Customer Reviews

Tomorrow Never Dies

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This review is for the TOMORROW NEVER DIES Limited Edition Gift Pack on VHS (ASIN: 079283965X). It is a 2-tape set. It contains the video "Highly Classified: the World of 007" hosted by the late Desmond Lewelin as Q as well as TOMORROW NEVER DIES in full-frame. This video is completely different from the "Secrets of 007" found on the TOMORROW NEVER DIES DVD! As far as I know this is the only place you can get this great featurette. "Highly Classified: the World of 007" (VHS) is a good complement to "Secrets of 007" (DVD). This set comes in a metallic colored box with a raised 007 logo and also contains a copy of the script and a set of stills. No matter what you think of TOMORROW NEVER DIES this is a great set just for all the extras. I happen to like TOMORROW NEVER DIES very much. I think it is one of the best films of the series and has been maligned because it went in a completely different direction from the popular GOLDENEYE. It takes the best of the Bond formula and adds a new dimension of realism that really enhances the confrontation between Bond and the villains. Bond is not the superman or comic hero in this film. Bond is flesh and blood and very vulnerable. There is a true sense of menace and danger in this film that takes it several notches higher than many of the other films in the series.

Pierce Brosnan in his second film as James Bond delivers above and beyond anything I could have imagined after his appearance in GOLDENEYE. In two years he gained the maturity and a physical presence that consummates his overall performance of Bond when combined with his intelligence, wit and charm that he delivers flawlessly with assured confidence.

This film brings a realistic and gritty look to the series that LICENCE TO KILL attempted to, but failed. This is one of the best films of the series and ranks next to GOLDFINGER, ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE and CASINO ROYALE combing an integral plot with rich characters, action and suspense. Director Donald Spottiswoode never diverted the focus of the film away from the main plot, yet he gave a sense of real depth to the characters. He has a good understanding of how to deliver action with emotional impact. He did a brilliant job and has been highly underrated for his efforts. Also, the producers finally discovered a composer that could combine the traditional and highly personalized sound of John Barry with today's trends in scoring for this genre in the talented David Arnold. Arnold much evidently has a good understanding of the series and the character of James Bond.

The extras are very good. They are well thought out and prepared. I like the re-design of the menu screens. The digital sound restoration is spectacular. The new digital sound restoration adds a new dimension to the film. The images are also much crisper, cleaner and vibrant. I also like the redesign of the cover graphics.

"Tomorrow Never Dies" is the eighteenth overall James Bond Film and the second wonderful film starring Pierce Brosnan in the lead role as James Bond. Of his first four films in that role I would definitely have to say that this one ranks up there with his first performance as Bond, James Bond. From the fast paced action sequences to the overall premise of the film, "Tomorrow Never Dies" entertains from the very first scene to last as everybody involved in the making of this film did exactly what they intended to do with a Bond film, which is making one to remember!

Performance wise, Pierce Brosnan furthers that which he started in "Goldeneye" by making the role his as he brings a darker and harsher yet capably witty tone to Bond that hadn't been seen in a Bond film since the first James Bond himself, Sean Connery. I would caveat that in that I thought Timothy Dalton accomplished that as well but as he was only allowed to do two films in the role I must be in the minority on that opinion.

As with all James Bond films, we're treated to a pair of new Bond babes in Teri Hatcher and international martial arts superstar Michelle Yeoh, both of which are incredibly beautiful and talented actresses. Although Teri Hatcher's role in this film is a very brief one, I would definitely have to say it was memorable. Michelle Yeoh's role in this film brings her right up there with James Bond himself as far as the action sequences go. It is most certainly interesting to see a Bond film turn into a Bruce Lee film in a particularly eventful sequence.

Director Roger Spottiswoode who may best be known for "Air America" or even "The 6th Day" does a great job with this film, solidifying his status as a quite capable director of action films.

The Premise:

This wonderful Bond film in reality has two great opening sequences as we're treated to the standard pre main title James Bond super action sequence which involves 007 infiltrating a Black Market auction of high tech military equipment and him stirring things up and then we're treated to a sequence in which the villain of the film is rousing things up between the British Navy and the Chinese Air Force off the coast of China which adds a wonderful dramatic element to the feel of the entire film.

What follows from there is one of the best Bond films to date as James Bond does what he does best, save the world from total disaster while getting a babe or two in the process...

I highly recommend this eighteenth Bond film to any and all fans of the series and to those who like great action films that actually have a plot as well. {ssintrepid}

Special Features:

This particular DVD is a bit threadbare when it comes to Special Features but in the end, what are these DVD's all about, the movie and it's a great one.

-8 Page Booklet Featuring Trivia, Production Notes and a Revealing Look at the Making of the Film.
-Original Theatrical Trailer

Tomorrow Never Dies was the 18th official James Bond film, and the second one starring Pierce Brosnan. This time, Bond must race to stop a media mongul from igniting World War III between the Chinese and British for the sake of media ratings.

For me at least, TND has gotten better with repeat viewings. The main criticism of this film has always been that it turns Bond into a 'run-and-gun' generic action hero and that it favours pyrotechnics and stunts over a developed plot. It's a problem all the newer Bond movies have had, but TND is where it's most obvious. Once you accept that though, there's a lot of fun to be had here. Lots of great sequences, including a parking garage chase and one on a motorcycle. Michelle Yeoh, being an action star herself, is the best of the "secret agent" Bond girls. Yeoh and her stunt team manage a fight sequence ripped from Hong Kong action movies that almost feels out of place in a western Bond film. And David Arnold's first Bond score is a sexy, classy, memorable affair that's worth buying the soundtrack for.

The DVD packs a lot in. Two audio commentaries, an isolated score track, and a multi-angle storyboard featurette. It's missing a strong making-of documentary, but packs in a generalized featurette that aired on TV and is worth watching. Tomorrow Never Dies isn't the strongest Bond film, but it's pretty action-filled romp that's worth owning for Bond fans.

Tomorrow Never Dies, the second James Bond film to feature Pierce Brosnan as the super suave secret agent, is one of the more fun films in the long running series. In this installment, Bond finds himself at odds with a media tycoon (Jonathan Pryce) who is attempting to jump start a world war all in the name of global domination. It's a plot that doesn't seem too different from anything else offered in many of the previous Bond films, but the premise works thanks to some slam bang spectacular action scenes and the further development of Brosnan's interpretation of the character. Also on board is Desperate Housewives' Teri Hatcher as one of Bond's former lovers, and Hong Kong action star Michelle Yeoh as a very letal secret agent who Bond teams up with. Handled with exceptional flair by director Roger Spottiswoode (The 6th Day), Tomorrow Never Dies may not be the best Bond film, but it's still one of the most enjoyable.

"Tomorrow Never Dies" is my favorite Bond film ever. Practically every element in the film hits the right mark. The acting, action scenes, characters, gadgets, and most everything else.

Brosnan has the right combination of the suave manners that Connery created in "Dr. No" and the emotional intensity that Dalton brought to the role in "License to Kill". He makes Bond human, with out losing any of the beyond human qualities of James Bond. He really hits the mark in this movie.

Other characters of note, would be news maniac Elliot Carver played to insane glory by Jonathan Pryce. He is kind of villain who uses his head, instead of his muscles. Michelle Yeoh is the only Bond girl in history who could actually beat James down and have him cry over it. With two machine guns, kung-fu skills, and the same tendency for destruction like Bond, she puts most other girls in the series to shame.

The action scenes are classic. The tricked out BMW 750 in the car garage is fast, explosive, and made with perfect precision. The idea of putting Bond in the back of the car with a remote control is a great twist on the car chase theme. The BMW motorcycle chase is also great to watch. Once again, the film doesn't just toss out another motorcycle chase with out adding some thing different. This time, you have two passengers, handcuffed, and trying to avoid a gunfire from choppers and other things. Great stuff.

One other quick thing of note, David Arnold's first Bond score is still his best. His work in "Tomorrow Never Dies" blends a great amount of styles used in the other films, and new styles for the 90's.

Since it's release, "Tomorrow Never Dies" has remained to me, the best James Bond film to date. Check it out if you haven't already.

Out of the 3 Brosnan 007 films released so far, "Tomorrow Never Dies" is the best. GoldenEye and TWINE had their moments, but they seemed to drag at times.

With "TND," the action is non-stop, the villians are memorable, and the 2 hours go by like a flash! Michelle Yeoh is refreshing as the tough, brainy Bond girl who is just about Bond's equal when it comes to duking it out.

The sound effects and special effects make this one a great show-off disc for your home theatre system. I know, since my friend insists on playing it every time I am over his house.

In his second outing as 007, Pierce Brosnan ignites the screen yet again with another full-throttle adventure to take us on! The new villain, Elliot Carver is one of the most hilarious ever on a Bond adventure, his plan-create WWIII. The new Bond girl Wai Lin teams up with Brosnan to fight against Carver. Performing the title song is Sheryl Crow with K.d Lang doing a slightly different version at the end of the movie. this movie has it all:Ship attacks, motorcycle chases and total out-of-your seat fun! I have seen it 273 times and it is a Blast!!!!

I have most of the Bond films, and this one is excellent. Make no mistake: we all lost out due to Brosnan's Remington Steele contract which kept him away from Bond for years. Don't get me wrong: Timothy Dalton was a good Bond, for my money, better than Roger Moore in his later flicks, but Brosnan is great.

"Tomorrow" has everything we've come to expect, but a new twist is added by throwing in someone from Bond's past with Terri Hatcher's character of Paris. The great thing about this element is actual character development for Bond, which is something we really haven't seen in decades. The regret, the pain that James shows is becoming something of a trademark for Brosnan's Bond. (See the entire relationship with Electra King in "The World is Not Enough".)

At long last, we're getting Bond with a soul. Brosnan also brings a quiet air of menace that Bond hasn't had since Connery carried the Walther, which only makes the films better. Sadly, I fear we may not get more than two or three more out of Brosnan before he decides to pass on the mantle. "Tomorrow" has plenty of action, and one of the greatest Bond chase sequences ever. Lots of cool gadgets, and pretty good screen time for Michelle Yeoh, who's a great counterpart for James. Grab some popcorn (or perhaps a martini) and settle in for real entertainment.

I've never met anyone that didn't like a James Bond film. They may be out there, but so what. Pierce Brosnan is a good Bond. He plays the roll as a tough guy. Megalomaniac publisher wants to take over the world by creating the news instead of just reporting the news. He even uses the news to try to start a war, but of course, James finds a way to stop him. The great scene for me was using GPS to take the British Navy off course into Chinese waters, and yet the Navy is sure they are still in international waters. It's a very good use of technology in a film. My only complaint about this film is that I wish Teri Hatcher had more time on film. Michelle Yeoh is excellent as Bonds counterpart. Good action and great stunts as usual. Buy this film if you're a Bond collector.