NOTE: We have added 26 more large resolution Kino Blu-ray captures for DVDBeaver Patrons HERE.

Kino Lorber have released the film with its original audio in 24-bit 2.0 DTS-HD Master audio. Though it sounds a tad flat to my ears, this is most likely no fault of the transfer, and true to the original presentation. There are optional English subtitles on this Region 'A' Blu-ray from Kino Lorber.

There is a brand new audio commentary with film historian Nick Pinkerton. Pinkerton provides a ton of information on the film, its reception and Buñuel in particular. A very well researched track, as Pinkerton's commentaries frequently are. Also included here is a 17-minute interview with writer Jean-Claude Carrière. Following that, we get a 32-minute critical analysis by Professor Peter W. Evans. The film's trailer is included, as is a trailer for "Death in the Garden". There is also a booklet essay, "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For: The Milky Way" by film critic (and fellow Torontonian) Adam Nayman. Aside from this fine piece of writing, Adam recently released a fantastic new book on the films of The Coen Bros. (with perhaps the best title one could ever think of, "The Coen Brothers: This Book Really Ties the Films Together".)

Luis Buñuel's "The Milky Way" should not be overlooked when discussing the director's canon. It contains all the hallmarks of a Buñuel film, from his fascination with religion and the absurd. Taking from the Spanish picaresque novels, Buñuel creates something wholly his own, and Kino's new Blu-ray transfer deserves your attention. Highly recommended.

Colin Zavitz

***

ADDITION: Criterion - Region 1 - August 07': the softer palette Criterion (with a brownish hue) makes the Warner appear to have contrast boosting. Frankly, sometimes the Warner colors and transfer looks superior but for the most part the Criterion is the better overall image in my opinion - it certainly exhibits sharper detail at times. Another bonus on the Criterion is that the subtitles are not burnt-in like the Warner - they are removable. Both are anamorphic and progressive in the original 1.66 ratio.

Audio has Criterion at 1 channel (original?) to Warner's two but neither show dramatic differences in audible dialogue as judged by my ears.

Although Criterion doesn't have a commentary it does offer some decent supplements. It starts with a very good 28-minute video interview with film scholar Ian Christie - mostly surface stuff but he does touch upon some interesting veins of detail. Then a 32 minute piece, Luis Buñuel: Atheist Thanks to God; another good documentary featuring several of Bunuel's close friends and collaborators. Then a 6 minute kind of intro with Jean-Claude Carriare recorded in 2000. We have the trailer and a 38-page liner notes booklet featuring essays by Carlos Fuentes and Mark Polizzotti, and an interview with Luis Buñuel. Another complete effort by Criterion that Buñuel fans will relish. Recommended!