ADDITION: Arrow - Region 'B' - Blu-ray (April 2011): Okay Arrow (along with Les Diaboliques Arrow Academy's First Releases!) brings one of the world's greatest cinema classics to Blu-ray in a Dual-Format package which includes a DVD of the film. This appears as thought it may be a different print - even from the Arrow DVD. I couldn't seem to match the same damage marks. Also the subtitle translation are different from the 2006 Arrow DVD. The image shows some DNR-like softness in a few scenes and may be brighter than some are anticipating (removing some detail or, at times, actually adding some) but there are plenty of scenes that look very impressive. I'd have appreciated more grain but there is surprising depth at times and some separation of contrasts. This may be the cleanest version I have seen of the Bicycle Thieves - as even the Criterion had some notable scratches. The 1080P image is either slightly horizontally stretched or the Criterion is vertically stretched (thinner faces). We seem to get an equal number of strong opinions either way once the topic is brought up. I lean to the Criterion being a shade squeezed as the other DVDs - as well as the Blu-ray - support the general proportions. Comparatively the Criterion may have some black level boosting looking at side-by-side captures. Bottom line is that I had the best presentation of the film that I have ever had and the screen captures below should speak for themselves. There are plus and minuses to each digital transfer but the higher resolution can definitely trump its weaknesses, imo. There is more than enough to extol here without bringing out the magnifying glass.

Audio is in a liner PCM track (also on the included DVD) and still has it's share of tinny-ness. It is the film I would most like to see a whole new audio restoration but have no idea of the effort or cost involved. Arrow have kept the Italian mono and the well-known music is still impacting - even with its flaws. I have heard the film sounding improved and the lossless can make a crispness that can occasionally translate to an effective edge. As mentioned there are optional English subtitles with a slightly different translation but expressing the same general meaning. The disc is region 'B'-locked Blu-ray.

Bicycle Thieves finally gets a much deserved audio commentary - and who better than by Robert Gordon; Italian cinema expert and author of Bicycle Thieves (BFI Film Classics). There is an array of impressive information at every turn and he was a pleasure to listen to. Included is the same documentary as found on the Criterion - described below as '...hour-long documentary simply called Cesare Zavattini about the screenwriter and longtime Vittorio De Sica collaborator. It is directed by Carlo Lizzani and has input from many sources. Scenarist Cesare Zavattini also collaborated on Shoeshine, Miracle in Milan, and Umberto D, each highly regarded classics in the neorealist vein. The featurettes make a keen base for learning about De Sica's legendary film expressions and the man himself.' As found on the Arrow DVD we get the Timeless Cinema documentary on De Sica plus a lengthy original trailer. Included is a comprehensive liner notes booklet featuring a brand new essay on the film by writer and film historian Michael Brooke as well as screenwriter Cesare Zavattini’s essay 'Some Ideas on the Cinema', illustrated with original stills and Lobby Cards. The artwork presentation packaging including three original posters and a newly commissioned artwork cover.