I'm thinking of picking up Godard's MADE IN U.S.A. on DVD and was wondering about the differences between the two R2 PAL British versions - one part of an earlier Godard collection (bare bones I've read) and the new one, released last month (SE?) - and the Australian R2 & 4 PAL version. My understanding is that the French version is sans subtitles.

Thanks in advance for any advice, facts, etc. :)

The two British releases should be the same source by Studio Canal. I have the first release in the 3 disc set with PIERROT LE FOU and PRENOM CARMEN (the new LionsGate disc of this is excellent though it doesn't have the Raro extras) and that is a fine transfer with forced (though not burned in subs). I'm thinking Optimum's release is the same transfer since they are releasing a lot of Studio Canal-owned material (a lot with burned in subs, apparently).