'The Horse's Mouth' DVD Review

The Horse's Mouth

directed by Ronald Neame
U.K. 1958

"Alec Guinness when adapting the Joyce Cary novel to the screen has created a truly enduring character in obtuse, disgruntled painter Gulley Jimson. Director Ronald Neame's film "The Horse's Mouth' has stood the test of time as a comedic yet insightful retrospect on the persona of an artist who is not willing to bend to fit into society. Funny and at times showing great truths the dialogue is witty and sharp and the characters are unique, playful and full of serendipity. I recommend this film strongly... a wonderful movie exprience that could have easily inspired a series and sequels if the participants had desired. The Prokofiev music and John Bratby artwork are two touches that continue to endear as you view the film."

Gary W. Tooze

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Criterion Region 0 - NTSC DVD

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Distribution	Criterion Region 1 - NTSC - Spine # 154
Runtime	1:35:21 minutes
Video	1.66:1 Original Aspect Ratio Average Bitrate: 7.89 mb/s NTSC 720x480 29.97 f/s
Bitrate: Criterion
Audio	English (Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono)
Subtitles	English, None
Features	Release Information: Studio: Home Vision Entertainment / The Criterion Collection Spine #154 Theatrical Release Date: November 11, 1958 Aspect Ratio: Widescreen anamorphic - 1.66:1 anamorphic Discographic Information: DVD Encoding: All Regions Layers: Dual Edition Details: • All Regions • Color, Widescreen • Original Theatrical Trailer - (unrestored- widescreen anamorphic - 1:42) • New widescreen digital transfer supervised by Ronald Neame • 2001 video interview with director Ronald Neame (widescreen anamorphic - 17:37) • D.A. Pennebaker’s short documentary film 'Daybreak Express' (4:3 / 5:17), which opened the original New York theatrical run of The Horse’s Mouth, plus a video introduction by Pennebaker (widescreen anamorphic / 2:40)
Comments:	Excellent picture quality. Vibrant colors and clean unblemished image in the restored film. Some good film grain shows and the contrast level is perfect. The Pennebaker short is a fine bonus as is the Neame interview. The only failing is the sound which was not up to usual standards as I found it hushed in some parts and overly loud in others.... Criterion still should be applauded ... a great film given their wonderful treatment. Bravo Criterion! out of
	DVD Release Date: June 4, 2002 Keep Case Chapters: 15