The Criterion Collection

Region 0 - NTSC

1.85:1 Original Aspect Ratio

16X9 enhanced
Average Bitrate: 7.91 mb/s
NTSC 720x480 29.97 f/s

NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes.

LPCM Audio English 1152 kbps 1.0 / 48 kHz / 1152 kbps / 24-bit
Commentary:

Dolby Digital Audio English 192 kbps 1.0 / 48 kHz / 192 kbps

Aspect Ratio:
Widescreen anamorphic - 1.85:1

Edition Details:
• Audio commentary by director Peter Davis
• Accompanying booklet containing multiple printed essays on the film

DVD Release Date: June 25th, 2002
Keep Case

Chapters 13

Chapters 12

ADDITION - Criterion - Region 'A' - Blu-ray June 2014: This is advertised as 'High-definition digital restoration, supervised by director Peter Davis and cinematographer Richard Pearce'. The 16mm sequences are rich with film-like grain. The 1080P adds a sliver of information in the frame. The audio, mostly narration, is in a linear PCM mono track. It is as clean and clear as the source and production limitations will allow. There are optional English subtitles on the region 'A' Blu-ray disc.

Criterion include the old audio commentary, from 2001, featuring Peter Davis. It is, certainly, still relevant to the production. A valuable supplements is a collection of over two hours of Davis’s unused footage, including excerpts from interviews with presidential adviser George Ball, broadcast journalist David Brinkley, French journalist and historian Philippe Devillers, and political activist Tony Russo; additional excerpts from General William Westmoreland’s interview; additional audio excerpts from presidential adviser Walt Rostow’s interview; and scenes from a funeral and a military hospital in South Vietnam. The package contains a liner notes booklet featuring essays by Davis, film critic Judith Crist, and historians Robert K. Brigham, George C. Herring, and Ngo Vinh Long.

This is one of the best documentaries I've ever seen and I greatly appreciate the added 'unused' footage interviews. You must see this in your life - the Criterion Blu-ray is strongly recommended!

***

ON THE DVD: Just to fill in the gaps a bit, I thought that I'd tackle a few of our missing Criterion Collection titles over the next few weeks. I'll start off with Peter Davis's masterful Vietnam War documentary, "Hearts and Minds". While some have facilely dismissed the film as agitprop (and make no mistake, Davis is not neutral in his presentation, and no, that is not a bad thing), in doing so they miss out on one of the most informative documents of the war ever made. But, make no mistake, this is no dry academic lesson. Yes, we do get revealing interviews with Gen. Westmoreland and other predominant figures in the war, but we also get to see soldier patrolling jungle villages and even relaxing with prostitutes. Stateside we meet with veterans against the war and self styled patriots. For all this and more, it's a living document to one of the US's most complex eras.

While the image won a lot of deserved raves at the time of its initial release, it's unlikely to turn many heads today. While the film underwent a complete remastering, quality still varies from scene to scene (not surprising given the disparate conditions that it was filmed in). Although the IMDB says that the film was shot in 35 mm, I suspect that at least some of the scenes were recorded on 16 mm and blown up to 35., which would account for some scenes having an exaggerated grain structure. I obviously can't prove this, but if anyone knows, please let me hear from you. There are some instances of damage in the form of unrepaired cuts or nicks, but on the whole there isn't much to speak of. Colors aren't terribly vibrant, but I suspect that that's fairly close to how the film originally looked. Over all, I think that this is the best that the film could look given the conditions that it was originally made, and I for one won't complain any further.

As per Criterion policy of the day, the disc comes with a competent, but uninspiring English language Dolby Digital 1.0 track. There really are no problems to speak of (dialogue is clear, no background noises), but just don't expect to be wowed by it. Optional English subtitles are also included.

Extras wise, the disc comes with a commentary by Davis in which he details his intentions behind making it, the hazards of filming in certain environments, and some rather candid thoughts on the film's participants among other subjects. Also included is another one of their famous booklets with essays on the film. It's also worth noting that the when the release was originally announced, it was to include hours of unused footage. Unfortunately, for whatever reason, it was not included in the final release.

For anyone interested in post-WWII American history, this is an essential purchase. It's very highly recommended.

The Criterion Collection

Region 0 - NTSC