The Spider Web of Ingmar Bergman “Only Bergman can film men as they are loved but hated by women, and women as they are hated but loved by men” (Godard). "When he opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour" (Rev 8:1). Now we see through a glass darkly, then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall known fully, even as I am fully known (I Cor 13:12).

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MGM (USA) have made an appalling series of errors with their new Bergman boxset. Two films in the set have been heavily cropped from their original 1.37:1 aspect ratio to a very noticeable 1.66:1; and Persona is missing roughly 11.5% of screen information despite being 1.33:1. This is a faux pas the like of which has not been seen for a long time in DVD land. There is no precedent for Hour of the Wolf and Shame being 1.66:1 yet MGM seem to think that these films were shown theatrically at this ratio. With characters' heads chopped in half, Bergman and Nykvist's careful framing is ruined at 1.66:1 (the transfers are non-anamorphic too). R1 Bergman fans should strongly consider holding off this boxset.


"Yet Another Follow Up" 200402/07

MGM (USA) have officially recalled the Ingmar Bergman Collection boxset (originally due to hit the streets on February 10, 2004) because of the problem with two transfers (Hour of the Wolf and Shame). Thanks to the power of the internet and everybody who understood the problem, we'll be able to view these films properly now when the set is released in May. Kudos to MGM.