Which version are you going to watch first? Interesting dilemma,especially for those (like myself) who have never seen the film. I'm leaning toward watching the comprehensive version first.

Definitely the comprehension verson!! That is never even a choice with me,..

Same for me. Then the others with commentary.

Comprehensive version.

Comprehensive version for me too. I'm going to have an Arkadin Weekend and ingest the entire package in one sitting.

so is this movie (any version) on the level of "The Third Man"? i am so undecided and don't have the extra to spend to see and no rental option is available.

That's a tough question to answer. It's been compromised right out of the gate, from what I've read, so at best, I think, it's mid level Welles. It certainly doesn't compare to his great films (I'd be highly please if this new version reveals it); I think a purchase would depend upon how big a fan you are of the director, and your interest in film history, scholarship, etc.

No.

Yeah, Third Man was a completed, fully realized film (and besides some of his own lines, Welles had nothing to do with writing or directing it either). Ardakin is not even finished and should be seen as a work-in-progress - but it does have all of Welles' trademarks and can be considered, in some ways, a remake of Citizen Kane.

Scott, as I said in the thread you started over in the Recommendations sections, I really don't think Arkadin compares at all to The Third Man. However, considering how long you've been mulling this over and your continued interest, I just recommend that you go ahead and buy it. Although the DDD sale on Criterions is over now, you can still get a good price from DVD Planet/DigitalEyes, especially if you're able to make use of a coupon. It's a bit of an investment, to be sure. But the different versions and all the extras will certainly keep you busy for a while.

I have no idea which version I'll watch first. I think I may save the comprehensive version until last so as to get a better appreciation for the film (since I've never seen it before).

Is Best Buy likely to carry this release in-store? It seems to have received a lot of media attention online and in print. The A&E segment on the collection made me want to reevaluate this film. I have only seen the Corinth version. The new opening on the comprehensive version seems intriguing.

I actually picked it up at a Best Buy this past Tuesday, so there's a good chance it'll be at most of them.

What was the price at Best Buy? Thanks for the info.

Off topic but this as good a place as any... My copy came in yesterday and WOW, this is an amazing looking DVD set. Can't wait to dig in.

I think I am leaning this way to. See the British version (Confidential Report?)first to see what the public saw. Then check out the Corinth version. Save the "new" one for last. (If I got the names wrong I'm sure I'll be corrected.)

This will be over a long period of time, (weeks most likely) not back to back.

Looking forward to it!

Wow, what an amazing set from Criterion. Three versions of the film and a book, truly worth every penny.

I've only watched Confidential Report so far, and the extras on that disc, but I can't wait to watch the rest of the set.

I don't plan on buying the set but I would like to watch the movie once...

Think it will be available for rent anywhere?

Netflix

It will be playing on Turner Classic Movies on April 28 at 4:15 A.M. The last time they showed it they showed the Confidential Report version. It is difficult to tell which version they might show this time.

Rock on. Thanks for the heads-up.

On the TCM calendar, it states that it's 93 minutes. None of the versions on the Criterion set have that runtime, but the Confidential Report version is closest at 98 minutes.

Slight Correction: TCM lists Mr. Arkadin as showing on the 28th, but it is actually the 29th at 4:15 A.M.

http://www.tcm.com/schedule/index.js...zone=EST&cid=N

It honestly took me a minute to realize that "shit-eating" comment wasn't posted in regards to Mr. Arkadin.