La Strada

Acclaimed Italian filmmaker Federico Fellini drew on his own circus background for the 1954 classic La Strada . Set in a seedy travelling carnival, this symbolism-laden drama revolves around brutish strongman Zampano ( Anthony Quinn ), his simple and servile girlfriend Gelsomina ( Giulietta Masina , Fellini 's wife), and clown/aerialist Matto ( Richard Basehart ). Appalled at Zampano's insensitive treatment of Gelsomina, the gentle-natured Matto invites her to run off with him; but Gelsomina, like a faithful pet, refuses to leave the strong man's side. Eventually Zampano's volcanic temper erupts once too often, leading to tragic consequences. Written by Fellini and Tullio Pinelli and scored by Nino Rota , La Strada was the winner of the first official Academy Award for Best Foreign-Language Film, awarded in 1956. — Hal Erickson


Overview
The Criterion Collection has done a typically remarkable job in bringing Federico Fellini's masterful blend of neorealism and magic realism to DVD. Long deserving an upgrade on home video, this new transfer of La Strada -- which preserves the film's original full-frame aspect ratio of 1.33:1 -- is simply wonderful, brimming with a rich palate of gray tones and an exceptional clarity of detail that inspires a whole new appreciation for Otello Martelli's cinematography. Since the film was shot with an international cast, all of whom post-synched their dialogue, Criterion has opted to present both the film's Italian audio track (which features Giulietta Masina voicing her character) and the English version (in which Anthony Quinn and Richard Basehart voice theirs), both of which have been mastered in Dolby Digital Mono and sound remarkably good given their age. (The disc also includes optional English subtitles.) Film historian Peter Bondanella contributes a commentary track, and if his approach is a bit academic, his perspectives are both interesting and well informed. Martin Scorsese also comments upon the film in an onscreen introduction, which reveals his usual blend of erudition and enthusiasm. Finally, the set's second disc contains Federico Fellini's Autobiography, a documentary assembled from Italian television interviews with the filmmaker that were conducted at various stages of his career. Once again, Criterion has offered us the definitive home video presentation of a truly important film, and anyone with an interest in classic Italian cinema will want to have this edition of La Strada in their collection.