That's the same Rialto print that's been circulating since the restoration in 1998. It's the restored version that Criterion used for their DVD.

One other thing that should be mentioned is the wealth of extras on the Criterion disc. It contains both the opening narration read by Sir Carol Reed and the version recorded by Joseph Cotten.

Theres an entertaining intro by Peter Bogdanovich and a couple of Harry Lime radio broadcasts made in the 50's, one performed by Orson Welles and the other an adaptation of the film with Joseph Cotten.

There's also a secondary audio track with a reading of writer Graham Greene's original treatment. And if thats not enough you get to see Zitherist Anton Karas himself perform his famous 3rd Man theme in some archival footage. You also get trailers, footage from the sewers, notes and photos on the production history.

You won't find all that on a $6 cheapie.

One of the greatest movies ever made.

One Criterion's best.

Now I can't get that zither music out of my head.