Red River: Criterion or Eureka?

[Hintermann]

I have several Criterion titles that I bought in preference to the corresponding releases from Arrow, BFI etc. But thus far, the one and only Criterion title that I bought over Eureka is La Notte, because of the superior ratings here. Now I want to upgrade my DVD of Red River to BD and would like to get the Eureka disc but the review for Criterion here is much more flattering. What do you think?

[MifuneFan]

The Criterion is the best release

[kuro_sawa]

Criterion has included the two edits of the film - the one preferred by the director as well as the "prerelease" version which is the one on the MoC. If price and shelf space (the CC is huge) are no concern I'd recommend Criterion's release.

[Hintermann]

Thanks. I have no problem with shelf space but what do you mean by the Criterion is "huge"? It cannot be thicker than the 5-disc BD+DVD combo that Criterion got out for IAMMMMW.

[kuro_sawa]

Originally Posted by Hintermann

Thanks. I have no problem with shelf space but what do you mean by the Criterion is "huge"? It cannot be thicker than the 5-disc BD+DVD combo that Criterion got out for IAMMMMW.

It is; it's huge. The reason being that there is the source novel included in its entirety. Here's some packaging shots of both titles you mentioned:

Red River
Mad World

[Hintermann]

Thanks. I have Criterion's IAMMMMW of course. That Red River package is thick but very well put together. Will get it soon, probably with a couple more Criterion titles from BIOH.

[Superted]

http://www.criterionforum.org/DVD-pa...ollection/1276

[Superted]

Red river is high on my criterion shopping list. I think the packaging is beautiful

[Bruce Morrison]

I agree with previous comments that the Criterion is the better transfer. One specific reason is that they used source elements in better condition. In several parts of the film, the Eureka edition has very prominent vertical scratches on the image. The Criterion edition hardly suffers from this problem at all.

[amoergosum]

Originally Posted by Hintermann

I have several Criterion titles that I bought in preference to the corresponding releases from Arrow, BFI etc. But thus far, the one and only Criterion title that I bought over Eureka is La Notte, because of the superior ratings here. Now I want to upgrade my DVD of Red River to BD and would like to get the Eureka disc but the review for Criterion here is much more flattering. What do you think?

>>>
http://www.caps-a-holic.com/hd_vergl...less=1#auswahl

[Hintermann]

Originally Posted by amoergosum

>>>
http://www.caps-a-holic.com/hd_vergl...less=1#auswahl

Thanks for that link. I am now definitely going for the Criterion. As for the French release, TBH I do not want to own a classic Western film titled "La Riviere Rouge" .

The first frame showing the hill & sky in the comparison between Criterion & Eureka gave me the answer. The sky looks horribly grainy in the Eureka BD and that is something I want to avoid. I can compromise a bit with indoor shots but for be outdoor ones have to be as close to perfection as possible, even if they are black & white.

[tenia]

Originally Posted by Hintermann

As for the French release, TBH I do not want to own a classic Western film titled "La Riviere Rouge" .

Actually, for once, it's a litteral translation.
My Darling Clementine is translated in French as "La poursuite infernale", which would be something like "The infernal pursuit" or "The infernal chase". I let you try and find where there is an infernal pursuit in the movie...

[nitin]

The Criterion has both cuts plus their own master (the Eureka disc uses one of MGM's older but still decent masters). Criterion's master is probably a little too bright but IMHO is overall better to watch.

[Hintermann]

Originally Posted by tenia

Actually, for once, it's a literal translation.
...

I am not disputing that but I certainly do not want to own the BD of a Western classic like Red River with a translated title on the front cover.

[adamhopelies]

I've got both (I double dipped on the Criterion when it was announced, having already bought the MoC). The MoC was one of my favourite releases of its year, thanks largely to the excellent booklet that comes with it. It's one of MoC's best, and I prefer it to the notes included with the Criterion, the brunt of which are available to read on Criterion's website anyway. The best extra feature across both sets features on the MoC (the Dan Sallitt conversation), while that set also trumps it on the artwork front too, for me.

I'm glad I have the Criterion for the extra cut and the supplements, but given the price difference I'd almost always recommend the MoC over it; the MoC can be had for £7.99 delivered in the current sale over at Eureka's site.

[tenia]

To be honest, I love the Criterion inclusion of the novel.

[John Hodson]

Originally Posted by adamhopelies

I've got both (I double dipped on the Criterion when it was announced, having already bought the MoC).

As someone who owns the Criterion and who has just ordered the MoC, that makes me feel a whole lot better...

[aewb]

Originally Posted by adamhopelies

I've got both (I double dipped on the Criterion when it was announced, having already bought the MoC). The MoC was one of my favourite releases of its year, thanks largely to the excellent booklet that comes with it. It's one of MoC's best, and I prefer it to the notes included with the Criterion, the brunt of which are available to read on Criterion's website anyway. The best extra feature across both sets features on the MoC (the Dan Sallitt conversation), while that set also trumps it on the artwork front too, for me.

I'm glad I have the Criterion for the extra cut and the supplements, but given the price difference I'd almost always recommend the MoC over it; the MoC can be had for £7.99 delivered in the current sale over at Eureka's site.

For real? The MoC booklet is quite nice but they only include one version and the Sallitt/Christley conversation is totally frivolous. Unless you're on a budget there is no reason to buy it.

[crazyman]

The novel makes the Criterion essential, IMO.

[Bates_Motel]

Originally Posted by adamhopelies

I've got both (I double dipped on the Criterion when it was announced, having already bought the MoC). The MoC was one of my favourite releases of its year, thanks largely to the excellent booklet that comes with it. It's one of MoC's best, and I prefer it to the notes included with the Criterion, the brunt of which are available to read on Criterion's website anyway. The best extra feature across both sets features on the MoC (the Dan Sallitt conversation), while that set also trumps it on the artwork front too, for me.

I'm glad I have the Criterion for the extra cut and the supplements, but given the price difference I'd almost always recommend the MoC over it; the MoC can be had for £7.99 delivered in the current sale over at Eureka's site.

The Criterion has a much cleaner print, more resolved and less blocky grain (due to the new 2K scans), less harsh contrast (the image is brighter as well, which may or may not be better), and there's more information on the both sides. I guess if you're buying blu-rays for the booklet, you can recommend the Eureka, but if you actually want the best version(s) of the movie, the Criterion wins hands down.