The Tales of Hoffmann

Opera and ballet combine with superb cinematography in this Technicolor extravaganza about a poet's adventures with women and the devil. Written and directed by the influential team of Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger, the film features an outstanding score composed by Jacques Offenbach and performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

Criterion's edition contains:

• The uncut version of the film, not seen in the U.S. for over 40 years
• New transfer, restoring the film's brilliant colors and original aspect ratio
• Audio commentary by Martin Scorsese on Michael Powell's style and technique
• Audio essay by film scholar Bruce Eder, about Powell and Pressburger's collaboration, the cast, and the movie's musical background
• Hundreds of production photographs