Eureka/Masters of Cinema (MoC) Discussion Thread

[rkish]

Originally Posted by crazyman

Terrific at sucking the fun and joy out of movies, yes. He's one of the masters at that.

Now I see why you're called "crazyman"

[nitin]

Originally Posted by rkish

Yeah...a terrific Kinoshita film! I really enjoyed it (streamed it on Hulu, on the Criterion section). I would take a release from anyone.

Had not seen a Kinoshita film before, although I also have Gate of Hell on blu, but it was like someone combined Mizoguchi and Ozu.

[ravenus]

Originally Posted by crazyman

Terrific at sucking the fun and joy out of movies, yes. He's one of the masters at that.

I enjoyed Tony Rayns' commentary for Criterion's releases of In The Realm of The Senses and Vampyr, and his video essays on the Oshima and Mizoguchi films by MoC. He has a lovely baritone voice, too. Michael Jeck on the other hand totally took the fun out of watching Seven Samurai with his boring and puerile analysis.
Another commentator I enjoy hearing is Stephen Prince on the Kurosawa films.

[EddieLarkin]

Michael Jeck is much better on his Throne of Blood commentary.

Stephen Prince is indeed very good, his Yojimbo commentary is one of the best.

And Tony Rayns is excellent. I've only heard his Ugetsu track so far, but I'm sure I'll enjoy all his others.

Another great (I hope we're all familiar enough with Kalat to know his excellence goes without saying) is Chris Frayling. He's known for his Leone commentaries but he also does a great job on The Innocents and Frankenstein

[manicsounds]

Stephen Prince may have a lot of notes by his side on Japanese cinema and culture, but he has the absolute WORST pronunciation of Japanese words and names it makes me cringe...

Others like (the late) Donald Ritchie, Jeffrey Angles (Sansho the Bailiff CC), or Tony Rayns pronounce things much better

[Eureka Entertainment]

Originally Posted by manicsounds

Probably soon, since the Japanese Blu-ray was released recently, and usually the foreign versions come out 6 months later or so.

I read this, but searched amazon (Japan) for it and, either I'm being thick, or it isn't on there? I wanted to check it out,but can't find it. Link?

[Yami]

Originally Posted by Eureka Entertainment

I read this, but searched amazon (Japan) for it and, either I'm being thick, or it isn't on there? I wanted to check it out,but can't find it. Link?

Here it is

[crazyman]

Originally Posted by ravenus

I enjoyed Tony Rayns' commentary for Criterion's releases of In The Realm of The Senses and Vampyr, and his video essays on the Oshima and Mizoguchi films by MoC. He has a lovely baritone voice, too. Michael Jeck on the other hand totally took the fun out of watching Seven Samurai with his boring and puerile analysis.
Another commentator I enjoy hearing is Stephen Prince on the Kurosawa films.

del Toro's commentary for Vampyr is far better. Now there's a man who you can hear how passionately he feels about a film and makes you appreciate the film even more.

Rayns spends most of his time in those Mizoguchi video introductions slagging the films off.

[Yami]

Looking through amazon.jp reminded me that this was just released. I desperately hope MoC port it over here.

[Mansinthe]

i would love to see a bluray transfer of

47 RONIN: ~A KENJI MIZOGUCHI FILM



A young lord attempts to combat the official corruption endemic to the Shogunate, only to be placed in an impossible conflict of duties. He refuses to bribe a Chancelor who is responsible for teaching him the etiquette to receive the Shogun's envoys. The Chancelor goads him into drawing his sword when the envoys are present, a crime punishable by death. The young lord's vassals are ordered to break up his estate, and his samurai to disband. To obey the Shogun, they must follow orders, but to be loyal to their master and to elemental fairness, they must revenge him. The conflict of obligations is the essential dilemma of Japanese society, which is why this is their national epic. The story is richly woven. Worth seeing just for the supremely gorgeous art works, buildings and costumes of 18th century Japan.

[ravenus]

Originally Posted by crazyman

del Toro's commentary for Vampyr is far better. Now there's a man who you can hear how passionately he feels about a film and makes you appreciate the film even more.
Rayns spends most of his time in those Mizoguchi video introductions slagging the films off.

Rayns may have a more academic tone but I do not doubt his passion for the films I have heard him speak about. At least in MoC's Ugetsu I definitely did not get the feeling that he was slagging the film any. I love del Toro's commentaries too, and sometimes am persuaded to buy films of his that I do not find all that great just to hear him speak about his vision.

[TJS_Blu]

Yamanaka, Clouzot and bonus disc arrived stateside today.

[hootowls]

Originally Posted by TJS_Blu

Yamanaka, Clouzot and bonus disc arrived stateside today.

Cool, maybe there's hope for mine to show in the next day or so. Long holiday weekend for me.

[rkish]

Originally Posted by TJS_Blu

Yamanaka, Clouzot and bonus disc arrived stateside today.

Thanks for the heads up TJS...I ordered the Yamanaka set...hopefully will see it by Saturday...tomorrow would be a nice bonus.

[rkish]

Originally Posted by hootowls

Cool, maybe there's hope for mine to show in the next day or so. Long holiday weekend for me.

Same here hoot...tomorrow is a vacation day and Monday a holiday. I'm on the right coast, so maybe we'll both get lucky.

[tenia]

Originally Posted by TJS_Blu

Yamanaka, Clouzot and bonus disc arrived stateside today.

Same package arrived in France.

[Marienbad]

I was pleasently surprised by the Clouzot, it was charming in want for a better word. I loved the playful acting with wonderful comedic timing from most of the cast and the camerawork reminded me a bit of 1930s Fritz Lang. This Gaumont deal is 'forcing' me to discover some really interesting French films that I would never have seen if not for MoC. I've got Clouzot's Les Diabolique and enjoyed that too - now I need to see Le Corbeau and of course get Le Salaire de la peur. Does anyone have any guess or knowledge whether MoC will be releasing any more of Clouzot's work?