The DVDs are compared to Blu-ray versions of Pandora's Box HERE

NOTE: the actual cover differs from the one shown presently on Amazon.

Two items - firstly, this image is again pictureboxed (see our description of 'pictureboxing' in our Kind Hearts and Coronets review). Secondly - this image exhibits 'combing or 'trailing' - which I understand is a process of the frame rate conversion (from European silent to current NTSC) - see last capture as an example. There is some minor contrast flickering and anticipated damage mostly in the form of light to moderate scratches and some frames with nitrate deterioration (see 2nd last capture as sample). The Criterion is described as 'restored high-definition digital transfer of the definitive Munich Film Museum restoration'. We have compared 3 frames of the new Criterion release to the Second Sight (UK- PAL) DVD that came out in 2002 (it shares the 'combing' anomaly). Although I don't see significant improvement in terms of detail - the Criterion has approx. 12% more information at the bottom of the frame. The Criterion contrast is more pure black and white and it also shows marginally less damage (NOTE: 'Thousands of instances of dirt, debris, and scratches were removed using the MTI Digital Restoration System').

The inherent film negative inferiorities don't take away from the magnificence of the presentation one bit in my opinion, plus I imagine this is the best you will ever see Pandora's Box look digitally.

Criterion offer 4 different scores to choose from while watching the film - a Gillian Anderson Orchestral Score presented in optional Dolby 5.1 surround and stereo mixes. The three other scores (Cabaret, Modern and Piano Improvisation) are presented in Dolby 2.0 stereo.

The commentary may be my favorite of the year - Thomas Elsaesser and Mary Ann Doane give their expert opinion in the same manner that a Tony Rayns or Robert Short might echo significant information in a matter-of-fact manner. They work perfectly together although rarely comment on the same segment. When they do they support each other with salient comments. Elsaesser discusses the relationship between literature and the cinema. Doane shares some of her expert knowledge of Louise Brooks and the film narrative. I will be listening to this multiple (more) times.

There is a 2nd disc of supplements including a 60-minute documentary by Hugh Munro Neeley entitled Louise Brooks: Looking for Lulu (1998). There is a rare, 48-minute interview with Louise Brooks by documentarian Richard Leacock and Susan Steinberg Woll from 1971. Further interviews are included with with Leacock, about Brooks, and Michael Pabst the director's son. There is a stills gallery with many images of Brooks. Finally there is substantial A 98-page book with photos and featuring Kenneth Tynan's 1979 essay "The Girl in the Black Helmet," an article by Louise Brooks on her relationship with Pabst, and a new essay by critic J. Hoberman.  

Pandora's Box is recognized as one of the mainstays of German cinema's Weimar period along with Metropolis, The Cabinet of Dr. Calagari and The Blue Angel. Its unique place in history is exemplified by its star, Louise Brooks, and her timeless eroticism (from a relatively brief career) that carries a legendary status even 70 years later. Essential cinema folks - no question about that. Criterion have done it again and given us a beautiful package worthy of the films esteemed place in cinema history. This is DVD at its pinnacle. Strongly recommended!

Gary W. Tooze