I wasn't really sure if I was going to like this picture. I had in my mind something really heavy-handed and philosophical. While it is philosophical, it certainly isn't heavy-handed. Ingmar displays a deft light touch in treating the subject material. I was pleasantly surprised.

He also exhibits a mastery in delivering the plot. Not once did I find myself disinterested in what was happening on-screen. The story moves at a deliberate pace, yet is neither to fast or to slow. Like Goldilock's last bowl of porridge, "It is just right!"

Like Kurosawa, every frame, every object on screen has been placed there by Bergman for specific reason. Nothing is wasted. Nothing is offhand.

The acting is stellar and considering the material, seemed quite naturally delivered. Nothing over the top. Von Sydow was interesting, hard to believe that is actually him. And Death. Death! How much praise can I heap on that performance. I was expecting someone with a commanding booming voice. Death is commanding, but there is definate humanity in the delivery, and at times a playfulness.

This is a disc that will require multiple viewings. And I'm sure multiple viewings will bring as much pleasure as the initial viewing. There just seems to be so much to discover about this film.

I was somewhat disappointed in the commentary. The fellow giving it has a knack for pointing out the obvious. "And this scene here is a bit of light comedy, to give us time to reflect on the previous heady bit." Thanks, I knew it was funny when I started chuckling. For a film so heavy with symbolism, the commentator doesn't spend a whole lot of time pointing it out or explaining any of its interpretations. Heck, the commentator did a better job at commentary on the Filmography extra. One specific piece of commentary that bugged me and is a good example was during the "Wild Strawberries and Milk" chapter. He pretty much states: "And strawberries are very symbolic of Swedish summers." Great. That was useful in and of itself, but why? Why? I'm not Swedish, so I'd kind of like to know why strawberries are such a strong symbol of Swedish summers. Why not apples? Or a specific flower? Why strawberries exactly? But the commentary is just a minor complaint and certainly doesn't affect my rating. I'm rating the movie, not the extras.

The digital transfer was gorgeous, btw. And the restoration demonstration proves it.

http://www.dvdmg.com/criterion.html

here' a butt er boatload of Crieterion reviews!

cheers, Tony Block