ADDITION - Criterion and Fox/Lorber - February 08': Firstly we can quickly dismiss the Fox/Lorber as a rather expensive coaster with its very weak and hazy 4:3 letterboxed transfer.

The new Criterion is advertised as 'New, restored high-definition digital transfer, approved by cinematographer Raoul Coutard'. The source is Studio Canal (as that logo starts the Criterion DVD feature) and it shows much parity with only a few variances (see the party sequence - 2nd large capture as one extreme example). Generally the Criterion appears a shade tighter with, potentially, boosted black levels. For the most part - colors and framing are the same. Criterion colors are slightly brighter and I have no explanation for the greenish tinge of that particular party scene (with director Samuel Fuller chomping a cigar on the right) but numerous emails confirm it is accurate in accordance with the theatrical appearance. The Criterion is expectantly dual-layered, progressive and anamorphic - coded for region 1 in the NTSC standard.

All three editions have original French mono audio. The Criterion only offers optional English subs where the Studio Canal has Spanish as a choice as well and the Fox/Lorber's are burnt-in English.

Where the Criterion vaults ahead are in the 2nd disc of supplements. There is a new video interview with actress Anna Karina conducted at the Brasserie Lipp in Paris. Karina recalls working with former husband Godard and role as Marianne Renoir in Pierrot le Fou. It runs just under 15 minutes long. A "Pierrot" Primer is a new video program with audio commentary by filmmaker Jean-Pierre Gorin (Tout va bien - 1972) - it runs 35:58. Godard, l'amour, la poésie, is a fifty-minute French documentary about director Jean-Luc Godard and his work and marriage with Karina. It includes interviews with Godard collaborators (originally from Studio Canal). There are also archival interview excerpts (from 1965) with Godard, Karina, and actor Jean-Paul Belmondo in a featurette called Belmondo in the Wind which runs about 10 minutes. There is some Venice Film Festival footage including excerpt interviews by Maurice Seveno with Godard and Karina. It is only 4 minutes long. Finally a heavy bound booklet featuring a new essay by critic Richard Brody, a 1969 review by Andrew Sarris, and a 1965 interview with Godard.

There may be some debate about that greenish party scene, which does appear to be accurate, and the Criterion looks great and has a wealth of viable extra material to suffice any Godard fan who will find this DVD package worth every penny. A strong recommendation.     

Gary Tooze

*****

ON THE STUDIO CANAL: Pierrot has been released under several covers by Studio Canal including two Godard Coffrets, but this single disc edition is supported by optional English subs. The transfer is absolutely exemplary. With a generous 9.5 mgs bitrate and occupying 6.418 gf of a dual layer disc the image quality is flawless. No source damage or telecine problems. Clear sharp detailed image with extremely punchy color and perfect Scope framing. I can't imagine the movie looking any better short of an HD release. At least until the future Criterion, and then ONLY if their extras are compelling, this is a perfect presentation of the movie, for those who are not concerned with significant extras.