The Criterion Collection

[rkish]

Originally Posted by BasicGreatGuy

"Bottle Rocket" is on HDNET Movies, for those that haven't seen it.

I "corrected" your post...Bottle Rocket is on HDNet Movies.

Thanks for the info!

[BasicGreatGuy]

Originally Posted by rkish

I "corrected" your post...Bottle Rocket is on HDNet Movies.

Thanks for the info!

I appreciate the correction.

[Zen_Amako]

Originally Posted by ccfixx

Have you ever seen John Waters' "Pink Flamingos"? That's one of my favorites and has many more "disturbing" scenes than "Salo" could dream of having. The only difference is that everything is presented in a comedic fashion in "Pink Flamingos."

I haven't seen Pink Flamingos or much of John Waters' filmography.

Originally Posted by capnnarcolepsy

Ah, considering yr other noted films, which on a side note, we have much in common, I think Salo will be right up yr alley. The feces seen isn't to tough to take if you keep reminding yourself it's not real. ...or is it?! (it's not)

I hesitate to lump Salo in with exploitation films because I know it has a deeper, allegorical meaning. I just wonder how shocking it would be after being so desensitized by those films and others I have seen. Which I guess is the whole point.

The only question is whether to get the CC DVD during the sale or go for the region B Blu-ray.

[Zen_Amako]

Originally Posted by chetripley80

I just watched "Picnic at Hanging Rock" over the weekend (through Netflix streaming - which runs the anamorphic version), and was greatly impressed by it. But since that's already being released in other regions on blu, I'll wait to buy that as I'm sure Criterion will be releasing the blu of it in the next year or so.

Criterion mentioned that Picnic at Hanging Rock was coming a long time ago - before they had even released their first title on BD, I believe. It's certainly due for a reissue, since even the current DVD is in need of an upgrade. Walkabout was part of that same announcement and it took them a while to get to that. I would assume it is still coming. It's just a matter of when.

I have the (region-free) Australian BD and I highly recommend it. The one thing I don't like about it is that it has no subtitles, and I'm sure the Criterion release will. Subtitles are helpful to me sometimes with these Aussie and Brit films.

[also]

Originally Posted by Zen_Amako

I hesitate to lump Salo in with exploitation films because I know it has a deeper, allegorical meaning. I just wonder how shocking it would be after being so desensitized by those films and others I have seen. Which I guess is the whole point.

The only question is whether to get the CC DVD during the sale or go for the region B Blu-ray.

I would definitely say go for Salo on Blu. I mean, if I'm going to watch

[Show spoiler]people eat poop, I want to know if there is corn in it.

[capnnarcolepsy]

Originally Posted by Zen_Amako

I hesitate to lump Salo in with exploitation films because I know it has a deeper, allegorical meaning. I just wonder how shocking it would be after being so desensitized by those films and others I have seen. Which I guess is the whole point.

The only question is whether to get the CC DVD during the sale or go for the region B Blu-ray.

I agree. It should definitely not be lumped in with "explotiation", i mainly meant if you enjoy those movies you listed, than it would seem you would enjoy this. Whether or not it gets to you or bothers you will completely rely on how you take it. Personally, I think its a bit tame and the seriousness nature and tone adds a lot to the overall presentation of the film.

As far as Blu or CC DVD goes, that also is up to you. I love the movie, so I bought the DVD and once I either go region-free or Criterion release it in Blu, I'll happily re-buy it. Besides the movie and supplements of the CC DVD, I love the overall packaging and booklet. CC Fixx informed me once that the BFI Blu is quite extensive and has maybe a bit more special features wise, and also includes a rather nice booklet. To watch it, though, ya gotta have a region-free player.

[McCrutchy]

I caved.

My order online:

Gomorrah
A Christmas Tale
Gimme Shelter
8 1/2
Paris, Texas
Hunger
Lola Montès
Bigger Than Life
Days of Heaven
Ride with the Devil
Summer Hours
Vivre sa vie
M
Stagecoach
Walkabout
Close-up
Everlasting Moments
Mystery Train

and

Naked DVD
Hobson's Choice DVD
Rossellini's War Trilogy DVD

Order 2:
Black Narcissus
The Red Shoes

Both with AAA membership storefront (10% off) and both orders qualified for free expedited shipping

Order 3:
The Secret of the Grain

with VISA loyalty storefront (5% off and no minimum free expedited shipping)

Total from B&N: $482.33

BUT

Total on Amazon.com as of this edit: $832.14

SAVINGS: $349.81

[Volume11]

Originally Posted by Zen_Amako

Criterion mentioned that Picnic at Hanging Rock was coming a long time ago - before they had even released their first title on BD, I believe. It's certainly due for a reissue, since even the current DVD is in need of an upgrade. Walkabout was part of that same announcement and it took them a while to get to that. I would assume it is still coming. It's just a matter of when.

I have the (region-free) Australian BD and I highly recommend it. The one thing I don't like about it is that it has no subtitles, and I'm sure the Criterion release will. Subtitles are helpful to me sometimes with these Aussie and Brit films.

July 26th UK edition. Most reviews seem very favorable.
http://atemporarydistraction.com/201...eluxe-edition/

[fdm]

Originally Posted by Zen_Amako

Criterion mentioned that Picnic at Hanging Rock was coming a long time ago - before they had even released their first title on BD, I believe. It's certainly due for a reissue, since even the current DVD is in need of an upgrade. Walkabout was part of that same announcement and it took them a while to get to that. I would assume it is still coming. It's just a matter of when.

I have the (region-free) Australian BD and I highly recommend it. The one thing I don't like about it is that it has no subtitles, and I'm sure the Criterion release will. Subtitles are helpful to me sometimes with these Aussie and Brit films.

Not quite. Walkabout was among the initial group of titles that Criterion announced would be coming out on blu-ray. A while later, Picnic was one of the several titles that were voted on thru Amazon to pick a soon to be released Criterion, the winner was Howard's End, but they'd already issued blu-rays by then.

(I know that sentence isn't put together quite right, but hopefully I got the idea across.)

I'm just somewhat patiently waiting for Criterion's Picnic blu-ray to come along. Hopefully it will be on par with the Australian release. (And/Or the UK release for that matter.)

[fdm]

Originally Posted by hariseldon

I just don't understand the Borders/BN business model of setting prices (well) above MRSP. Why would anyone buy any DVD/Blu-ray from B&N when almost without fail you could get it from another source for 1/2 the price or less (often with Free Shipping and no sales tax).

Mostly because that's a broad overgeneralization. Store vs online for B&N are different animals. While what you claim may be true for some or possibly even most titles, throw in a coupon and/or catch a decent price and/or a decent sale online and you can find some pretty good bargains. Who pays for shipping from B&N anyways? Same with stores, there's some reasonable sales there as well from time to time, if you bother to pay attention (rather than just settle on making assumptions).

Borders on the other hand, except for their recent 50% blu-ray sale, or their 40% off coupons, a little harder to really get much out of them. (My turn to make assumptions.) Particularly given how much they whittled down their selections in recent years.

[Crimson King]

What's the chance of me liking The Red Shoes? I'm not a huge fan of ballet at all. And I notice that Martin Scorsese and his editor Themla Schoonmaker seem to worship this film. Is it worth buying?

[ccfixx]

Originally Posted by BillyJack

What's the chance of me liking The Red Shoes? I'm not a huge fan of ballet at all. And I notice that Martin Scorsese and his editor Themla Schoonmaker seem to worship this film. Is it worth buying?

Well, if you're anything like me - which I'm pretty sure you're not - then you'll love "The Red Shoes." Did that help?

What about "Black Narcissus?" Have you seen that Powell & Pressburger film?

CC

[Juiceboxjerry]

Originally Posted by BillyJack

What's the chance of me liking The Red Shoes? I'm not a huge fan of ballet at all. And I notice that Martin Scorsese and his editor Themla Schoonmaker seem to worship this film. Is it worth buying?

Not sure what kind of taste in movies you have, but I will say that I don't consider myself a fan of ballet, and I loved it.

Regarding the sale, for all of you in-store shoppers, what's your experience been like going to Barnes and Noble on release day? Do they normally have the newest titles on the day they're released? Are there usually several copies of everything, or only one or two? I think I'm gonna have to take my lazy *** out of the house to shop for once. I don't feel like waiting a week to get my hands on some of these films.

[rkish]

Originally Posted by ccfixx

Well, if you're anything like me - which I'm pretty sure you're not - then you'll love "The Red Shoes." Did that help?

What about "Black Narcissus?" Have you seen that Powell & Pressburger film?

CC

I have been giving The Red Shoes a chance via NetFlix streaming and it just doesn't do it for me. It should look great on BD, for those that are fans of it.

If you're on the fence, then maybe check out Black Narcissus. I streamed it and LOVED it...has a very Hitchcockian feel to it (when you see it, you'll know what scene I'm talking about). It also looks like it'll be stunning on BD.

I've got a copy of it waiting for me at B & N...so it gets my vote!

[ccfixx]

Originally Posted by Juiceboxjerry

Regarding the sale, for all of you in-store shoppers, what's your experience been like going to Barnes and Noble on release day? Do they normally have the newest titles on the day they're released? Are there usually several copies of everything, or only one or two? I think I'm gonna have to take my lazy *** out of the house to shop for once. I don't feel like waiting a week to get my hands on some of these films.

Depending on the store, they might get 1 or 2 copies of each of the new releases. Of course, it could vary from title to title. The particular store I frequent was only getting one copy of "The Red Shoes" and no copies of "Black Narcissus" for today. So, I had the store order me a copy of each last week so that they would be available for me today at the store.

There's no reason for you to head down to a store, either, without first calling and verifying that what you want is actually available. That way, they can set aside the titles that you're wanting.

CC

[dougotte]

Originally Posted by hariseldon

I just don't understand the Borders/BN business model of setting prices (well) above MRSP. Why would anyone buy any DVD/Blu-ray from B&N when almost without fail you could get it from another source for 1/2 the price or less (often with Free Shipping and no sales tax).

Can you give an example of setting the price above MSRP? I just looked at B&N. They show the MSRP of the Brakhage BD college as $79.99. On the Criterion website, the SRP is $79.95. Next I looked at the BD of Close-Up. B&N lists the MSRP as $39.99; Criterion shows it as $39.95.

They seem to list the MSRP accurately. The 4 cents difference is probably a fluke.

Doug

[Volume11]

Originally Posted by fdm

Mostly because that's a broad overgeneralization. Store vs online for B&N are different animals. While what you claim may be true for some or possibly even most titles, throw in a coupon and/or catch a decent price and/or a decent sale online and you can find some pretty good bargains. Who pays for shipping from B&N anyways? Same with stores, there's some reasonable sales there as well from time to time, if you bother to pay attention (rather than just settle on making assumptions).

Borders on the other hand, except for their recent 50% blu-ray sale, or their 40% off coupons, a little harder to really get much out of them. (My turn to make assumptions.) Particularly given how much they whittled down their selections in recent years.

You couldn't be more wrong (and I think you misunderstood his overall point). With B&N you HAVE to be a member to take advantage of a good portion of the available coupons both online and in store and that costs actual money (strike 1) and even then its a constant and annoying game of searching out said coupons in hope to save a few bucks off their terrible pricing (strike 2). B&N's online model is easily one of the worst for usability and their shipping options are as inconsistent as they come (I ordered the Leopard and the Yojimbo/Sanjuro boxset within minutes of each other and both were in stock and shipped the same day. I received the Leopard Friday and I'm not scheduled to receive the box set until this coming Thursday). Not to mention they often use DHL whom works with the post office now so my items will sit locally for 3 extra days thanks to the red tape involved (strike 3).

Borders, while just as terribly priced and coupon driven, at LEAST frequently has 40% off coupons (which put most Criterions at $25) and becoming a member to take advantage of said coupons is free and easy. They do tend to only have 10 or so titles at a time whereas most B&N's have a much larger selection.

But I think the bigger point is that both companies have a large and nationwide corporate presence. The vast majority of their criterion sales likely come from the half off promotions and any regular discounts during the rest of the year come through random coupons and costly memberships. That is an old corporate model that newer companies are not adopting because most people find it annoying and do not have the time to sit and search the internet for coupons to find a fair price. These booksellers would be better served to price their Criterions at $26-30 and sell titles more consistently throughout the year while occasionally offering sales. They are large enough to make a profit by selling in volume to offset the low pricing.

Locally in Denver we have an electronics chain called Ultimate Electronics. They survive in the crowded marketplace by undercutting walmart and Best Buy by a few pennies or sometimes a few dollars. They have a very good Criterion selection that are routinely priced at around $28. While that is more than the current sale I will admit I NEVER buy from Borders or BNN outside of the half off sale and if I can;t wait for a title I really want Ill pick it up at UE because the pricing is consistent and fair.

[jcs913]

You forgot that the B&N and Borders models are focused on the more 'accomplished' customer. They have always been a 'location' and not a store. You are commenting from the frugal customer point of view. Most of their customers are not concerned about a few dollars here or there. During the non-sale times, B&N and Borders are generally the only stores that have all the Criterion BD and dvd selections on hand. If you do not generally go into those 2 stores during non-sale times, you would see the selection and the customer base is different. The customer that has the money and wants the product right away does not care about a few dollars as opposed to convenience. That is why B&N has been around for so long. Borders is succumbing to the coupon game and will be gone soon.

[Juiceboxjerry]

Originally Posted by ccfixx

Depending on the store, they might get 1 or 2 copies of each of the new releases. Of course, it could vary from title to title. The particular store I frequent was only getting one copy of "The Red Shoes" and no copies of "Black Narcissus" for today. So, I had the store order me a copy of each last week so that they would be available for me today at the store.

There's no reason for you to head down to a store, either, without first calling and verifying that what you want is actually available. That way, they can set aside the titles that you're wanting.

CC

Thanks for the info. You're right, I probably should've just called first, wasn't thinking there. I got lucky though, went in and they had one copy each of The Red Shoes and Black Narcissus, so I picked both of them up. It was odd, they had one copy of every title. Not sure if they keep more in the back or something, but you'd think they'd have at least two of something. They did have a way bigger selection on DVD though.

[ccfixx]

Originally Posted by Juiceboxjerry

Thanks for the info. You're right, I probably should've just called first, wasn't thinking there. I got lucky though, went in and they had one copy each of The Red Shoes and Black Narcissus, so I picked both of them up. It was odd, they had one copy of every title. Not sure if they keep more in the back or something, but you'd think they'd have at least two of something. They did have a way bigger selection on DVD though.

I know B&N has some kind of policy about only having one copy of each movie title out on the shelf at a time. With the new releases, there are usually a couple of copies, but for some reason the cataloged stuff is only supposed to have one on the shelf. I found this out during the sale last July when I was helping the B&N employee label all of the Criterions as 50%-off. Every duplicate she found, she would remove it from the shelf.

CC