FanFiltration said:
The 1989 (2 disk gatefold) and 1993 (Connery Collection Vol. II 3-film box set) laserdisk versions are the same print with the alternate mono soundtrack featuring the rare instrumental "Thunderball" end title theme. The secondary mono audio track on the Blu-ray has all these alternate audio variations except the "Thunderball" end theme. In it's place, the Ultimate edition and Blu-ray 5.1, and also the secondary mono audio track on the Blu-ray use the James Bond Theme for the end titles. It is also important to note the the color on the 1993 (Connery Collection Vol. II)is a bit better then the 1989 (2 disk gatefold) version.
I just watched the 89 disc. I think I've finally figured out the reason why there are such distinct differences in the mixes. The print used for the 89 and 93 Connery Collection disc must have been from a British source. It has long been said that the film was completed right before the premiere and work was hastily done. This mono mix has these differences:
1. The line "Now you can tell about the one that got away" is included.
2. The line about manta rays is included and is voiced by the character Pinder.
3.When torturing Domino, Largo says the words "what Bond knew" in the other sound mix the line is heard as "what Bond knows".
4. There is no music in the underwater bomb cave when Bond is discovered.
5. The end title music is indeed the British closing Thunderball theme.
I think all of these indicate that this is a British print. What did strike me on this disc was the color timing. While FF has said that it doesn't match up to the later 93 pressing it is likely the same source material. And from my experience with CC Vol. 1, the few years make a big difference in image quality. Still, the image has all of the warm Technicolor hues that I remembered, specifically reds, oranges and blues. Almost a sense of the film being cooked a few levels.
As far as the sound goes, I think all of these differences can be attributed to further work in and around the different world premieres. Much like Star Wars, further work could have been needed and so a few lines were changed around and music was added in #4. In fact, the music placed there is a repeat of "Chateau Flight" and sounds as if it was hastily added from a portable tape machine.
The THX (30th Anniversary) Edition is important for a few reasons.
It has THX Laserdisk mastering, and is presented in Standard Play format and uses 5 sides for the film (sides 6 and 7 are the extras, and are in CLV Extended play). The 1989 and 1993 are only CLV Extended play, and use 3 sides.
This is the same restored print that was used for the S.E. DVD. It has lossless PCM audio. That version of the soundtrack is only available in remixed 5.1 Dolby Digital on the S.E. DVD, or remixed with additional sound enhancements in 5.1 DTS on the Blu-Ray.
Was there ever an actual restoration of TB and Goldfinger at this time? And is there a mono track on this pressing? Or is it only stereo?
I think Peter Hunt had to spend many long hours to get this film out of the water.