The audio is transferred via lossless DTS-HD Master 2.0 channel mono track (16-bit) in the original French language.  The effects include some minor aggression with violence and some gunfire. The score is credited to Paul Misraki (Atoll K, Bunuel's Death in the Garden, Godard's Alphaville, Orson Welles's Mr. Arkadin) sounding atmospheric. There are optional English subtitles (see sample) and the Blu-ray disc is Region 'A'-locked.

In her included audio commentary, Samm Deighan covers a lot of ground noting the film as a hybrid of American and French elements - especially its influence in the Noir cycle. She is, again, in top form and it's a superb analysis. Also included are a 1/2 hour interview with First Assistant Director Volker Schlöndorff entitled The Demon Within Him. He recounts the film and his participation noting details about Melville. There is also a 1/2 hour documentary - Birth of the Detective Story Melville Style that indentifies some of the directors predilections in terms of filming, portraying characters and narrative. There is also a theatrical trailer for Le Doulos and other Melville films.

I had forgotten how much I love Melville. This is European crime-thriller-cum-Noir at its very best.  The commentary, interview and documentary add further value to this immensely appealing Blu-ray package. I consider this a must-own.

***

ADDITION: Criterion NTSC - September 08': As anticipated the Criterion detail clearly eclipses the softness of the BFI image. I had some difficulty in matching the captures (this initial review was done quite a long time ago) but I don't see anything cropped or missing from the frames. The Criterion is dual-layered, progressive and anamorphic (both are in 1.66:1 ratio) - if the black levels have been minor-ly boosted it only helped bring up the sharpness a notch. There is a bit of noise. Anyway, the Criterion looks pretty darn good and is the best of the two in terms of visual quality.<

I didn't do an extensive comparison of the audio but in my limited testing the Criterion mono actually seemed a modicum cleaner. The Criterion subtitles are removable and the BFI are not.

Both editions supplements are very much appreciated and the Criterion have duplicated some from the BFI while adding even more. It's the same audio commentary (scene select) by film scholar Ginette Vincendeau (whose sexy voice I could listen to all day). She is the author of Jean-Pierre Melville: An American in Paris. It runs just over 30 minutes dissecting 3 key scenes of the film (The Opening, Therese's Punishment and The Shootout). The 13 minute Volker Schlöndorff, who began his film career as assistant director to Melville, interview is repeated. he talks about his memories of the shoot and the sometimes irascible but always fascinating Melville. A second interview is included - Bertrand Tavernier, who served as publicity agent, on the film gives us 15 minutes discussing Melville as a director, cineophile and complicated individual. Three short archival interviews from French television (two from 1963 and one from 1970) with Melville are included with actors Jean-Paul Belmondo and Serge Reggiani. They total about 15 minutes. We are given and original theatrical trailer (2:17) and 4-pages of liner notes with a new essay by film critic Glenn Kenny.

Easy sneezy - another great package from Criterion. Essential - not only for Melville and noir fans but everyone with the advanced supplements giving invaluable input. Strongly recommended!

***

ON THE BFI: There is a bit of softness in the image, but certainly less than one might expect for a 40 year old film. The audio was clear if unpronounced, excellent subtitles and the Extras are excellent and make for a very complete package. BFI has done another competent job in bringing this Melville classic to DVD. Bravo  

Gary W. Tooze