FOX HOME ENTERTAINMENT has been releasing "classics" from their vaults in special "collector's editions" and "HOW GREEN WAS MY VALLEY" is one of them.  Roddy McDowell is excellent here, and so is the entire cast.  But, it's Director John Ford's direction that stands out most, and not in the way one would normally expect of him!  What stands out about his direction is its subtlety!  Ford's other films are anything but subtle. He loves compositions that call attention to themselves and even reign over the action.  In "HOW GREEN WAS MY VALLEY" there is great cinematography, but it's the drama and the writing that are allowed to stand out.  Ford demonstrates that even when restrained, he's great!

Set in a Welsh mining town, it captures the lives of ordinary hard-working folk in a way which easily draws comparisons to "GRAPES OF WRATH."  The strength of family in hard economic times is as important today as it was in 1942 when the film was first released.

There's a lot of heart in this film, and Ford's respect for his Irish roots certainly brings the film great depth, although we're not sure if his father was as loveable as the one Donald Crisp plays here.

FOX has remastered this previously available title for their "FOX STUDIO CLASSICS" collection, and it's incredible!  The original 1.33:1 aspect ratio is intact, and the image is well-polished, with minimal age signs.  The black and white image is flawless, with excellent contrast and no artifacting! 

The original monaural track is offered, as well as a remixed stereo track. Of course, purists will appreciate the "original" track, but we found the remixed "stereo" track to offer better fidelity and even less hiss than the impressive mono. 

An audio commentary with film historian and John Ford biographer Joseph McBride is included, and he demonstrates his incredible knowledgeof the director throughout. He's never dull and it's a great listen.  Actress Anna Lee is also on hand, but offers little in the way of insight.

Also included is "THE AMCH BACKSTORY: HOW GREEN WAS MY VALLEY."  This documentary, just under a half-hour, is outstanding, seldom heard information about the infighting between Ford and Daryl F. Zanuck. 

Add the theatrical trailer and a still gallery and this makes one of the best offerings of a classic film to dvd in years!