How Does the Film Sound?
Presented with its original French Mono track and optional white subtitles this is the area where this DVD by Criterion absolutely shines. The marvelous score by Miles Davis comes off the speakers in a way that must be heard to be believed. Crisp and clear this audio presentation by Criterion is a joy to listen to. I am unsure what the state of this film was prior to digital restoration but this is clearly one of the best jobs Criterion have done in quite a long time and I am utterly impressed. Bravo!

Extras:
Before we address the extras provided with this double set by Criterion allow me to point out the fact that I am very disappointed with this new double case that the company has used for Elevator to the Gallows. Most of you have probably seen this new design where the two discs overlap each other thus the disc on the top must be removed each time one wants to access the disc on the bottom. This is a very unfriendly double case which will produce plenty of anger amongst those (me included) who found nothing wrong with the classic cases Criterion used up to this point.

On disc one you will find two trailers to the film: the original trailer and a second trailer for Janus Films which I found much more stylish and classy than the original one. Thank you Criterion for providing it with this package!

On disc two you will find a new interview with Jeanne Moreau which was specifically recorded for this DVD release in Brasserie La Lorraine in Paris (2005). The interview is entirely in English (takes place in a high-end bistro) and Jeanne Moreau speaks about her first encounter with Louis Malle, the script to the film, and how she was approached and consequently offered the role of Florence Carala.

Next, there is an interview with Louis Malle that dates back to 1975 where while working on his Black Moon the director was interviewed by a Canadian TV crew regarding his directorial debut. The interview uses plenty of archive footage and is offered in French with white English subtitles.

Next, there is the "Malle and Moreau at Cannes" interview which was shot during the 1993 Cannes Film Festival specifically for the French TV program Le Circle de Minuit. This is probably one of the most curious extras on this set as it shows Malle and Moreau recalling their early work in a purely improvised manner.

Next, there is an extensive extra on Maurice Ronet, prior to his leading role as Julien, that was recorded for the French TV program Reflets de Cannes in 1957. This is a great interview (a pretty old at that) that sheds a great deal of light on this most prolific French actor whose body of work contains more than 100 films.

Next, there is a terrific piece of extra titled "The Miles Davis Score" divided in three sections where we first see Miles Davis playing his trumpet while Elevator to the Gallows is being shown on a big white canvas. Superb!! Next, there is an interview with the French pianist Rene Urtreger where he recalls his work with Miles Davis and how he was invited to record the soundtrack to the film. At the end there is "Miles Davis Goes Modal" in which jazz trumpeter Jon Faddis and film critic Gary Giddins discuss Miles' work and his contribution to the film.

Last but not least there is the little seen Louis Malle student picture Crazeologie which dates back to 1954 inspired by the works of Samuel Beckett and Eugene Ionesco (the film is also complimented by the music of Charlie Parker).

Final Thoughts:
Another spectacular package by the always reliable Criterion with plenty of extras (and more than enough of extras that pertain to the famous score of this film) which should be a mandatory addition for those of you that already own the spectacular Louis Malle boxset!! This is a must-buy folks, it is as simple as that!! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!