NOTE: The features of this boxset are housed in 3 individual transparent keep cases (see image above) and they are not sold separately at this time. These particular NTSC editions can only be obtained in Criterion's Eclipse Series Fourteen - Rossellini’s History Films—Renaissance and Enlightenment package at present.

They are divided as follows - Blaise Pascal (1972) is on the first dual-layered disc, The Age of the Medici has its first 2 parts, The Exile of Cosimo and The Power of Cosimo on the first dual-layered disc of the second larger box and part three, Leon Battisti Alberti: Humanism, on the second, a single-layered disc, with Cartesius (1974), and its two episodes, on a dual-layered disc in the third slim keep case.

There is quite a lot in this package - over 9 hours of the features originally shown on television in Italy. DVDBeaver ListServ member Tag Gallagher states in his 4-page essay in Age of Medici box that this was originally spoken by the actors in English with post-dubs in hopes of selling to the US Public Television broadcast, which declined. Blaise Pascal has Italian or French language on the disc, The Age of Medici offers a choice of English or French, and Cartesius is solely in Italian. All three have optional English subtitles.

Image and audio quality is consistent and acceptable with only part 3 of Medici breaks up into heavier noise, more noticeable in monochromatic blacks, later in the presentation - actually, it often resemble grain (but is not). They are all very clean (expectantly at around 25 years-old) and I can't see that Criterion have done any extensive digital manipulation (ex. bringing up black levels). Overall, the transfers are perfectly suitable for appreciating this fine series.

Bitrates are moderate in the 6.0's MPS and again show the competent nature of the DVD rendering.

Aside from one page liner notes (also by Tag) for two slim keep case packages (visible on the inner case sleeve through the transparent case cover) and Tag Gallagher's fine 4-page booklet inclusion, there are no supplements. This is consistent from Eclipse. 

The mono audio tracks are likewise clear and consistent and the subtitles seem suitably translated without précising although the English, stated as DUB, in Medici doesn't 100% duplicate the subtitles.

Whether I was in a convenient post-Christmas relaxation mood or not I thoroughly enjoyed these historical recreations. Certainly, if nothing more, they are thought-provoking and I found each to be highly intelligent in their own right.

It is with a strong level of certainty that I believe that outside of this Eclipse package, I would never have had the opportunity or desire to view these Rossellini projects. The Eclipse ideal of exposing the 'lost, forgotten or overshadowed' seems perfectly suitable to this set and we should certainly appreciate having these available at the reasonable price of around $10/disc. Step into another time and enjoy parts of the Renaissance as seen through one artistic visionary's eyes. Strongly recommended!