Update: Initial reports from buyers is that this Blu-ray is not much of an improvement over the Criterion Collection DVD set or the Carlotta Blu-ray. Howeverm given that the Criterion DVD is out of print it may appeal to those with the ability to play Region B discs.
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In Germany, a Blu-ray of Mr. Arkadin — marketed in that country as Herr Satan Persönlich — with three different cuts of the Orson Welles-directed film was released today.
The single disc is coded for Region B, and it has not yet been tested to see if it will play in Region A or C countries, according to Blu-ray.com. It has 1080p resolution and DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0.
The Blu-ray release from the Austrian-based NSM Records includes Confidential Report at 98 minutes in German or English with optional German and English subtitles; the Corinth version at 100 minutes in English with optional English or German subtitles; and the Comprehensive Version, which clocks in at 105 minutes in English with optional English or German subtitles, according to Amazon Germany.
The extras include an audio commentary with Rolf Giesen and Gerd Naumann and an original trailer.
A DVD has also been released by NSM Records.
The German Blu-ray release comes months after the Criterion Collection listed its similar DVD set as out of print.
There has been no word of a related U.S. release.
Mr. Arkadin was drastically recut without Welles involvement in 1955. The Corinth version is closer to his original intent and Comprehensive Version released some 15 years ago strives to recapture Welles’ original vision.
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