I saw this film in its initial release in the early 70s, when there were lots of outstanding, intelligent, and personal films around. It made a deep impression then, and it holds up. The haunting mise-en-scene, the interaction and personalities of the characters, the involvement of the writing all still exercise a strong pull on the viewer. But foremost is Dominique Sanda: she was beguiling and mysterious then and she continues to exercise this hold. And I'm finally able to see it in its original format. I'm sorry there's so little additional material on the DVD, but the quality of DeSica's vision of his country at an unhappy time is immensely powerful.