The Warner DVD, which looked great at the time of its release looks faded compared to the French DVD which features more saturated colors without distortion, looking like what one expects of a film shot by Vittorio Storaro.  

Although the French disc does not feature the original Dolby Surround mix, the DTS and 5.1 mixes are quite enveloping. Both discs feature the 6 minute promotional piece but the French DVD has the commentary and longer "Desert Roses" documentary, both of which were also featured on the German 2-disc set from Arthaus but I've been told that that set is 4:3 letterbox and has inferior image quality (but does feature the original surround mix). Those interested in the French DVD should keep in mind that there is also a single disc version out there which features the commentary but, reportedly, not the DTS mixes. Although the OAR is listed at imdb as 1.85:1, both discs are letterboxed at 1.78 (well, 1.79 on the French) but the French reveals more at the bottom of the frame than the R1 while sacrificing just a sliver above. I prefer the French set for the extras, the sound, and the image. On a slightly trivial note, the Warner DVD does feature English subtitles and the theatrical trailer in 16:9 (the same trailer is 4:3 letterbox on the French DVD and looks video sourced).

 - Eric Cotenas