STERN OFFICIALLY LAUNCHES JAMES BOND

After cancelling their earlier launch due to the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Stern Pinball today officially announced details of their latest James Bond 007 cornerstone title.

The George Gomez-designed game will initially come in three versions – the traditional Pro, Premium and Limited Edition models – with the Limited Edition restricted to 1,000 machines. There will also be an even more super-limited 60th anniversary model designed by Keith Elwin featuring all the actors who have played James Bond and including all 25 films. This will be limited to 500 machines with details released shortly.

Each of the three versions announced today is based on one of the classic Sean Connery-era James Bond movies. The Pro is Dr. No, the Premium is You Only Live Twice, while the Limited Edition is themed around Thunderball.

Here’s Stern’s promo video:

Pictures of two of the models leaked earlier this month when the Pro and Premium machines were being set up at the IAPPA Europe trade show in London ahead of the opening. The death of Queen Elizabeth II caused the launch and public reveal to be postponed, with the suggestion that it was the licensor who pushed for the delay in co-operation with Stern Pinball. Pinball News is based in the UK and so we chose not to publish any leaked pictures in solidarity with that mark of respect.

The two machines at IAAPA Europe were subsequently packed up and the show went ahead without them publicly appearing on the Stern distributor’s stand.

As well as being available from Stern Pinball distributors worldwide, a number of machines could also be purchased directly through Stern’s web shop, although paid membership of the company’s All Access loyalty scheme was required.

The game will receive its first public outing on 26th September in London at a special event at Christie’s celebrating the 60th Anniversary of James Bond films.

Here are the initial pictures of the Pro, Premium and Limited Edition model. We’ll add many more pictures and much more detail shortly, so check back for the latest updates.

Pro

The Pro model lacks the ball lock at the Little Bird rocket, the jetpack ball mover and the under-playfield scuba battle, amongst other things.

Here’s a look at the Pro’s playfield:

Here’s a video of the features found in the Pro model:

Premium

Because the Premium and Limited Edition playfield features are identical (minus some cosmetic differences), we’ll save our close-up playfield pictures until after we’ve examined the Limited Edition’s cabinet.

Limited Edition

Here’s a video showing the playfield features in the Premium and Limited Edition models:

Here are some additional photos of the Limited Edition playfield’s features. As with all our pictures, you can click any to display a larger, higher-resolution version.

And here is the matrix of all the features found in each of the Pro, Premium and Limited Edition models.

Here’s how Gary Stern presented his company’s newest title:

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen, A dream come true – pinball based on a fantastic theme with movie history, including 25 films which were released generation after generation. Today we introduce Stern’s latest games, James Bond 007. With Bond movies and licensed products having grossed over $15 Billion worldwide, this movie franchise, the franchise that created the spy genre, reaches its 60th anniversary this year. Stern EVP/CCO George Gomez took the lead and designed our 3 cornerstone games – James Bond 007 Pro Edition, Premium Edition and Limited Edition. George has based his Bond games on the six genre defining Sean Connery films: Dr. No From Russia With Love Goldfinger Thunderball You Only Live Twice Diamonds Are Forever An enthusiast Bond fan since early childhood, George has an encyclopedic knowledge of all things Bond.  The opportunity to bring to pinball the mechanical action of gadgets created by “Q” and action scenes included in these Bond movies energized his creativity. James Bond 007 is a passion project for George. That passion shows in the games he has created. I hope you have watched Seth’s and my webinar and our game play videos to see all the memorable action and features straight from James Bond that our games capture. All Cornerstone Editions have, of course, an Aston Martin DB5 ejecting a ball thru its opening roof. A 3 bank drop target protects the custom molded SPECTRE “Bird One” rocket that senses and moves when hit. The underwater Thunderball fight scene is illuminated on the playfield. And much more. The James Bond 007 Premium Edition adds more action and features. The ball is shot up the “Bird One” rocket gantry to be captured for multiball. The underwater fight scene utilizes molded characters under the playfield. A magnet on a sculpted moving James Bond JetPack captures the ball. The Premium has Dr. No’s Dragon Tank, illuminated and with 2 targets for players to attempt hitting by releasing the ball from the JetPack magnet. Each movie’s titles, villains, henchmen, SPECTRE weapons and Bond women are symbolized in strings of light up inserts. Progressions through each and through the SPECTRE spellout are visually exhibited to great and novice players. I could add a detailed list of all the other mechanical devices – 3rd flipper, wire ramps, stainless ramps, up posts, vuks, control gates. It’s better that you watch the videos and play the games. James Bond 007 play excitement is enhanced with film clips, plus Stern created animation so detailed it has been mistaken for film. Voices from the six movies are carefully integrated into the game. Leading with the iconic John Barry’s Bond theme music from Dr. No, other compositions from each movie are utilized in that movie’s game play sequences and modes. Included are performances by Matt Monro, Nancy Sinatra and Shirley Bassey.                                     The James Bond 007 games feature art adapted from famous Bond illustrators & designers Frank McCarthy, Robert McGinnis and Ken Adam.  The Pro, Premium and Limited Editions each highlight a different movie. The movie’s poster has been adapted for each edition’s backglass. The cabinet right sides, different for each edition, have Bond movie posters from the 5 Connery movies not featured in that game’s backglass. The left side has art themed around the edition’s highlighted movie.  The playfield art includes all six of the Connery movies. The 1,000 James Bond 007 Limited Edition are numbered 001 to 1000. Each has: High gloss metallic armor and legs Mirrored backglass Upgraded audio system Shaker motor Non-glare playfield glass Certificate of authenticity signed by President Seth Davis and me Designer George Gomez autograph Sequentially numbered (001 to 1000) plate And there is more. Keith Elwin has designed a retro inspired James Bond 007 60th Anniversary Limited Edition, capturing all James Bonds and their films. It’s a classic drop target game with 10 drop targets, Oddjob kinetic spinning disc, and many fast flowing spinners. In addition to traditional score reels, an LCD display is mounted in the playfield. This highly collectible limited model will be numbered 001-500. A full reveal will be coming soon. All James Bond 007 ship Insider Connected™ capable. Utilizing the power of the internet, we will issue special Bond “Assignments” only possible on connected games. James Bond 007 games will be available in November. We will begin with Pro Editions, followed by Limited Edition games, and then Premium Editions. The 60th Anniversary Limited Edition production will be in December. Information on accessories is coming soon. We are all aware that inflation has caused parts and labor cost increases. Supply chain difficulties have resulted in additional cost increases. We annually have increased our wholesale sales prices, and new prices will be set for James Bond 007. Our sales reps will be able to give you prices for all games (cornerstone, 60th, studio & home editions) and also for requests of specific Limited Edition numbers.  Prices on prior cornerstone models will increase to the James Bond 007 level on January 1, 2023. A new UMRP, MAP and MSRP list will be sent to USA customers. The list will indicate these prices for James Bond 007 games. For other models it will indicate current prices and the prices at January 1, 2023. For models that are reaching end of life in 2022, the UMRP/MAP/MSRP will not increase on January 1, 2023. Included are Guardians of the Galaxy, Led Zeppelin, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. We will accept cancellations, should you so desire Jack Danger will stream James Bond 007 Premium/LE Editions. For updated information, please check https://facebook.com/sternpinball I will end where I started. These James Bond 007 games are a dream come true.                                                                                                                                     Best regards, Gary

Here’s how Stern Pinball announced their latest release:

CHICAGO, IL – September 22, 2022 – Stern Pinball, Inc. launches a new line of pinball machines celebrating the iconic, genre-defining James Bond films.  The James Bond 007 cornerstone series features the original 007 actor, Sean Connery, available in Pro Edition, Premium Edition, and Limited Edition (LE).  Stern Pinball will also release a special James Bond 007 60th Anniversary Limited Edition pinball machine featuring all six James Bond actors. In Dr. No (1962) Sean Connery propelled 007 into the cultural zeitgeist, bringing the legendary literary figure to life through adrenalized action sequences, ground-breaking gadgets and effects, memorable characters, and timeless villains. Stern’s James Bond 007 cornerstone pinball machine will highlight film footage and iconic music from the films that built the 007 legend: Dr. No, From Russia With Love (1963), Goldfinger (1964), Thunderball (1965), You Only Live Twice (1967), and Diamonds Are Forever (1971).  Players are immersed into the world of espionage in this action-packed pinball experience, tackling assignments, teaming up with key allies, and stopping SPECTRE’s villainous schemes. Gather gadgets from Q Branch as pinballs get ejected through the roof of a custom sculpted Aston Martin DB5.  Break through the Osato Chemicals drop targets to battle SPECTRE at the Bird 1 rocket base.  And hold your breath on the gravity defying, magnetic jetpack as it transports pinballs across the playfield. James Bond 007 pinball machines include Stern’s award-winning Insider Connected™ system, which enables players to interact with the game and a global network of players in a variety of ways.  Through Insider Connected, players can track progress, earn new game-specific achievements, engage with the player community, and participate in promotions and Challenge Quests.  Insider Connected also provides an operator-focused toolset to drive location play through Location Leaderboards, build player loyalty, analyze performance, make adjustments remotely, and maintain the machines.  Registration for Insider Connected is available at insider.sternpinball.com/. Limited to 1,000 machines globally, the highly collectible cornerstone Limited Edition includes an exclusive full-color mirrored backglass inspired by Thunderball, masterfully adapted cabinet artwork, custom high gloss and powder-coated pinball armor, a custom designer-autographed bottom arch, exclusive inside art blades, upgraded audio system, anti-reflection pinball playfield glass, shaker motor, a sequentially numbered plaque, and a Certificate of Authenticity signed by Stern Chairman Gary Stern and President Seth Davis. Stern’s James Bond 007 60th Anniversary Limited Edition pinball machines will immerse players in the history of 007.  Limited to 500 machines globally, the highly collectible 60th Anniversary Limited Edition offers players a retro-inspired playfield packed with exciting mechanical action.  Control the chaos from Oddjob’s kinetic spinning disc hat, survive tactical precision shots against 10 drop targets, escape SPECTRE’s evil henchmen navigating pinballs through 4 fast-flowing optical spinners, learn assignments through an in-playfield LCD screen, and rack up high scores on classic-style score reels. “James Bond is as timeless as pinball.  Partnering with EON Productions/Danjaq, MGM Studios and Aston Martin, we created a pinball adventure capturing the suspense, action, and humor from this beloved film series.” said Gary Stern, Chairman and CEO.  “Get connected today and become a legend.” Fittingly, the new James Bond 007 pinball machines will be on show for the first time to media and public in London.  On September 26th the games will be on display and available to play as part of the Bond-themed Christie’s Late, a public event celebrating the forthcoming Christie’s Sixty Years of James Bond Charity Auction.  Shortly after, they will be a part of the James Bond at 60 weekend at the British Film Institute on the South Bank, September 30th-October 2nd. Pricing and Availability: Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (“MSRP”)*: *MSRP for sales to USA end-users, before any VAT, GST, Sales Tax, Duties, or other taxes.                              Pro Edition:                                                     $US 6,999 Premium Edition:                                            $US 9,699 Limited Edition:                                              $US 12,999 60th Anniversary Limited Edition:              CALL FOR PRICE James Bond 007 pinball machines and accessories are available now through authorized Stern Pinball distributors and dealers around the world. Pro and Premium Editions will also be available at 007Store.com About Stern Pinball, Inc. Stern Pinball, Inc. is a global lifestyle brand based on the iconic and outrageously fun modern American game of pinball.  Headquartered minutes from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport in the heart of North America, the company creates, designs, engineers, manufactures, markets, and distributes a full line of technologically advanced terrestrial and digital pinball games, parts, accessories, and merchandise.  Stern Pinball serves digital, consumer, commercial, and corporate markets around the globe. Recent Stern Pinball titles include Rush, Godzilla, The Mandalorian, Led Zeppelin, Avengers: Infinity Quest, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Stranger Things, Elvira’s House of Horrors, Jurassic Park, Black Knight: Sword of Rage, The Munsters, The Beatles, Deadpool, Iron Maiden, Guardians of the Galaxy, Star Wars, Aerosmith, Ghostbusters, KISS, Metallica, Game of Thrones, The Walking Dead, Star Trek, AC/DC, Batman, and Spider-Man.  A broad range of players enjoy Stern Pinball’s games from professional pinball players who compete in high-stakes competitions around the globe to novice players who are discovering the allure of the silver ball for the first time.  To join the fun and learn more, please visit www.sternpinball.com. About EON Productions/Danjaq EON Productions Limited and Danjaq LLC are wholly owned and controlled by the Broccoli/ Wilson family. Danjaq is the US based company that co-owns, with Metro Goldwyn Mayer Studios, the copyright in the existing James Bond films and controls the right to produce future James Bond films. EON Productions, an affiliate of Danjaq, is the UK based production company that has made the James Bond films since 1962 and together with Danjaq controls all worldwide merchandising. For more information, visit 007.com & 007Store.com Danjaq is the US based company that, with MGM, co-owns the copyrights in the existing James Bond films and controls the right to produce future James Bond films. EON Productions, an affiliate of Danjaq, is the UK based production company which makes the James Bond films. Danjaq and EON control the rights to all worldwide traditional Bond merchandising, and with MGM control the rights in other areas of Bond licensing such as location based entertainment. About Aston Martin Aston Martin’s vision is to be the world’s most desirable, ultra-luxury British brand, creating the most exquisitely addictive performance cars. Founded in 1913 by Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford, Aston Martin is acknowledged as an iconic global brand synonymous with style, luxury, performance, and exclusivity. Aston Martin fuses the latest technology, time honoured craftsmanship and beautiful styling to produce a range of critically acclaimed luxury models including the Vantage, DB11, DBS and DBX and its first hypercar, the Aston Martin Valkyrie. Based in Gaydon, England, Aston Martin Lagonda designs, creates and exports cars which are sold in 55 countries around the world. Its sports cars are manufactured in Gaydon with its luxury DBX SUV range proudly manufactured in St Athan, Wales. Lagonda was founded in 1899 and Aston Martin in 1913. The two brands came together in 1947 when both were purchased by the late Sir David Brown, and the company is now listed on the London Stock Exchange as Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings plc. 2020 saw Lawrence Stroll become the company’s Executive Chairman, alongside significant new investment, a move that led to Aston Martin’s return to the pinnacle of motorsport with the Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One™ Team and commenced new era for the iconic British marque. About MGM Studios Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. is a leading entertainment company focused on the production and distribution of film and television content globally. The company owns one of the world’s deepest libraries of premium film and television content. In addition, MGM has investments in domestic and international television channels, including MGM-branded channels. ### All trademarks and product names are the property of their respective companies.

We’ll be updating this report with more pictures and more gameplay features, so check back here at Pinball News for the latest updates.