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The Movie:
A film with a number of respectable performances lost in a terrible script, "Diamonds" got a very small release last year before dissapearing from theaters. It's not for a lack of trying - the film does try to charm with Kirk Douglas's energetic performance, but the dialogue is almost unbearably lame. The film stars Douglas as a former champion prize fighter named Harry who goes, along with his son and grandson, to Vegas to find some diamonds that he was promised years ago.
The film has promise, but it's hard to care about any of the characters besides Douglas's. Ackroyd(who plays his son) seems entirely lost, and Corbin Allred doesn't do much with the role of Ackroyd's son, who doesn't get along with his father. It's sort of like a male version of a "chick flick", which much arguing and warm moments of understanding between the three, and even a trip to a brothel, where we find Jenny McCarthy as one of the girls.
Douglas is really the star of the show; in his eighties and after suffering a stroke, he still gives it his very best effort here. Other than that, there aren't any standout performances here. "Diamonds" could have been an entertaining picture had any thought been put into the screenplay, which is entirely predictable. I wasn't hugely bored with the film, which goes pretty quickly in 90 minutes, but didn't find anything memorable about it either. The 83-year old Douglas tackles the material wonderfully, and he's the best thing about this TV-ish drama.
The DVD
VIDEO: "Diamonds" gets a pretty solid anamorphic transfer from Miramax; there are a number of sequences that look especially nice on this DVD; during the scenes shot in Vegas, there is a wealth of bright colors in a number of shots. During the film's opening, the cold, snowy sequences look crisp and clean. Sharpness is generally good, but it varies now and then. Some of the scenes seem intentionally shot a little bit soft, but the film generally looks adequately sharp throughout Detail is fairly good, and clarity is never really lacking. Colors are pleasant throughout, especially the bright neon of Vegas. Black level is solid, and flesh tones are generally natural.
There's some very slight pixelation and a couple of slight marks on the print used, but that's about all there is to complain about. This is definitely respectable treatment of the film, and those who enjoyed it will be pleased with how it looks here.
SOUND: The audio for the film is less pleasing than the picture. Although this certainly is a film driven by dialogue, chances to open the audio are missed; surrounds are barely used at all, and the music - as well as the rest of the sound - comes almost completely from the front. Dialogue is natural and clear, sounding easily understood. Nothing impressive or remarkable.
MENUS:: As with almost all Disney titles, menus are fairly bland with no animation.
EXTRAS:: Although the disc doesn't include the film's theatrical trailer, it does include one unexpected extra feature:.
The Life And Times Of Kirk Douglas: A very well-done and informative look at the history and career of actor Kirk Douglas, with footage of highlights from his career and interviews from the cast and crew of "Diamonds" as well as many people who have been involved with Douglas's life. I found this to be an informative and entertaining documentary where I learned a lot about what the actor has done in the past. After a while, the documentary focuses more on the making of "Diamonds", but it's still a touching and enjoyable documentary feature that's the highlight of the DVD. It runs about 21 minutes or so.
Final Thoughts: "Diamonds" is an unfortunate dissapointment, because Douglas's performance deserves to be placed in a better film. Although it's odd that Miramax didn't include the film's theatrical trailer, I was very pleased that they included "The Life And Times" documentary, which is a great document to the life of a marvelous actor. By the time the documentary was over I was moved almost to tears. For fans of the actor, "Diamonds" might be worth a look as a rental.
Film Grade
The Film C-
DVD Grades
Video 88/B = (352/400 possible points)
Audio: 82/B = (328/400 possible points)
Extras: 80/B- = (240/300 possible points)
Menus: 70/C- = (140/200 possible points)
Value: 81/B = (243/300 possible points)
TOTAL POINTS:1303/1600
DVD GRADE:B/81%
FILM GRADE: C-
DVD GRADE: B
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