ADDITION - Eureka - Master of Cinema - NTSC - May 07': Unlike Salesman there are some differences in the image appearance between the Criterion and the Masters of Cinema releases. The UK edition is stated as 'New restored transfer licenced from Maysles Films'. I suspect that the 'restored' part (of which no mention is made on the corresponding Criterion) refers to some delicate digital enhancement done my MoC, which is definitely brighter and colors look that much richer (but not unduly altered). Framing appears the same but the MoC does not show the infrequent 'combing' (see last capture - tall grass) that the Criterion does. Overall the MoC image is slightly superior in my opinion.

All three editions offer the audio in original mono and there were no fatally noticeable dropouts or hiss. All editions offer English subtitles as well but as with Salesman - Moc have redone them for the UK, Anglicising words -- like "humor" > "humour", "tire" > "tyre", "recognize" > "recognise".

The bulk of the differences are represented in the supplements. The Criterions (both) are duplicated - offering the commentary, recorded interview with Little Edie Beale and video interviews with fashion designers Todd Oldham and John Bartlett on the influence of Grey Gardens. MoC counterpunch with almost an hour's worth of updated material, 3 featurettes, - the interview with Maysles, the unusual 'cab ride' and the interesting re-visitation of the Grey Gardens property. MoC have also put together a fabulous booklet with an extensive essay, drawings, and photos (color and vintage). Very professionally bound together - quite a keepsake.   

NOTE: the time difference is because at the end of both Criterion transfers are color bars and a brief 6 image slideshow that is not present on the Masters of Cinema DVD.

I like the Masters of Cinema edition best I think, although with the Criterion package you do get the 1.5 hour The Beales of Grey Garden (although that can be bought separately). Bottom line is that all three are respectful collections with enough love and appreciation involved that it would be silly to choose one over the other. We suggest buying whichever is easiest for you to purchase - timeless and unforgettable cinema at your fingertips. 

****

On the Criterions: Well, I'm at a loss to figure this one out. Criterion state that this is a 'new digital transfer' on Grey Gardens... and it is - well, the VOB files on the DVD have an August 2006 date. But aside from the packaging and that the menus are a shade darker (and have the Criterion logo - askew 'C' - in the corner) this appears to be the exact same DVD. I see virtually no discernable difference in the image, audio, subtitles or supplements. BUT the bigger mystery is the bitrate - which is substantially higher on the new edition. They both even have the same slight 'combing' in the same spots (we believe this is due to the alchemist method of transfer). ?!?!? The new release might be very marginally brighter, but that's a stretch and its all I can determine. Perhaps someone in the know can inform us. 

I suppose, more obviously, the package does differ in that it includes "The Beals of Grey Gardens' - a new Criterion DVD labeled spine #361. A 1.5 hour - kind of 'part deux' culled from unused footage from the first go round. It continues with lengthening the visitation hence bearing the same eclectic charm of the initial documentary. It has an 8 1/2 minute introduction by an aged Albert Maysles (80 years and counting). It expectantly is looking a little worse for wear than the original Grey Gardens release and is not transferred progressively (for shame). It certainly is worthwhile viewing if you enjoyed Grey Gardens. Obviously if you already own Grey Gardens - we suggest only picking up The Beals of Grey Garden DVD - not the package.  

Gary W. Tooze