Diggstown Blu-ray Review

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) of the Blu-ray presentation of "Diggstown" showcases a solid, albeit imperfect, visual execution. The transfer maintains a distinctly film-like quality without excessive manipulation, preserving the natural grain which is present in every shot. Colors register on the flat side, with hues lacking depth and vibrancy, sometimes resulting in under-saturated visuals that affect the liveliness of costumes and storefronts. Skintones can appear too pink, disrupting human consistency, though detail remains reasonably intact during boxing sequences, capturing the physical intensity and unique features of the actors.

The finely textured elements, while not consistently strong, come through during critical moments such as facial close-ups and painted bodies in action scenes. Delineation performs adequately but never excels, and while the movie's bright lighting doesn't challenge this aspect, it also contributes to some blooming whites. Instances of dirt, debris, and speckling are evident but minimal, indicating the source's acceptable condition. Notably, the transfer avoids issues like aliasing and banding, ensuring a smooth viewing experience. Though it may not deliver the visual 'pop' of a full restoration, fans of the film should find the Blu-ray's video presentation a faithful and respectable representation of its theatrical run.

The 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio sound mix on the Blu-ray presentation of "Diggstown" delivers a commendable performance, given its limitations. It captures the crisp highs and sharp dialogue exchanges efficiently, ensuring intelligibility across varied scenes, from moderate dramatic encounters to high-paced boxing ring sequences. The audio mix maintains a solid presence, bringing James Newton Howard's bluesy, harmonica-heavy score to life, and successfully conveying the snap and impact of fighters' gloves. The atmospherics receive adequate attention, with ambient noises in the prison and alongside the boxing ring contributing to the overall aural experience.

While the track does well in terms of mixing and dialogue clarity, it falls short in some technical aspects. There is an occasional presence of excessive hiss and noise that detracts from an otherwise clean sound experience. However, it remains free from significant issues such as dropouts or muddiness. The balance between the left and right front speakers is effectively managed, ensuring distinct and clear audio delivery. The sound mix holds instrumentation and weight, supporting onscreen action securely.

In summary, despite the few areas needing improvement, this 2.0 DTS-HD MA track gives a sound representation of "Diggstown" as it likely was during its original theatrical release. While not groundbreaking, it sustains an engaging auditory experience for viewers, complemented by English subtitles for added accessibility.

The Blu Ray's extras for "Diggstown" present a robust, albeit concise, behind-the-scenes exploration that enhances the viewing experience. The included materials offer valuable insights into the film’s production and promotion, spotlighting interviews with key cast members like James Woods, Louis Gossett Jr., and Bruce Dern. The making-of featurette is particularly engaging, revealing both technical and anecdotal aspects of the production in just under five minutes. Additionally, the theatrical trailers help contextualize the marketing approach for different geographies, using varied titles such as "Midnight Sting." Overall, while brief, these extras are substantial in shedding light on the creative processes behind "Diggstown."

Extras included in this disc:

Making Of: An EPK morsel focusing on salesmanship from the cast and crew. Includes significant interviews and film footage.

Theatrical Trailer: The original UK/European theatrical trailer featuring the title “Midnight Sting.”

Featurette: A short, fun behind-the-scenes look at the film's production, including interviews.

'The Couch Trip' Theatrical Trailer: The trailer for another Michael Ritchie film released concurrently with this disc.

"Diggstown," directed by Michael Ritchie, remains a highly regarded yet underrated gem in the con movie genre, merging the realms of sports and swindling. While not explicitly a boxing film, it leverages the sport's inherent tension and strategy to heighten its narrative about Gabriel Caine (James Woods), an exceptionally crafty con man fresh out of a Georgia prison. Gabriel, along with partner Fitz (Oliver Platt), orchestrates an elaborate scheme to bankrupt the town’s corrupt overlord, John Gillon (Bruce Dern). The storyline navigates through a complex web of cons, bets, and deception, culminating in a 25-round boxing match that pits the aging yet formidable "Honey" Roy Palmer (Louis Gossett Jr.) against ten of Diggstown's toughest fighters.

Ritchie's direction sharpens the script by Steven McKay, focusing intensely on Gabriel's machinations as he systematically dismantles Gillon’s facade of control. This con-artist tale is executed with remarkable simplicity and efficiency, eschewing extraneous subplots for a concentrated exploration of strategy and cunning. However, the character Emily (Heather Graham), while hinted to be significant due to her ties with Gabriel's past, ends up being underutilized and somewhat aimless within the greater narrative scheme. Despite this minor flaw, the film's core remains strong as it skillfully balances humor and tension.

The film’s second half is dedicated to an electrifying boxing sequence peppered with unexpected twists and grabs for power. Ritchie's staging here is particularly effective, maintaining suspense as both Gabriel and Gillon reveal deeper layers of deception. Critically, while the sudden shift toward more severe elements like murder can feel dissonant, it underscores Gillon's ruthless nature, even if it impacts the film’s overall tonality. Nevertheless, "Diggstown" ultimately succeeds in engaging viewers with a blend of sharp dialogue, clever plotting, and a satisfying climactic payoff.

"Diggstown," a largely overlooked gem from 1992, brings back the classic appeal of underdog sports dramas, while integrating gripping con elements for an engaging hybrid experience. The narrative thrives on the chemistry between James Woods, playing his trademark fast-talking hustler, and Louis Gossett Jr., who delivers a compelling performance embodying the toll of each brutal bout. The film's humor and moments of intense action strike a balance, creating a brisk, enjoyable ride, albeit occasionally marred by segments of grim violence.

However, despite the strengths of the movie itself, the Blu-ray release falls short in presentation quality. The video transfer offers only marginal improvement over the original DVD, with a slight washed-out quality detracting from what could have been a vibrant visual experience. Similarly, the DTS-HD 2.0 audio mix is underwhelming, plagued by hiss and noise that should have been addressed in the remastering process. Supplemental features are minimal and uninspiring, limited to a brief making-of featurette and a few trailers.

In conclusion, "Diggstown" on Blu-ray may be a modest upgrade over previous releases, but it's worth revisiting if only for the sheer entertainment value of the film. The narrative's blend of sport and con artistry is engaging, and the performances are top-notch. Despite its lackluster presentation on this disc, the movie itself remains a highly recommended watch.