Thief of Hearts is one of the more dated 80s films you'll find lurking on the DVD shelves. Its score (by Harold Faltermeyer of Axel Foley fame) and songs hearken back to a day of meticulously blow-dried hair and leg warmers. The very air of this Simpson/Bruckheimer production screams self-important 80s cheese. And even though the film is built on a fairly interesting premise, it never quite leaps past its deadly datedness.

Professional thief and testosterone-dripping stud Scott Muller (Steven Bauer) and his high-strung buddy Buddy (David Caruso) use their job as valet parking attendants to rob wealthy restaurant goers. The film opens with Muller breaking into the home of Ray and Mickey Davis (John Getz and Barbara Williams). When Muller gets his hands on Mickey's diary, he finds himself falling in love with his victim. He is suddenly privy to all the innermost thoughts of this beautiful stranger, and inevitably he wants to use his stolen knowledge to seduce her.

The story actually works pretty well to a certain extent. The lead actors have an undeniable magnetism, particularly Williams, who is very effective as the conflicted woman. But you'll find yourself unable to immerse yourself in the story because of the slick 80s sheen. There's a half hour of twisted romance at the film's center that will make you wish that the film had succeeded in other areas. But at about the hour mark, Muller's personality becomes monstrous and the film begins a sad slide into predictability and inanity.

Paramount presents Thief of Hearts in an anamorphic-widescreen transfer of the film's original 1.85:1 theatrical presentation. It's actually not a bad effort at all, considering that the film is going on 20 years old. Colors are accurate and warm. Detail is acceptable, reaching nicely into backgrounds. The source print shows some wear, but what do you expect?

The Dolby Digital 5.1 audio track is focused on the front soundstage, which has an open feel. Dialog is clear and natural. The disc also offers a Dolby Digital 2.0 track, which is close to the same presentation, but not as dynamic.

Nothin'.

Thief of Hearts is worth a rental, if only to laugh at the way we enjoyed our thrillers 20 years ago.