The Goldfinger Phenomenon (1995 Video) User Reviews

A Socko toy car and a Sicko use for spray paint . . .

[pixrox1 · 6/10 · 1 June 2014]

. . . are the salient points of THE GOLDFINGER PHENOMENON. Two million toy models of the Aston Martin DB5 model made famous by driver James Bond in GOLDFINGER were sold within a year of the feature film's release. Sales continue till this day, making this customized heavily armed and protected vehicle (complete with a passenger ejection seat) one of history's best-selling model cars. On the other hand, the infamously misogynistic crew behind the James Bond flicks thought it would be so cool to spray-paint a nude chick to death that THEY INVITED THE PRESS to the filming of this iconic assault on Womankind. How many real life females have met their doom because of perverts inspired by this highly publicized sordid on-screen sex slaying? Is there any proof that men were offing women left and right with spray paint BEFORE the release of GOLDFINGER? I think not. When a so-called "entertainment" vehicle takes it upon itself to foist new forms of evil upon this world, it bears responsibility--and financial liability--for the resulting carnage and mayhem!

Actually very informative (especially if you like the movie)

[Horst_In_Translation · 8/10 · 12 December 2017]

"The Goldfinger Phenomenon" is an American documentary from 1995 made by John Cork, so this one is already over 20 years old and 1995 was a really good year for Bond documentaries as there is another pretty brilliant one out, but we talked about that one on another occasion. As for this one here, it runs for slightly under half an hour and of course, it is not a making-of documentary as there are no recordings in here from when this was made back in the early 1960s, but we get to hear interviews with people who had a major impact on what still many today consider the best Bond film ever. They give us anecdoted, background information etc. And we see snippets including content from the film that is really nice too see, such as the Sakata commercial. Even the weaker moments and sequences like the great focus on Galore, Blackman (still alive in her 90s today) are on a level where they may be inferior to the rest, but still solid nonetheless. I personally would have liked to see a bit more on Froebe, but that is of course subjective me being German. Anyway, my bias here being a great fan of Bond films and Goldfinger may possibly get in the way of providing a more neutral review, but well it was that good and it gives us here and there even a piece of information and insight that otherwise may have gotten lost by now. The editing felt brilliant too, for example when they combined the songs. If you are as much into 007 as I am, then definitely see this one, perhaps after rewatching the original film, which is of course not essential. But having it seen at least once, is of course. This is a contender for best 1995 short film and documentary. Highly recommended.

A fun and informative documentary

[Woodyanders · 8/10 · 26 August 2009]

This documentary covers in enjoyably brisk and extensive detail the release and marketing of the classic 007 outing "Goldfinger." Throughout the documentary the viewer is treated to theatrical trailers, TV and radio spots, a promotional short movie about Sean Connery and Honor Blackman's big fight/love scene, and even snippets of radio interviews with star Connery. Shirley Eaton graced the cover of "Life" magazine painted gold and toured America to promote the picture. Studio executives wanted to change Blackman's character name from Pussy Galore to Kitty Galore. Famous British pin-up girl Margaret Nolan was the gold-painted model on numerous posters and in the film's opening credits sequence. Bond's fancy Auston Martin automobile inspired many merchandise tie-ins. Other product tie-ins included board games, trading cards, dolls, jigsaw puzzles, and even a card game. Harold Sakata reprised the role of Oddjob in a TV commercial for cough syrup. The film made back its three million dollar budget within its first three weeks in release. Of course, the classic theme song was a monster hit as well. Best of all, there's a neat surprise interview with Pierce Brosnan, who admits the movie made a strong lasting impression on him when he first saw it. Patrick Macnee handles the narrator chores with his customary hearty gusto. An immensely fun and illuminating documentary.

A nice companion piece

[studioAT · 3/10 · 27 March 2020]

An informative companion DVD extra to the film 'Goldfinger', featuring original interviews from most of the key players.