Also available in the The Czechoslovak New Wave - A Collection (3 Film Box Set) Below:

NOTE: The below Blu-ray captures were taken directly from the Blu-ray disc.

ADDITION: Criterion- Region 'A' - Blu-ray March 19':  Jan Nemec's "Diamonds of the Night" now comes to The Criterion Collection on a dual-layered Blu-ray. This is billed as a new 4K digital restoration, though it is most likely from the same 4K restoration as the Second Run disc. The 1.37:1 HD image is given a maxed out bitrate. When compared to the Second Run, Criterion's presentation seems to be almost identical, at a glance. Upon further inspection one can see that Criterion's image is slightly lighter, showing a tiny bit more detail in darker areas of the frame. There is also a finer and more prevalent grain throughout the film's brief running time. Contrast levels are on par with the previous release from Second Run, showing a fair amount of range to the black and white image.

The Czech 24-bit linear PCM audio track sounds the same as the one that appeared on the Second Run. The subtle score is credited to Vlastimil Hála and Jan Rychlík. It is supportive of the film's frequently stark look, evocative editing and almost non-existent dialogue. There are optional English subtitles on this region 'A'-locked Blu-ray.

The extras here are somewhat different, with Criterion lacking the commentary from Michael Brooke. "Jan Nemec" is an impressively produced 26-minute piece with the director being interviewed amidst footage from his work. This interview is a segment from 2009, with the director speaking about attending FAMU film school in Prague, and making "Diamonds of the Night". Even more fascinating is the 22-minute extra, "Five Influences on 'Diamonds'". In this video essay, film scholar James Quandt narrates over compiled footage, and examines the style of the film and its influences. "Irena Kovarova" is another newly produced extra featuring said film programmer and Czechoslovak film expert. Kovarova spends 17-minutes discussing the importance of "Diamonds..." within the Czechoslovak New Wave movement. "Arnošt Lustig Through the Eyes of Jan Nemec" is a 15-minute documentary from 1993, with director Nemec paying tribute to author Arnost Lustig, whose work he adapted for "Diamonds of the Night" and "A Loaf of Bread". Speaking of "... Bread", the director's graduation film is included here, as it was on the Second Run Blu-ray. An essay by film critic Michael Atkinson is also included.

Criterion's Blu-ray of "Diamonds of the Night" should be a welcome addition to any cinephile's collection. Though it is lacking the wonderful Michael Brooke commentary that appeared on the Second Run Blu-ray, it features some wonderful new extras. The picture quality is also phenomenal, which is what we have come to expect from Criterion.

Colin Zavitz

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ADDITION: Second Run- Region FREE - Blu-ray January 19': The Second Run is advertised as "presented from a new 4K restoration from original materials by the Czech National Film Archive" and it premiered at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival. The video is a significant improvement from their own DVD of almost 9-years ago. The higher resolution and 4K restoration have improved every facet of the SD presentation from tighter visuals to more grain, from better layered contrast to more information in the frame (notable on the right edge.) The vastly improved image exemplifies the blown-out brightness and artefacts of the older DVD.    

Second Run utilize a 24-bit linear PCM 2.0 channel mono track in the original Czech language. There are almost no aggressive effects in Diamonds of the Night with the opening's panting and running through the forest sounding crisp and realistic.  There are optional English subtitles and the Blu-ray disc is region FREE.

We get an excellent new audio commentary by film historian Michael Brooke and he gives some overwhelmingly deep analysis mentioning Bresson, Bunuel, Tarkovsky and his comments substantially enhanced by feelings toward the film. Great work, Michael. Probably the best commentary I've heard of the early year. Second Run add the 11.5 minute A Loaf of Bread (Sousto), Jan Nemec's debut short film from 1960. It centers on 3 prisoners at the end of 2nd World War who wish to escape from the train and obtain food. I enjoyed the new 17.5-minute interview with Eva Lustigova, daughter of author Arnost Lustig whose story "Darkness has no Shadows" the film is based. She is bright and obviously proud of her father's accomplishments. Repeated is the 21-minute 'appreciation' by Peter Hames found on the DVD and there is a booklet featuring Michael Brooke's substantial essay on the film. Lastly is a new trailer.

Diamonds of the Night is a masterpiece. The 4K restoration is a must-own for any world-cinema fans. The extensively improved Blu-ray a/v and Brooke commentary make this one of my favourite releases of the year - and it gets our strongest endorsement.

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