ADDITION: Network - Region 'B' Blu-ray - July 2014 - I have a special fondness for this film. Richard Harris is just amazing. Positively there is an up-tick in the video quality by the 1080P transfer and grain textures are more evident. It is single-layered with a modest bitrate but detail sharpens and contrast adds layers. There are a few light scratches visible here and there but this is a definite upgrade in appearance. In-motion it looks very good and may shows a shade more information in the top and bottom of the 1.66:1 frame.

Unfortunately, only lossy, hushed, audio and hearing the audio track uncompressed may have influenced the presentation positively (hearing the infrequently used Roberto Gerhard score.) There are optional English subtitles (see sample) and the Blu-ray disc is region 'B'-locked.

Supplements can't come close to the Criterion, but Network have tried by adding an original theatrical trailer, four image galleries, including extensive promotional and behind-the-scenes shots and the disc contains 4 promotional material PDFs including a Pressbook and large 2014 re-release flyer. The package contains a 28-page program notes booklet by Film Historian David Rolinson. It has an introduction, background, essays, credits and references. It is very well done.

While I think this is the best way to see the film on digital, I might not encourage a double-dip if you already own the Criterion. For those unfamiliar with the film, or devout fans (like myself) then the Network Blu-ray would make sense. This is a film I have re-watched almost a dozen time. I consider it an integral part of my digital library.

***

ON THE DVD: Wow. A fabulous transfer from Criterion on this magnificent film. I'm aware that there have been other DVD editions released (ex. one in Scandinavia) but I do not own any of them to post comparative screen grabs... but I find it hard to believe that any of them could compare to Criterion's SD treatment of this Anderson masterpiece. I have little doubt of this DVDs superiority and brilliance. It has very strong detail at times with excellent grayscale and pristine contrast. Technically it is dual-layered in a 1.66 anamorphic ratio, and progressively transferred. There are some minor (often imperceptible in motion) scratches and light blemishes but the DVD image is visually very impressive indeed.

I LOVED this commentary - juxtaposing Paul Ryan's (editor of Never Apologise: The Collected Writings of Lindsay Anderson) extensive knowledge of Lindsay Anderson is aged novelist David Storey's true-life anecdotes of his experiences in the game of rugby, meeting Anderson and getting his book transformed into a film. I judge it to be the most enjoyable commentary of this short year. Disc one also offers an un-restored 2:22 theatrical trailer.

On disc two we have some featurettes - 'Lindsay Anderson: Lucky Man?' is a 29 minute documentary from BBC Scotland, made in 2004, featuring interviews with many of the director's friends and collaborators. In the category Meet the Pioneers, we are shown Anderson's first film from 1948. It is a documentary short, running 33:07, about a mining engineering firm. Also under that sub-heading is a new video interview with Anderson's first producer and close friend Lois Sutcliffe Smith. It runs 18:23. Wakefield Express is another early documentary by Anderson (made in 52') about the town that later served as the setting for This Sporting Life (32:17). Is That All There Is? (1992), Anderson's autobiographical final film running almost an hour. It was originally made or The Director's Place on the BBC. It is filled with Anderson's daily life chores infusing his caustic humor - a great tribute to this intelligent, overlooked master director. Finally a 34-page liner notes booklet featuring a new essay by film scholar Neil Sinyard and an article by Anderson from 1963 with many black and white photos.  

This may be the best DVD yet - early in the year I realize but it should get deserved mention in our next Poll. STRONGLY recommended! 

Gary W. Tooze