ADDITION- Criterion - Region 'A' - Blu-ray  February 2010:  The flatter, softer DVDs give way to a glorious 1080P presentation of magnificent scene after breathtaking scene. This is one of those films that was meant for Blu-ray. The visuals rise to their intended position of majestic appearance. I've never seen Days of Heaven look so good. Colors are richer, black level deeper but the depth had me swooning at times. Gosh-darn this film looks so good at times. I'll let the screen captures below tell most of the story of the image quality. I was frequently blown away by the appearance.

Audio has a very healthy DTS-HD Master 5.1 at 3737 kbps. In 'separations' it is always the subtleties that I appreciate the most and this has even minor gestures (wind, distant voices etc.) making their way to the rear speakers without overbearing power. The track has some strength but at the same time feels restrained - I liked it a lot. There are optional English subtitles and my Momitsu has identified it as being a region 'A'-locked.

Extras duplicate the 2007 DVD with the fine group commentary and interviews (see expanded descriptions below) although video is in HD.

For many cinephiles Days of Heaven would have been a top 5 choice for release in this new format. The impressive visuals produce a high expectations in HD - and they are met with rapturous beauty. While early in the year - this will undoubtedly make for strong consideration for Blu-ray of the year 2010. Criterion have come through yet again. 'Essential' seems inappropriate - let's just say one of the most beautiful films ever made transferred to perfection in the best quality format available. Our highest recommendation!

***

ADDITION: Criterion - October 07': Firstly, the single-layered transfer from Paramount was actually quite strong for its time but in all areas the dual-layered, progressive Criterion has improved in their new package. Almendros' visuals can be so striking it can actually make the discrepancies that much more difficult to identify in the screen captures below. Sharpness may have the least superiority (although it is there) but colors, contrast and the minimalization of digital noise are readily easy to separate and identify. Without going into excessive detail - the director approved (actually - supervised and approved by director Terrence Malick, editor Billy Weber, and camera operator John Bailey) Criterion image is magnificent.

NOTE on framing: The Criterion appears to show more information on the left edge at times and the frame seems to have moved slightly downward in relation to  the Paramount. I found neither observation overly significant.

Audio is also a 5.1 track (as the Paramount) but to my ears sounded that much more distinct and buoyant. I have no quantitative way of defending these thoughts - but it is my honest opinion that the Criterion is better. It is supported by optional English subtitles - the Paramount offers only French.

Criterion have included some strong supplements. Firstly the commentary is excellent with input from Billy Weber, Jack Fisk, costume designer Patricia Norris, and casting director Dianne Crittenden. The ladies have some valuable production input including a neat story from Diane on how Malick wanted John Travolta to play the lead - feeling he had the human quality that he was looking for (even promising to ship him back for his 'Welcome Back Kotter' television scenes of that week). Weber emphasized how 'Terry' (Malick) seemed to inherently understand the parameters of the film stock better than anyone - including the cinematographer Nelson Almendros or even Kodak. It is a fairly relaxed commentary and some great facts are imparted about Alberta and the performers. A very enjoyable and recommended listen.

There are bits on 'Actors' - Gere (audio only) and Shepard (12 minutes of video) - I especially enjoyed Shepard's input and his expression of Malick's vision. There is a second section entitled 'Camera' with operators John  Bailey (about 20 minutes) and another with Haskel Wexler (12 minutes). Bailey focuses (no pun) on the use of 70's style with frequent hand-hand shots etc. Wexler exclaims praise for Almendros, the editing process and his impressions of Malick.

Criterion have added a 42-page liner notes booklet with color photos and essays by critic Adrian Martin and director of photography Nestor Almendros.

My final words will be a strong recommendation - close to a must-own for film fans. The ground-breaking 'magic time' visuals are discussed in detail in the supplements and this adds to the package's authoritative pluses. Tremendous DVD!              

Gary W. Tooze