Mafioso Criterion Alberto Sordi

Directed by Alberto Lattuada
Italy 1962

In Alberto Lattuada's brilliant dark comedy Mafioso, auto-factory foreman Nino (Alberto Sordi) takes his proper, modern wife (Norma Bengell) and two blonde daughters from industrial Milan to antiquated, rural Sicily to visit his family and get back in touch with his roots. But Antonio gets more than he bargained for when he discovers some harsh truths about his ancestors—and himself. One of the first Italian films to look frankly at the Mafia, Lattuada's devastatingly funny character study is equal parts culture-clash farce and existential nightmare.

Posters

Theatrical Release: October 25th, 1962

Reviews More Reviews DVD Reviews

DVD Review: Criterion - Region 1 - NTSC

DVD Box Cover		CLICK to order from:
Distribution	Criterion Collection - Spine # 424 - Region 1 - NTSC
Runtime	1:43:08
Video	1.85:1 Aspect Ratio Average Bitrate: 7.63 mb/s NTSC 720x480 29.97 f/s
	NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes.
Bitrate:
Audio	Italian (Dolby Digital mono)
Subtitles	English, None
Features	Release Information: Studio: Criterion Aspect Ratio: Original Aspect Ratio 1.85:1 Edition Details: • A 1996 interview with director Alberto Lattuada by filmmaker Daniele Luchetti • New interviews with the director's wife, actress Carla Del Poggio (Variety Lights), and son Alessandro Lattuada • Trailers for the original Italian release and the 2007 U.S. rerelease • Gallery of promotional caricatures by artist Keiko Kimura • 26-page liner notes booklet with new essays by Phillip Lopate and Roberto Chiesi and a 1982 interview with Alberto Lattuada DVD Release Date: March 18th, 2008 Keep Case Chapters: 21

Comments:

Superb transfer from Criterion - dual-layered, progressive and anamorphic in the 1.85:1 ratio. Contrast and detail are at Criterion's high standards. I can't add more than just viewing the screen captures below. I, certainly, have no complaints. Typical of Criterion - they offer excellent optional English subtitles and original mono audio.

Supplements are rife with Ritratti D'utore which is Daniele Luchetti's 16 minute entry in the documentary anthology Ritratti D'utore Seconda serie (1966) which profiles the director Alberto Lattuada. There is an 8 minute interview with Carla Del Poggio (Variety Lights, Lost Youth) from 2006 as she remembers her husband, her father Ugo Attanasio and the production of Mafioso. The son of the director, Alessandro Lattuada, is also interviewed for about 8 minutes as he recalls his father's ideas, work and thoughts on Mafioso. We are also treated to a gallery of promotional caricatures (featured in Rialto Picture's promotional art for the film) by artist Keiko Kimura and a little bit about the artist. Also digitally there are trailers for the original Italian release and the 2007 U.S. re-release. Finally there is a 26-page liner notes booklet with new essays by Phillip Lopate and Roberto Chiesi and a 1982 interview with Alberto Lattuada.

I was right in the mood to watch this and enjoyed it immensely. I'm very glad it was Criterion who undertook the DVD process as it is fast becoming a favorite film (I want to enjoy the viewing experience again soon!) - so I guess that means I strongly recommend the wonderful DVD package.

Gary W. Tooze

DVD Menus