AmonTwin

I have got the itch again and would like to get some classic Italian films. I have somehow neglected to ever see Rome, Open City or Two Women and am wondering what the best editions are for these. Are there even decent releases out there for them? Any info would be great including where to purchase them. Pro-b? Thanks in advance...

Also, on another note, has anybody seen this Giuseppe Tornatore film called La Sconosciuta [The Unknown Woman]? I just saw it at Xploited...

http://xploitedcinema.com/catalog/sc...e-p-11920.html

pro-bassoonist

Rome, Open City is currently not avaiulable in acceptable English-friendly form. There are rumors that Criterion may or may not be able to offer a decent R1 disc in the future. The old French English-friendly disc is of rather poor quality. So, nothing to recommend at this point.

By the way, if you are interested, I picked up the recent release of Vanina Vanini from Italy, courtesy of SONY-Italia, but I don't like the image quality. Disc is not English-friendly either.

La Ciociara is out on an excellent Italian disc from the Cinema Forever series but it is unfortunately not English-friendly. ALL other English friendly releases, in every market territory, are poor! Also nothing to recommend at this point unless Criterion or a UK company picks up the rights. Avoid the green R1 disc like the plague.

I have the 2DVD Tornatore disc at home (no subs on any of the extras on the second disc so that is why I assume Tony sells the single disc). Exceptional film with some very graphic scenes and an outstanding ending. Valeria Golino (Respiro) plays the Ukrainian maid to perfection. You should own this disc!

Also, just last night watched the brand-new Italian release of Quale Amore! Just as good as the Tornatore if not better. The English-title is The Kreutzer Sonata (inspired by Leo Tolstoi's work). Also English-French friendly and of exceptional quality.

Ok, have to run now....

Ciao,
Pro-B

AmonTwin

Thanks Pro-B. That's what I was afraid of. It's hard to believe that such classics have yet to see the light of day in any respectable edition. I guess I will continue to wait and may check out some others instead. Out of curiousity, where did you pick up the Italian Quale Amore!? I will probably pick up the Tornatore disc (along with some other stuff) from Xploited.

Thanks again...

EEz28

or you could buy a laserdisc player and somehow find the criterion Rome, Open City

pro-bassoonist

While waiting you could always pick up the TV version of La Ciociara, also with Sophia Loren, since ironically it came out English-friendly.

Quale Amore was shipped to me directly from Italy, Catania to be exact.

Pro-B

AmonTwin

Thanks. How could I get my hands on it? Also, I know I didn't ask about this film originally, but how is the Arrow release for De Sica's Miracle in Milan ?

http://xploitedcinema.com/catalog/mi...an-p-7234.html

Thanks again

pro-bassoonist

The Arrow version uses exactly the same print the Italian disc boasts. It is restored, very good!

I will send a note to Tony and ask kindly whether or not he plans on stocking Quale Amore....

Pro-B

AmonTwin

Thank you so much for this recommendation. I just watched Quale Amore and absolutely loved it. I had never seen anything by Sciarra before.

pro-bassoonist

You're welcome!

Pro-B