epic also contains one of the best assortments of thrill sequences (air, land, sea, snow, beach, cliffs), ever to grace any action film! Sheena Easton beautifully warbles out the Oscar-nominated title tune!
   
   Rating: ****1/2 out of *****



5. For Your Eyes Only is showing its age a bit now. At the time a hugely welcome return to basics after the leaden FX spectacle of Moonraker (the second remake of You Only Live Twice in a row for the series), it still holds up as one of the best of Roger Moore's Bonds, but its faults are much more apparent than they once were. Among them is the tendency to undercut everything with unfunny little jokes (a scoreboard keeping count of thugs Bond knocks out, Bond giving a bemused royal wave to pursuing thugs, and a horrendous cameo from a Maggie Thatcher lookalike in the end), some flat studio work (no disguising the fact that the mountaintop Greek monastery is just a Pinewood set), a dated Bill Conti score and a comic relief nympho nymphet Lynn Holly Johnson constantly throwing herself at a disinterested Bond. Luckily, the pluses more than compensate - a stronger plot than usual for the Moore efforts, at least one cold-blooded murder, and a very welcome absence of gadgets until the postscript that ensures that Bond has to extricate himself with his own wits in some pretty good setpieces. Best among them is a mountaineering sequence where he uses his bootlaces - not steel bootlaces, just common bootlaces - to save himself in an old mountaineers trick.
   
   Incidentally, with Blofeld still sporting the neck brace he wore at the end of OHMSS, and with the film beginning at Tracey Bond's graveside it's tempting to think of the pre-title sequence as a way of making amends for the jokey way Bond's nemesis was disposed of in Diamonds Are Forever were the following sequence not the proud possessor of the most surreal line in the entire Bond series, the infamous "I'll buy you a delicatessen - in stainless steel!" So, while this may be one of the Moore serious of Roge's outings, it's not exactly Bergman territory.
   
   It's worth picking up the two-disc Ultimate Edition set despite it not having a great many more extras than the original sngle-disc release. However, if you just want the film the remastered single disc is a good bet, and includes a new commentary from Moore (also on the two-disc set).

5 comments about Steep.

1. "Steep" is a great movie which does not just show nice freeride stunts. It
   tells the whole story about extreme free skiing starting from the 70s. The
   shots are of a very high quality. For me, it one of the best ski films I
   have ever seen.



2. Steep is excellent. It was well thought out, and well put together. I am glad I purchased it, and I will surely watch it many more times as the years go by.



3. How long can you watch folks make some jumps and then others drone through excessive dialogue? After, it is'nt the skiiers minds on display, its their physical prowess and courage no doubt but some of the conversations are really terribly sophomoric and perfect for passing out on the couch, funny that should happen watching a ski movie. The worst part is you see some heavy powder skis, you see the mountain tearing up and coming down right behind the skiier and the film cuts away to some other guy doing overdone backflips somewhere. The elegance and art of skiing is lost and one has this feeling of never really seeing a full run. Youtube posts are much better. A bit of a waste of money and time. Well, the producers made some revenue since I bought a few of these. Verdict: dont bother, go to youtube, search for extreme skiing, ski jumps etc. much better content and fully loaded clips



4. This movie is amazing!From a non skier to a powder hound like me, this movie won't fail to inspire!
   Steep tells the story of extreme skiing from the fifties through to the current day. It follows the lives of some of the skiing worlds most groundbreaking figures, and in some cases, tells the story of their deaths.
   Jaw dropping cinematography. Awe inspiring scenery. Fluid and captivating storytelling.
   Need I saw more? This movie belongs on every skiers shelf, or should I say in every skiers DVD player. I've watched it at least a half a dozen times in the two weeks I've owned it.
   You should too.



5. This one of those movies that is a must if you love big mountain steep skiing. It covers the subject from the early days through the present. There is no time wasted in the terrain park, it's all in the really big mountains of the world. Watch it, then watch it again to see all that you missed the first time.

5 comments about On Her Majesty's Secret Service.

1. The rap that you always read about this film is that is was really good except for the casting of James Bond. Well, I'm here to tell you that nothing could be further from the truth!
   
   George Lazenby was a great James Bond! Not only was he perfectly cast but his performance is dead-on, as good as anything Sean Connery did.
   
   Lazenby is a hybrid of Sean Connery and Cary Grant, not a bad combination, particularly when you're trying to find an actor to play James Bond! Grant was often mentioned as a possibility for James Bond but was too old when the series finally got off the ground.
   
   The reason Lazenby only made one James Bond film was NOT because audiences rejected him. Nor was it because the producers didn't want him. The reason Lazenby never played Bond again was because his agent told him to turn the part down!!! The agent thought it wouldn't be "smart" to become typecast as James Bond, as Connery had.
   
   Obviously, that was the worst advice any actor has ever gotten because Lazenby hasn't worked in films since!
   
   The film faithfully adapts the Fleming novel to the screen which is a really good thing because OHMSS is Fleming's best novel. The other cast members are excellent but miscast. Tracy was supposed to be a blonde--Fleming even described her as being a bit like Brigette Bardot. Diana Rigg, of "The Avengers", is obviously a much better actress than Bardot so we are probably better off with her in the part. She's great in the film.
   
   Ditto Telly Savalas. Not a good choice for the sophisticated, German master criminal, Ernst Stravo Blofeld but what s performance!!! Savalas perfectly portrays the character despite being the wrong "type". Savalas makes Blofeld the most fully realized Bond villain since Auric Goldfinger.
   
   The story is great and the action is non-stop in the second half. The producers make you really care about Bond and Tracy and that's quite an achievement for an action-adventure film.
   
   All in all, this is the easily the greatest James Bond film ever made. "Goldfinger", the film that established the Bond "formula", is the only other Bond movie that reaches this high a level. "Goldfinger", incidently, also features an ex-Avenger, Honor Blackman.



2. To say that ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE has grown on me is an understatement. The first time that I saw it a few years ago, I can remember laughing with my friend about how awful Lazenby was as a replacement for Connery. But after a recent second viewing, my tone has changed dramatically. ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE is now one of my favorite Bond films. Of the first six movies, I would definitely place it in the top three and it certainly beats out its predecessor YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE, both in its "watchability" and its ranking as a Bond film. What is it about ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE that is so good? Well, it seems that director Peter Hunt (the fantastic editor of the previous films) wanted to return Bond to his roots, emphasizing story and characters over action and gadgets. Indeed, the gadgets are absent in this film. Instead, we get a good old story of espionage as Bond infiltrates the secret mountain-top lair of Ernst Blofeld, posing as a famous genealogist. Lazenby is a superb Bond. Though he doesn't handle women in the same smooth way and his charm and refinement are noticeably lacking, Lazenby does deliver some terrific action sequences. Furthermore, Lazenby handles the scripts "love interest" quite well, showing us one of the most emotional Bonds ever. Understandably, fans either loved or hated this new Bond, and the film went on to be less of a success as the Connery films. Still, one has to wonder what might have become of the series if Lazenby had kept the role for a significant run.
   
   After the opening "gun barrel" sequence, we are greeted with the pre-credits teaser. M and Moneypenny are at a loss of where exactly 007 is located. We have no problem finding him. We watch as Bond chases after a girl, whom we later discover is Contessa Teresa di Vicenzo (Diana Rigg), and saves her from near suicide, only to be attacked by an enemy. A great fight sequence in the waves is played out, with Lazenby delivering in fine style. It's been a while since Bond has been this fit! The girl escapes Bond during the commotion, leaving him alone on the beach. Lazenby, firmly set in his new role, winks at the camera and says "This never happened to the other fellow." In breaking the fourth wall, Lazenby and the Bond team let us know that James Bond is not Sean Connery; James Bond is James Bond. This line kicks off the titles, another Binder work, this time without a popular singer belting a song. Perhaps after the awkward lyrics of THUNDERBALL, the producers decided that trying to work ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE into a song would just be too difficult. The titles are a classic Binder work, involving shifting images through an hourglass and elaborate silhouettes.
   
   The plot is back to the good old days and adds a love angle, allowing for some character depth on the part of Bond. The first part of the film opens up on that angle. Bond encounters Tracy again (Teresa di Vicenzo) and makes a more "formal" introduction. After their brief encounter, Bond is suddenly kidnapped and taken to see Marc-Ange Draco (Gabriele Ferzetti), head of Europe's second largest crime syndicate (second only to SPECTRE). There it is revealed that Tracy is Draco's daughter. In a weird spin, Draco desires Bond to continue to woo his daughter, ultimately marrying her for a personal dowry of one million pounds. Tracy has had a troubled past (as we have witnessed) and Bond is just the sort of thing she needs to save her. Bond refuses the proposal, but agrees to continue to see his daughter in exchange for information about Ernst Blofeld's whereabouts. Upon returning to MI6, Bond is promptly kicked off his current assignment of tracking down Blofeld. Bond is so irritated that he tenders his resignation, only to have his resignation covertly changed to a leave of absence by Moneypenny. Realizing that he can continue to pursue Blofeld on his vacation, Bond heartily accepts the vacation. After some good old spy work, Bond finally learns that Blofeld is attempting to lay claim to a royal title, under the French surname Bleuchamp. Posing as genealogist Sir Hilary Bray, Bond gains access to Blofeld's new hideout--a "research institute" sitting on top of the Piz Gloria in the Swiss Alps. Once there, Bond learns that Blofeld has developed a bacterial weapon that he plans to distribute throughout the world. The weapon is so powerful that it is capable of destroying vital species of flora and fauna--unless, of course, Blofeld is granted amnesty for all past crimes and given his new title. Will Bond be able to stop the crisis before it is too late?
   
   ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE displays many characteristics of the great Bond films. Its plot is intricate and involves good old-fashioned spy work. Bond is a character of great depth in this film, portraying both a recklessness and arrogance towards MI6 and the establishment, as well as great love for his leading lady. Finally, the action in this film is great. The famous downhill ski and bobsled fights are fantastic and do not lack for any excitement. Unlike Lewis Gilbert in YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE, director Peter Hunt decided to keep the film as close to Fleming's novel as possible, yielding a film that many fans of the books describe as the most accurate Bond adaptation ever produced. It's a shame that it has the negative reputation that it is sometimes branded with.
   
   George Lazenby, as mentioned before, does a find job as Bond. While he certainly doesn't have the same style and class as Connery (who does?), Lazenby is more than adequate in the action sequences and handles the fights wonderfully. Moreover, he turns in one of the more complex Bond performances, culminating in the film's final sequence. I was startled to see a scene like that in a Bond film and welcomed its arrival. Diana Riggs also turns in a good performance, providing us with one of the more complex and dominant female leads ever to show up in a Bond film. Telly Savalas's rendition of Blofeld (the second actor to play the visual part) is one of my favorites. His Blofeld is not quite as pathetic as the one we first meet in YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE and not quite as quirky as the one we will soon meet in DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER. While he doesn't live up to the menace of the character originally heard in FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE, he is certainly a more capable, worldly, and interesting villain than the rest.
   
   Ultimately, ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE feels very different from the rest of the Bond films. For my tastes, it was a refreshing return to the source before the Bond series would take on its inevitable Roger Moore phase. Don't bother with this edition! The Ultimate Edition looks very crisp and sounds wonderful. It is also packed with plenty of extras, including a "Making of" documentary, films about the casting of the new Bond, interviews with Lazenby, and all of the usual assorted material. BINDER DOCUMENTARY? If you like the novels or are a fan of the early Bond films, you can't go wrong with ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE. Just promise to give Lazenby a chance.



3. Although I'm a big James Bond fan, I wasn't always a huge fan of this particular movie. But yesterday I felt compelled to dig this out of the stash (I have the entire Bond movie collection from Dr. No to Casino Royale) and I must say that I have a greater appreciation for it now. While he may be no Sean Connery, George Lazenby really shined in the role of 007. Lazenby has all the personality and wit of 007 and it makes me wonder what it would've been like had he done more movies for the franchise. My favorite scene had to be the cool bobsled showdown between Bond & Blofeld (played by Telly "Kojak" Sevalas). Plus, this is the only Bond movie that I remember having a sad ending to it. Bottom line it's a great movie to have in your collection, especially if you're a Bond fan.



4. Although George Lanzenby only played James Bond once, he did a great job in "On her Majesty's Secret Service". The film has good acting and amazing action sequences. Diana Rigg does a phenomenal job as "Tracy Bond", the only woman to have actually married James Bond. Blofeld is well performed by Terry Savalas. I really enjoyed Lanzenby as Bond and I wish he had done more. This is truly a fantastic movie and one of the best James Bond films.



5. It is almost inexplicable that this movie isn't more widely heralded as a benchmark for the series, but I'll give it a shot. First, Lazenby made one of the gravest errors in Bond history by announcing that this would be his only Bond film PRIOR to the movie's release. I think this made audiences wonder if it was worth getting to know him, and so many passed it by (therefore, the low box office). Secondly, an unfortunate many of us are distracted by appearance, and in this film Bond wears ascots and a kilt and there is no doubt that many of our peers used this as evidence that Connery was more "manly" than Lazenby. It's silly. Lazenby is a confident, brilliant Bond in the best Fleming tradition, and Peter Hunt knew everything he needed to know about pacing and directorial execution from Hunt's prior association with the series. One of the best directed, best scripted, most satisfying Bond movies to date. Anyone who considers themselves a Bond fan should have this film in their collection. It's good every time, and as many here have already noted, it may actually improve with age. Very well Mr. Bond.