Can somebody please review this title. I want to use my $20 GC from reel but I want to be sure its worth it. Especially since the criterion edition is $10 more then the regular widescreen editon.

Thanks,
Mike

You'll probably get a 50/50 response on this one. People seem divided right down the middle in their preference for this transfer or Image's. Personally, I prefer the Criterion version. The colors are well-done (yet muted due to the nature of how they were filmed), and the audio is a nice Dolby Digital mix. The Image version has contrast problems, and looks too washed out (look at Lecter's drawing of Clarice in both versions--you'll actually see the drawing on the Criterion version!) As a final point that the Criterion version's transfer is superior, it was supervised by Director of Photography Tak Fujimoto--the Image version was not. One gripe, though--there are the occassional irritating motion artifacts on the Criterion version (look at the way Clarice's cheeks seem to swirl as she is jogging in the opening sequence).

As far as extras, you'll be treated to an awesome audio commentary by Director Jonathon Demme, Actors Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins, Screenwriter Ted Tally, and FBI agent John Douglas, seven deleted scenes (which are of poor video/audio quality, but are highly interesting), Film-to-storyboards comparisons, where the original storyboards are shown alongside the final filmed version, the FBI crime classification manual, a segment entitled "Voices of Death", featuring creepy quotes and insights from the most brutal serial killers in history, and some truly disquieting navigation menus. You get none of this, or anything else, with the Image version. Inexplicably, neither version contains the original theatrical trailer!

Well, that's the low-down. I strongly recommend the Criterion version over the Image version, and would only go with the latter if you're merely a passing fan of this extraordinary film.

[This message has been edited by Filmmaker (edited 11-03-1999).]

Rent both - then decide for yourself.

I prefer the Image version. To me, it's not even a close call; but you might like the supplments with the Critierion version.

Some folks prefer the Image version but Criterion gets the look right.

Supplements are great and the menus are appropriately moody (you hear the fluttering of moth wings).

I wish it were anamorphic but that aside, the Criterion version is one of my favorite discs.

It's a tough call. I myself think the Criterion version, with its muted colors, captures the mood better. (Ala The Matrix, which also had muted colors for a dark mood.) The Image version seems a little too washed out to me. Aside from extras (the quotes from actual serial killers were interesting in the Criterion one), the two seem quite similar to me...