ADDITION: Criterion Blu-ray (August 2019): Fans rejoice that Criterion have transferred Ernst Lubitsch's Cluny Brown to Blu-ray in a "New 4K digital restoration". It looks significantly superior to the single-layered SDs with up to 7-8X the bitrate. The 1080P visuals are notably brighter and show a shade more information in the frame. The contrast is another solid notch up. It looks excellent in-motion without speckles or damage of any kind.

NOTE: 15 more full resolution (1920 X 1080) Blu-ray captures for Patrons are available HERE.

On their Blu-ray, Criterion use a linear PCM mono track (24-bit) in the original English language. It is another advancement in clarity of the film's charming dialogue and score by Cyril J. Mockridge (Night People, I Wake Up Screaming, Where the Sidewalk Ends, Thieves' Highway, Desk Set, The Ox-Bow Incident, The Dark Corner, My Darling Clementine, Nightmare Alley) sounding consistent and carrying some depth. Criterion offer optional English subtitles on their Region FREE Blu-ray.

The Criterion Blu-ray include extras include a new 17-minute conversation between film critics Molly Haskell and Farran Smith Nehme discuss Cluny Brown and the history of unconventional female characters in Ernst Lubitsch's films. There is a new 1/4 hour video essay by film scholar Kristin Thompson author of Herr Lubitsch Goes to Hollywood, describes how director Ernst Lubitsch uses reaction shots to humorous effect in Cluny Brown. The Lubitsch Touch is the same 1/4 hour interview recorded in 2004, featuring film critic Bernact Eisenschitz discussing the progression of Ernst Lubitsch's career, from the director's beginning in German silents through Cluny Brown, the last film he saw to completion. Lastly, is an hour long Screen Directors Playhouse radio adaptation of the film from 1950, featuring Dorothy McGuire and Charles Boyer. There is a liner notes booklet with an essay by novelist and essayist Siri Hustvedt and a new cover by Caitlin Kuhwald.

Fans, of course, should be very pleased to get Cluny Brown in a 4K restoration via Blu-ray. Another masterful and fun gem from Ernst Lubitsch. Strongly recommended!

***

ADDITION: BFI - Region 2- PAL - June 08': No appreciable difference in the image quality between these two single-layered DVDs. It's kinda nice to have the English subtitle option now but you lose the digital supplements - that were all in French anyway. There is a nice illustrated booklet with original publicity photos etc. as liner notes in the BFI.

I'd say get the most reasonably priced - although, as we predicted so long ago, the Carlotta is way out-of-print - but do get this film.

ON THE CARLOTTA: Decent single-layered DVD image! Not a blemish to be seen - above average detail - strong black levels and the best part is that the French subtitles are removable (on-the-fly too!) I was recently reminded by a friend what a great fun film this is - the characterizations are superb. It's a shame the extensive extras are in French only but the film, and this marvelous digital image, are worth the price alone. Just another gem that has fallen through the cracks of region 1 (but at least they produced 100,000 copies of Legally Blonde). Sheeesh.

We strongly recommend you get a copy of Lubitsch's last  completed film on DVD while you can. This is the type to vanish forever...  

Gary W. Tooze