ADDITION: BFI - March 06':  The new BFI release looks very much like the Criterion image - both have the same damage marks and we can assume they are from the same print/negative. The major differences are that the Criterion has richer black levels (probably minutely boosted) and there are more visible damage marks on the BFI release (they are quite prevalent at times) - we assume Criterion have done a cleaning for dirt and dust. The Criterion is also unfortunately cropped on all 4 edges. The black-boosting gives the Criterion a leg-up in perceived sharpness but I can't see the damage factor being too cumbersome for normal viewing of the BFI disc although beware that the scratches, marks and speckles are much more visible at times. In minor points the subtitles are a shade less intrusive on the BFI and the translation is negligibly different at times. Where the BFI should be given wide acknowledgement are in the extras - A commentary by Dreyer expert Casper Tybjerg is excellent although he occasionally tends to focus on explaining obvious plot details a shade more than I would appreciate... but he still intensely discusses Dreyer in a slow clear tone pointing out details such as his use of the 5-act structure (defining them as we watch) and the obviousness of the denunciation of the Christian Church in Day of Wrath. Very much appreciated in this are the optional subtitles for the commentary - Casper's English is excellent but it is a BFI feature that they have used in the past that I find very valuable - I wish more DVD producers would adopt it. The Fight Against Cancer and A Castle Within a Castles are infrequently seen shorts from Dreyer that are also added supplements to the BFI package. The included booklet is nicely done with photos and essays marking it as another fine and noble touch by BFI. Seeing the film with some slight earmarks but in such an exceptional package is like watching it for the first time. I strongly recommend this DVD for fans of Dreyer and all cineastes worldwide - like the original Criterion Boxset - I will treasure it for years. 

NOTE: 'I think the BFI audio commentary by Casper Tybjerg makes getting the BFI disc worth it, and the uncropped image is the clincher even though the print is not cleaned up. The Criterion subtitles are much better, however. The BFI leaves some lines un-translated (like the children's song!) and also mistranslates other lines.

So it is a rare case where I think both DVDs should be be viewed, though, as I already suggest, I think the BFI DVD is the better of the two.

By the way, it's odd that Criterion got Casper Tybjerg to do the audio commentary on Passion of Joan of Arc but not on Day of Wrath. The guy certainly knows his Dreyer films.' (Thanks Richard!)

****

About the Criterion: Although the worst transfer in the Boxset and noting its history (shot in wartime over 60 years ago) we really couldn't ask for it to be any better represented on DVD. Minor flickering - relative sharpness - infrequent speckling damage - excellent contrast (deepest black levels I can remember) and shadow detail! Wonderful grain shows through and being picky I much prefer Criterion's current choice of subtitle font - grayish with a black border and slightly smaller to this bolder and brighter one. The deleted footage from the Jensen documentary is interesting and a great build for the final disc.      

Gary W. Tooze