Yes indeed. I got Cronos, Videodrome, Topsy Turvy, Shock Corridor, YiYi, and the Von Sternberg DVD set. :)

What are the chances of a Irreversible Criterion release?...I absolutely loved the film (which, please don't take the wrong way in thinking I am sadistic ;) ) I still have yet to check out Noe's newest flick though...

So the coupon is no more? As in no chance of somebody posting a link? Or was it an actual 50% off sale? Because I asked those dooshes in the store when the next one was, about a week ago, and they said not for a while.

hahaha, he said dooshes. That actually made me laugh out loud at work.

The coupons that went around gave a customer the chance to get anywhere from 15 to 50% off. People on the forums posted the in-store version of the 50% one and lots of people printed them out and used them.

The next 50% off Criterion sale should be, if all goes as planned, in July. June usually features their Buy 2 Get 1 free sale, which my "contact" at B&N reminds me of constantly.

I saw an advanced screening of The Yards when I was in college at the local theatre...someone at my college was giving away free tix. I enjoyed it...thought it was a great little drama with great actors. I rented it years later and thought the same. Now, I'm afraid, with Echo Bridge's name attached to it, it will be complete and utter shite.

I appreciate the technical aspect of Enter the Void, but that's where its positives end for me. There are a lot of modern films that are "ballsy" and "audacious" that bring far more to the table. Of course it's irrelevant whether I like it or not, in regards to its potential lasting value; that wasn't the basis of my argument at all.

How do you know this is a film people will remember longer than Fish Tank? That's right, you don't. And what people? The general population? It could certainly be argued that Fish Tank would be more memorable because it was more focused and had quality acting, two things that Void almost indisuputably lacked. It depends on who you ask. On the other hand, some people may prefer a blatant attempt at being shocking and an emphasis on the visual, over story-telling and themes.

I appreciate your argument, but it's pretty weak when it comes to Antichrist (which is a film I rarely defend). You're comparing the drug and sex use in Void to the mutilation in Antichrist? The two aren't remotely comparable, in addition to me never saying one was more shocking than the other. In Void, the drug and sex use isn't what's shocking--we've seen that before. It's the unnecessary and laughable sex scene (you know which one) among other scenes that was so completely unnecessary and a blatant attempt to be shocking, without any real point. Antichrist's mutilation scenes, while shocking, had a very real, distinct, thematic point to them. In fact, one could argue that those scenes were the epitome of what the film was about thematically. Remind me, did Void have themes? At all? Imo, no it did not. It was nothing but a self-indulgent, laughable attempt by a director to be shocking, knowing he has little ability to create any semblance of a meaningful or purposeful film.

Seeing as Criterion passed on releasing Enter the Void, I doubt they would release Irreversible.

Can't say I disagree with any of this.

I just watched Fish Tank, hated it it, it started off good but the plot just meddles throughout, it feels like a random bit of scenes and the the revelations are beyond predictable, I'm disappointed that it went through a predictable route and dare I say cliche?

The cinematography was great though and the use of some good rap songs was good but that's it. Very disappointing.

Does anyone want to trade Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (once it hits) for Fish Tank?

People always tend to say that when defending the "graphic" parts of movies they like.

And who are you to say whether or not a films content has a point or not? Or that one is more "thematically viable" or just shocking for shockings sake.

I'm not here to argue the merits of one film against another, but you are taking the stance that just because you enjoy one film over another it has more of a point, or is doing something special, where as the other is just shock value. Movies by both of these directors are made with the intention of producing emotions in the audience. And it seems like both of them have achieved that with you. Just because you had a stronger connection to one film does not discredit the other.

I think you missed the part where I said I don't like either film, whatsoever. Thus, I have no bias towards one of the films--I'm simply calling it the way I see it and my opinion is hardly in the minority.

In regards to the bolded part, isn't that what commenting on a film is all about? Conveying one's subjective belief? It seems as though you'd prefer no comments to be made about films in general.

I would say the huge (mostly young) audience that has popped up around Enter the Void is a pretty good estimate of how much lasting appeal it will have. I know plenty of people that saw it based on word of mouth that otherwise have no interest in "art house" cinema whatsoever. I would be surprised if it didn't end up with cult status.

Stobbart had it right, we can argue over which film had more substance, that goes no where and leaves everyone where they started, so I'm not going to bother responding to most of this. I still find it hard to believe that is taken seriously by anyone, but to each his own.

Here are my current Criterions...

BLU:
Attachment 31717

DVD:
Attachment 31718

Nice.

Guess I'll be importing the UK release after all.

My Au Revoir just shipped. I had ordered it and Solaris at half price but couldn't wait any longer for Au Revoir, so I cancelled the other title.

Anyone pick up the clear replacement cases on Criterion's website lately? They list them as "Amaray." Are they the same ones they use for their releases? I thought they were suppose to be the Scanavo cases. If someone is able to confirm this it would be greatly appreciated.

I watched Sweet Smell of Success yesterday. Great film. I thought it was a little dull at first, and the "zippy" dialogue got a little on my nerves, but then it settled into a really good story, even though there were no likeable characters to root for.

The two main protagonists were respectively slimy and creepy, and the sister seemed extremely dull, almost entirely devoid of personality. But somehow it really worked. And the cinematography was beautiful.

does any1 know if Criterion sells booklets/artwork straight to consumers? i bought a few used Criterion DVDs... and need to fill it in.