Audio/Video:

It's very difficult to judge the audio and video quality of a DVD release such as this. Because of its unique look and sound, separating noticeable flaws from the director's artistic vision is tough. That being said, the DVD of The Saddest Music in the World looks and sounds much better than it did when I saw it in the movie theater. Dialogue is easy to make out and the picture shows no signs of artifacts or edge enhancement. It is presented in anamorphic widescreen at 1.85:1 and the soundtrack is Dolby 5.1.

Extras:

MGM/IFC did well by Saddest Music in the extras department, considering its small box office take. There are two documentaries on the disc, which show how such a unique film came to be. Interviews with Maddin, Rossellini and McKinney are the highlights.

But the stars here are the three Maddin short films: The hilarious "Sissy Boy Slap Party," which is simply four minutes of gay men slapping each other; "A Trip to the Orphanage" and "Sombra Dolorosa." All three appear to have been shot along with The Saddest Music in the World as the same techniques and sets are in play. They are wonderful additions to the film, showcasing the type of humor and storytelling that could make Maddin a household name.

The lone drawback is the lack of director's commentary track. While Maddin is quoted extensively in the documentaries, a seperate track for the full film could have been fascinating.

Final Thoughts:

An absolute hidden gem of a film, The Saddest Music in the World is one of the year's best films. Winning performances, a funny story and a brilliant visual style, along with interesting extras and a high-quality transfer, make this my second-ever DVD to receive DVDTalk's highest rating.