Is the CC Tokyo Drifter dvd 16x9? Recorded this last night of TCM but would rather rent it to see first time if 16x9. If not I'll save a rent and watch the ltbx I recorded.

It is not anamorphic 16 x 9. It is one of the earliest and worst looking Criterion transfers.

http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film/DVDRev...o_drifter_.htm

Thanks

The TCM broadcast, if it's the same one they showed a few months ago, actually looks substantially better than the Criterion DVD so you're in good shape.

Both this and 'Branded To Kill' were direct ports from the old laserdiscs; basically the exact same video with slightly poorer audio.

I haven't bought either of these yet because I've got a sneaking suspicion Criterion is going to reissue both of them. In fact, I won't buy any Criterion before they went anamorphic because I'm convinced everything will be upgraded eventually.