This is one of Criterion's most unique release packages - almost befitting the Eclipse label. There is some excellent and worthwhile entertainment here - but there is a payment...

 

The image quality is best described by the screen captures below. This was taken from a PBS series from the 80's that utilized it's best available process to present the vintage television programs. But still, combing is frequently noticeable on the 3 dual-layered DVDs of the package. Some of the shows are progressively presented while others are interlaced.  The Kineoscope capturing of the 'live' 50's television, ranging from 50-minutes to 1-hour-20 each programs, is fraught with weakness. At times the frame edges distort with a slight concave bending - muddy contrast flickers excessively and the image is hazy with bands of horizontal lines stretching across the screen like a film rendition of a TV screen (this is, actually, not far off). For the most part they are original 1.33:1 aspect ratio, but there is often thinning with a black bar on  the right edge and damage and dirt are frequently visible. If this was VCI Entertainment - we could easily dismiss the inferiorities as fault of an compromised source and/or limited transfer - BUT being Criterion and seeing the dual-layering it appears that this may very well be the best and only way, at present, to see these 8 classic dramas. As a positive - I couldn't help thinking how the limitations evoke the feeling of viewing via a very old, small screen, 'Dumont' which is quite possibly how they were when initially broadcast.

 

 

The 1.0 channel mono audio doesn't fare much better than the video with plenty of crackling, some hiss and scattering of dialogue - but saying that - it was discernable although I was more comfortable with the optional English subtitles on. There doesn't appear to have been any restoration on the A/V at all.

 

Aside from the original 80's PBS introductions, or intro-segment input, (lasting about 5-plus minutes each) from the likes of Rod Steiger, Betsy Palmer, Eva Marie Saint, Keenan Wynn, Roddy McDowall, Andy Griffith, Merv Griffin, Cliff Robertson, Jack Palance, Carl Reiner etc. - we also get 4 commentaries - on Marty (by director Delbert Mann), director Ralph Nelson on Requiem for a Heavyweight, a partial commentary (about 45 minutes worth) by Daniel Petrie on Bang the Drum Slowly and John Frankenheimer on The Comedian. While these had nostalgic appeal - they also represented a further understanding of connecting with what we were really watching. They gave solid advancement into my appreciation. There are two John Frankenheimer interviews, lasting about 20-minutes in total, that I hoped would redeem his, rather lackluster, commentary and he does - with the discussion of 'live television' performance being highly interesting. Lastly, we get a 36-page booklet featuring an essay by curator Ron Simon and his extensive liner notes on each program.

 

 

Initially, I wasn't particularly enthusiastic about viewing these 'plays' but I began to get more encouraged with each segment - feeling, at times, like I was a fly on the wall at the Actor's Studio. These programs have remarkable value. Days of Wine and Roses, Bang the Drum Slowly, Requiem for a Heavyweight and Marty have always been favorites and seeing them like this was very special indeed, but I also loved The Comedian and Patterns as new experiences. These programs were a pleasure - and, personally, forever lost to me if not for this DVD boxset. It's really worth the time invested and I might even consider it for my top packages of the year in our upcoming Year End Poll. That, my friends, is a recommendation.

Gary W. Tooze