This differs from the American Shorts release in that some of these transfers (ex. Only My Wrongs, L'Homme Sans Tete, Le Batteur Due Bolero) are anamorphic, all are progressive and all have director commentaries (which I have not fully gone through yet).

Overall, this DVD has very strong value to view some cinema short films that would otherwise be impossible to see. I'm very glad Warp Films have brought it, and the others, to DVD accessibility. I can't see many film fans not being curious enough to make the purchase with so many acclaimed directors having their work available in one package. It truly is another excellent collection.

The unnamed bonus short is a 13 minute long animation directed by Jan Svankmajer called Jabberwocky (Zvahlav aneb Saticky Slameného Huberta) - from 1971. A real mood piece!

I guess it is only natural to compare the Cinema 16 short DVDs and, in my opinion, the European one is by far the best (although I am only 1/3 the way through the British, I felt it was better than the American - which I also liked). Certainly transfer-wise it is superior - progressive with a few 16X9 enhanced, all have removable English subtitles (and French, Italian, Spanish and German), there are more director commentaries, and I enjoyed the films even more - a very rewarding, eclectic mix that seems to gel more cohesively in consecutive viewing. This is a fantastic DVD folks, one of our highest recommendations. I can't think that anyone owning and viewing wouldn't get a lot out of the tremendous selections. Some might even consider it essential viewing.

NOTE: This DVD is in the PAL format, Region 2, unlike the American Shorts which are in the NTSC (Region 0 ) standard.

Gary W. Tooze