After spending the last few weeks looking at the different versions, my conclusions are that the print source used for the Lowry Digital restorations (as seen on the Ultimate Edition set and Blu-ray discs) are the same as the 1989 Laserdisc series masters. The Connery Collection Vol. One and Two also used these masters. But, there are still some major adjustments made to the Lowry Digital restorations. In some cases, visual effects have been removed. Such as a red blood filter missing from the shark pool scene in the Lowry restoration of Thunderball.

Here again is an example of the cover design format used for that 1989 laserdisc series, so you can find these disks if you are collecting.

Same print masters are used for Connery Collection Vol. One and Two box sets in the early 1990's. The Connery Collection has a slightly better quality then the 1989 editions. This seems to be from the equipment used to make the disks. That is why I am sourcing my preservation's video from The Connery Collection sets.

Note: "From Russia With Love" includes a music and effects only track on this set.

____

Now on to the Criterion Collection versions of the first three Dr. No, From Russia With Love, and Goldfinger.

Note to collectors: Only the first printing two disc versions of the Criterion Collection have the banned audio commentary, and music and effects tracks. The single disc editions DO NOT. And, there is no music and effects track for "From Russia With Love" on the Criterion Collection two disk sets, just for "Dr. No" and "Goldfinger".

The Criterion Collection editions seem to be zoomed in a bit, therefore you lose some picture information. It's sad because the color on that series is very nice, and is more likely what the filmmakers intended. Didn't someone on this thread say that director Terence Young approved of the Criterion Collection's look or something along those lines a few weeks ago?

But still, the films are not in the correct aspect ratio, and there is some very evident print damage. By time the S.E. DVD's came out, this print damage was fixed, but the aspect ratio problem persisted. And O.H.M.S.S. was slightly edited.

Edit: In my opinion, the 1989 laser is the definitive version. With just the slightest bit of basic color and brightness/Contrast adjustment, this film looks great. I'll preserve it!

What I will do is post some identical frames from each version here, as soon as I find the time to do so. This way you get a better idea of how these versions differ.

It is possible for me to match the Connery Collection's color to the color on the Criterion Collection. This would give you the correct color and the correct aspect ratio. Then, I use the best original sound in lossless PCM mono (via the digital channel) . No fake stereo. The sound on the Criterion Collection is horrible by the way. Also, the Criterion Collection has this very bad problem. When the film starts on each side, the colors take a few frames to adjust. Don't know, but this could be a sign of the disks giving out to rot.