Criterion Collection Discussion

[blkhrt]

Originally Posted by SlickDamian

Criterion obviously knows how to properly reproduce the intended sound of a film. Just throw in The Thin Red Line and turn it up loud.
If a film isn't meant to have bone-shattering bass and sound effects coming out of every channel, why try to make it so that it does? It's silly. Do we really need Modern Times or Breathless to have 7.1 or 5.1 mixes? No.

I fully agree with those who are saying that redoing sound would go against Criterion's mission and is unnecessary. The one exception that I always wonder about is silent films. After all, since many of the older films were performed with a live orchestra, any sound mix is untrue. I think it is interesting that some films (Modern Times) have only mono, whereas others (The General) have 5.1 tracks included. Obviously those come from different companies, but I do think silent films are the one place where there is room for debate on this issue.

[rkish]

Originally Posted by blkhrt

I fully agree with those who are saying that redoing sound would go against Criterion's mission and is unnecessary. The one exception that I always wonder about is silent films. After all, since many of the older films were performed with a live orchestra, any sound mix is untrue. I think it is interesting that some films (Modern Times) have only mono, whereas others (The General) have 5.1 tracks included. Obviously those come from different companies, but I do think silent films are the one place where there is room for debate on this issue.

I guess with a film that has no "real" soundtrack... it's a case of poetic license. Personally...given the choice with a 2.0 vs. a 5.1 scoring (as on the most recent Keaton release of The Saphead), I usually opt for the 2.0 mix, as it sounds more "natural" to me and a surround mix just doesn't sound right to me. Just my opinion...

[rezpekt]

Originally Posted by blkhrt

I fully agree with those who are saying that redoing sound would go against Criterion's mission and is unnecessary. The one exception that I always wonder about is silent films. After all, since many of the older films were performed with a live orchestra, any sound mix is untrue. I think it is interesting that some films (Modern Times) have only mono, whereas others (The General) have 5.1 tracks included. Obviously those come from different companies, but I do think silent films are the one place where there is room for debate on this issue.

Modern Times isn't a traditional silent film. The Gold Rush has 5.1 music soundtrack.

[rock, stone]

I think additional audio tracks are great added value when they are done well, especially where silents are concerned. The 5.1 of The General is wonderful. It isn't like silent films were "meant" to be in mono. Plus with the option of different scores, it gives the chance to revisit the films with different flavors.

The 5.1 for Anatomy of a Murder is also a treat. It doesn't clash with the film's sensibilities at all, it just opens up the score. It isn't like it replaced the original.

Roaring sharks are another matter, but for my money, additional quality mixes are always welcome.

[Show spoiler]The upcoming remix of The Game is far and away the most (only?) interesting thing about this release, for me.

[Brad1963]

Originally Posted by Oscar Rothman

Predictions for October?My are:Rosemary Baby,The Blob,Week End and Grey Gardens/The Beales of Grey Gardens.

My Predictions for October.

The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp (Blu ray upgrade/DVD remaster)
Ministry of Fear
Rosemary's Baby
The Tenant (a surprise announcement for a Polanski Pair)
Grey Gardens/The Beales of Grey Gardens (Blu ray upgrade)
The Blob (1958) (Blu ray upgrade)
The Kid with a Bike

[Arkadin]

that would be one incredible month if all that came true that's for sure.

[P@t_Mtl]

Not really! Not for me anyway, would prefer another type of list

[Arkadin]

well do tell, do tell.

[P@t_Mtl]

My dream month would be

Picnic at Hanging Rock by Peter Weir
City Lights by Charlie Chaplin
In The Mood For Love by Wong Kar-wai
Les Vacances De Monsieur Hulot by Jacques Tati
Late Autumn by Yasujiro Ozu

Eclipse set A Series Of Films by Eddie Romero

[octagon]

Originally Posted by P@t_Mtl

My dream month would be

Picnic at Hanging Rock by Peter Weir
City Lights by Charlie Chaplin
In The Mood For Love by Wong Kar-wai
Les Vacances De Monsieur Hulot by Jacques Tati
Late Autumn by Yasujiro Ozu
Eclipse set A Series Of Films by Eddie Romero

Just get a region-free player already.

You're as bad as the Tree of Life crowd

[rkish]

Originally Posted by octagon

Just get a region-free player already.

You're as bad as the Tree of Life crowd

He has one.

[octagon]

Originally Posted by rkish

He has one.

Okay, I'm going to shut up...anything I say at this point might just be the oppressive heat talking

[RojD]

Originally Posted by blkhrt

I fully agree with those who are saying that redoing sound would go against Criterion's mission and is unnecessary. The one exception that I always wonder about is silent films. After all, since many of the older films were performed with a live orchestra, any sound mix is untrue. I think it is interesting that some films (Modern Times) have only mono, whereas others (The General) have 5.1 tracks included. Obviously those come from different companies, but I do think silent films are the one place where there is room for debate on this issue.

You make a great point here. Have you seen/heard Kino's Complete Metropolis? I'd seen Metropolis several times over the years in various versions, but when I saw this one, it was like seeing the film for the first time. And don't think it was the new footage. It was that wonderful 5.1 original score.

Orchestras (or even a good mix of a piano or trio score) in 5.1 might be closer to the original experience of these films. And the sound would add yet another dimension to what the experience of a silent film was.

I don't think I'm ready for 50s noir in 5.1 though.

[Arkadin]

well that's a great list too, but I'll take Brad's.
( I went ahead and got Picnic and City Lights from the UK long ago)

[jaredc]

Thinking about a blind buy on The Night of the Hunter. Any thoughts on that one? It was more expensive than most, but it looked pretty interesting.

[retablo]

Originally Posted by smeesmay

I am thinking even something subtle would be a vast improvement. For instance a scene in a forest...add a couple faint birds chirping or some leaves rustling. Nothing major that totally changes or takes away from a scene, but if I pay $30+ for one freakin movie I want to be immersed and become part of the action, drama etc. Just an idea.

Unfortunately, that's neither the intent nor the purpose of blu-ray. So, no.

[P@t_Mtl]

Originally Posted by octagon

Just get a region-free player already.

You're as bad as the Tree of Life crowd

I have one which make's it even worst

[Akijama]

Originally Posted by Brad1963

My Predictions for October.

The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp (Blu ray upgrade/DVD remaster)
Ministry of Fear
Rosemary's Baby
The Tenant (a surprise announcement for a Polanski Pair)
Grey Gardens/The Beales of Grey Gardens (Blu ray upgrade)
The Blob (1958) (Blu ray upgrade)
The Kid with a Bike

That would be one awesome and expensive month for me,for sure!

[rkish]

Originally Posted by P@t_Mtl

I have one which make's it even worst

That's why I was busting your chops...it definitely makes it worse for me as well. Now I'm considering purchasing the UK Hitchcock set, as it's about $120.00 cheaper for me than the US version. And I already own North by Northwest.

[Blu Titan]

My October wishlist:

Rashomon
The Hidden Forest
Le Samurai

I'll be very ahppy with just one from the above list .