Sondheim

I don't think there's anything too absurd about owning 100 Criterion DVDs, except for the obvious high prices that must have been paid to own so many. Most of the films in the collection are quite acclaimed, even if they aren't all necessarily what most people would consider great masterpieces (though they certainly have their share of those too.) I've seen about half the films in the collection, rather on DVD, TV, or theatrical screenings, and there are very few that I wouldn't want to purchase if I had a greater income. The type of films they release tend to appeal to me, since I'm one of those pretentious film snobs.

I do have complaints about the company, and it's not about the pricing (I just buy from DVD Planet, and I understand why they charge so much.) I don't understand their absurd practice of windowboxing, or the cropping that occurs on many of their releases, or their occassional coloring issues. But in the end, the almost always superior video quality and the excellent extras allow me to overlook those things. If I hear that a release from Masters of Cinema or some other region is superior I will often hold off until I get a region free player and can order those versions instead. (So I'm not a complete fanboy, but almost.)

Anyways, I don't own the old "The Bicycle Thief" release so I'll most certainly be purchasing this at some point - I just watched this again a few months ago, and though it is not one of my all-time favorites, I still think it's a pretty fantastic film and it certainly is very important. I do wonder why they didn't get a commentary for what seems like a high profile release, but that's a small complaint about what seems to be a pretty good disc (based on reviews.)

Brent L

It should also be pointed out that it can be picked up on DVDPlanet for only $16.97 using the Google Checkout deal.