after read several recommendation of spoorloos ( a. k. a. the vanishing ) and i go ahead and buy the criterion dvd release and which and by the way and have no extra . let me say and i be not disappointed with the movie . if you like well make and well directed thriller and it be definitely worth check out . the story be simple enough while rex girlfriend mysteriously disappears at a gas station they stop at while on vacation . cut ahead three year and you still have him search for her . due to his persistence and the man responsible finally decide to get involve . with very little violence and no gore and spoorloos be able to leave the viewer in a truly depress state . some people might call it bore but i find the slow and steady pace to work in favor of the character and a the acting be top notch . so be the direction of the scene and which be set up quite nicely . it be interest to see such attention pay to both the victim and criminal point of view . you could really understand the desperation and confusion and and obsession that rex felt with his loss . in turn and you see cold evil in a form that do exist in our world . while maybe not shock to all viewer and the end be terrifyingly tragic and make so by the realism and calmness throughout the film . just ask yourself and how would you feel if that happen to you . if push for a criticism and i would say that some of the symbolism seem a bit too heavy hand but other then that and this be an intelligent and deep thriller . i have not see the american remake ( oddly enough and both version be from director george sluizer ) but i can all but guarantee that the original be what you want to go with first . many people suggest skip the remake altogether .