NOTE: The 4 main features of this boxset are housed in individual slim transparent keep cases (see image above and below) they are not sold separately, by Criterion, at this time. These particular NTSC editions can only be obtained in Criterion's Eclipse Series 27 package at present. I am unaware of any English-friendly editions available elsewhere.

All four DVDs are single-layered. They are also progressive in their original 1.33 aspect ratios.

The sound is original Italian mono - imperfect with the expected sync issues we have seen from Italian films many times before. The dialogue is clear enough and audible - I noted a couple of instances of minor hiss, but overall it is supporting the films well. There are optional English subtitles (font sample below).

Bitrates are reasonably strong ranging in and around 5.6-6.6 Mbps for the transfers.

Aside from one page liner notes for each film (visible on the inner case sleeve through the transparent case cover except for Chains where it is a separate double-sided sheet) there are no supplements - as typical for Eclipse.

On the image - Unlike many of the previous Eclipse titles these are not pictureboxed (see our full description of 'pictureboxing' in our Kind Hearts and Coronets review.)

The image quality is generally very strong with Tormento and The White Angel looking the best. Chains is from a print with weaker density and there is flickering contrast. The titles and visuals early in the films bounce a little coming out of the gate but it settles soon after. Nobody's Child has some very minor damage in the form of light scratches but it does show some nice grain. I wouldn't say any of the deficiencies where major or distracting but could be alleviated with film-level restoration that probably wasn't cost-effective. I doubt any fans will find this an issue with these impressive films.

I know there are MANY cinephiles that will appreciate this package as Eclipse are continuing with their mission statement: "...a selection of lost, forgotten, or overshadowed classics in simple, affordable editions. Each series is a brief cinematheque retrospective for the adventurous home viewer."

I really enjoyed seeing these four films. I think the 'melodrama' moniker helped me in my expectations (plenty of nuns. jails and hospitals). Three of these are masterpieces and the fourth is just a wonderful film experience. The White Angel was magnificent and I am so happy to have had the opportunity to see it. Tormento was equally as impacting. What a fabulous idea for a package. I'll bet this director's work is an excitingly new experience for most viewers. This is what film is all about. I hope to see more of Raffaello Matarazzo's work and this Eclipse Series set is strongly recommended!