The Criterion Collection

[rock, stone]

Originally Posted by ShellOilJunior

Double Indemnity is being released on 9/4 by Universal.


...If you can trust they won't scrub the grain out of the film.

I do not trust this.

[octagon]

Originally Posted by ShellOilJunior

Double Indemnity is being released on 9/4 by Universal.


...If you can trust they won't scrub the grain out of the film.

I'm not a reflexive Universal basher but an MoC release in June vs waiting for a Universal release in Sept?

That would have to be one hell of a price difference and even then...

This is huge news. When I saw Double Indemnity on that leaked Universal schedule I thought 'well, okay...there really wasn't much chance of them farming it out anyway, I'm sure Universal will do a fine job and that will be that'.

But this? This might be announcement of the year for me and it's still January

[obscurelabel]

Originally Posted by bluesilo

Looking for thoughts on Belle de Jour. It would be a blind buy, but I'm not sure if I should wait for a B&N sale for it. Anyone have the BD and can give some thoughts on it?

bluesilo, this is one of my favorite films. I don't have the blu-ray (yet) but I'm sure the sound and audio quality will be as good as they can be. At this point in his career, Buñuel's films seem to me to be effortless. Belle de Jour seems to me to be practically a perfect film, although I can't elaborate on this beyond saying that it is perfect. Perfectly paced, perfect scene blocking, perfect editing, perfect mood. The story is enigmatic and doesn't come to any definite conclusion so that is something for you to consider; don't get it if you like everything to be laid out and wrapped up. There are plenty of surprises but there is enough of a narrative flow that you don't feel that disoriented, but as I said, at the end the story doesn't wrap up in a neat package or even make much sense. But the mood, feel, experience of watching it for me are as enjoyable as for any film.

[Jester217300]

Originally Posted by Joe Dalek

More than anything I'm frustrated that Criterion is getting beat at their own game when it comes to Blu-ray upgrades of their own prestigious catalog. I will buy Two-Lane Blacktop, Pigs & Battleships, etc. from MoC rather than waiting indefinitely for a Region A edition with some 15 minute interview as the only substantial extra.

The Passion of Joan of Arc announcement really is fantastic. Perhaps Criterion is working on their own release, but somehow I suspect MoC will beat them to the punch yet again. I don't get the classified-level secrecy over at CC. Can't they be forthcoming and say, we don't know when it will be ready, but we are definitely working on upgrading this film or that. Instead they purposefully don't say anything to keep folks settling for DVDs. Throw us a bone, Criterion.

Agreed. I hate how secret CC is about everything they do. Counter it with MoC's openness and it makes it even more annoying. As a consumer who supports both companies I'd rather know who is releasing what when and with what extras. As a Region A native I'd generally rather buy the CC release if it's in the works but recently I'm ordering a lot more MoC discs. Of course the difference doesn't matter much in my house but I like to be able to bring discs over to friend's houses when I can.

[BohemianGraham]

Originally Posted by Joe Dalek

A familiar movie equals a buy. A discovery equals a rent/library loan. So far Criterion are largely falling into the latter category.

Cable, Netflix, and Hulu just aren't worth the money in my opinion. I'm about through with Netflix, yet another company that killed its predecessors and then self-destructed. Criterion was right to go to Hulu, even though it sucks that they are forced into that corner.

It's not about films like Tiny Furniture for me. In fact I'm not at all surprised they picked that one up. They have a history of representing New York indie cinema and that fits the bill.

More than anything I'm frustrated that Criterion is getting beat at their own game when it comes to Blu-ray upgrades of their own prestigious catalog. I will buy Two-Lane Blacktop, Pigs & Battleships, etc. from MoC rather than waiting indefinitely for a Region A edition with some 15 minute interview as the only substantial extra.

The Passion of Joan of Arc announcement really is fantastic. Perhaps Criterion is working on their own release, but somehow I suspect MoC will beat them to the punch yet again. I don't get the classified-level secrecy over at CC. Can't they be forthcoming and say, we don't know when it will be ready, but we are definitely working on upgrading this film or that. Instead they purposefully don't say anything to keep folks settling for DVDs. Throw us a bone, Criterion.

Not to say I don't expect Criterion to bounce back. Wenders, Lonesome, Y Tu Mama Tambien, and Summer With Monika are all definite purchases, and of course no one has the foggiest notion what upgrades they are planning. They have the Apu Trilogy on the horizon to counter MoC's Joan of Arc.

I don't disagree with you there. There are a lot of films I can't wait on, so I'll buy them from someone else other than Criterion. I guess I just don't see Criterion as the be all and end all of releases. I buy a lot of them, and appreciate what they do, but I don't think that they are the only ones who can do it. I don't mind that there's only 1-2 films a month that interest me, it gives me time to fill out my backlog of other films I want.

There are quite a few Criterions I won't blind buy, and will watch first, but there's still more than enough to tide me over. I'm actually trying to cut back on my buying, and I've been trying to watch some Criterions more before I buy them. I pay for cable, as it makes my internet and phone cheaper. I'm fortunate enough to get TCM in the basic package, which more than makes up for the price. There's at least 2 movies a day I'm recording on TCM. Sometimes I'll record a whole day of programming

I think Criterion is holding back and/or skimping on the extras because people keep wanting their films so cheaply and quickly. The B&N sales are great, but they certainly don't help Criterion and B&N when people buy up Criterions for 10 bucks. They also probably feel this way because they have a "loyal" following of sorts. However, that could easily bite them in the ass.

I think Criterion's doing a fine job with what they release. I might not like or be interested in everything, but there's still enough there to interest me, and many others are more than happy with some of these new additions.

Would i like certain titles to be upgrade? Yes. But am I in any hurry to buy every BD I want? Not really, as I have another bajillion films in the queue. I just prioritise my releases. Anatomy of a Murder - high priority. Life and Death of Colonel Blimp upgrade - medium priority compared to other films I want.

[blkhrt]

Originally Posted by Joe Dalek

The Passion of Joan of Arc announcement really is fantastic. Perhaps Criterion is working on their own release, but somehow I suspect MoC will beat them to the punch yet again. I don't get the classified-level secrecy over at CC. Can't they be forthcoming and say, we don't know when it will be ready, but we are definitely working on upgrading this film or that. Instead they purposefully don't say anything to keep folks settling for DVDs. Throw us a bone, Criterion.

While I agree with you about how nice it would be to have more information, I can also see Criterion's side of things. For one thing, look at how much people complain about every little thing Criterion does. Why give more for people to complain about? Can you imagine the internet outrage if something was announced but then delayed. There would be a greater risk if they announced things earlier.

In addition, I imagine Criterion is still sort of hurting from the Studio Canal fallout. People on various boards still get mad about Ran being announced and not released, and that kind of thing could happen a lot more if they announced things they are planning a year or more out.

Just the other day people on this board were complaining that Criterion was putting up too many hints on Facebook, and now people are complaining that they don't tell enough. Criterion is sort of in a no-win situation. And, just for clarity's sake, I am not talking about any board member in particular.

[mitch22]

Originally Posted by BohemianGraham

Alas, no. I've never seen a Criterion at Wally World. Right now, your best bet is to order online from Amazon US, as you'll save a few bucks. Future Shop is claiming to be OOS online, with no info on store stock. they want 40 bucks for it anyways.

Ok thanks. I've never seen (or looked) so was just curious.

[BohemianGraham]

Originally Posted by Joe Dalek

We'll get to arguing over Harold & Maude in a few months when those who haven't seen it finally do.

No, you're wrong, the serious film experts in this forum will just criticise it based on the Criterion 3 reasons video, and complain about the fact that Hal Ashby's bones are the wrong colour of decay, as well as have issues with the fact that he didn't like some film they love.

Originally Posted by Joe Dalek

I see your point, but I'm not upset with their hints or whatnot, because when they actually do hint, they tend to do it within a couple months of announcement or release.

I'm more bugged by the fact that they are actively working on projects that they won't say anything about. They seriously can't just tell us whether or not they are working on Bicycle Thieves? I think more transparency would help them because as their competition in other regions grows they are losing the sale outright. I on't be buying their Two-Lane Blacktop DVD (and maybe not a Blu) when moC has one of comparable quality out.

The only one I really recall them really admitting to recently was Week End, and even that one was pretty coy and non-commital, like Raoul Coutard is in the building and please stop asking for it every day.

It may be tied to the Ran fiasco but 1) that wasn't entirely their fault (unless it was a case of hubris expecting to renew a license SC had other plans for) and 2) I think they were secretive before that happened.

I'm on the fence between you and blkhrt on this though. But that's just me being wishy-washy.

[octagon]

Originally Posted by Joe Dalek

...but they are facing more competition right now...

And not just from their obvious counterparts (though they'd definitely better hope the dollar never gets its shit back together).

Studios have really stepped up their games as well. For all the rending of garments and gnashing of teeth even supposedly mediocre studio releases can be pretty damn good these days.

[blujazz]

Originally Posted by Joe Dalek

Me too. Though I love having an "excuse" to buy MoC titles because they appear to be a fantastic group of people.

This!

And, really... what's the Criterion thread without mild *****ing.

[octagon]

On a semi-thread related note...

Does anybody know of any connection between the music in Fallen Angels/Chungking Express and Wang Chung?

I finally got around to watching Fallen Angels (nice job Kino, btw) the other night and I kept getting these really strong 'To Live and Die in LA' flashes. I did a quick search but nothing obvious popped.

[BohemianGraham]

Originally Posted by Joe Dalek

Plus Ashby had likely seen The Godfather and also likely had a penis.

Ashby's been dead for 24 years. Since we care about appearances of our directors, this is what he looked like back when he was alive during the 1970s:

[bluesilo]

Originally Posted by obscurelabel

bluesilo, this is one of my favorite films. I don't have the blu-ray (yet) but I'm sure the sound and audio quality will be as good as they can be. At this point in his career, Buñuel's films seem to me to be effortless. Belle de Jour seems to me to be practically a perfect film, although I can't elaborate on this beyond saying that it is perfect. Perfectly paced, perfect scene blocking, perfect editing, perfect mood. The story is enigmatic and doesn't come to any definite conclusion so that is something for you to consider; don't get it if you like everything to be laid out and wrapped up. There are plenty of surprises but there is enough of a narrative flow that you don't feel that disoriented, but as I said, at the end the story doesn't wrap up in a neat package or even make much sense. But the mood, feel, experience of watching it for me are as enjoyable as for any film.

Thanks for the quick response. Maybe I'll try to swing it after coupons and member discount at B&N. I have a few Criterions from November I haven't watched yet, but this intrigues me.

[IronWaffle]

Originally Posted by BohemianGraham

Ashby's been dead for 24 years. Since we care about appearances of our directors, this is what he looked like back when he was alive during the 1970s:

[Show spoiler]

I couldn't find a decent shot of his brief cameo in Harold & Maude (during the carnival scene), but I stumbled over this shot which shows how nutty he looked during the filming. Can we make ad hom comments his appearance like some other directors?

[ShellOilJunior]

Originally Posted by bluesilo

Looking for thoughts on Belle de Jour. It would be a blind buy, but I'm not sure if I should wait for a B&N sale for it. Anyone have the BD and can give some thoughts on it?

Go for it. I blind bought it and am glad I did.

It's a terrific film and I see myself watching it again and again.

[BohemianGraham]

Originally Posted by sc1957

I watched Stagecoach just last night. I love it for all the "Western" cliches it initiates or incorporates:
Drunken doctor who redeems himself, check.
Slimy gambler who redeems himself, check.
Dance hall girl with a heart of gold, check.
Good bad guy, check.
Bad bad guys, check.
Sheriff who bends the law for a good guy, check.
Moron sidekick, check.
Uptight capitalist thief, check.
Mexicans who are either stupid, funny, or both, check.
Guns that never go empty until we need a crisis, check.

It is missing Chinese laundry boys, though.

Do you think that if John Ford were a better looking person, or had watched The Godfather before he made it, the film would have been less cliched? These things are important you know. Also, how can you comment on the film after watching it? You have to make comments before you watch it.

[octagon]

Originally Posted by sc1957

I watched Stagecoach just last night. I love it for all the "Western" cliches it initiates or incorporates:
Drunken doctor who redeems himself, check.
Slimy gambler who redeems himself, check.
Dance hall girl with a heart of gold, check.
Good bad guy, check.
Bad bad guys, check.
Sheriff who bends the law for a good guy, check.
Moron sidekick, check.
Uptight capitalist thief, check.
Mexicans who are either stupid, funny, or both, check.
Guns that never go empty until we need a crisis, check.

It is missing Chinese laundry boys, though.

You forgot the (both figuratively and literally) biggest one...

Monument Valley - check!

[BohemianGraham]

Originally Posted by Joe Dalek

Talk about .

Anyway, Stagecoach is NOT cliched. Every subsequent Western that copied it is cliched.

I'm just trying to become a film expert. Hypocrisy is the first step.

All joking aside, you're right, Stagecoach is highly influential, and made Westerns into a more interesting genre.

[HelmutNewton]

Originally Posted by ShellOilJunior

Double Indemnity is being released on 9/4 by Universal.


...If you can trust they won't scrub the grain out of the film.

Think positive. Universal seems to be upping their game recently - https://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=8049

[moumou1210]

I haven't seen a 1 of those movies on that list!