For a Fyodor Dostoevsky afficianado, this is a great find!
Probably helps to read the novel first, because there is a gap of storyline between the first and second disc. For someone who loves the novel as I do, this screen adaptation is superb. Of course the novel has to be condensed and rhythmically altered in order to bring to cinema, but the essence of Dostoevsky I feel is well conveyed.
Assists with visualizing the settings of the novel. Excellent casting and actors. Some of the novel has a gritty realism that I feel this screen version portrays. Also characters get closer and touch each other more expressively than is typical here in contemporary American society and this reflects well the culture of the novel.
All in all, I am most appreciative that this screen adaptation is available. Thank you.

Oops, there is no gap between disc one and two. Parts One and Two are on the first disc and Part Three is on the second disc. I missed it the first viewing! Thanks!

RAREFILMSANDMORE reformatted this intense Russian screen rendition of Dostoevsky's masterpiece novel and added worthy subtitles for English-reading audiences.

This 1969 film is rare and unavailable elsewhere with subtitles.  This screen version is superior to the 1956 Hollywood disaster because this Russian screenplay better conveys the heart of the novel and gives greater recognition to the major themes that underlie the superficial plot action.

Also, these Russian actors better portray the depth and subtleties of Dostoevsky's multi-dimensional characters. Mikhail Ulianov as Dmitri and Lionella Pyrieva as Agrafena are especially superb.

Can't guarantee everyone will appreciate this movie. But if you love Dostoevsky, this fine adaptation of his Karamazovs is well worth examining. Ideally American public libraries would show greater respect to Dostoevsky's supreme novel if they threw out all their DVDs of the inferior Hollywood adaptation and offer this Russian version provided by RAREFILMSANDMORE instead.

Nice job, RAREFILMSANDMORE! Without you, this cinematic accomplishment would likely have been lost to English speakers. Thank you!

Love this classic film.  The DVD is of good quality.