The Diamond

This is an interesting 3D with a British touch, and it's a luck that Kino Lorber and the 3D Film Archive have jointly taken the task of restoring it. As explained in the extras, it was shot in 3D but never released that way in its time, as the 3D trend had declined. So now we can enjoy watching it as it was intended to be screened.

The story, whether 3D or normal viewing, is interesting enough. A federal agent joins forces with a British Scotland Yard colleague to catch a band of synthetic-diamond makers and rescue the scientist who has joined them. Both agents also doubt if the scientist's daughter is willing to help or only trying to fool them. Contrasting with Philip Friend who effectively plays his less emotional British counterpart, Dennis O'Keefe adds the spark to the pair; he does not only act but also directed this picture, and both jobs he does well.

Not only the polarized version is great, also the anaglyphic one (complimentary glasses are included) offers a nice medium-depth effect. The image is sharp if a little grained, and compared to the unrestored version (both shown side-by-side in the extras as usually) contrast is improved - good for the restoration team. The 3D effect is much more apparent with the polarized glasses, though.

A sample of the anaglyphic version can be watched at Youtube (see External Links section).

An otherwise very British style picture with sober acting, no over-use of 3D visual tricks, more documentary-style than American productions yet with a well balanced amount of action.

So good that they have restored it. Another treat for 3D affectionates. More 3D classics coming, please!