100 Karat

Sidney Sheldon’s sudsy, sprawling miniseries Master of the Game arrives on DVD in time to celebrate its 25th anniversary and please fans who have pined for the lusty adventures of diamond heiress Kate Blackwell (Dyan Cannon) since its network debut in 1984. The eight-hour production, which is spread over two discs, covers three generations of a family steeped in the South African diamond trade. Ian Charleson (Chariots of Fire) dominates part one as Jamie McGregor, who carves an empire out of the wilds of South Africa; Cannon takes over in part two, which follows her control of her father’s business while meddling in the affair of her son (Harry Hamlin); the final part follows her twin granddaughters (Liane Langland) as their personal machinations threaten to destroy the company. A talented supported cast, including Leslie Caron, Donald Pleasance, Barry Morse and Cliff De Young lend believability to the larger-than-life characters and plotting, but it’s Cannon who shines brightest, and in a difficult role that requires her to play from youthful ingénue to elderly matron. Technical aspects are typically top-notch; the DVD includes no extras. --Paul GaitaSidney Sheldon's epic tale of diamonds and lust spans an entire century and focuses on Dyan Cannon as the power-minded head of a diamond dynasty rife with tragedy, wealth, and forbidden love affairs. Harry Hamlin, Ian Charleson, Leslie Caron, and Cliff De Young also star in this superior, globe-trotting mix of romance, deceit, and adventure. 6 3/4 hrs. total on two discs. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono.