Bicycle Thieves (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]

Very high on my list of favorite films of all time, Vittorio De Sica's Bicycle Thieves packs an emotional punch every time I see it. As opposed to many neorealist films of the time (many of which I also greatly admire) which tended to focus on poverty as though it were an insurmountable force of nature, and which viewed the struggles of the poor working man through an almost morbidly romantic lens, De Sica and screenwriter Cesare Zavattini examine the same subject in a way that points the finger squarely at the individual and at society at large for creating and perpetuating the hardships that the characters endure. This is true not only for Bicycle Thieves, but for De Sica/Zavattini's other neorealist projects as well. The result is a poignant examination of human nature that prods at our own conscience while we are forced to ask ourselves how far we would be willing to lower ourselves to fulfill our own basic needs of survival. De Sica's films are usually devastatingly emotional and quite depressing, but always at their center is a deep and profound love for people and a (perhaps hopeless) wish for everything to work out okay for them. And always in some ways, there are small victories for the protagonists of his films, even if it wasn't the victory they were looking for. This Criterion edition of the film is fantastic. The print and transfer look better than I've ever seen it look, although the film does certainly show its age, with some scratches and lines showing up from time to time. The audio is fine.. the original mono Italian soundtrack appears to have been cleaned a bit as well, as there is minimal noise or hiss which allows the beautiful score to work its magic free of distractions. The second disc has promising special features, which I admit I haven't gotten around to viewing yet, and the package also comes with a 75 page booklet with numerous essays, both contemporary to the film and more modern, including writings by director Vittorio De Sica, screenwriter Cesare Zavattini, legendary film theorist Andre Bazin, and Sergio Leone, who as I learned from his essay, had a small cameo in the film. All in all, this Criterion release is among the best in their entire collection and is a necessary addition to any serious film lover's shelf.

Bought this blindly based upon suggestions from Home Theater Forum members. I went into this film with high expectations. It did not disappoint. Very enjoyable film. I think what I most enjoyed about BICYCLE THIEVES was that nothing in this film seemed like it was being acted -- from the actors themselves to everything that was going on in the background. It was a great little story that brought out the hardships of being able to obtain a job during an era filled with poverty, and once employment is obtained, the grief of losing the most valued possession in your life. Most of the film is dominated with searching....whether it be for a bicycle or an old man. While the search becomes a tedious focal point of the film, it's interesting to watch the characters involved, particularly the lead character's son, Bruno. The Blu-ray transfer is immaculate, as you would expect from Criterion. The only flaws I see in the print are the scene transitions which look rough, but certainly not a problem to the point where it takes the viewer away from immersion of the story. A great film? No. Worthy of a purchase? Absolutely, if you can get it during a Criterion sale. I would have preferred to pay $20 for this instead of $28. Still, consider me to be a happy camper.

The movie was made shortly after World War 2 finished. It tells of the struggles of. a family who are trying to overcome their economic hardships.

This a wonderful movie. I had never seen it before. I am 65 and was a teenager in the fifties and an avid movie goer. Some of these old black and white films bring back memories of a time when life seemed to begin every moment. It was a time after the war and people were just beginning to discover each other. The old Italian movies had a grittiness to them. A reality from far away places where life just had a different style. La Strada and the Nights of Cabiria were from this time. I feel such a pull watching them, wishing things had never become so modern. The Bicycle Thieves belongs in this catagory. The reproduction is marvelous. Clean and smooth. I am glad that this movie has been restored. Its a beautiful piece of the past.

This film is a piece of art. I would recommend it to any film buffs or students of film and film history. You can see a good amount of influence this film had on American film-makers such as Scorsese by bringing neo-realism to American films. The story is simple, but so rich in little nuances and the performances by the actors that the story is solid as a rock by the end of the film. I don't want to spoil the ending, but it is heart-wrenching. You will cry and you will want to watch it again.

Having watched this film many years ago for an appreciation class, its stark portrayal of postwar Italy has stuck with me (and dare I see a comparison with the present-day recession?) But I digress, as a stunning example of Italian New Wave, this Criterion Collection edition does the film justice, as almost all Criterion releases do (I'm looking at you: Armageddon).

A true classic of postwar Italian cinema. Not intended for the action-adventure fan, but a haunting study of the strain of poverty and the ethical compromises it sometimes forces on decent people. Entirely believable and touching, with the cast consisting of non-professional actors who carry off their depictions with obvious affection. The film is not likely to cheer you up, but avoids over-the-top tragedy, looking more closely at the daily setbacks and struggles many of us face, though admittedly from far more comfortable positions in life.

This movie was like watching paint dry. These critics are all lemmings. A few well-known authored critics give a movie raves, and everyone else follows behind, afraid they would appear uneducated in the "film arts" circles. To say that this film was either "the best" or "one of the best" foreign films ever made is an abomination! I'd take ANY Kurosawa film, over this one. What about "Fanny and Alexander" or any of the Bergman films? I just wasted one and a half hours watching this movie. What a waste! If I wanted to watch something this banal I would have watched the 6+ hour movie that Andy Warhol made of a person sleeping.

It’s the restored version of Bicycle Thieves by the arthouse label Criterion. Buy it. This is one of the best films ever made. If you are reading this review then you must be checking this film out. Enough procrastinating.

Actor turned director Vittorio De Sica won a well deserved Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film for this brilliant, original and trendsetting picture about a worker in Rome trying to earn a living for his family. De Sica used a non-professional cast to portray the simple characters, headlined by Lamberto Maggiorani, a real life factory worker. Enzo Staiola plays his young son, and deserves his second billing ahead of Lianella Carell, who plays his mother. The simple storyline was written by De Sica with the collaboration of three other writers. Unlike some other neorealist pictures, this one is beautifully shot by Carlo Montuori, who uses a lot of natural light in the many outdoor scenes. De Sica makes outstanding use of the many wonderful locations throughout Rome where the story takes place. He also demonstrates a considerable amount of directorial skill, including his use of tracking shots and his crowd scenes. This outstanding DVD package includes some great features on this film and neorealism in general, plus the best booklet I've ever seen in a Criterion package.

Contento con la compra, me gustó mucho la edicion porque agregan mas información sobre el director y la obra. Solo está en dos idiomas (italiano e inglés) y una opción de subtitulos (inglés)

Great to see such an iconic film restored to its full glory

Arrivé à temps et en bon état. Mon conjoint adore ce film