Othello (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]

One of Orson Welles's more overlooked masterpieces, presented here in both the European and American versions of the film. This superb adaptation of Shakespeare's brutal tragedy brilliantly takes advantage of efficient cinematic technique (not to mention a limited budget) to create a streamlined and abridged film version of the play. An interesting but remarkably effective interpretation, focusing on the core theme of the story- jealousy, and tones down or removes much of the ugly and problematic racism of the text. Even with these omissions, and being half the length of the play, it is still recognizable as the bard and works well. In my opinion this is still the best cinematic version of Othello. Intensely acted and ingeniously directed, with an incredible pacing of rapid edits, and highly visual creative use of location filming and rich B&W photography. A foreshadowing of Welles's Shakespearean masterpiece Chimes At Midnight. This 2 disc Criterion Collection Blu ray set is exceptional, with two cuts of the film- the 1952 European cut and the 1955 American cut -the little differences are rather fascinating. Extras include a fine audio commentary, feature length documentary on the making of the film, several interviews and shorter documentaries, and an essay, all quite informative, intelligent and erudite. Also recommended: the wonderful Chimes At Midnight, Welles's Macbeth, and Roman Polanski's Macbeth.

Everything arrived on time and as advertised

This is a review of the Criterion Blu-ray (not a review of the movie, which is wonderful).The Criterion Blu-ray includes both of Welles's cuts: the 1952 cut (aka the "European" cut) and the 1955 cut (where Welles probably took the advice of the American distributor in omitting the spoken credits). Hard to find until now, the 1952 cut is a revelation: I think it may be the best version of the film, all things considered. This is closest to the cut that won the grand prize at the Cannes Film Festival (that cut is probably lost but was likely almost identical) . Image and sound are extremely clear, although Criterion didn't bother to remove the dirt particles plaguing some of the shots of Othello's arrival in Cyprus and of the seagulls circling above Othello during his epileptic fit (the final version of the Beatrice Welles restoration does remove the dirt particles in these particular shots).This release is rich with extras, including Welles's feature-length movie "Making Othello" (completed and released in 1979).This Criterion Blu-ray is the best available, by far. Buy it.

Refer to"Metropolis" review as they were delivered altogether.

There is nothing I can add that hasn't been said of this maverick genius, except if you pass this one by you really don't no much about film.

Great film

I am too much of a Welles devotee to be objective but it is a release long waited for.

Excellent version of Welles classic Othello . Everything I expected and more