ADDITION: Criterion - Region 1- May 07': For most people I would say the differences between these two editions are inconsequential but, as expected, the Criterion nudges ahead in every area - if only to a small degree. Criterion have done some minor manipulation to the image - it is marginally brighter and black levels are likewise that much darker. Colors don't appear to have suffered in the process. Framing shows no variance but the Criterion has scenes that are slightly sharper. In essence I wouldn't complain about either edition's appearance - they both look marvelous from the newly restored print.

Criterion offers a stereo option as well as the original mono and the subtitle translation is slightly different in spots.

The BFI does have the feature of optional commentary subtitles - which I use and enjoy. I hope Criterion and other production companies adopt this function in the future.

Regarding the supplements - the commentary is duplicated (possibly the first time I recall Criterion using another edition's commentary track) and I'll repeat what I said about the BFI - "I really enjoyed Ginette Vincendeau's commentary (plus she has a beautiful voice and accent). She might be a little stiff, but expresses an extremely professional manner in her dissemination of information. She certainly knows her stuff - a joy to listen to." Also duplicated is the 30 minute Le journal de la Résistance from 1944 - a rare documentary from the archive of the Imperial War Museum with English commentary by Noel Coward .

Criterion adds some video interviews with Pierre Lhomme and editor Françoise Bonnot - archival video excerpts, including on-set footage and interviews with Melville, cast members, writer Joseph Kessel, and real-life Resistance fighters. There is a short program included called Jean-Pierre Melville et "L'Armée des ombres" from 2006 - this is about 25 minutes. There is a film restoration demonstration by Pierre Lhomme and an excellent 44-page liner notes booklet featuring critic Amy Taubin, historian Robert Paxton, and excerpts from Rui Nogueira’s Melville on Melville. There are some beautiful color photos.

This is a fabulous historic film and I'd love to recommend the BFI based on what a complete DVD package that it is, but the truth is as well as Criterion eclipsing in every area - it is also cheaper after currency conversion. This makes the Criterion a must-have DVD. No question about it.

****

On the BFI: Wow... what a great DVD - a film I had not had the privilege to have ever seen before - from a director whose work I greatly admire. I anxiously stuck it in the player at very first opportunity (minutes after it arrived). A newly restored print, following its theatrical release by the BFI earlier this year looks absolutely stunning - Criterion-level in its contrast and pure film feel with Melville's typical dark browns, blues and greens. Dim, as intended, and very sharp with great shadow detail. First rate image.

I really enjoyed Ginette Vincendeau's commentary (plus she has a beautiful voice and accent). She might be a little stiff, but expresses an extremely professional manner in her dissemination of information. She certainly knows her stuff - a joy to listen to.

Other digital supplements include a 33 minute featurette - Le Journal de la Résistance shot in 1945 - a rare documentary from the archive of the Imperial War Museum with English commentary by Noel Coward, plus a rarely seen short film about Jean-Pierre Melville from 1968, with footage of him directing on set (French with English subtitles). Finally a wonderful illustrated 20-page booklet including an essay by Jean-Michel Frodon and a review of the film on its original release by Jean-Louis Comolli, both from Cahiers du cinéma magazine. Incredible work by BFI - I am thrilled with this DVD - another in the list of strong candidates for Feature DVD of the Month.  

Gary W. Tooze