Criterion Collection Discussion

[octagon]

Originally Posted by montyb

Too bad Criterion cannot keep rights to Grand Illusion on blu. Just like Third Man, Ran, and others Studio Canal is releasing in sub par transfers and little special features. Criterion does amazing work (look at those Chaplin blu rays!).

I like the whacky C as much as the next guy but this doesn't sound all that sub-par...

http://www.blu-ray.com/movies/La-Gra.../37066/#Review

We'll have to see exactly what the Lionsgate release looks like but I have to say I'm pretty optimistic.

And really, are catalog releases a case where too many cooks is a bad thing?

I say the more, the merrier.

[Zen_Amako]

Originally Posted by zui

And now for something totally different. Is there anyone who knows which country's releases of Masumura Yasuzo's films are the best looking ones transfer-wise. There are French, American, German and UK releases as far as I know but I can't seem to find any reviews or comparisons between the releases. Maybe there's someone here who has some Masumura films on DVD and who's willing to share some information. ;-)

I can recommend the American DVD releases of Blind Beast, Red Angel and Manji. Blind Beast is one of my favorites - it's like a surreal version of William Wyler's The Collector and it has an amazing set. I've also seen the UK release of Irezumi (which is not available in the US) and the second Hanzo the Razor film, which was directed by Masumura. Sorry I can't offer any comparisons, but all of these releases seemed fine to me, with anamorphic transfers and good quality subtitles.

I also have a DVD I got from eBay of Double Suicide at Sonezaki with Meiko Kaji, but I have yet to watch it.

[BluPix]

Originally Posted by Joe Dalek

Criterion really only deals in "classic" Anderson, not his later period.

Did you hear PlanetAxel closed? Condolences to greekak. http://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=199079

You don't consider The Darjeeling Limited part of the latter part of Wes Anderson's period?

[rkish]

Originally Posted by octagon

I like the whacky C as much as the next guy but this doesn't sound all that sub-par...

http://www.blu-ray.com/movies/La-Gra.../37066/#Review

We'll have to see exactly what the Lionsgate release looks like but I have to say I'm pretty optimistic.

And really, are catalog releases a case where too many cooks is a bad thing?

I say the more, the merrier.

I own the UK "La Grande Illusion" and the PQ is pretty impressive. A nice choice of supplements and booklet to boot. I'm quite happy with it and would put it up against anything Criterion has released.

[Beta Man]

Originally Posted by BluPix

You don't consider The Darjeeling Limited part of the latter part of Wes Anderson's period?

Fantastic Mr. Squirrel is the "Later" Anderson.... We live in an A.D.D. world..... thus is the way...

[Darkcritic]

Raro Video just announced a BD for Rossellini's Il Generale della Rovere but, wasn't it a Criterion title?

[greekak229]

Originally Posted by Joe Dalek

Criterion really only deals in "classic" Anderson, not his later period.

Did you hear PlanetAxel closed? Condolences to greekak. http://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=199079

[zui]

Originally Posted by SpiderBaby

Exactly. Versatil Home Video in Brazil should be releasing Rocha's rare film Der Leone Have Sept Cabeças sometime this year (there has been a full restoration and there is a tiny clip on a youtube video that looks amazing, as well as screenshots online). I can't wait, knowing this is going to be the release of the year for me, and most likely region free along with the others.

Yoshida is #1 on my list of Japanese filmmakers that is sadly missing in Region 1.

That's pretty cool. Have you seen the film? Versatil Home Video is the same publisher that also released the Brazilian Rocha Box, isn#t it? If so I'm sure the new restoration will be able to meet high expectations.

Originally Posted by Zen_Amako

I can recommend the American DVD releases of Blind Beast, Red Angel and Manji. Blind Beast is one of my favorites - it's like a surreal version of William Wyler's The Collector and it has an amazing set. I've also seen the UK release of Irezumi (which is not available in the US) and the second Hanzo the Razor film, which was directed by Masumura. Sorry I can't offer any comparisons, but all of these releases seemed fine to me, with anamorphic transfers and good quality subtitles.

I also have a DVD I got from eBay of Double Suicide at Sonezaki with Meiko Kaji, but I have yet to watch it.

Thank you! Sounds great. I'm currently watching all of his films, or let's say any of his that I can find. Quite an interesting filmmaker, I think. I really liked Irezumi, Seisaku's wife and Giants & Toys(just watched this one today). Manji was interesting, too.
It's funny, though... The one I was the least excited about after having seen it was Blind Beast, although it's interesting, too. You're definitely right, the set's great. I especially liked the "wall of mouths". While there are some elements I disliked in Blind Beast and Manji, there are others that somehow manage to draw me back in. Afraid to Die was a strange viewing experience for me since Mishima Yukio played the lead role. I'm not quite sure what to think of that one.
Guess Red Angel is next on the list.

Thanks again.

[zui]

Originally Posted by Roninblues

Not a lot of his product is available for region 1. I only have a few on Fantoma so far (Afraid to Die, Black Test Car, Blind Beast, Giants & Toys and Red Angel. Manji is ordered) though I'm always hoping for BluRays these are solid DVDs. The Hanzo the Razor that I have is on Homevision and it part of a fun three disc set. You can purchase most of them for under $10 new through Amazon Market place. Hope this helps.

I know. Fantoma didn't release that many of his films. So it seems that I can't go wrong with any of the Fantoma releases.
Thanks again for helping me out there.

[SpiderBaby]

Originally Posted by zui

Cool, so how's the image quality? I mean if they feature good transfers I wouldn't even bother looking for comparisons. Do you have all the Fantomas releases?

To put my opinion in on this, I too only have the Fantoma dvd releases (Blind Beast, Giants & Toys, etc) and find them to be worthy transfers. You can get them fairly cheap, brand new, off of the Amazon Marketplace.

Here is a quick review on a few if interested:

http://www.mondo-digital.com/blindbeast.html

I am/was a very big fan of Fantoma's taste in film (Kenneth Anger, Masumura, Fassbinder, Coffin Joe/José Mojica Marins). Too bad they are not around anymore as they pretty much had my taste down 100%.

[SpiderBaby]

Originally Posted by zui

That's pretty cool. Have you seen the film? Versatil Home Video is the same publisher that also released the Brazilian Rocha Box, isn#t it? If so I'm sure the new restoration will be able to meet high expectations.

Yes, same company http://www.dvdversatil.com.br/30-ano...glauber-rocha/. I have seen the film, but without English Subtitles (the same way I saw Rocha's Claro) and on a bad vhs-like transfer.

[zui]

Originally Posted by SpiderBaby

To put my opinion in on this, I too only have the Fantoma dvd releases (Blind Beast, Giants & Toys, etc) and find them to be worthy transfers. You can get them fairly cheap, brand new, off of the Amazon Marketplace.

Here is a quick review on a few if interested:

http://www.mondo-digital.com/blindbeast.html

I am/was a very big fan of Fantoma's taste in film (Kenneth Anger, Masumura, Fassbinder, Coffin Joe/José Mojica Marins). Too bad they are not around anymore as they pretty much had my taste down 100%.

Thanks for your take on the DVDs. I didn't know Fantoma were gone. Just heard of this publisher a week ago while searching for some good prices for the Masumuras... While I'm unfamiliar with Coffin Joe, Anger and Fassbinder are fantastic. Two of my absolute favorite filmmakers, too. I'm eagerly awaiting more Fassbinder Blu-ray upgrades (already damn excited about Querelle getting one not even one month from now). This is actually my release of the year so far.
Masumuras films either hit the mark instantly, like Giants & Toys, or they manage to slowly but steadily grow on me somehow, like Manji. Either way, I'm glad I started watching his films a week ago.

Originally Posted by SpiderBaby

I have seen the film, but without English Subtitles (the same way I saw Rocha's Claro) and on a bad vhs-like transfer.

Haha, I think I just saw the file you mean on yt. The quality sure is pretty bad but sometimes that's the only option available to watch a movie. youtube's great for finding films online, sometimes. When I was searching for some Man Ray films like 2 weeks ago I found them on there in an instant.

[SpiderBaby]

Originally Posted by zui

Thanks for your take on the DVDs. I didn't know Fantoma were gone. Just heard of this publisher a week ago while searching for some good prices for the Masumuras... While I'm unfamiliar with Coffin Joe, Anger and Fassbinder are fantastic. Two of my absolute favorite filmmakers, too. I'm eagerly awaiting more Fassbinder Blu-ray upgrades (already damn excited about Querelle getting one not even one month from now). This is actually my release of the year so far.
Masumuras films either hit the mark instantly, like Giants & Toys, or they manage to slowly but steadily grow on me somehow, like Manji. Either way, I'm glad I started watching his films a week ago.

Haha, I think I just saw the file you mean on yt. The quality sure is pretty bad but sometimes that's the only option available to watch a movie. youtube's great for finding films online, sometimes. When I was searching for some Man Ray films like 2 weeks ago I found them on there in an instant.

Yeah that Youtube link is what I was takling about.

Querelle on blu-ray is fantastic. Hopefully Lili Marleen gets a Criterion release soon.

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by Zen_Amako

(credit to "Matt" on criterionforum.org)

Very thoughtful... Deep cover. Reminds me of Secret Sunshine. I can imagine Megan with her own Terrence malick inner monologue on the soundtrack.
"why am I here"
"why are they doing this"
"who will greet me at the roads end"
"must war never stop"
"whats Mike doing back there?"

[CinemaBlu]

Anyone know for sure whether or not a Barnes & Noble sale is happening in July?

[Leterface]

Originally Posted by Deciazulado

Eating Raoul

One of the very best madcannibal-horrorcomedies ever made, I will get this ASAP!!!

[ShellOilJunior]

Most Requested Criterion Blu (Cumulative) Over 1,400 requests in.

• Badlands
• Rashomon
• A Man Escaped
• Touch of Evil
• Brazil
• The BRD Trilogy
• Stray Dog
• Weekend
• Le Petit Soldat
• In the Mood for Love
• Le Samourai
• The Fountain
• The Diving Bell and The Butterfly
• Ali: Fear Eats the Soul
• The Virgin Spring
• The Cranes are Flying
• Sisters
• Persona
• Berlin Alexanderplatz
• Alice in the Cities
• La Dolce Vita
• Pi

[Ctzalman]

Originally Posted by CinemaBlu

Anyone know for sure whether or not a Barnes & Noble sale is happening in July?

i was at barnes and noble yesterday, but my buddy who runs the media department was not working. however, one of the workers in that area did say she believes the sale will begin the second week of july.

still no definitive confirmation...

[CinemaBlu]

Originally Posted by ShellOilJunior

Most Requested Criterion Blu (Cumulative) Over 1,400 requests in.

• Badlands
• Rashomon
• A Man Escaped
• Touch of Evil
• Brazil
• The BRD Trilogy
• Stray Dog
• Weekend
• Le Petit Soldat
• In the Mood for Love
• Le Samourai
• The Fountain
• The Diving Bell and The Butterfly
• Ali: Fear Eats the Soul
• The Virgin Spring
• The Cranes are Flying
• Sisters
• Persona
• Berlin Alexanderplatz
• Alice in the Cities
• La Dolce Vita
• Pi

I wish more people would request at least one Douglas Sirk film. They keep cranking out Kurosawa, Bergman and Godard but not one Sirk film has been released yet. I want Written on the Wind and Imitation of Life on blu.

[ShellOilJunior]

Originally Posted by CinemaBlu

I wish more people would request at least one Douglas Sirk film. They keep cranking out Kurosawa, Bergman and Godard but not one Sirk film has been released yet. I want Written on the Wind and Imitation of Life on blu.

They haven't cranked out a Godard in a while.

For that matter, another Truffaut would be nice.