It is no secret that this is a classic suspense film in every sense. It would seem only natural that Criterion would pick this film to be part of their revered collection. Most people who are willing to spend the kind of money that it takes to acquire a Criterion disc take comfort in the knowledge that they will experience the highest possible picture and sound quality possible for the particular film. Well, with the disc of Diabolique, that is just not the case. The film is loaded with dirt, grain, holes, tears, and even splices. At one point in viewing the disc I noticed a large circle flash by. I scanned back and paused on the frame to see that what appears to be a melted spot on the film had been circled, perhaps for removal later. It is still there, though. Also, the picture had a slight vibrating quality about it through the whole movie which was an annoyance. The picture is watchable, but for the price and the Criterion name, I expected much, much more. There are some serious issues with the sound as well. There is a constant low hiss on the soundtrack that can be distracting. The subtitles are pale and hard to read. I always enjoy watching the restoration demonstration on Criterion discs. I like seeing how huge picture defects can be erased just like magic. This movie obviously never recieved such treatment. I find it hard to believe that any restoration work at all was done to Diabolique before it was dumped on the market. Basically, the movie is definitely worth seeing, but do not assume anything simply because this is a Criterion disc. You could buy the same movie of the same quality on VHS for much less.

This is my favorite album of all time! That is why, when confronted with the opportunity to buy the original vinyl for [money], I couldn't refuse. What I found at the end of side one was something that I had heard over and over on the c.d., but never knew what it was. At the end of "Hot Poop", recorded backwards, is a censored verse from the song "Mother People" (which can be found intact on "Mothermania", if you can find it). "Better look around before you say you don't care, shut your ... were alive, ... little person." If you notice the liner notes, I believe there is a mention of this in the lyrics for "Mother People". If you have the means to get this on vinyl, I recommend it. If not, just know that Zappa was a purveyor of the recording legend known as Backwards Masking.

I recently picked up a sealed vinyl copy of this album. While listening to it, I heard something very strange. In the middle of the "Walrus" parody song, "Piggy in the Middle", there is a mumbling voice that says something like "Weinahazhasnuploonikzibit". I scratched my chin in wonder, took the auto-drive belt off the turntable, put the needle on, and slowly starting turning backwards. "This little piggy went to maahhrket" is what was revealed to my unbelieving ears. The c.d. version is great, but I highly recommend picking up the vinyl if you have the means just so you can play it backwards! Also, pick up the Beatles "White Album" on vinyl, and play the beginning of "Revolution 9" backwards. "Turn me on, dead man." Pretty damned spooky, if you ask me!

Aside from being one of the greatest movies of all time, this has got to be the best looking dvd of an old movie that I have ever seen! The movie is around 43 years old, and to buy this movie on video through the years (as I did) was to witness a washed out, faded, and rather grainy picture. Never having seen the movie in theaters, I took these things for fact. The other day, I went out to buy the dvd, and when I brought it home to watch it, I was completely amazed! The picture is vibrant, crisp, and gorgeous, and perhaps the most amazing thing is that there is not one flaw on the picture anywhere. There is not one speck, one grain, or even the tiniest visible flaw anywhere in this movies 2 hour plus running time. I was absolutely amazed. Even brand new movies often have at least a few imperfections, this film transfer beats them all. This is what dvd is all about. Buy this one, it will stand as the crowning jewel in your collection.

This is perhaps the funniest film of all time, bar none. I had recently become disenchanted with the comedies of today. I found myself watching whole movies, and never even smiling, let alone laughing. Than I happened upon this little known oddity at the video store. I took it home, and laughed in a way that I had never laughed before. It is wonderful to see Woody Allen and Diane Keaton looking so vibrant and full of life! The jokes come fast and furious, but they do not beg the viewer for a response, they just happen. That, in itself, makes it funnier than most comedies of today. Also, there is very little, if any, profanity in this movie. I've noticed that movies of today seem to rely too much on juvenile toilet humor and profanity to provide laughs. There is none of that here. To watch this is to have the senses rejuvinated, and to laugh so hard that your jaws ache. Basically, this is the movie that you can innocently recommend to anyone, and they will love you for it later. Make it a point to see this film!