MI6 reviews the new James Bond Ultimate Edition DVD of the 1971 outing "Diamonds Are Forever"...

DVD Review - Diamonds Are Forever
16th September 2007

The James Bond movies have been brought into the 21st century with special 5.1 surround sound remastering, new film transfers and extra special features in the "Ultimate Editions" series. MI6 reviews reviews the films and each of these features along with all the special new content.

Official Blurb
While investigating mysterious activities in the world diamond market, 007 (Sean Connery) discovers that his evil nemesis Blofeld (Charles Gray) is stockpiling the gems to use in his deadly laser satellite. With the help of beautiful smuggler Tiffany Case, (Jill St.John), Bond sets out to stop the madman - as the fate of the world hangs in the balance!

Data Stream
Region: 2
Release Date: 17th July 2006
Running Time: 120 minutes
Screen Format: 2.35:1 Anamorphic PAL
Soundtracks: English DD5.1, English DTS
Subtitles: Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, Greek, Hindi, Norwegian and Swedish

Audio Specs
English Dolby Digital 5.1 (448Kb/s)
English DTS 5.1 (768Kb/s)
English Audio Commentary Dolby Digital 2.0 (192Kb/s)

 

Video
Lowry have once again restored this film to its best ever state, but it is not as perfect a transfer as the previous outing "On Her Majesty's Secret Service". The picture is still excellent, but it not quite the cream of the Ultimate Edition crop. This transfer is back to 2.35:1 complete with 16x9 enhancement. As usual, black levels and shadow details are very good. There are no visible compression artifacts or grain, but some of the skin tones do look too red - perhaps the sign of slightly overzealous color correction during the remastering process.

Audio
Featuring a new DTS 5.1 mix, this track is so similar to the complimentary Dolby Digital 5.1 mix that the average listener may not notice the difference. Both mixes boast faultless sync and no noise or clicks. The surround and sub woofer are used conservatively. Unfortunately, as with other discs in this series, the original mono soundtrack was not included.

On The DVD

  • DECLASSIFIED: MI6 VAULT
  • Deleted Scenes
  • Sean Connery 1971: The BBC Interview
  • Lesson # 007: Close Quarter Combat
  • Deleted Footage - Oil Rig Attack
  • Satellite & Explosions Test Reel
  • Alternate & Expanded Angles
  • 007 MISSION CONTROL
  • Interactive Guide Into the World of Diamonds Are Forever
  • THE COMPLETE SPECIAL FEATURES LIBRARY - MISSION DOSSIER
  • Audio Commentary Featuring Director Guy Hamilton and Members of the Cast and Crew
  • Inside Diamonds Are Forever
  • Cubby Broccoli - The Man Behind Bond
  • MINISTRY OF PROPAGANDA, Original Trailers, TV Spots, Photo Gallery & Radio Communications
 

New Bonus Features
Deleted Scenes - Straight from the archives are deleted sequences with Sammy Davis Jr, the killing of Shady Tree, Bond having dinner with Plenty at the casino, Plenty sneaking in Tiffany's room, the two wheel car switch, and a longer version of the water bed scene with Bond and Case.
Sean Connery 1971: The BBC Interview - Connery explains why he came back to Bond, his career away from the role, and his thoughts on the character.
Lesson #007: Close Quarter Combat - Director Guy Hamilton explains how the elevator fight came to be in Diamonds Are Forever, and each participant's role in the fight, from actors Connery and Robinson to stunt coordinator Bob Simmons.
Deleted Footage - Oil Rig Attack - Michael G. Wilson narrates this feature containing footage covering the full scope of the climactic oil rig attack at the end of the movie.

Satellite & Explosions Tests - Michael G. Wilson introduces this feature containing archived footage of storyboards, test footage and final footage created by special effects expert Wally Veevers.
Alternate & Expanded Angles - A feature containing alternate and expanded views of the elevator fight, Las Vegas car chase, Moonbuggy chase, fight with Bambi & Thumper, and the oil rig ending.

All other features were previously released on the Special Edition DVD.

One Last Thing...
Almost all of the known deleted scenes are now included on this release - except one. When Wint & Kidd kill the doctor, an alternative take was shot where Mr Wint puts the scorpion in the doctor's mouth, rather than down the back of his shirt. Too sadistic for censors at the time, the cinematic cut opted for the shirt. The alternative death can be briefly seen in the "Inside..." documentary, so the footage still exists...

MI6 Rating

Video
Audio
Special Features
Overall

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