Criterion Collection Discussion

[RiFiFi1955]

Originally Posted by tonylopez

Well one factor you want to consider is whether or not you're a fan of Steven Soderbergh's films. Do you not mind remakes in general? Solaris (2002) is a film that really doesn't get made in Hollywood anymore. Clooney gives a great performance and it's nice to see Soderbergh on this genre. I think it's a wonderful take on the classic. Masterpiece no, but it is definitely a great movie that doesn't get the recognition it truly deserves . I say check it out.

alright Thanks, yeah I am sure I will check it out. Do you not mind remakes in general? Yeah that's probably the biggest reason that I have had the inclination to pass it by, I really am not the hugest fan of re-makes or re-adaptation of films that have already done it perfectly IMO of course. Every now and then though I find one enjoyable if I just sit back and not try to compare it to its counterpart. But some films I just won't even dare, like the Psycho remake, yeah I am not going anywhere near that one.

[Lutz]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

I'm region A.

As Tears Go By, Days of Being Wild and Ashes of Time are all region free. That leaves the only region locked movie of his that hasn't had a region A release at My Blueberry Nights.

I wonder if WKW would still be interested in making The Lady From Shanghai now? Goodness knows Nicole Kidman's career has changed a great deal in the proceeding years.

[ElliesDad]

Originally Posted by TheHighRoller

Wow! The more I think about it, the more I realize:

I see myself in both Alice and Charlotte (and bits of Josh and Dan).


Hmm... maybe The Last Days of Disco needs a re-watch and more evaluation from my part.

Came across this a month or so ago in the middle of a cable telecast and hung in for five or ten minutes hoping for some Donna Summers. Quickly came to the conclusion that I was totally disinterested in spending any more time than that with any of characters on screen, and bailed. Not much basis to offer any kind of a valid opinion but there it is. Can't honestly say that I saw anything in that short span that would cause me to want to revisit it. If you loved it, kindly disregard the foregoing.

[retablo]

Seeing Svet's review of the amazing Pathe presentation of Polanski's Tess... and with a BFI edition coming from presumably the same master... who wants to throw in that Criterion has possibly licensed the title from Columbia/Sony for a potential release in the next few months?

[retablo]

Originally Posted by RiFiFi1955

alright Thanks, yeah I am sure I will check it out. Do you not mind remakes in general? Yeah that's probably the biggest reason that I have had the inclination to pass it by, I really am not the hugest fan of re-makes or re-adaptation of films that have already done it perfectly IMO of course. Every now and then though I find one enjoyable if I just sit back and not try to compare it to its counterpart. But some films I just won't even dare, like the Psycho remake, yeah I am not going anywhere near that one.

For someone who doesn't particularly like remakes you seem to own quite a few: The Departed, The Fly, Dragon Tattoo, The Man Who Knew Too Much (55), Heat, Last House on the Left, Maltese Falcon, Man on Fire, My Bloody Valentine, Piranha, Scarface, The Thing, True Grit... and you might even say Last Man Standing, loosely.

Solaris is a better remake than a lot of those you own. In some ways, it outdoes the original, but both films have their merits IMO.

[BohemianGraham]

I don't care about spoilers as much as others do, which is why I read the booklets first. until the type to go read the last couple pages of s novel to see where It's going, or looks up wiki entries on films/TVs show's I'm watching.

I should have never cancelled Brazil, as Purple Noon just shipped. I'm boggled by B&N, normally they aren't this screwy. Oh well, cancelling with them and grabbing it from Amazon gave me the excuse to grab the

[Show spoiler] "schrodinger's fetus"

season of Doctor Who, ad they did a major price drop on it.

[IronWaffle]

Originally Posted by BohemianGraham

I don't care about spoilers as much as others do, which is why I read the booklets first. until the type to go read the last couple pages of s novel to see where It's going, or looks up wiki entries on films/TVs show's I'm watching.

I'm not particularly bothered by spoilers, since what most folks consider spoilers are things like who died, who f*cked, who destroyed the Death Star, whether the Avengers won the first battle so they didn't have to avenge earth (huh... guess, they need a new name?). etc.

But when I'm reading an essay or review while drinking a tall, cool Dos Equis, if I start hitting "spoilers" and am still interested in the film, book, etc., then I mark the page and return to it after seeing or reading the thing itself. Then again, I generally skip or skim paragraphs about plot since there are better ways to experience story time than to let a critic synopsize someone else's story. I find precious few reviews that intelligently and proportionally integrate analysis and synopsis.

[jrsl76]

Originally Posted by retablo

Seeing Svet's review of the amazing Pathe presentation of Polanski's Tess... and with a BFI edition coming from presumably the same master... who wants to throw in that Criterion has possibly licensed the title from Columbia/Sony for a potential release in the next few months?

I think it's guaranteed.

[Zen_Amako]

WKW's My Blueberry Nights has been released on BD in Japan, which is region A. That just leaves 2046 and possibly Eros (for the short with Gong Li).

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by BohemianGraham

I don't care about spoilers as much as others do, which is why I read the booklets first. until the type to go read the last couple pages of s novel to see where It's going, or looks up wiki entries on films/TVs show's I'm watching.

I should have never cancelled Brazil, as Purple Noon just shipped. I'm boggled by B&N, normally they aren't this screwy. Oh well, cancelling with them and grabbing it from Amazon gave me the excuse to grab the

[Show spoiler] "schrodinger's fetus"

season of Doctor Who, ad they did a major price drop on it.

If one was to read the last paragraph of the Vivre Sa Vie essay, that would drastically alter their first experience with the film.

[BohemianGraham]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

If one was to read the last paragraph of the Vivre Sa Vie essay, that would drastically alter their first experience with the film.

See, I was lucky with that one as I saw it before I bought it. Also, if I get like 6 films at a time and read all the booklets, there's a chance I won't get to the film right away and won't remember details of the essay until after I watch.

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by TheHighRoller

I see where you're coming from. I still think it's weird how realistic the characters are, even if they seem unreal because of all of the baggage they carry with them. I'm sure the storyline (well, not the disco aspect obviously) can still be applied to modern times perfectly well.

Or better yet, The 90's.

Did you notice the Out of place vehicles. I can imagine Whit Saying " let's get a really wide shot", only to be screwed in the editing room.

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by BohemianGraham

See, I was lucky with that one as I saw it before I bought it. Also, if I get like 6 films at a time and read all the booklets, there's a chance I won't get to the film right away and won't remember details of the essay until after I watch.

That's true, I'll read something on a film a year or so prior to seeing it. Then when I actually see it, I Get Deja Vu . "oh man, I think he's gonna bite the bullet, I'm so smart."

[Lutz]

Originally Posted by retablo

Solaris is a better remake than a lot of those you own. In some ways, it outdoes the original, but both films have their merits IMO.

From memory in the remake they never explained that the visitors were being sent because the ocean was studying humanity.

Which seems like kind an important detail to omit?

[Nielsb90]

Got my copy of Paths of Glory in the mail today and watched it right away.. I can't even fathom how good this looks - it's truly incredible! Same goes for the sound!

The film itself is now one of my all-time favorites and also my favorite Kubrick film. It literally gave me goosebumps - absolutely amazing! Probably my best purchase this year.. Everyone should own this film..

[alenecw]

I just blind bought Rules of the Game and Wings of Desire. Crossing my fingers. ：）

[IronWaffle]

Originally Posted by alenecw

I just blind bought Rules of the Game and Wings of Desire. Crossing my fingers. ：）

Great choices!

[JHas]

Originally Posted by iScottie

So I got 99 Reasons in, and I'm a little disappointed that there isn't any cover art or anything to go with it. It's just a skinny, blank case, with the disc.

But they are coming out with a replacement case, instead of costing 5 dollars, it is $500. It will come with a platinum plated slip cover hologram of the Criterion logo and it includes a leatherboud book that features the booklets of all 99 movies contained on the disc.

[ShellOilJunior]

Just a reminder to vote for Best New Spine if you haven't done so already.

Coming soon: Best Release of the Year

[drbikeshorts]

Originally Posted by RiFiFi1955

Can anyone solidify the few outstanding reviews and recommendations that I have received lately about Solaris (2002). Quite a few people have mentioned how extraordinary and beautiful the film was to me recently. I never had any desire to see this version as I have never felt and still do feel that it can not compare in any way to Tarkovsky's version. That may be unfair of me to think that while not having seen the film but that is how I feel. Am I way off here though? Should I go seek out the 2002 version, is it a masterpiece in its own right?

Count me as a big fan. I'll happily upgrade when it turns up on blu-ray.
As usual, if you're unsure, try before you buy.