The initial cut of this film was around three hours in length, which boggles the mind, because it's much too long even at two. By this time, Connery was getting bored with the role, and he looks it. This time, Bond goes to Japan and disguises himself as a Japanese citizen -- a disguise which no one would ever buy. The volcano set, built by veteran Bond set designer Ken Adam, is famous, but the rest of the film isn't particularly distinctive. There are some good lines and a great score, but the plot (the first that was nothing like the plot in the corresponding novel) could have used some authenticity. You Only Live Twice started the annoying "death machine" trademark, where the badguy, instead of plugging a bullet into Bond's skull and ending it all, devises some elaborate plan for doing away with him in style. This time, he's tied up, put in a plane, and flown out into the wilderness; the pilot says his farewells, fires several bullets into the dashboard, and parachutes out. Tell me the logic in that move. At any rate, You Only Live Twice is entertaining enough, and Sean Connery is always watchable, even at his worst. 'Q' introduces a popular gadget, namely Little Nellie. Donald Pleasence portrays the first Blofeld whose face is seen on screen (but as good an actor as Pleasence is, he's a bit of a disappointment as Bond's nemesis). And Charles Gray, who later played Blofeld in Diamonds Are Forever appears as Henderson, who messes up Bond's trademark drink.