I am a huge supporter of Criterion versions of movies, but I wanted to know the quality of it versus the new Xenon version on Amazon. The Criterion version apparently has an additional commentary/interview but the Xenon version comes with the now famous soundtrack. I prefer having the soundtrack, but which version has the best transfer/quality regarding video/sound? I am a huge criterion fan and would love this version but am willing to pick up a different version if it is superior (Fox Lorber's version of The Killer was on par with Criterion and much cheaper).
I believe the new Xenon release has a better picture than the old Criterion version. However, neither version is anamorphic, so if you have (or are thinking of buying) a widescreen TV, you may just want to buy whichever version you can find cheapest, since you're going to want to upgrade once someone releases a proper anamorphic version.
As far as the soundtrack goes, I'm sure you can find a used copy of that (on Amazon, Ebay, or your local used record store) for short money, as it's one of the most popular reggae albums of all time. There's no need to buy the expensive new Xenon version just to get the soundtrack.
Yeah, I might check out the Criterion for the hell of it. The Xenon would have to be purchased off amazon because it's the only place I can find the new one (haven't looked that hard though).
I am still mad about the newer version I purchased from Amazon last year. A beautiful sound and picture restoration neutered by Xenon Pictures failure to issue the disc in 16 x 9. To add insult to injury, there is a small label on the box indicating that it is an anamorphic DVD. This really fouls up the use of the subtitles.
I've seen this great film enough times to not need the dialect translated, but come on, why go to all the trouble of cleaning up the print only to issue it in the 4 x 3 format?
"The power lines are down, that explains why the lights went out."
Probably too late for you, TSMChicago, but I bought this from Amazon, too, and returned it as soon as I saw that it wasn't anamorphic. Amazon is pretty liberal with their return policy.
I actually went on Amazon and bought a new, sealed copy of the Criterion edition for $30 from a dealer. I've heard that the Xenon version is remastered, but after renting it twice through Netflix and having both copies refuse to work on any of my players - one froze continually, the other wouldn't even boot up to the menu - I ordered a version I know will work. I've wanted to see this for a long time and I was tired of waiting.
As for the soundtrack - the best version is the two disc deluxe edition that came out a few years ago. It costs more, but the extra disc is totally worth it. Probably the best collection of mainstream '70s reggae out there.