Although I think this anamorphic and progressive transfer may be slightly weaker than Criterion's usual exemplary standard, it looks very acceptable. It reminds me of a HomeVision transfer - which is really not saying anything bad at all. Black levels are quite rich, and detail acceptable - rather than stellar. At around 1:15:00 I saw some jiggling of the image (I differentiated this from contrast flickering, which was not present), but have no idea whether this was part of the films theatrical release - it seems plausible but it only last a minute so it not overly distracting.

Subtitles have a couple of noticeable gaps in them. I'll assume nothing important was imparted in regards to the plot development - it was usually when multiple people were talking - no translation was on the screen at all. Original audio was clear and consistent - Steiger was obviously dubbed and it shows, but he is rarely seen talking head-on - many times he is speaking rapidly while in motion (walking, turning etc.)

There is a 2nd disc of supplements - firstly a 13 1/2 minute video interview with director Rosi where he talks about his approach to filmmaking and the production of his fourth film - Hands Over the City. This is followed by a 5 minute interview with film critic Tullio Kezich where he gives an overview of Rosi's work. Next - another video spot (almost 16 minutes) with film critic Michel Ciment interviewing Rosi and co-writer Raffaele La Capria about their collaboration concerns for their native city of Naples. Next segment - filmmaker Jean-Pierre Gorin (Tout va Bien, Letter to Jane) takes a critical look Hands Over The City - this new video is just over 10 minutes long.

In 1992 Francesco Rosi, his loyal cinematographer, Pasqualino De Santis, plus a two person documentary crew make a feature-length sequel to Hands over the City. It is 1:29:00 and is called Neapolitan Diary. I've only watched about 1/3 so far - where it seemed to focus on the rampant construction and urban sprawl of Naples which has created a vein of youth oriented criminals (street urchins pushing and using drugs). It is interspersed with some of the beauty of the city that Rosi remembers, plus the modern trapping - traffic jams etc.

Lastly there is a 32-page liner notes booklet featuring an essay by film critic Stuart Klawams called 'Confidential Reports: The Investigative Thrillers of Francesco Rosi' - and a 15-page 2003 interview with the director.

Overall, this is another example of how complete a DVD package can become. Every detail, many minute, are explored and it lacks nothing aside from a commentary. The film is entertaining but gets  a little bogged down in the bureaucratic minutia (as its intent), but its subtle conclusion is a memorable one. Fans of Italian cinema will want this DVD in their possession.  

Gary W. Tooze