Studio Canal (France)

Region 2- PAL

Criterion Collection - Spine # 218

Region 0  - NTSC

1.85:1 Original Aspect Ratio

16X9 enhanced
Average Bitrate: 4.65 mb/s
PAL 720x576 25.00 f/s

1.85:1 Original Aspect Ratio

16X9 enhanced
Average Bitrate: 7.10 mb/s
NTSC 704x480 29.97 f/s

1.85:1 Original Aspect Ratio

16X9 enhanced
Average Bitrate: 5.46 mb/s
PAL 720x576 25.00 f/s

NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes.

Studio Canal

Criterion

BFI

French (Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono)

Edition Details:

• The interview of Melville by Giovanni
• Catalogues of films
• History of a film: the interview Bernard Stora
• Report on the turning of film
• The gallery of photographs

DVD Release Date: June 11th, 2003
Slim cardboard slider with plastic insert
Chapters: 15

Aspect Ratio:
Widescreen anamorphic - 1.85:1

Edition Details:
• SPECIAL EDITION TWO-DISC SET FEATURES:
• Newly restored, complete, uncut version enhanced for widescreen televisions
• Excerpts from Cinéastes de notres temps; Jean-Pierre Melville (portrait en 9 poses)
• New video interviews with the author of Melville on Melville, Rui Nogueira, and assistant director Bernard Stora
• 30 minutes of rare on-set footage featuring interviews with director Melville, and stars Alain Delon, Yves Montand, and André Bourvil
• Original theatrical trailer and 2003 Rialto Pictures re-release trailer
• Production and publicity stills, poster gallery
• 24-page booklet featuring new essays by film critics Michael Sragow and Chris Fujiwara, an introduction from filmmaker John Woo, a reprinted interview with composer Eric Demarsan and excerpts from Melville on Melville
 
DVD Release Date: January 13, 2004
Keep Case

Chapters 21

Edition Details:

• Commentary by French film expert Prof. Ginette Vincendeau
• Trailer (1:47)
• Director's Biography (3:03)
• Interview with assistant director Bernard Stora (anamorphic - subtitled - 30:13)
• Introduction by Ginette Vincendeau (21:18)
• Ackowledgements

DVD Release Date: April 26th, 2004
Transparent Keep Case
Chapters: 20

There is an obvious color disparity between these two releases and it if extremely difficult to know positively which is correct. the Criterion is very green and dark and the BFI looks to have had some contrast boosting with the colors appearing a shade colder and washed out. The Criterion is sharper and going by that I will lean towards them for the more accurate color, although Melville used blues a lot and looking at the Le Samourai Review - the BFI may actually be the true edition. Both DVDs are anamorphic and both are very worthy to own. I think real Melville fans may want both as the Extras are divided up pretty evenly. The BFI has a commentary and featurettes and the Criterion has a whole second disc of discussion, but no commentary. The BFI continue to impress me with their beautifully animated menus. If you are not bothered by the heavy green and red skin tones (and the expensive price) I would go Criterion, but the BFI commentary is illuminating and it wouldn't be a mistake if you purchased that edition. I sit pretty squarely on the fence when price comes into the picture in this comparison.