An unsung comic triumph from David Lean, Hobson's Choice stars the legendary Charles Laughton as the harrumphing Henry Hobson, the owner of a boot shop in late-Victorian Northern England. With his haughty, independent daughter Maggie (Brenda De Banzie) decides to forge her own path, romantically and professionally, with the help of none other than Henry' prized bootsmith Will (a splendid John Mills), father and daughter find themselves head-to-head in a fiery match of wills. Equally charming and caustic, Hobson's Choice, adapted from Harold Brighouse's famous play, is filled to the brim with great performances and elegant, inventive camerawork.

Hobson's Choice is to get a most welcome DVD release from Criterion in February 2008 (exact date to be confirmed) at the SRP of $39.95. The releae features a new high-definition digital transfer from a restoration by the BFI National Archive, funded by the David Lean Foundation and StudioCanal, and the following special features:

• Audio commentary featuring film scholars Alain Silver and James Ursini, co-authors of David Lean and His Films;
• The Hollywood Greats: Charles Laughton, a 1978 BBC documentary about the actor's life and career, featuring interviews with his friends and colleagues;
• Theatrical trailer;
• A new essay by critic Armond White.