NOTE: We have added 44 more large resolution Blu-ray captures (in lossless PNG format) for DVDBeaver Patrons HERE

Criterion also go liner PCM (24-bit) with the Polish-language audio but theirs is in 1.0 channel mono, although I couldn't distinguish significant differences. Both offer optional English subtitles and the Criterion Blu-ray is region 'A'-locked.

For extras, Criterion include the audio commentary from 2004 featuring film scholar Annette Insdorf as well as the Andrzej Wajda: On “Ashes and Diamonds,” a 2005 program also on their 2005 DVD, featuring interviews recorded for Criterion in December 2003 at Andrzej Wajda Master School of Film Directing in Warsaw. Wajda is accompanied by his colleague Janusz Morgenstern and film critic Jerzy Plazewski. Morgenstern served as second director on Ashes and Diamonds and as assistant director on Kanal. He went on to have a prolific career as a feature director and head of the film company Perspektywa. Plazewski is the author of twenty-one books on cinema, including The History of World Cinema and The Language of Film. Repeated as well from the 2005 DVD are a short newsreel that appeared in Polish cinemas in 1958, to announce the coming of director Andrzej Wajda's much-anticipated third feature, Ashes and Diamonds. Is there anything new? Yes - film historian Annette Insdorf created a wonderful video essay in 2020 to further contextualize Ashes and Diamonds within director Andrzej Wajda's career and trace its influence on filmmakers of subsequent generations. It is included here - over 13-minutes long. The Blu-ray package has the same liner notes essay by film scholar Paul Coates, as on the DVD.

Well, this is quite an upgrade in the HD video presentation superiority over the 2011 Arrow, it still has the valued commentary and other previous extras and includes a new Insdorf video essay. This is a masterpiece and IMDb tells us that Citizen Kane and Gregg Toland's cinematography in particular - was a huge influence on Andrzej Wajda at the time Ashes and Diamonds was conceived. Like Toland, the first thing the film's cinematographer Jerzy Wójcik did was convince production designer Roman Mann to include ceilings in all the sets. I can't really say enough about the film or this Criterion Blu-ray package. It has our highest recommendation!

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ADDITION: Arrow Academy - Region 'B' - Blu-ray - September 11': The new Arrow Academy 1080P transfer is a decent one. At first I thought it was a bit waxy. It is described as 'a new 2K resolution restoration of the film image and sound transferred from 35mm '. There is grain and depth as well as a jump in detail that will be noticed most by those with larger, more discerning, systems. The Arrow shows marginally more information the top, bottom and left edge of the frame - with Criterion showing a small additional amount on the right edge. Contrast is a shade less prominent than the Criterion - who may have procured their digital magic to some degree. Textures aren't overwhelming but the higher resolution does improve the visuals - especially in a few sequences about 2/3rds in. The Blu-ray disc is single-layered with a reasonable bitrate. It adheres to the original 166:1 aspect ratio. There was only one instance of noise that I noted - where the, often, darker Criterion SD exhibited that phenomenon more frequently - although not fatally.

Audio comes in the form of a linear PCM 2.0 channel at 2304 kbps. The uncompressed track has no flaws but is unremarkable except as a stronger representation of the original. Like the Criterion there are optional English subtitles. The Arrow Blu-ray is region 'B'-locked.

The Arrow doesn't have the wonderful Annette Insdorf commentary track but does includes a 25-minute interview with director Andrzej Wajda where he discusses Ashes & Diamonds. It is presented in 1080P. Included in the package is a comprehensive booklet by writer and film historian Michael Brooke, including new writing on the film, a re-print of Marek Hendrykowsk's monograph on Ashes & Diamonds , Andrzej Wajda 's lecture on Cinema Past and Present. The artwork presentation packaging includes three original posters and a newly commissioned cover.

The Criterion is only available as a SD boxset entitled Andrzej Wajda: Three War Films (reviewed HERE) with A Generation (1955), Kanal (1957) and Ashes and Diamonds from1958. It is pricey but can serve as an excellent introduction to the director. The Arrow is definitely an improved presentation for the latter film - plus the included supplements should be enjoyed by fans of the director. Those who are capable of appreciating this masterpiece and can play region 'B' should definitely consider adding this to their digital library. It is the best home theater presentation currently in existence.

***

Back in my youth, Ashes and Diamonds was one of those movies which defined a generation -- it was a symbol of our generation; part of the revolt (along with beat-poetry and Bob Dylan) against the stodgy middle-class, religion-ridden world of our parents. The introduction of directors such as Wajda to a new and wider audience is of course one of the great benefits of DVD. (Thanks Anthony!)

***

ON THE DVD (2005): Wonderfully film that requires some work and patience. I, again, thoroughly enjoyed. I'm so glad I was able to see all of these films (thank you Criterion!) especially so close together. I got a real feel of the 'Polish school' with one of its icon directors.

The 1.66 widescreen is accurate. Excellent contrast. The film has some dark moments that don't appear to have any manipulations. I've always enjoyed Annette Insdorf's remarks and although I have not had a chance to indulge in this commentary yet, I expect this will be as insightful and enlightening as her previous. I look forward to it. Overall a fantastic boxset by the great Criterion. Hallelujah! 

Gary W. Tooze