Heracles: A 007 Story

I definitely recommend this edit to all Bond fans. First and foremost, the audio editing is perfect. There's no issues there. That is the first thing I look for in an edit. Nothing ruins a fan edit faster than jarring cuts or bad transitions and they are no where to be found here. Great job. Trimming the movie to 90 minutes was another thing I appreciated. Let's keep the focus on Bond. The way the trims were made with the scenes now used as flashbacks in black and white was just great work. Really great stuff. I was impressed. My only criticism would be the choice made at the end of the film. I knocked off ONE POINT in the narrative & enjoyment score because the new ending didn't quite work for ME although the execution was great as usual. I feel a little guilty doing it because the NEW ENDING was the entire point of the edit. I think the editor accomplished everything they were trying to accomplish. This edit is exactly as advertised. CHECK IT OUT! This is essential viewing for fans of 007.

The original story for me was a 6/10 and this edit made it a 7/10, so you did manage to improve it slightly!

The edit is done flawlessly. No cuts noticed, music was smooth, audio was great! The flashbacks were a great tool for keeping the story tight, but you may have needed more of them.

Unfortunately in the end I struggled with the disjointed timeline, and there were loose threads spread throughout that I struggled to keep up with (which I won't detail here), and the new ending feels a bit like a dream sequence.

You made a lot of tough choices but I think you worked with what you had. There just may not have been enough freedom to really fix the story, but you tried and partially succeeded!

The openings nicely parallel each other as both characters in the duel narrative lose someone to an armed killer which also has the benefit of subtlety foreshadowing said characters connection to one another and speaking of connections I can tell that you carefully thought out how to link each scene to the next with one good example being how you used Madeleine Swann’s occupation to lead into the interrogation scene as both instances link to the field of psychology and criminology and help to drive the narrative further forward.

Said narrative is now far more focused and easier to follow with the faster sequence of rearranged events in this new continuity heightening and maintaining the tension as said tension builds towards the adrenaline fuelled excitement that the Bond films are known for and in many cases gladly dish out to the audience, the sound quality is also amazing with everything playing in both the right channels and ears creating a truly immersive experience. The addition of film grain gave the edit that nostalgic VHS kind of feel and reminded me of the days when I watched the bond movies on VHS which I still own along with the 50th Anniversary Collection on DVD.

It’s interesting that you chose to add the name of Heracles as apart of the title for this edit as well it refers to the nature of Heracles in the film it’s also the name of a greek demi god who is the son of Zeus with superhuman strength who became the ultimate symbol of masculine power and bravery, what I am implying with this comparison is that through his masculine power and bravery Bond was able to overcome and power through many obstacles both physically and emotionally leading to the expression ‘’To perform a herculean task’’ so in a sense the title could also be an allegory for one mustering the will to unleash their inner strength to overcome difficult hurdles in life that may come their way.

The fact that he survives in this cut makes the double meaning all the more fitting and makes the happier ending feel earned, for me this is a self replacer and I am never watching the theatrical cut again unless of course it helps lead to more great edits of this film such as this. After I finished watching the edit I figured I’d take a look at your Behind The Barrel sequence and it’s interesting seeing the software that you used to make it happen along with hearing your voice for the first time, I had no idea that the name ‘’INIGHTMARES’’ was pronounced that way but at least I know how it’s meant to be said now.

First and foremost is the cutting from the intro to the sea plane at docks sailing directly into the intrigue - its just right. Overall its feeling very old school with alot less of the grandiose rich people rule the roost setting - serving on the taxpayer's tab stuff. Its alot more of the mission, and the engagement with the enemy.

Not sure if I can say that the ending is Bond living happily ever after in anything other than a dream. This sequence is nice though. Im a dreamer too.

The ambition here is to attain the unattainable, unfortunately. In the end I felt the story was too broken and emotional investment has been cut to shreds. Any suggestions one might have to set the story on another course will require some reshootings.

For what it is its watchable, and quite a novelty indeed. Certainly a success in respect of pacing.

A brilliant edit and just what this movie needed. There are so many unnecessary plot points that are crammed into the original version and this edit does a great job of removing the clutter whilst still retaining a coherent narrative. It also gives some of the scenes more resonance and a chance to shine in the shorter cut, namely the Blofeld prison scene, the scene between Safin and Bond, and the scene where Bond apologises to Madeleine.