ADDITION - Warner - Region 1,4 - February 07': - Okay, there are some plus and minuses. The BFI (now out-of-print) seems to be more faithful to the original aspect ratio of 1.66 and the Warner, although 1.78, only adds information into the frame (on both sides). The dual-layered and 16X9 Warner is far sharper, brighter and with much better contrast. To me the non-anamorphic BFI always looked a little tight and I saw no composition issues with the Warner.

Both have original audio and the Warner offers optional English subtitles.

Extras obviously go towards the BFI with the commentary etc. (see Donald's comments below) where the Warner has only a theatrical trailer.

I suppose the ideal here is to own both - the Warner for the image and the BFI for the extras. Baring that the Warner is offered at a very reasonable price to see this intense film - and for those who feel strongly enough they can eventually seek out the BFI.

***

On the PAL edition:  This is an adequate transfer, with some minor flaws - shadow detail is a bit lacking, and there's a lot of dust early in the film, with it lessening somewhat later on, though appearing steadily. Grain is moderate, sharpness is slightly better than on the open-matte US laserdisc transfer. The commentary offers interesting reflections by writer Sillitoe and star Courtenay, while Murphy contributes some thoughtful musings on the film's making and reception.