The Criterion Collection

[The Great Owl]

I revisited Army of Shadows this morning with the commentary track by historian Ginette Vincendeau. This is my second or third favorite movie of all time (only behind Le Samourai and, perhaps, Dr. No), and I saw it a great many times after purchasing the DVD upon release several years ago. I wrote an extensive User Review of the movie here after watching the Blu-ray a few months back, so I cannot add much to that, except to say, once again, that this is one of the coolest-looking movies ever made. The scenes of Lino Ventura in the dark hideout house with the books and reading lights near the conclusion are some of the most beautiful moments on any Blu-ray. This was only my second time viewing the film with the commentary track, which I highly recommend for its informative insights regarding historical anecdotes about the Resistance and about Vichy France that shed light on moments in the film to enrich the experience.

My Pathe Blu-ray import of Le Samourai is on its way to me from the French Amazon site right now, and will probably be here this week, but I've decided that I will take my Criterion DVD for a spin this afternoon so that I can compare and contrast the transfers...and, well, because it's my all-time favorite movie and I have not revisited it in several months.

[Sherlock_Jr]

Originally Posted by dumb_dutchman

I finally sat down and watched Design for Living, my first Lubitsch. I had read that this was considered a "minor" Lubitsch, but I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this film. Maybe it was the freedom it had being pre-code, but the frank portrayal of the relationship between the three main characters was great and defied convention at every turn.

And I instantly recognized the voice of Edward Everett Horton, who voiced the narrator in the Fractured Fairy Tales. Every time he would speak I kept hearing the theme music for those cartoons.

I definitely need to get the Lubitsch Eclipse set off the shelf and dive into it.

Not only the Eclipse set, but To Be Or Not To Be (also on Criterion blu), The Shop Around The Corner (remade as In The Good Ole Summertime and You've Got Mail), Trouble In Paradise, Ninotchka, Heaven Can Wait...

[TJS_Blu]

Originally Posted by MifuneFan

The only time I can remember them combining existing individual releases from a director for a boxset was with Kurosawa's 4 Samurai Classics collection on DVD

Wrong Men & Notorious Women

Great Adaptations

Ingmar Bergman:Four Masterworks

Olivier’s Shakespeare

[MifuneFan]

Originally Posted by TJS_Blu

Wrong Men & Notorious Women

Great Adaptations

Ingmar Bergman:Four Masterworks

Olivier’s Shakespeare

I did say that it was the only one I remembered, but thanks for filling us in . The Great Adaptations doesn't apply to what I said though as I said a box set that just has films from one director. I still think it's pretty unlikely that they'll do a Chaplin boxset in the future.

[TJS_Blu]

Originally Posted by MifuneFan

I did say that it was the only one I remembered, but thanks for filling us in. The Great Adataptions doesn't apply to what I said though as I said a box set that just has films from one director. I still think it's pretty unlikely that they'll do a Chaplin boxset in the future.

Probably as unlikely as each of those sets were before they were announced. That's not meant as a criticism (nor was the previous post), so please don't take it that way.

[14728]

Originally Posted by sc1957

Given the slow pace of their Chaplin release schedule, do you want to wait ten years to find out?

Oh yeah!!

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by jw007

I just saw Woody Allen's new film Blue Jasmine in the theater last night, and wow, that was one of his best films in decades in my opinion. Cate Blanchett's performance is beyond a revelation. She should win for best leading Actress and Woody Allen should win for best Director at next year's Academy Awards.

It would be amazing if Criterion could pick up the rights for Blue Jasmine and release this on Blu-ray too.

Watching this tonight.

[14728]

Even if they don't release a Chaplin box set, I've come up with a BD track listing:
Discs 1-3: Chaplin Shorts
Disc 4: The Kid/ The Pilgrim
Disc 5: The Gold Rush
Disc 6: The Circus
Disc 7: City Lights
Disc 8: Modern Times
Disc 9: The Great Dictator
Disc 10: Monsieur Verdoux
Disc 11: Limelight
Disc 12: A King In New York
Now if they Do release it, it would be essential to my collection.

[The Great Owl]

Serious Criterion coolness under my roof today. I just finished revisiting Le Samouraï after revisiting Army of Shadows this weekend.

This is the first time that I've watched one of my DVDs all the way through since buying my Blu-ray player in late 2012, since I've usually been busy watching new Blu-ray purchases since then. Le Samouraï has always been a brilliant-looking DVD disc, but I'd love to see a great high definition restoration if one ever comes about through Criterion or through some other venue. The Pathe Blu-ray that is coming my way is the 2012 re-release that makes improvements on the 2011 edition by way of apparently having the oily-looking filter look removed, but there's still a lot of scrubbing if the screencaps are any indication.

Transfers aside, this movie never gets old. I love how Le Samouraï winks at the audience with deliberately anachronistic clothing styles for Jef Costello, Costello's massive stock of mineral water and cigarettes, and the idea of the Paris police force pretty much exhausting all of their resources during one search scene. At the same time, the film has some somber undercurrents, and one really gets a feel for what life must really be like for professional hitman. There's really not much behind Alain Delon's eyes in the early scenes, but the human elements of his character are manifested to an extent as the walls figuratively close in.

Later this evening, I'm stepping away from the Criterion Collection to revisit my Blu-ray of the 1978 version of Invasion of the Body Snatchers. (The horror movie discussion in a Weekly 5 thread in the Movies forum got me thinking about it again.)

[The Great Owl]

Speaking of Le Samouraï, I'd love for Criterion to release the 1942 Frank Tuttle movie, This Gun for Hire.

This Gun for Hire was an influence on Jean-Pierre Melville's film and the character of Jef Costello. We could also use more Veronica Lake films in the Collection. I'll make this film one of my big 2014 requests.

[14728]

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

Speaking of Le Samouraï, I'd love for Criterion to release the 1942 Frank Tuttle movie, This Gun for Hire.

This Gun for Hire was an influence on Jean-Pierre Melville's film and the character of Jef Costello. We could also use more Veronica Lake films in the Collection. I'll make this film one of my big 2014 requests.

I think I've heard of that film, and it looks like a pretty good noir. Maybe I'll check it out if it's on TCM

[lordmorpheus72]

Originally Posted by starman15317

A little off topic but my Before Sunrise/Sunset double feature DVD came today from Best Buy.com

Nice... I'm about to watch these again myself. I missed Before Midnight in the theaters, so eagerly waiting for it on blu-ray. Would love to see a Criterion box set of these.

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

I stayed up watching the 1.85:1 aspect ratio version of On the Waterfront last night, and have decided that it's my favorite. The grand scale of the harbor is majestic in this ratio, and, admittedly, I like having my television screen filled with information.

It goes without saying that I loved this movie even more during this second viewing even without consideration of the aspect ratio. It's a beautifully-nuanced story with terrific actor performances from all involved. Criterion really knocked this one out of the park.

I've got a free day today, so I'm in the mood to revisit Army of Shadows now.

Just watched this again right after the Criterion came out. Forgot just how amazing this film is. I haven't watched the 1.85:1 yet, but the 1.33:1 itself was amazing. I feel like when I introduce my wife to this film, it'll be my chance to watch the 1.85:1. Good to hear that it is worth it though.

Originally Posted by jw007

I just saw Woody Allen's new film Blue Jasmine in the theater last night, and wow, that was one of his best films in decades in my opinion. Cate Blanchett's performance is beyond a revelation. She should win for best leading Actress and Woody Allen should win for best Director at next year's Academy Awards.

It would be amazing if Criterion could pick up the rights for Blue Jasmine and release this on Blu-ray too.

This is on my list to see this week for my birthday. It's actually playing at my local theater, so I don't have to drive 30min to the local Art House theater. I am curious about "Dice" though, just wondering how his performance is. I like "Dice" and liked the things i have seen him in when he is not the "Dice" character.

[lordmorpheus72]

Just finished the reorganization of my blu-ray, dvd, and cd collection. Pics are the setup are in my home theater gallery (for those who are curious ), but thought I'd share a pic pf my current Criterion Collection here since it's on topic. I really hope to add a few more to these in the form of presents from my wife for my birthday Tuesday . So, check it out if you want...

[Show spoiler]

[jayembee]

Originally Posted by MifuneFan

I did say that it was the only one I remembered, but thanks for filling us in . The Great Adaptations doesn't apply to what I said though as I said a box set that just has films from one director. I still think it's pretty unlikely that they'll do a Chaplin boxset in the future.

True enough. But TJS_Blu did leave out The Samurai Trilogy, which was originally released as a set about six years after the films were released separately. On Blu-ray, however, they were only released as a set.

There's also Rebel Samurai: 60s Swordplay Classics, but the films were released separately and as a set at the same time, so that doesn't quite apply, either.

[jayembee]

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

I revisited Army of Shadows this morning with the commentary track by historian Ginette Vincendeau. This is my second or third favorite movie of all time (only behind Le Samourai and, perhaps, Dr. No), and I saw it a great many times after purchasing the DVD upon release several years ago.

I just managed to acquire a copy of the OOP Blu-ray of Army of Shadows, and for less than the MSRP. Looking forward to watching it, but I've got a few films on Netflix that expiring over the next few days, so they're at the head of the line.

[jw007]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

Watching this tonight.

Originally Posted by lordmorpheus72

This is on my list to see this week for my birthday. It's actually playing at my local theater, so I don't have to drive 30min to the local Art House theater. I am curious about "Dice" though, just wondering how his performance is. I like "Dice" and liked the things i have seen him in when he is not the "Dice" character.

Andrew Dice Clay was insane in that movie. He played a character named Augie. I'm not familar with much of his work, but he really was top notch in this character. He reminded me a lot of Mickey Rourke and even looks a bit like him too. I still think Cate Blanchett was the top attraction in Blue Jasmine, but there were great performances from all the actors and actresses.

[Kevin Ridge]

Originally Posted by 14728

Since I have Labor Day off, I've decided to have
Silent (And Partial Talkie) Double Feature Weekend Long Marathon!!!!!

On Saturday, I'll watch The Rink, The Gold Rush (1925 Version), and Modern Times with an intermission in between TGR and MT. On Sunday, I'll Watch The Great Dictator and The Gold Rush (1942 Version) with an intermission between the 2. And on Labor Day, I'll watch Safety Last!, and the 3 short films found on the Criterion Blu Ray (Take a Chance, Young Mr. Jazz, and His Royal Slyness), with an intermission between the 2. It's gonna be great.

Sounds like a heck of a good weekend. I enjoyed Safety Last! but I thought the short films on that Blu Ray were just as good, if not more entertaining. As mentioned by others, some Buster Keaton in this watch list would make things even better.

[The Great Owl]

Originally Posted by jayembee

I just managed to acquire a copy of the OOP Blu-ray of Army of Shadows, and for less than the MSRP. Looking forward to watching it, but I've got a few films on Netflix that expiring over the next few days, so they're at the head of the line.

Army of Shadows appears to be selling at MSRP or lower on Amazon right now. There are some third-party dealers selling it below, and the Blu-ray is also on sale through Amazon itself.

I wonder if they received more copies after the dust settled.

At any rate, those of you who are lacking a copy of this movie should get over to Amazon soon.

EDIT: Leon Morin, Priest is selling for $25 on Amazon now.

Le Cercle Rouge appears to be the one in demand, because it's selling for over $100, and almost that much through the third party sellers.

[Herry Dunston]

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

Army of Shadows appears to be selling at MSRP or lower on Amazon right now. There are some third-party dealers selling it below, and the Blu-ray is also on sale through Amazon itself.

I wonder if they received more copies after the dust settled.

At any rate, those of you who are lacking a copy of this movie should get over to Amazon soon.

EDIT: Leon Morin, Priest is selling for $25 on Amazon now.

Le Cercle Rouge appears to be the one in demand, because it's selling for over $100, and almost that much through the third party sellers.

I weighed my options when it came to purchasing either Army of Shadows or Le Cercle Rouge (I didn't have money for both). Since I read that the Studio Canal edition has just as much extras, or even moreso, than the Criterion edition, I decided to stick to Army of Shadows. Personally, you're gettin' the better deal with gettin' Army of Shadows Criterion edition while they're cheap.

[The Great Owl]

Originally Posted by demonknight

My Criterion Collection Hopes for 2014:

I'll give this a go as well.

My Criterion Collection Blu-ray Hopes for 2014:

Le Samouraï (since it's probably not showing up in December 2013)
Point Blank
Alfred Hitchcock's Sabotage, Young and Innocent, Foreign Correspondent
The Vanishing (Spoorloos)
Touchez Pas Au Grisbi (currently out of print)
Kairo (Pulse) (original 2001 Japanese film)
The Earthling (1980)
The Defiant Ones
This Gun for Hire
Un Flic
Sullivan's Travels
Stalker

These were just off the top of my head, so I could probably think of hundreds more.