Can anyone tell me if Criterion's DVD of DEVIL AND DANIEL WEBSTER is a significant improvement over their laser disc of this title? Was better source material unearthed in the intervening decade (like the film's buried Hessian gold), or are the restored parts still in fairly rough shape?

There has been an improved source for the perivously lost footage, GREATLY improved. The Hessisan gold analogy isn't far removed because the source for this disc is a complete 35mm preview print in excellent condition which was found in the estate of William Dieterle a few years ago. There is a considerable amount of hiss in the soundtrack throughout the film, and I seem to recall a few clumsy splices, but aside from those, this disc is a stunning revelation. A most worthwhile Criterion release!!