Arrow cited this as a "brand new 2K restoration from the original negative" and give us "Viva l'Italia" on a dual-layered Blu-ray disc with a supportive bitrate. It is in the 1.66:1 aspect ratio. Grain is evident and colors - notably red and blues - show richness but much of the film has an earthy tone. The presentation has a film-like thickness and the only notable weakness was a mark in the bottom left that stayed through various consecutive scenes (see last capture). I only mention it because I noticed it in both my viewings. The HD image is, largely, a success to be able to see the film looking as strong as it does. 

Arrow go with a linear PCM 2.0-channel mono track (16-bit) and it supports the film's effects (battle scenes) and especially the score by Renzo Rossellini, the younger brother of director Roberto Rossellini. he is notable for work in The War Trilogy films Rome, Open City (1945), Paisan (1946) as well as other films like The Possessed. There are optional English subtitles on the Region FREE Blu-ray disc.

Arrow include "Garibaldi", a 1-hour 24-minute alternate shorter cut of the film originally prepared for the US market. It fills about 14 Gig of the disc, 1080P with LPCM audio, and optional subtitles and looks inferior to the main feature - mostly in colors and grain support - but is still very watchable. There is also a brand-new, 33-minute, interview with Roberto Rossellini's assistant on the film, Ruggero Deodato, recorded exclusively for this release. He talks of the director, and the production - it is in Italian with optional English subtitles. "I Am Garibaldi", a brand-new, 17-minute, visual essay by Tag Gallagher, author of The Adventures of Roberto Rossellini: His Life and Films. It is at his usual excellent level of thoroughness with fascinating tidbits of details. The package has a reversible sleeve with original and newly commissioned artwork by Sean Phillips and the first pressings get an illustrated collector's booklet containing new writing on the film by filmmaker and critic Michael Pattison.

Viva l'Italia is a rare find. I had never seen it, nor knew much of Giuseppe Garibaldi. I enjoyed it even more in the second viewing. The historical recreations seemed so real to me... and it expressed the director's humanity and brilliant storytelling ability. Sorry it took me so long to review - Arrow Blu-ray gets a very strong recommendation!