MGM has released "Fiddler on the Roof" with extras on DVD.  This sharp looking transfer has a lot to offer.  Included in this special edition is a feature-length audio commentary with Director Norman Jewison and actor Topol.  Their commentary is usually quite engaging and informative.  The disc is also encoded as a "Dual layer" title, so that the entire feature can be watched without having to switch sides.  Also included is the theatrical trailer.

The picture looks terrific.  It's far superior to the high priced laserdisc special edition released earlier last year.  Unfortunately, the Dolby Digital 5.1 sound is the same.  It's generally fine, but lacking the distinct separation that would've added to the wonderful score. 

A Special Director's Edition of  "Thief" is now available on DVD.   This same edition with roughly four minutes of new footage was previously available on laserdisc, but now it's been re-processed with a superior Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack.   The benefits of this enhanced sound are apparant during the opening credit sequence wherein the atmospheric effects of rainfall are discernibly better than the standard Dolby Pro-logic track.  The 1.85:1 framing is also intact, although when viewed on a 16:9 screen, sub-titles are partially cut off.  The transfer is great in the brighter moments of the film.  Unfortunately, Director Michael Mann's stunning images take place almost entirely in darker settings, and the definition is sometimes hurt with this transfer.

The audio commentary available on the laserdisc version is also offered.  The conversation with Mann and James Caan is typically funny and offers some truly exciting info on the criminal elements resourced for the film's accuracy.

While we love the film, "Moonstruck", we're a little disappointed that MGM didn't opt for letterboxing on this one.  Especially since they went the extra mile to include audio commentary with the film's director and screenplay writer.  It raises big questions as to why a company so devoted to the format and laserdisc for that matter, didn't choose to offer the correct aspect ratio!  That being said, it's still a sharp looking title.  The fleshtones are wonderful and the framing is generally fine.  The problems arise if it's being viewed on a 16:9 tv, wherein there is important information lopped off the top of the screen, such as the moon during the opening title sequence!  The Dolby Digital sound is on par with the laserdisc   version.  There isn't a large amount of directional effects, but the 5.1 enhancement benefits the musical interludes significantly.  The audio commentary shows us that Jewison is a real craftsman and Shanley needs to be doing more scripts.   He's got a great sense of humor and warmth.