Widescreen now available
Both Borders and Barnes and Noble now carry a widescreen version of Picnic:

http://video.barnesandnoble.com/DVD/Picnic/William-Holden/e/043396828797/?itm=4

Widescreen on one side, fullscreen on the other. It says "Columbia Classics" across the top of the package.

I wish Amazon would carry this version, as I don't want to open a new account at one of those other places just for one item.

picnic
I ordered this film on DVD last week, and was very excited that I had finally purchased it on DVD. Sat down to watch it, and was horrified that it was butchered (i.e. the full screen, pan-and-scan thing). I went online today to see if I had accidentally chosen the wrong format, and found to my shock that this version is the only one out there.

I have to give it at least 3 stars, because the movie is so damned good. But this is a lousy transfer. I find it hard to believe that at this late date in the DVD game, a new, improved, widescreen, digitally enhanced version has not been made. How could such a classic film be ignored like this? I strongly urge the powers that be to do this classic film justice - with maybe a "making-of" special, while some of the folks involved in its production are still alive, to add insight.

Please, PLEASE come out with a better version, and soon!

Too Stagey
Picnic is the story of a drifter (William Holden), an ex-football hero who has never had trouble with women. He feels doomed to repeat his father's life, a life of alcoholism and jail. When he stumbles upon an old college friend, things seem to be looking up, that is until he meets his friend's girlfriend (Kim Novak). The sexual tension is outrageous between them and they don't do a good job at covering it up. Naturally, this spells problems for the drifter and the girl who desires to be something more than just a pretty face.

Unfortunately, this movie just doesn't hit the spot. The acting is melodramatic across the board, a fault of the director, I suspect. The women suddenly throw themselves onto beds for a good long cry or they exaggeratedly turn away from the men they love. It is all too hokey and unrealistic to do the film any justice. Fortunately, the personalities of the actors make this movie worth seeing anyway. Aside from Holden and Novak, Susan Strasberg and Rosalind Russell make memorable appearances in supporting roles. Strasberg is youthful and charming and Russell is overbearing and desperate (appropriately to the character).

"Picnic" is a Classic!
It's difficult to believe that "Picnic" was shot 50 years ago!
Excellent look at small town festival time, rich guy , pretty girl from other side of tracks , ex- college jock passing through town , desperate
to marry aging beauty , all wrapped up with the great theme song joining "Picnic " & " Moonglow". The scene with Kim Novak ,the pretty girl , swaying down a ramp, clapping her hands to the music , then
touching hands and slow dancing with William Holden is one most viewers
who are young at heart will cherish !

Picnic
Brought back many pleasant memories to my wife and I from our high school days. This has always been a favorite movie of ours.