I was quite astounded to see that this is another of Criterion's very few fully non-progressive DVD (see 'combing' examples at bottom). Occasionally Criterion utilize a transfer process called 'alchemist' where very infrequent (possibly only 6 instances throughout the entire film), of fine combing can be detected, but this is, as usual non-HD sourced material, every 3rd frame. It is interlaced. I have contacted them about it in hopes that my screener copy is an aberration. I will report back if I get any response. It would be a devastating trend if it continued.

The other significant DVD production detail about Koko: A Talking Gorilla (like another recent 1.33 film release - Equinox) it has NOT been pictureboxed. We can assume that Criterion have abandoned this DVD production practice - hopefully for good. But on their website it declares that the upcoming re-release of Kurosawa's Seven Samurai - 'The picture has been slightly window-boxed to ensure that the maximum image is visible on all monitors.' So we are still uncertain at this point. We will report as more information surfaces.

It is stated that this is a 'New, restored digital transfer supervised and approved by director Barbet Schroeder' - and as we have no idea about quality of the source material we can only assume that this is the best it can look (excepting that it is interlaced). There are some very faint light scratches and colors are a shade dull but overall it is tube acceptable. It contains an optional French DUB and optional English subtitles. There is an 11 minute interview with director Schroeder and some quality liner notes.

Well, I'm afraid I wasn't overtaken with the film experience. Perhaps I am too caught up in fictionalized film stories. It was interesting, bordering on fascinating, but perhaps I was expecting more. In the supplement interview, I had the feeling that Schroeder was trying to be a bit of an opportunist doing this documentary - in rumored expectation that the authorities would step in and take Koko away once they learned he was being educated with sign language. THEN it really would be a colossal story - even beyond that of a low-level communicating gorilla. I am, of course, just surmising.

It is at Criterions low price point (35% off o now on Pre-Order) and I think you would have to be relatively keen on the topic to get strong value from this particular release. A positive is that you probably won't find it anywhere else digitally. Home Vision used to sell the VHS so we know it was part of their shared copyright holdings. Another bonus is that it is something I could watch with my young sons.

Gary W. Tooze