The Criterion Collection

[Mansinthe]

Originally Posted by L'armée des ombres

They really got to focus on the older catalogue and release the titles they still have the rights to.

lot of people are still happy with DVD releases, and buy even new movies on DVD. probably a lot of criterion collectors dont care for bluray upgrades.

maybe with the upcoming dual format releases we will get more upgrades.

[Scottie]

Originally Posted by pro-bassoonist

Europe ’51 Blu-ray REVIEW



The release above is part of the upcoming 3 Films by Roberto Rossellini Starring Ingrid Bergman Blu-ray

Pro-B

Thanks, Pro-B! I really appreciate it.

The "3 Films" set is probably my most anticipated of the month.

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by jw007

Yes, Easy Rider is just plain awesome. I love the free spirited nature of the story and the characters. In the end, if I had to take 10 movies with me to a desert island (or doomsday bunker), Easy Rider would be one of them. What I love most is the philosophy and existentialism brought up in some of those stories around the campfire. The movie is about freedom and especially American freedom. Just taking the motorcycle out on the open highway and get into adventures "and whatever comes our way"... oh yeah, I just love that warm vinyl sound of that Steppenwolf song. It sounds like a vinyl master on the soundtrack too. Give me liberty or give me death... as Patrick Henry once said.

Spoken like a true hippie. Since we are on the subject, I highly recommend Michelangelo Antonioni's Zabriskie Point. It's a big, bloated, heavy-handed behemoth, but I feel it perfectly captures that counterculture period. If nothing else, I am sure the cinematography (especially the shots in the last ten minutes) and the killer soundtrack (by Pink Floyd) will make it worth at least one watch.

[I had to edit what was once here because there are just too many great films from this period I would like to endorse. Gotta cut down on the listmaking]

Originally Posted by deepbreathsanddeath

Thanks and no problem mate I understand the love and I'm really glad I saw Solaris but I didn't enjoy the overall experience as much as I thought I would. I'll have to return to it one day.

I'm not much of a fan of religious movies, or at least not pro-Christian ones. Hence why I haven't seen The Last Tempation of Christ, despite the fact that I love Martin Scorsese as a director. His catholic beliefs creep in a bit too heavily at times for my liking but he's tremendously talented and I enjoy his movies a lot regardless. I don't think I would enjoy The Last Temptation of Christ much though. Nothing wrong with the movie. It's my issue

Anyway, do let me know how you like (or dislike) Ivan's Childhood after you've seen it

Deep Breaths,
Of course I would love to go on and on about how these religious-themed films in particular are worth your time, but your statements do not leave any room for my egging on I will definitely give you my thoughts on these two films in the near future.

Originally Posted by RyanPom

I bought For All Mankind on sale for like 20 bucks. It was fantastic. Great blind buy for anyone interested in the Apollo Space Program.

Glad to hear that Ryan Pom. It's one of my favorite documentaries of all time. Further, it's the most inspirational. I held off on blind-buying it for a while (due to the very short length), but I am glad I made the purchase (another $13 BluRay during the 50% off/ buy 2 get 1 free overlap). Have you seen In the Shadow of the Moon? That's another fantastic Space Program doc.

Originally Posted by pro-bassoonist

For those interested in the upcoming Rossellini films, I would also recommend tracking down a copy of Marcello Pagliero's Roma, città libera.

Great recommendation! It's the first Neo-realist film I ever saw, and quite the stunner at that. The look we get into a post-war Italy is just impeccable. The "production design" (note the quotation marks) makes it must see alone.

I can't wait for this set (I've only seen Europa 51 from it).

Originally Posted by fdm

I'll never forget when my mom first heard that Steppenwolf song blasting from my radio. (Back in the day when FM radio was pretty incredible, several months before Easy Rider came out (in the Chicago area anyway).) Had a little explaining to do that day, good thing by then I'd heard it several times already...

Sound like great "first music" memories that mine cannot rival. I must admit that I had terrible taste in music during my middle school and early high school years. So my "getting busted" stories would be significantly less cool.

I really need to see my BluRay copy of the film. I can't believe I've only seen it on DVD (same goes for Last Picture Show and Five Easy Pieces). My mind is ready to be blown.

[brandon_260]

Originally Posted by deepbreathsanddeath

I've only seen one film by Andrei Tarkovsky so far. Solaris. I've been interested in getting Ivan's Childhood...

Solaris isn't a movie I'll watch much. It was often really fascinating and on one hand i love how Tarkovsky went about making it. But ultimately (and I hate to say it...) I found it boring. I like some slow paced, older foreign films so please don't assume I need a lot of stimulation to enjoy a movie. I'm not that type of guy. Solaris just didn't feel very entertaining to me. I appreciated it a lot but boy was it a chore to get through.

By the sounds of the review, Ivan's Childhood sounds like it actually has some atmosphere and mood to it. Solaris had moments of real mood and it was certainly beautifully shot but yeah... Just didn't do it for me. I don't think I am alone there either. I think I remember other members mentioning that they like Soderbergh's version more (haven't seen that one but that's not what this is about).

So... How would you guys compare Ivan to Solaris?

I just revisited Ivan's Childhood two nights ago, first time watching it in HD. It's a very different film from Solaris, which I think is superior, but it's still stellar.

[lordmorpheus72]

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

Here's looking forward to hearing your thoughts about Seconds. It's my favorite Criterion in recent memory.

So I haven't watched Seconds yet, hoping to watch tonight, but I did watch Persona last night and realized it was my first Bergman film, which I know is a sin. I've seen many bits and pieces of his films, and can recognize when a director is influenced by him, but had never sat down and watched an entire Bergman film. My first impression was/is amazing!

I'm so upset that it's taken me this long to finally take in a full Bergman film, but I'm kind of glad that Persona was my first full movie. To me it seems like the quintessential Bergman film. And even though I am familiar with his style, the opening scene was still a little odd, but very alluring at the same time. Is there a little perplexed as to the meaning, and how it would fit into the rest of the film, but quickly undertsood as the hospital scenes developed, and you see very similar themes with Alma and Elisabet.

I really enjoyed the way you are presented with the stories and personas of both Alma and Elisabet, and how they changed and merge. The scene where Alma "becomes" Elisabet when Mr. Vogler arrives, is very powerful. The way Alma looses herself, and fully personifies Elisabet is very engrossing, strange, and made me feel as though Elisabet had won in some strange way... especially in light of the letter she had written. Even though you think you know, it stills seems to be a question of what Elisabet is really doing, and what she wasnts the final outcome to be, even though you get that hint when Alma looses it at end after she has "become" a nurse again, and you see Elisabet sneak out early in the morning.

My last comment is on the score. The score was amazing and I noticed that the sound used when tension was mounting was vary similar to what Hans Zimmer did for the Joker's music in The Dark Knight

All in all I loved it! I've got Seventh Seal in my cart for an order form Best Buy and I can't wait to see it as well.

[larrys]

Originally Posted by Nighteyes

A silence speaking volumes?



Damn, another Criterion DVD I need to upgrade.

I also watched Spy Who Came In last night. I completely agree about the PQ. Sharpness, detail and clarity were fantastic. Yes, there are scratches on the right side of the screen in a few scenes, but they're not even a minor distraction. I thought the PQ for On the Waterfront was superb and this ranks right up there with it. I had the Criterion DVD of Spy as well and it's absolutely worth the upgrade.

[lordmorpheus72]

Originally Posted by CoopFilm

I've never had luck getting responses, it's not just you..

Ditto.. even when I had an issue my Dazed and Confused disc, it took forever to get replies.

[bluesilo]

Have little interest in Lars Von Trier's films, but since he is in the Criterion line figured some fans would be interested. His newest film is going to be 5 hours long.

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by bluesilo

Have little interest in Lars Von Trier's films, but since he is in the Criterion line figured some fans would be interested. His newest film is going to be 5 hours long.

Wow! I really want to know how they will distribute it. My guess is that the two parts will both get very limited releases.

[ravenus]

Originally Posted by lordmorpheus72

I'm so upset that it's taken me this long to finally take in a full Bergman film, but I'm kind of glad that Persona was my first full movie. To me it seems like the quintessential Bergman film.

I don't know if its appropriate to judge a film-maker's quintessential style from bits and pieces, especially someone like Bergman, whose films can go in the course of the narrative from quiet introspection to mind-rending emotional torment. Having seen several Bergman films completely, I would also hesitate to consider Persona quintessential. IMO Films like, say, those of the Faith trilogy and Seventh Seal are different from Persona, Hour of The Wolf etc.

[nametag]

Originally Posted by ravenus

I don't know if its appropriate to judge a film-maker's quintessential style from bits and pieces, especially someone like Bergman, whose films can go in the course of the narrative from quiet introspection to mind-rending emotional torment. Having seen several Bergman films completely, I would also hesitate to consider Persona quintessential. IMO Films like, say, those of the Faith trilogy and Seventh Seal are different from Persona, Hour of The Wolf etc.

I've seen Fanny and Alexander, Cries and Whispers, Wild Strawberries, Autumn Sonata, Seventh Seal in addition to Persona and Persona is definitely the most surreal and experimental of the lot, I'm not sure I'd call it 'quintessential' either. It actually reminded me more of David Lynch than any of Bergman's other films. I'm not sure which one I WOULD call his most 'quintessential' though, but probably Wild Strawberries or Fanny and Alexander, since they distill quite a lot of his recurring themes (as far as I have seen) and also have some great surreal/dream sequences in them. They're also possibly the most accessible of the ones I've seen (though F&A required a bit of effort to push through the first episode, which I think is the longest... or certainly felt it)

[Scottie]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

Wow! I really want to know how they will distribute it. My guess is that the two parts will both get very limited releases.

I agree. I can't wait, though.

[Indiana Solo]

Upon my travels to Target today to pick up Homeland Season 2 and Star Trek: Into Darkness, I thought I would check out the clearance section. And low and behold, nothing, until I shifted some video games around, and holy mackerel! "Would do look at that, just look at it" I demanded of myself. A Criterion title just staring back at me in the hairy eyeball. Harold and Maude, Blu sticker and all. I grabbed it up with such velocity, and immediately looked for the price. It did not have one, so I went to the price scanner to the tune of "Item not found". I then sought out a helpful employee and asked them to scan it for me, same result. He sent me up to Customer Service where a nice young lady scanned and printed out a clearance sticker. I about keeled over when she announced the price of $6.96. All in all, a good day. If anyone could understand how ecstatic I am about my find, it would be you ladies and gents of the Criterion thread.

[jw007]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

Spoken like a true hippie. Since we are on the subject, I highly recommend Michelangelo Antonioni's Zabriskie Point. It's a big, bloated, heavy-handed behemoth, but I feel it perfectly captures that counterculture period. If nothing else, I am sure the cinematography (especially the shots in the last ten minutes) and the killer soundtrack (by Pink Floyd) will make it worth at least one watch.

[I had to edit what was once here because there are just too many great films from this period I would like to endorse. Gotta cut down on the listmaking]

Thanks for the recommendation on Zabriskie Point! I'm amazed I haven't seen this yet. Too bad its not on Blu-ray yet though. I'm hip with the hippies yo. Lol.

[MifuneFan]

Originally Posted by Indiana Solo

Upon my travels to Target today to pick up Homeland Season 2 and Star Trek: Into Darkness, I thought I would check out the clearance section. And low and behold, nothing, until I shifted some video games around, and holy mackerel! "Would do look at that, just look at it" I demanded of myself. A Criterion title just staring back at me in the hairy eyeball. Harold and Maude, Blu sticker and all. I grabbed it up with such velocity, and immediately looked for the price. It did not have one, so I went to the price scanner to the tune of "Item not found". I then sought out a helpful employee and asked them to scan it for me, same result. He sent me up to Customer Service where a nice young lady scanned and printed out a clearance sticker. I about keeled over when she announced the price of $6.96. All in all, a good day. If anyone could understand how ecstatic I am about my find, it would be you ladies and gents of the Criterion thread.

Oh my god, that's crazy. My local Targets have terrible clearance sections

[jw007]

Originally Posted by bluesilo

Have little interest in Lars Von Trier's films, but since he is in the Criterion line figured some fans would be interested. His newest film is going to be 5 hours long.

Wow, 5 hours of Nymphomania. I don't think I could handle 5 minutes of that film. Count me out. Not a Lars Von Trier fan and never will be.

[jw007]

Originally Posted by Indiana Solo

Upon my travels to Target today to pick up Homeland Season 2 and Star Trek: Into Darkness, I thought I would check out the clearance section. And low and behold, nothing, until I shifted some video games around, and holy mackerel! "Would do look at that, just look at it" I demanded of myself. A Criterion title just staring back at me in the hairy eyeball. Harold and Maude, Blu sticker and all. I grabbed it up with such velocity, and immediately looked for the price. It did not have one, so I went to the price scanner to the tune of "Item not found". I then sought out a helpful employee and asked them to scan it for me, same result. He sent me up to Customer Service where a nice young lady scanned and printed out a clearance sticker. I about keeled over when she announced the price of $6.96. All in all, a good day. If anyone could understand how ecstatic I am about my find, it would be you ladies and gents of the Criterion thread.

That is truly an amazing deal. I wonder if that was an anomaly though. Maybe they gave you the clearance price, because someone decided to drop the item in the bin. Well, we need more shoppers doing this! You hear? Everyone around the USA, drop in Criterion Blu-rays in the clearance bins at Target!

[movieben1138]

Originally Posted by Indiana Solo

Upon my travels to Target today to pick up Homeland Season 2 and Star Trek: Into Darkness, I thought I would check out the clearance section. And low and behold, nothing, until I shifted some video games around, and holy mackerel! "Would do look at that, just look at it" I demanded of myself. A Criterion title just staring back at me in the hairy eyeball. Harold and Maude, Blu sticker and all. I grabbed it up with such velocity, and immediately looked for the price. It did not have one, so I went to the price scanner to the tune of "Item not found". I then sought out a helpful employee and asked them to scan it for me, same result. He sent me up to Customer Service where a nice young lady scanned and printed out a clearance sticker. I about keeled over when she announced the price of $6.96. All in all, a good day. If anyone could understand how ecstatic I am about my find, it would be you ladies and gents of the Criterion thread.

Holy moley! I'm gonna stop at my Target after work (even though I know this won't happen to me)!

[movieben1138]

By the by, is it pretty well a given that IT'S A MAD, MAD, MAD, MAD WORLD will be announced this week for December? Or will that title likely come along later? I know it's been teased, but I'm impatient for it! I think it's the greatest comedy ever made!

--Ben

[Indiana Solo]

Originally Posted by jw007

That is truly an amazing deal. I wonder if that was an anomaly though. Maybe they gave you the clearance price, because someone decided to drop the item in the bin. Well, we need more shoppers doing this! You hear? Everyone around the USA, drop in Criterion Blu-rays in the clearance bins at Target!

I'm tempted to travel to the other Target stores around the area.