Killer Force Blu-ray Review

The AVC encoded image presentation for "Killer Force," showcased in 1080p with a 1.78:1 aspect ratio, impresses with its newly minted HD master. Unfolding with notable clarity, it rejuvenates the detail across the film’s broad desert landscapes and intricate character nuances. Telly Savalas’s distinctive attire stands out remarkably, offering touchable textures and sharp definition. The color palette is well-secured and vibrant, with costumes providing a striking contrast against the earthy desert tones. Strong delineation ensures that elements remain distinct, especially under the bright lighting that permeates much of the film's runtime. The grain is exceedingly fine, giving a welcome filmic quality, while the source material remains mostly stable, with only occasional and inconspicuous blips of damage and speckling.

A unique touch to the presentation is the underlying mention of its title variance, which transitions from "The Diamond Mercenaries" to "Killer Force" in the on-screen text. Initially, this might suggest a patchy transfer; however, the result is notably appealing, managing to bring forth an attractively cohesive visual experience. Interior shots exhibit an impressive level of detail where even the threads on clothing are discernible with precision. Although there are minor instances of dirt and noise, these imperfections seamlessly blend into the fine grain structure, ensuring they do not detract from the overall visual appeal.

The audio presentation of the Blu Ray for "Killer Force" is equipped with a 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix, which, while functional, falls short of its visual counterpart's quality. One of the key issues lies in the persistent hiss and periodic pops that pervade the soundtrack, compromising the overall auditory experience. Additionally, the inconsistent audio quality within scenes mandates frequent volume adjustments, as certain dialogue exchanges become difficult to comprehend. The ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement) work often feels substandard, particularly in exterior shots where the recording quality struggles.

Georges Garvarentz's musical score adds some redeeming qualities to the soundtrack, with his upbeat chase sequences coming through with a commendable level of clarity and enthusiasm. However, these moments are scant, and the prevalent lack of scoring limits their positive impact. Overall, while environmental sound elements and atmospherics are present, they remain largely unremarkable and do little to augment the viewing experience. Without a doubt, the sound mix was sufficient to convey the narrative but missed the mark in terms of elevating the film’s immersive quality.

The Blu Ray extras for "Killer Force" provide a fascinating glimpse into the film's alternate possibilities and promotional strategies. The alternate ending offers a more blunt conclusion that many might find more fitting than the theatrical cut, while the alternate title credits reveal significant changes, including the removal of AIP’s involvement. The collection of theatrical trailers presents both "Killer Force" and its UK rebranding as "The Diamond Mercenaries," giving international viewers a look at the film's varied marketing. Additionally, the disc includes trailers for related films, enhancing contextual understanding of the cinema landscape during the film's release period.

Extras included in this disc:

• Alternate Ending: A blunt and fitting conclusion differing from the theatrical cut.
• Alternate Title Credits: Opening credits altered to remove AIP’s involvement.
• Killer Force and The Diamond Mercenaries Trailers: Theatrical trailers with different editing styles and quality.
• Other Trailers: Includes "The Passage," "Firepower," and "Blazing Magnum."

"Killer Force" (known as "The Diamond Mercenaries" on disc) transports viewers to the rugged terrain of South Africa, offering a visually striking but narratively unremarkable thriller. The film centers around the Syndicate Diamond Corporation, where thefts prompt security official Webb (Telly Savalas) to hunt down the culprits. With an ensemble cast including Peter Fonda, Christopher Lee, and O.J. Simpson, the storyline navigates diamonds’ smuggling operations and mercenary confrontations. Unfortunately, the screenplay lacks the snap in its twists and turns, leaving certain crucial plot details unresolved. Despite engaging moments of action and suspense, it's clear many actors might have signed on for the exotic locales and wardrobe perks rather than dramatic ambition.

Director Val Guest injects moments of excitement through helicopter shots of the South African landscape, emphasizing the film's visual appeal. Despite periodic sparks of violence and action that renew interest, Guest's approach remains methodical and devoid of distinctive style. The film meticulously showcases Webb's tailored attire, subtly hinting at possible reasons behind Savalas’s participation. This indulgence in costuming sometimes diverts focus from advancing the plot. While there are compelling aspects—such as Bradley's transformation from a company man into bait—the overall structure feels disjointed. The film entertains with explosions, stunts, and character interplay but falls short of a cohesive heist narrative, offering a mixed bag of seventies action cinema style over substantive storytelling.

"Killer Force" excels in individual performances and technical execution but struggles to maintain a consistent narrative engagement due to its loosely connected scenes. Guest's direction, while competent, does not elevate the material beyond typical genre conventions. As a result, the film oscillates between humor and unintentional folly, peppered with incoherent scenes that leave viewers questioning crucial plot mechanics. While it provides an entertaining ride filled with stellar personalities and picturesque settings, the film ultimately serves more as a nostalgic trip through 1970s action heist cinema rather than a compelling thriller.

"Killer Force" on Blu-ray presents a nostalgic plunge into 70s heist and action cinema, held aloft by its eclectic cast and some intense action sequences. Telly Savalas exemplifies his role with commanding presence, particularly when juxtaposed against Peter Fonda's more subdued but competent portrayal. The dynamic between Lee and Simpson offers a curious but engaging on-screen chemistry that warrants a look if only for their performances. However, the narrative doesn't quite reach the ambition of its premise, staying within conventional boundaries to perhaps maintain a safe and marketable appeal.

Despite its notable cast and intriguing setting, "Killer Force" struggles to meet heightened expectations, leaving viewers with a sense of unfulfilled potential. The film showcases standout moments, including a riveting desert Land Rover chase that will appeal to stunt enthusiasts. Yet, the overall execution feels underwhelming, with instances of uncommitted acting and a thin storyline detracting from the full heist experience it aims to deliver. These shortcomings leave the film wavering between being a passable afternoon watch and an unremarkable entry in the heist genre.

In conclusion, "Killer Force" is an entertaining yet imperfect piece of action cinema from the 70s bolstered by some solid performances and memorable scenes. While it may not be the brilliant heist film some might hope for, it remains worth viewing for fans of the cast or those seeking a nostalgic action fix. For most, renting it would suffice for satisfying one’s curiosity about this unique addition to the genre.