Search - Diamonds Are Forever [Special Edition] on DVD

MPAA Rating: PG Content Advisory: Violence, Adult Situations, Questionable for Children Movie Release: 1971 DVD Release: 10/17/2000 Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV Edition: Special Collection Audio Tracks: English Subtitles: English, French, Spanish SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 2 hrs 0 mins Studio: MGM Members Wishing: 20 Genres: Spy Film, Action, Glamorized Spy Film See Also: Diamonds Are Forever

After George Lazenby portrayed James Bond in On Her Majesty's Secret Service, Sean Connery returned to the tux, gimmicks, and catchphrases of Secret Agent 007 in his penultimate Bond outing, Diamonds Are Forever. Fragments of Ian Fleming's original 1954 novel remain, including the characters of the alluring Tiffany Case (Jill St. John) and fey hitmen Wint (Bruce Glover) and Mr. Kidd (Putter Smith). The remainder of Richard Maibaum and Tom Mankiewicz's script diverges dramatically from the novel, involving Bond in a scheme by the insidious Ernst Blofeld (Charles Gray) to force the world powers to disarm so that he can take over the globe. Folksinger Jimmy Dean shows up briefly as a Howard Hughes-like reclusive billionaire, while Lana Wood (Natalie's sister) participates in one of the film's edgiest cliffhangers. Agreeing to make Diamonds Are Forever only because of the money offered him, Sean Connery parted company with the role for 12 years after this film; he returned to the role once more in 1983, for Irvin Kershner's underrated Thunderball remake Never Say Never Again. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Sean Connery - James Bond
Jill St. John - Tiffany Case
Charles Gray - Ernst Blofeld
Lana Wood - Plenty O'Toole
Jimmy Dean - Willard Whyte

Diamonds Are Forever is another James Bond film that has been rescued by DVD. The 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer has done wonders for the picture quality. Grain and dirt are still apparent at times, but the previous master used for the widescreen home-video transfer was in exceptionally poor shape and has been improved dramatically. Unfortunately, the film's soundtrack is in mono only. The edited interview-style commentary track primarily features director Guy Hamilton and co-writer Tom Mankiewicz, whose comments sound suspiciously screen-specific at times. The documentary "Inside Diamonds Are Forever" is excellent (as is usual for this series), focusing on the attempts to cast Bond for the second time in two films and on Sean Connery's brief return to the role. A second documentary, "Cubby Broccoli -- The Man Behind Bond," is a loving if slightly overlong tribute to the man primarily responsible for the character's success onscreen. Perhaps the most unique feature on the disc is a menu of no less than four deleted scenes in rough form; none of the scenes would have added anything to the film, but they're still a pleasure to see. Trailers, television spots, and radio spots are also included. =Diamonds Are Forever is not a spectacular disc, but the restoration of the film alone makes it a worthy addition to any fan's collection. ~ Oliver Thornton, All Movie Guide