I'm not sure if the poster's reasoning is the same as mine, but I have trouble enjoying a Polanski film due to his inexcusable rape of that poor child. It is difficult for me to not think about it a little bit when watching a Polanski film, which I know should garner some criticism from those who think I should just separate the two. But, maybe, it's just me.

That being said, I do not think Polanski is a very good director. I think Chinatown is one of the most overrated "classic" films of all time, same with "Rosemary's Baby." However, I thought the Pianist was wonderful.

To me, irrespective of his unfathomable transgression, I think he is a mediocre director who is vastly overrated.

Ummm, she's gone on record saying that she's OK with it, it's just society that's not (really just American society). Not to start a politcal discussion, nor am I condoning what he did, but in other parts of the world this wouldn't even have been an issue.

Yup, certainly not worth launching into a legal or political discussion.

However, you are wrong about what she said on the record. I am very familiar with the case and she never once said it was okay--she said that she just wants it to go away. You are also wrong that "American society" is the only people not okay with it. Um...pretty sure drugging and raping a barely teenage girl is not okay in any society or part of the world. Your statement about it not being an issue is utterly baffling. Just saying, now back to talking movies :)

On topic, I watched The Third Man last nite and thought it was an excellent film. It is incredible how good the film looked 60 years later. I thought the sound was just okay though--some dialogue was difficult to hear and the sound effects were a bit uneven sound-wise with the dialogue.

Excellent extras on the disc too. Certainly worth picking up. I will be watching the 400 Blows in a few days...will be interested to see how much better it looks on blu.

With that smiley at the end you seem like you are the type of guy that just has to get the last word. :rolleyes:

Yup, I apoigize, just going by what I've been spoonfed by mainstream media.
Really I could care less about the whole thing, it's been what 30 years?! it should've been taken care of back then.

Back to movies

Nope, not at all. I just couldn't let such a ridiculous comment go uncorrected. I certainly welcome pm's to discuss it, since it should not be discussed at length on this or any other thread.

Agreed, and I apologize for my response. I just despise comments implying it is not a big deal and all the celebrities coming to his defense.

But yes, back to movies...which is your favorite Criterion that you own?

Now I could be funny (and very un-PC) and say "Salo" given our previous discussion, but it's actually "The Bad Sleep Well" by Kurosawa.

hahahaha yeah pretty sure Salo would've been very fitting.


I have seen many Kurosawa films by I have not seen "The Bad Sleep Well," for whatever reason. It has been one of his films that I have wanted to see for awhile now, ironically. How is the dvd treatment?

Pretty decent, it's no blu-ray of course, but not bad. My favorite "modern" kurosawa

You have a very nice collection btw. I notice you own For All Mankind. I've been wanting to see it and pick it up on blu, but I haven't heard much about it. How is the film? I assume the blu treatment is great like the rest of the Criterions.

a lot is very 'raw' so it only can look so good (which isn't very, but you should get it for the content)


edit: OT, I re-watched la dolce vita last night.......glorious as always

Great, thank you Beta Man. My interest in it was its content, which I think would be fascinating and I have heard good things from those I know who have seen it. As for the quality, I expect this to be one of those films that you appreciate in the fact that it is the best it ever has and probably ever will look.

I know they have one copy left at my local Barnes and Noble, so I think I will pick it up.

Btw, Beta Man, you are obviously a Criterion expert, I was wondering what you consider to be your favorite Criterion, both on blu and in general (dvd, laserdisc, blu).

Watched "Der himmel über Berlin" tonight. Wonderful film, great picture and audio quality. Highly recommended!

Haha..... NOWHERE NEAR a "Criterion Expert" but I support them, because I appreciate what they do, and I liken it to slowly buying a basic education in film-study.....

For a favorite ..... (never got into LD unfortunately) I'd say, for a "Favorite" not necessarily the best film..... I'd say (from the DVDs I have) Diabolique or Rebecca.....

I have a question, which I'm sure has been asked already. Which movies only come in the clear plastic case? Thanks in advance.

I like the way you look at it--as a basic education in film-study.


I have not seen Diabolique but will attempt to do so based on your recommendation. Rebecca is an excellent film.

Just picked up two more DVD's since I already got ALL the Criterion blu's so far released. Picked up "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" for 13.00 + tax after coupon and the Grey Gardens 2-DVD set for 16.87 + tax after coupon, gotta have the original Grey Gardens, the TV movie of the same name with Drew Barrymore and Jessica Lange was not that good at all IMHO.:)

Easier to answer the ones that do not, here is a list of the criterion blu-rays that were in the original cardboard cases:

400 Blows
Bottle Rocket
Chungking Express
El Norte
Last Emperor
Last Metro
Last Year at Marienbad
The Man Who Fell to Earth
The Third Man (originally)

The rest our in the clear plastic cases :D