With this Centennial Edition being coded for region 4, as well as 1, it seems set to market in South American with a Spanish DUB and subtitle option. The 5.1 English bump exists as does the original mono track choice. Subtitles are still in gaudy yellow.

The Shepherd commentary is still accessible on the feature disc and a second disc seems to have all the featurettes on the Anniversary edition (minus the trailer) and have added 4 more, rather superfluous pieces. We have a 5 minute tour of Paramount, 20-minutes on the party and hosting your own, a worthwhile 20-minute documentary on Mancini, and Asian Americans looking at the extravagant depiction by Mickey Rooney as Mr. Yunioshi. Ohh... there are some galleries too and an 8-page liner notes booklet with some color photos.

So, its the best edition, but not worth an upgrade from the Anniversary release, in my opinion (despite to good price). If you own the original or none then we recommend this new Centennial Collection edition but the Anniversary is almost 1/2 the price. Great film - always lovely to revisit.    

***



 

ON THE ANNIVERSARY EDITION: Wow - this is quite a difference. It is not uncommon to see 'Anniversary' re-releases as no improvement on the image and sound quality, but just multiple extra features added. Gratefully, this new Anniversary edition improves drastically on all fronts. The initial releases show a boosting of blacks (and reds) making the image darker and skin tones decidedly tanned. The frame has opened up in the Anniversary release, or more likely, the initial was zoomed-in with missing information on both side edges and the bottom of the frame. The new edition is much brighter and colors are far more visible. Skin tones appear to have returned to their original state. The old releases was punctuated by digital noise and some minor scratches and marks which have all disappeared in the new, stacked, anniversary DVD. On the audio front the new edition sports a optional 5.0 bump (superfluous as far as I am concerned) and the original mono plus a French DUB. Although the commentary was quite good I also appreciated the series of featurette documentaries that are included in the new DVD package - lots of Audrey reminiscences and production details on 'Tiffany's'.

I had forgotten the extent of enjoyment and nostalgia this film's language exudes. A defining role for Hepburn and arguably Edwards best film (although I might say Days of Wine and Roses is my favorite of his - no I'm not a Pink Panther fan). Certainly this new Breakfast at Tiffany's package is much appreciated!    

 - Gary Tooze