How great is the Criterion version of Silence of the Lambs compared with the other release. I notice that it is non-anamorphic. Does this matter or is the Criterion transfer so spectacular that anamorphic won't add much to it? Are the supplements that impressive? Should I just wait to buy the upcoming MGM release of Silence of the Lambs? Any info on the upcoming MGM release? Any suggestions?

I tell you next week, after I get it. Ok?!

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"A word is dead when it is said, some say; I say it just begins to live that day."

the transfer is not all that impressive by Criterion standards.

It's been a while since I've watched it, so my "review" will be a little vague. The picture quality is not terrible, but certainly not great. Criterion re-used an older laserdisc transfer for this title, and the transfer was mediocre even for laserdisc.

The supplements are great (commentaries, cut scenes, FBI files).

Should you wait for the MGM? Here's my theory every time someone asks this kind of question -- no, you shouldn't wait. If you love the film, buy the Criterion now. If for some reason the MGM DVD comes out and is superior to the Criterion (better picture quality, additional extras), you can always sell your Criterion on eBay for a profit.

We do not know the specs for the MGM version, but it will definitely not have the idenitical supplements. Criterion owns all of the supplements that they have created (including the commentaries) and they don't license their stuff out to other companies.

Thanks for the brief review...got me thinking. I went ahead and placed an order from V-Store and Bigstar. Got a shipping confirmation already from V-Store, but Bigstar has it at 1-2 weeks which may mean that I could expect a Bigstar email stating that the dvd is out of print and no longer available! I'm probably fortunate to jump on a copy now considering that the dvd is discontinued and becoming scarce. The "Hannibal" movie will be released shortly which should renew excitement in "Manhunter" and "Silence of the lambs." If I am not satisfied, I can sell it on ebay. I searched ebay and found that the Criterion Silence is already going for $40-$50. But, as a collector, I have trouble parting with collectibles and it is my understanding that the Criterion dvds are keepsakes. I kind of like the cover art work too!