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S E A R C H    D V D B e a v e r

(aka "The Engagement" or "The Fiances")

directed by Ermanno Olmi
Italy 1963

 

Cinema rarely gets as honest, warm and profoundly touching as Ermanno Olmi's "I Fidanzati". The sensitive imagery subtly cascades upon your senses with divergent realism in the foreground to evoke a perfect expression of emotional longing. Without seemingly going into details at all Olmi introduces us to a young couple - their lifestyles - their attachment and their realization of desire through absence. With its minimal dialogue and slow (although even) pacing - this is definitely not a film for everyone, but in others it will strike all the right chords for sympathy, understanding and bonding. A true masterpiece that will linger long after you watch it. The day after viewing and my heart aches with joy and desperation for the characters as I view the screen captures below. out of

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Theatrical Release: March 25th, 1963 - Italy

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DVD Review: Criterion -  Region 0 - NTSC

DVD Box Cover

   

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Distribution Criterion Collection Spine # 195 - Region 0 - NTSC
Runtime 1:17:06
Video 1.81:1 Original Aspect Ratio
Average Bitrate: 5.63 mb/s
NTSC 720x480 29.97 f/s
 

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

Bitrate:

 

Audio Italian (Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono)
Subtitles English, None
Features Release Information:
Studio: Criterion Collection
Production Company: Home Vision Entertainment

Aspect Ratio:
Widescreen anamorphic - 1.81:1

DVD Release Date: June 24, 2003
Keep Case
Chapters: 15

Edition Details:
• Exclusive new video interview with filmmaker Ermanno Olmi and collaborator Tullio Kezich discussing I Fidanzati (18:53)
• New essay by critic Kent Jones
• Widescreen anamorphic format

 

Comments:
Criterion needs no extensive accolades from me... their track record of marvelous films transferred to DVD with sterling success is easily discernable from the casual collector to the stalwart buff. Here we have yet another example. The image in "I Fidanzati" has wonderful grain. The use of their soft subtle contrasts is pure filmic.

I have a strong feeling that aside from the initial theatrical release, this 40-year old film has never looked so good. Criterion again employed their pristine subtitles and an insightful interview as an extra that again enhances the understated beauty of the film. Give yourself a special present and buy this today. out of

Gary W. Tooze


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Recommended Books on Italian Cinema (CLICK COVERS or TITLES for more information)

 

DVD Box Cover

   

CLICK to order from:

Distribution Criterion Collection Spine # 195 - Region 0 - NTSC



 

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Gary Tooze

Many Thanks...