Savant comes across with two very interesting reviews, another Criterion Godard epic, and one of the best American films of the forties.

Warners' Mildred Pierce is a hard-hitting adaptation of James M. Cain's hardboiled novel, that turns his incisive examination of mother love and ambition run wild in ethics-challenged Los Angeles society, circa 1937, into a film noir masterpiece. This is Joan Crawford's Oscar baby, where we forget her offscreen personality and marvel at her acting skill. Top Savant recommendations - and not because I edited the accompanying documentary included on the disc.

Criterion's Band of Outsiders is more manna for lovers of Jean-Luc 'Cinema' Godard's brand of insouciant filmmaking, with glowing Raoul Coutard cinematography, and the mesmerizing presence of Anna Karina. With some top extras, including new interviews.

Savant had a day off today, which accounts for the two reviews, but goes back to the editing treadmill on Sunday to beat a Tuesday deadline on a hot project. I really enjoyed writing about MILDRED PIERCE and hope the review prompts some welcome reader responses -even if you think my opinions stink! (They don't .... I hope.)

I may be premature, but it looks like DVDTalk's server woes are all better - my DSL is loading pages and making uploads normally now. No need to read a book while loading pages. Thanks for reading! Glenn Erickson