ADDITION: Wildside - Region 'B' - Blu-ray May 2019: Then new Wildside 1080P image is closer to the Arrow in terms of color than the Criterion, but contrast is a shade lighter. It is on a dual-layered disc with a reasonably high bitrate. I thought it looked quite pleasing in-motion.

The bad news is, again, the non-removable French subtitles when the original English audio is chosen. This was part of the licensing agreement that Wild Side made to produce this package. The audio is in 24-bit DTS-HD Master tracks for both the original English (with non-removable French subtitles) and a French DUB. There actually may be more depth and richnes in the hypnotic, a-tonal, Gerald Busby score via the DTS-HD lossless transfer. There are, the aforementioned, French subtitles on this Region 'B' Blu-ray disc.

Impressive inclusion, again, is the digibook that houses the discs (a second disc DVD is included). It is about 120-pages and has hundreds of beautiful photos. It's a wonderful keepsake - of this - one of my top 10 films - and favorite by Altman. There is also a 40-minute video piece - Un Film de Revel(s) avec Diane Arnaud that is only in French (no subtitles). I'd love this translated, with subtitles, one day.

So, the same conundrum - amazing package but the mandatory subs are a black-mark. I love the Arrow and will probably keep that disc in this booklet. Wildside are incomparable in these hardcover book - just stacked with color photos. Worth it? To serious fans of the film (like moi) I'd say it's a must-own. 

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ADDITION: Arrow - Region 'B' - Blu-ray July 2015: There are some very big differences between the Criterion and Arrow visuals. Both transfers are dual-layered with a max'ed out bitrate but if you toggle between the larger caps you will note that one is 'out-of-ratio' (perhaps Criterion kept the 'Cinemascope mumps' look?) and there is a notable disparity between the colors. The Arrow seems to show more in the frame - pretty much on all four sides. The Criterion looks very 'blue' beside the UK 1080P. However, I think I agree with Biff who says:

"I saw 3 WOMEN in its original release, but I'd be lying if I said I could remember exactly how it looked; but, while I'm impressed by the brightness and resolution of the Arrow caps, I honestly think the Criterion may be closer to Altman's/Rosher's intentions." (Thanks Biff!)

Ben says "I didn't see it theatrically, but Altman's known for soft lighting, natural tones, they've oversaturated it I think. Looks more like Gosford Park than 70's Altman." (Thanks Ben!)

Peter says: "That looks to my eyes simply like someone in the mastering house elected to push the contrast and over-saturate it. 1970s Eastman prints just didn't look like that. Too modern. " (Thanks Peter!)

The funny thing about the Arrow is that of all my viewings of Altman's 3 Women - this was, by far, the most, personally, impacting. It has risen as one of my favorite of the director's work. I felt in a hypnotic state and let the film, and amazingly haunting, a-tonal, Gerald Busby score, just wash over me. Powerful stuff, indeed.

I think a unique look from the Arrow is great for the consumers to have an option. Whether accurate or not - it certainly buoyed my viewing experience. I didn't notice any quality difference in the audio - but it has been a while since I watched the Criterion. Technically it is the same and also offers optional English subtitles. The Arrow Blu-ray is region 'B'-locked.

It is also appreciated to have some different extras than those offered by Criterion. From Arrow we get a new 37-minute video interview/visual essay with David Thompson, editor of 'Altman on Altman' and producer of the BBC's 'Robert Altman in England' expanding on many themes present in the film - really quite fascinating. There is a 6-minute archival interview with Shelley Duvall from the Cannes Film Festival where the actress describes working with Altman, his methods and how she started acting. There are three, fairly extensive galleries featuring behind-the-scenes photos, the Cannes Film Festival press conference and promotional images - and lastly, on the digital-front - a trailer. The package itself has a reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Nathanael Marsh and a booklet featuring new writing on the film by critic David Jenkins and excerpts from Altman on Altman, illustrated with original stills.

Arrow put together some great packages - I wouldn't say they bested the Criterion here, but this is another of their Blu-ray discs I am keeping in an honored place on my shelf. Recommended!   

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ADDITION: Criterion - Region 'A' - Blu-ray - August 11': Not much to really say here - the visual improvement is more evident in-motion than the static screen captures but even there the 'scope' dynamic is more notable - as is detail and the integrity of the grain. There is less noise in the darker sequences.  The Blu-ray, with close to 5 times the bitrate, is certainly an improvement however the 2004 DVD was dual-layered and strong for that format. This 1080P was the best, and most film-like, I have seen Altman's 3 Women. It's haunting qualities seem all the more impacting.

Audio is lossless and authentically mono, English subtitles remain, supplements are duplicated from the Criterion's 7-year old SD with the Altman commentary, plus stills gallery, trailers and TV Spots. 

If you are a fan of the director and have a system that supports the a/v improvements - its seems like an easy choice.

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Once again Criterion gets high marks most every area - sharp, bright, great contrast - my only negative is that the colors look a little washed out, certainly not as vibrant as seen in past DVD releases, but we have been told that this is how the film was shown theatrically as well (Thanks Daryl). The Altman commentary is a huge bonus for his fans who will devour this DVD.  out of    

Gary W. Tooze