Criterion also did it with RIOT ON CELL BLOCK 11; as per their practice, they locked the aspect ratio of the Blu-ray in the set, but zooming the accompanying DVD showed their obvious error. I heard scuttlebutt that their decision was based on nothing more than the personal preference of an advisor.
It's not the first time Criterion have chosen to die on this particular hill, but it's numbscullery writ large. Framing is only one part of the narrative for any film, but nevertheless it *is* part of the narrative. It's hugely disappointing for such a prestigious label to inflict this on cineastes.
My importing of BDs has been severely curtailed of late but I did snaffle a copy of THE PRIVATE LIVES OF ELIZABETH AND ESSEX (following Robert Harris's enthusiastic recommendation) and socks were duly blown off. Watching it, my thoughts turned to the possibilities for THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN...
1.66:1 was not 'the standard projection ratio' at that time in the UK; this canard is endlessly repeated as a truism, but it's not. Please refer to the UK section on this page: "Widescreen Documentation - 3dfilmarchive" http://www.3dfilmarchive.com/home/widescreen-documentation
Hard to imagine, but at least the expanded colour palette should improve on an already stunning BD. And by March, we should all be ready for an ultra hi-def plague of frogs...
If it's not enough that the films in this set are brilliantly presented, the supplements are both plentiful and educational, the packaging is a delight then any Ford scholar, or folks just seeking the very best educational matter on same, will rejoice in the Tag Gallagher video essays in this...
A genuinely lovely, generous, warm human being who helped me personally more than he could have ever known. The world is poorer for his passing. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.