This was just posted at Criterion's website:

"New Film Find Changes Rules of the Game

Jean Renoir's classic The Rules of the Game had been slated for release at the end of 2003, but that will change thanks to the discovery this week of a film element previously thought to be lost. Criterion's staff had already spent months on the new high-definition master that was to be at the heart of a two-disc special edition when a French lab finally unearthed the fine-grain master, one generation closer to the original than anything previously available. A similar discovery delayed the release of another Renoir classic, Grand Illusion, intended to be Criterion's first release. Expect The Rules of the Game in early 2004."

Criterion rules.

And people ask why we love Criterion.....

This is the best DVD ever.

Excellent news. I'll be picking up ROTG as a blind buy.

Incredible news. I can hardly wait - Rules of the Game could easily be the greatest film ever made.

Very good news; sounds like I'll be double-dipping. Thanks, hulka.

Criterion is the *****!!!

Reminds me i need to get rid of my R2 DVD of ROTG...

But does it have an inse-- OW!!!!!!


Who hit me?!!?!?

But they never officially announced The Rules of the Game. That's kinda weird. Kinda like saying 'Bottle Rocket' has been delayed. And we'd all be like they're releasing Bottle Rocket?!!

I did. Stop talking and start waiting!

Well, some DVD enthusiasts discovered (through www.cnl.com) that "The Rules of the Game" was originally going to come out on 11/18. Moreover, people have probably emailed John Mulvaney with questions about when the title would be released, and he most likely responded by saying that the film would be released towards the end of this year. So, although the film was never officially listed on Criterion's website as a November release, I still think it is very thoughtful of them to let us know that the title has been slightly delayed. It is also cool that they told us why the title is being delayed. The discovery of better film elements is always a great thing. This is going to be a great DVD set. Good stuff.

never heard of it...whats this movie about and why is it so totally awesome and great?

Awesome, awesome, awesome news!

Criterion for life.

Considering how amazingly well Grand Illusion turned out, this is most certainly a Good Thing (tm).

Its a pre-WW2 French film directed by Jean Renoir. IMDB Page.

Why's it so great? You should probably watch it and find out for yourself.

thanks

Disappointed I have to wait longer, but...Yippee!!

Criterion does, indeed, rule.

...and we're throwing it in the trash, because the people who buy Criterion discs expect the best, and we're not willing to give them anything less than the best possible disc for their money.

Criterion is a class-act, all the way. I should buy this disc even though I'm not familiar with the movie, just to show my support for the way these guys do business.

I was thinking the exact same thing.

Great. Now the MSRP is $189.95.

One of the greatest films ever made, by one of the world's greatest directors. In Criterion's hands, I was already expecting breathtaking results, but now the best just got better.

I've been awaiting this release since I started my collection. Guess I can stand to wait a little longer.

Criterion does rule. I just hope they show a comparison reel contrasting the two prints, to really show how important it was that they delay this again. I'd love to see that, I would.