NOTE: The below Blu-ray captures were taken directly from the Blu-ray disc.

ADDITION: Criterion - Region 'A' - Blu-ray (October 2013): There are very minute differences between the Criterion's new 1080P transfer and the Masters of Cinema from the last month. Technically they are almost exactly the same but looking under the microscope the MoC, occasionally, looks a shade green which, I should add, I have no idea whether it is authentic to the original. I don't doubt Criterion has deftly used their magic and created more pure-appearing black + white visuals. I would say that for the vast majority it would be imperceptible. Those who project may be more sensitive to the green. Personally, I consider it a non-issue.

Likewise the audio - also a linear PCM - I can detect no difference in the sound quality. Criterion also offer English subtitles but their disc is region 'A'-locked like all their Blu-rays to date.

Okay, moving on to extras. Criterion, usually unmatched in this area, offer some new material including a 26-minute interview with film critic Adriano Aprà and film historian Carlo di Carlo. They discuss Antonioni's oeuvre also examining the film's style. We also get a new (2012) interview with professor Giuliana Bruno on the role of architecture in the narrative of La notte. It runs 1/2 hour and should be fascinating for fans of the director. There is a trailer and the transparent keep case contains a liner notes booklet featuring an essay by critic Richard Brody and a 1961 article by director Michelangelo Antonioni.

So a/v is a wash but Criterion advance with their digital extras although the MoC booklet is also excellent. You won't go wrong with whatever geographical region you belong but those patient region free'ers may opt for the Criterion (or the cheapest for their shipping charges.) Our highest recommendation!

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ADDITION: Masters of Cinema - Region 'B' - Blu-ray (September 2013): What a thrill - Antonioni in 1080P! I'm very excited about the Masters of Cinema's new Blu-ray of La Notte. My first exposure to this film was the censored, letterboxed, Fox/Lorber DVD - which I would now consider unwatchable. This new MoC Blu-ray is transferred at 1.85:1 and it looks like we may lose a small amount of information on the top of the frame but gain extensively on the side edges. I have no explanation for the aspect ratio alternation from the DVD but, in my viewing, composition looked balanced. I suspect it is correct and IMDb may be wrong. The upcoming Criterion is also in 1.85:1. I anticipated there might be some issues with contrast but it far exceeded my negative suspicions. Actually, I am going to project it in the next day or two to determine any anomalies. On my 60" Plasma - it looked quite good, but zooming into some of the stills - there may be potential artifacts. Stay tuned.

Audio is lossless with a linear PCM transfer. Giorgio Gaslini's score and the dialogue sound flawless. Crisp but flat and there are optional English subtitles on this region 'B' Blu-ray.

Extras duplicate MoC's 2008 DVD with the, 3-minute plus, theatrical trailer and extensive liner notes - essay by film-critic and scholar Brad Stevens, and the transcript of a lengthy Q&A conducted in 1961 with Antonioni upon the film’s release. I'd have loved a commentary but still what a pleasure to have this highly anticipated release.

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ADDITION: Eureka - Masters of Cinema - Region 0 - PAL April 08': the running time differential is explained by the MoC being 'with previously censored sequences restored for the first time.' where the Fox/Lorber does not contain them.

So this is really not a comparison as the Masters of Cinema disc is so far in advance of the old Fox/Lorber. The PAL DVD is dual-layered where the F/L is single - the MoC is anamorphic, where the F/L is not, the Eureka has removable subtitles where the Fox are burnt-in. etc. etc. The Fox-Lorber has some terrible noise, ghosting and combing, on its pictureboxed frame and was really only a stop-gap for fans who have been awaiting this release (English friendly) for years.

MoC appear to have taken the trouble of improving the subtitles and aside from the original Italian theatrical trailer, offer a wonderful 56-page booklet with a new essay by film-critic and scholar Brad Stevens, and the transcript of a lengthy Q&A conducted in 1961 with Antonioni upon the film’s release.

NOTE: It has been rumored for quite a while that Criterion would indulge in this title but that speculation has given us no concrete release date.