Shortly after releasing the first 3 James Bond films (Dr. No, From Russia with Love, and Goldfinger) on Laserdisc in a 2-disc CAV format in 1991, Criterion was asked by EON Productions (Producers of the James Bond Films) to recall all unsold Laserdisc product.

Producer Albert R. Broccoli felt that the audio commentary tracks on the 3 titles where unacceptable.

The three Bond Films were pulled from the shelves and later re-packaged by Criterion into a single disc CLV Format, and re-issued without any of the supplemental features. Furthermore, when MGM released their DVD version of these first three James Bond classics, they contained different audio commentaries than their predecessors on laserdisc, which this time were approved prior to distribution. These editions also included a Music and Effects only track for Dr. No and Goldfinger. Now, the original 2-disc Criterion versions can go for big bucks on Ebay. I was lucky enough to obtain a copy of these discs and extract these rare commentary tracks which I present here for bond fans everywhere to download free and enjoy. I’d like to thank Fanfiltration for preserving these great special features.

Download the banned Criterion Dr. No laserdisc Commentary as AC3 (149 MB) or MP3 (50 MB)

Download the Music and Effects only track for Dr. No AC3 (149 MB) / MP3 (136MB)

Download the banned Criterion From Russia With Love Commentary as AC3 (156 MB) or MP3 (52 MB)

Download the banned Criterion Goldfinger Commentary as AC3 (149 MB) or MP3 (50 MB)

Download the Music and Effects track for Goldfinger AC3 (149 MB) / MP3 (139 MB)

Read more about these commentaries on HMSS Weblog.

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