NOTE: The below Blu-ray captures were obtained directly from the Blu-ray disc.

ADDITION: Arrow - Region 'B' - Blu-ray February 2017: I can distinguish almost no difference between the theatrical Criterion Blu-ray transfer and the Arrow - for both audio and video. They both look exceptional - the 1080P layers contrast beautifully and really breathes life into the film. The Arrow is more technically robust as it doesn't share the dual-layered disc with the 'Pre-Release version' as the Criterion does. Both use 24-bit linear PCM mono audio transfer and both offer optional English subtitles. But, generally the differences are solely in the supplements.

Arrow include the audio commentary on the theatrical version by author Scott Eyman and Earp's grandson, Wyatt Earp III as found on the 2004 DVD. The, almost hour long, 2013 documentary John Ford and Monument Valley is about the director's lifelong association with Utah's Monument Valley containing interviews with Peter Cowie (author of John Ford and the American West), John Ford, John Wayne, Henry Fonda, James Stewart and Martin Scorsese. Plus Arrow add a 1988 episode of the Channel 4 series Movie Masterclass devoted to My Darling Clementine and presented by Lindsay Anderson. It runs an hour and 3-minutes. Lost and Gone Forever a rewarding, 18-minute, visual essay by Tag Gallagher on the themes that run through My Darling Clementine and the film's relationship with John Ford's other works. There is also a stills gallery, theatrical trailer and the package has a reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Jay Shaw.

So, Criterion include the 103-minute Pre-Release version, a different commentary but also have an essential Tag Gallagher visual essay as does the Arrow. Arrow do seem to go the extra mile with the 2013 documentary John Ford and Monument Valley and Movie Masterclass but don't have any liner notes. Kind of a toss-up and it's great for fans to have the choice. The Arrow (lone addition) Blu-ray is a great package and is, likewise, strongly recommended!

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ADDITION: Criterion Blu-ray - September 14': Criterion's transfer of the theatrical release version of the film is described as a "New 4K digital restoration". It is slightly less robust than the 20th Century Fox Blu-ray but I can't tell too much difference without extensively zooming-in. Even then it only appears to be consistency of grain and some very minor artifacts. But Criterion have included a high-definition presentation of the 103-minute prerelease version of the film! The ninety-seven minute theatrical release of My Darling Clementine was not director John Ford's first cut of the film. After screening Ford's version, producer Darryl F. Zanuck made changes to create snappier pacing and a more conventionally satisfying ending. Although it's believed that Ford's original cut no longer exists, this 103-minute pre-release version from July 1946 - three months before the film's Premier - represents an intermediate step between Ford's version and the final theatrical release. The differences between the two are outlined in the version comparison on this reviewed Blu-ray disc. So while the theatrical looks fabulous - the pre-release - also in 1080P- is far less robust and shows some speckles and marks. It is certainly watchable but seems darker and a bit more frail. We've compared 4 captures below to give you an idea.

Criterion, predictably, utilize a linear PCM in 1.0 mono. Still very flat but a bit of depth notable in effects and in the, classic western, score by Cyril J. Mockridge (Desk Set, The Ox-Bow Incident, The Dark Corner, Nightmare Alley) and the title theme (played and sung during the opening credits and at the end - and on the piano in the bar.) It sounds superb - not much difference from the Fox lossless. There are optional English subtitles and the Blu-ray disc is region 'A'-locked.

As already mentioned a new high-definition presentation of the 103-minute prerelease version of the film is considered an extra. With the theatrical we get a new audio commentary featuring John Ford biographer Joseph McBride (Searching for John Ford, John Ford - Cinema Two). He covers a lot of the history and the legend of the O.K. Corral and, later, talks of Ford and the production. It's very professional and filled with knowledge - easily superior to the Wyatt Earp III commentary from Fox. Included is a 40-minute comparison of the two versions by film preservationist Robert Gitt. This extensive piece outlines the many significant differences between the July 1946 pre-release version of My Darling Clementine and the film's final October 1946 theatrical release version. It was made in 2004. Criterion conduct a new, 15-minute, interview with western historian Andrew C. Isenberg (author of Wyatt Earp: A Vigilante Life) who delves into the myths about Wyatt Earp and the O.K. Corral that were fostered by films and the marshal himself. One of the gems in the extras is a new video essay by Ford scholar Tag Gallagher (author of John Ford: The Man and His Films), where he illuminates many motifs and themes of My Darling Clementine and connects it to other John Ford works. Another neat supplement is Bandit’s Wager, a, 14-minute, 1916 silent western short costarring Ford and directed by his brother, Francis Ford, featuring new music composed and performed by Donald Sosin. Francis stars as the titular bandit, Grace Cunard plays Nan and John, in a rare screen appearance, is Nan's brother. Criterion have included the audio Lux Radio Theatre adaptation from 1947 starring Henry Fonda and Cathy Downs reprising their roles from the film, and Richard Conte also stars. There are two NBC television reports from 1963 and 1975 about the history of Tombstone and Monument Valley. They run a total of 12-minutes. There is also a trailer and the package contains a liner notes booklet with an essay by critic David Jenkins.

With the extensive extras - this is, for me, one of the best releases of the year. the addition of the 'pre-release' version seems a 'must' now and certainly adds to the value as does the excellent McBride commentary, Tag's wonderful visual essay and the entire package. This has our highest recommendation!

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