The Criterion Collection

[ksc2303]

Originally Posted by ChadFL

The Thin Red Line I really enjoy on all accounts. I absolutely cannot wait for that release. It's by far my favorite Malick film.

I agree. Days of Heaven may get the nod in cinematography but Thin Red Line is the more enjoyable film. Though I have yet to see Badlands...

[kndy]

Belmondo and Barbara Gandolfini at the TCM Classic Film Festival. Belmondo...always in style and always with a beautiful woman!

Originally Posted by Volume11

As little as 3 months ago I was still arguing with some of the more vocal usual suspects about them claiming they couldn't see a difference between DVD and BD and that old films, particularly B&W, wouldn'y benefit from the boost in resolution.

And I'm guessing they tried to use the "your trying to replace the cinematic experience by trying to capture that experience on Blu-ray". That's a hard crowd to convince.

But I would say that possibly a low percentage of those people in those forums have HD capability. I wouldn't be surprised that if some of them who have Blu-ray are connecting it to a normal television, watching it on their monitor.

And what's worse is when someone technical comes in and tries to explain why Blu-ray is better and it turns them off even more to the point they don't care anymore.

Originally Posted by Melodious Thunk

I'm in the UK - If you're anything like me, you'll be importing more Criterion when you get back home. And once the ash cloud clears up...

It's kind of funny because when I go to Amazon UK, I start looking at the Artificial Eye, the BFI, Eureka!/MoC releases and a voice is telling me to "Buy me!", "Buy Me!"....

Especially when I see this video and see what Europe has to offer.... (starting around 1:20 into the video)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Ckx73f8zG8

[McCrutchy]

Originally Posted by kndy

It's kind of funny because when I go to Amazon UK, I start looking at the Artificial Eye, the BFI, Eureka!/MoC releases and a voice is telling me to "Buy me!", "Buy Me!"....

+ ad infinitum.

Originally Posted by kndy

Belmondo and Barbara Gandolfini at the TCM Classic Film Festival. Belmondo...always in style and always with a beautiful woman!

He's officially on my Enemies list...

[McCrutchy]

FYI--Mosfilm has released Andrei Rublev on Blu-ray in Russia as of March 2010.

BD-50, AVC, Region ABC, with English subtitles only and Russian DTS-HD MA 5.1 (16-bit, 48KHz) and DD 2.0. 186-minute domestic (Russian) cut, no extras.

Bad news is, can't figure out how to get it over here. When I put it in my cart at Ozon.ru, the site tells me the item can't be shipped out of Russia.

AVS forum thread

Criterionforum.org

I want it, yesterday.

To be fair, I've only had one experience with Andrei Rublev and I think it was on VHS (it was years ago; I'm almost certain it was the 205 minute original cut, as there was a lot of violence and nudity in it), and I remember loathing it. But I really, really want to see if my opinion has changed in the years since.

Plus it looks way better than it ever has before.

[ccfixx]

Originally Posted by McCrutchy

FYI--Mosfilm has released Andrei Rublev on Blu-ray in Russia as of March 2010.

BD-50, AVC, Region ABC, with English subtitles only and Russian DTS-HD MA 5.1 (16-bit, 48KHz) and DD 2.0. 186-minute domestic (Russian) cut, no extras.

Bad news is, can't figure out how to get it over here. When I put it in my cart at Ozon.ru, the site tells me the item can't be shipped out of Russia.

As far as I know, McC, there aren't any Russian sites that ship to the USA. Here's a list of other Russian sites, but still none ship to the USA from what I know.

http://www.ai-m.ru/newreleases/?group=38939
http://www.bolero.ru
http://www.dvd100.ru/blu-ray/?clearFilter=1
http://era-hd.ru/
http://film.egret.ru/
http://www.golddisk.ru/
http://www.ozon.ru/
http://petrovka.ua/
http://www.sferamm.ru/
http://www.yakaboo.ua/

I think the only way you'll be able to get it imported to the USA is if you can find another European dealer outside of Russia that is able to obtain stock.

Maybe, pro-b will have some insight on how to obtain Russian-distributed discs.

CC

[P@t_Mtl]

Originally Posted by kndy

First pics I seen of Jean Paul in a while, he look's great for 77. He seem to have recover well form his stroke. Of course always a babe with him

[BasicGreatGuy]

Originally Posted by McCrutchy

FYI--Mosfilm has released Andrei Rublev on Blu-ray in Russia as of March 2010.

BD-50, AVC, Region ABC, with English subtitles only and Russian DTS-HD MA 5.1 (16-bit, 48KHz) and DD 2.0. 186-minute domestic (Russian) cut, no extras.

Bad news is, can't figure out how to get it over here. When I put it in my cart at Ozon.ru, the site tells me the item can't be shipped out of Russia.

AVS forum thread

Criterionforum.org

I want it, yesterday.

To be fair, I've only had one experience with Andrei Rublev and I think it was on VHS (it was years ago; I'm almost certain it was the 205 minute original cut, as there was a lot of violence and nudity in it), and I remember loathing it. But I really, really want to see if my opinion has changed in the years since.

Plus it looks way better than it ever has before.

I contacted a Russian seller, to see if she has access to the Blu-ray and can ship it here. I will let you know as soon as I hear back from her.

[Old Geezer]

I have become a fan of Godard through this thread. I have watched "Breathless", "Pierrot Le Fou", Vivre Sa Vie", and "Comtempt" in short order and enjoyed them all. I am next considering between "Alphaville", "Band of Outsiders", or "A Woman is a Woman". I will probably end up with all three eventually, but I'm not really made out of money, so I would like to hear opinions from you about these movies and which one (s) I should covet the most. Also, are there others out there that I should be looking for also? I'll add that "Pierrot Le Fou" was probably my favorite of the four I've seen, but it really is close between them all.

[SpiderBaby]

Originally Posted by Old Geezer

I have become a fan of Godard through this thread. I have watched "Breathless", "Pierrot Le Fou", Vivre Sa Vie", and "Comtempt" in short order and enjoyed them all. I am next considering between "Alphaville", "Band of Outsiders", or "A Woman is a Woman". I will probably end up with all three eventually, but I'm not really made out of money, so I would like to hear opinions from you about these movies and which one (s) I should covet the most. Also, are there others out there that I should be looking for also? I'll add that "Pierrot Le Fou" was probably my favorite of the four I've seen, but it really is close between them all.

Le Petit Soldat and Les Carabiniers.

[Old Geezer]

Originally Posted by CassavetesGodard

Le Petit Soldat and Les Carabiniers.

I knew I could count on you for recommendations ,although my pocketbook may hate you before it's over. I've already ordered "Les Carabiniers" from Amazon and I'm sure "Le Petit Soldat" won't be far behind. After reading the reviews I believe these movies are right up my alley.

Edit: I found both "Les Carabiniers" and "Le Petit Soldat" for sale -used - on Amazon. Since neither one is blu-ray or Criterion edition I don't mind taking a slight risk buying used. Got them for a great price and I can always upgrade later if they do come out on blu (hopefully Criterion).

[SpiderBaby]

Originally Posted by Old Geezer

I knew I could count on you for recommendations ,although my pocketbook may hate you before it's over. I've already ordered "Les Carabiniers" from Amazon and I'm sure "Le Petit Soldat" won't be far behind. After reading the reviews I believe these movies are right up my alley.

Edit: I found both "Les Carabiniers" and "Le Petit Soldat" for sale -used - on Amazon. Since neither one is blu-ray or Criterion edition I don't mind taking a slight risk buying used. Got them for a great price and I can always upgrade later if they do come out on blu (hopefully Criterion).

Hope ya like them.

Oh, I forgot to tell you Masculin Féminin from Criterion as well. One of my fav Godard's in the Criterion Collection.

[keldons]

Just bought The Seventh Seal on blu-ray with some left-over amazon credit I had. $12.55 shipped for a brilliant film. I really hope theres another 50% off Criterion sale soon....

[kndy]

Originally Posted by Old Geezer

I have become a fan of Godard through this thread.

Greetings Old Geezer,

There are many titles to recommend and everyone has their own reasons of why they enjoy it. Of the three that you have brought up for consideration, I recommend them in this order:

* Band of Outsiders
* A Woman is a Woman
* Alphaville

So, why do I enjoy them.

Band of Outsiders: “The Band of Outsiders” is a charming and enjoyable film. Is it my favorite Godard film, I would still have to give the title of “My Godard Favorite” to his 1965 film “Pierrot Le Fou” but I will say that “Band of Outsiders” manages to pull me in with its various scenes and its interesting plot.

If you submit your 95 minutes to Godard, you’re definitely in for a wild ride. The ending might be a bit bumpy but the actual ride is where you feel satisfaction as you will encounter quite a few surprises, twists and turns and that is how I feel about “Band of Outsiders”.

May it be the popular scene featuring the trio taking part in the “Madison dance” and the Louvre scene in which the three try to break the American Jimmy Johnson’s record of how fast they can see all the art. How fun is that?

A Woman is a Woman: “A Woman is a Woman” is an interesting kind of film. For one, I enjoy it for Godard’s technique and what he accomplished during this time of filmmaking. I would imagine that “A Woman is a Woman” would be a bit frustrating for some viewers not familiar with Godard’s work and may feel a bit too unusual and experimental for their taste. But since you have seen some of his films, you should be fine.

“A Woman is a Woman” was a satire of American musicals but at the same time, his way of poking around relationships and doing things his own way. “A Woman is a Woman” has its charming moments but it requires patience.

Alphaville: Needless to say, the film is one of those films you rewatch a few times and I have found myself with a new perspective each time of what I felt about the film. But some people may feel the film goes right over their heads. And if it does, you won’t be alone as the film opened at the New York Film Festival and according to film critic Andrew Sarris, the audience were baffled by the shift in tone. And he talks about the shift of futurism to private-eye mannerisms and I can definitely see that. The film is a mixed bag of incorporating various themes.

The film is a bit campy, the voice of the supercomputer was quite annoying but for the most part, I enjoyed the film.

Some may feel the characters are quite banal but each of these three films have endings that are not predictable.

If you are simply in it because you are entranced by Anna Karina's charm, the order listed above works just the same.

As for your monetary situation, all three films can be found cheap (used). Just be careful with "Band of Brothers" and make sure it is the Criterion Collection version and not the Rialto Pictures version from Criterion (which contains the movie and no special features).

[Bunker]

Just watched Hunger for the first time. WOAH. One of the most powerful and gut-wrenching movies I've ever seen. Fassbender is one dedicated actor.

[Old Geezer]

kndy: Thanks for your reply. Actually, the order I had them in my mind after reading the initial reviews was/is:
1. Band of Outsiders
2. Alphaville
3. A Woman is a Woman

As for Anna Karina, she is definitely a joy to behold, but I enjoyed Breathless (Jean Seberg) and Contempt (Bridgett Bardot) just as much. So it's definitely the movies that are the main selling point.

[Zen_Amako]

Originally Posted by kndy

May it be the popular scene featuring the trio taking part in the “Madison dance” and the Louvre scene in which the three try to break the American Jimmy Johnson’s record of how fast they can see all the art. How fun is that?

In Bernardo Bertolucci's film The Dreamers, there's a scene where the characters reenact the Louvre scene from Band of Outsiders. If you're a fan of Band of Outsiders it will make you smile.

[JediFonger]

i'm a collector like many of you of course. but where i differ is i try and get 'EVERYTHING' for completion sake. and for filmmakers, esp. directors, i luv watching their complete filmography (like i'm doing so w/Orson Welles right now).

so for Godard, it's extremely hard to see a 'complete filmography' so to speak because there are way too many films in his canon =) plus he's still alive.

[SpiderBaby]

Originally Posted by JediFonger

i'm a collector like many of you of course. but where i differ is i try and get 'EVERYTHING' for completion sake. and for filmmakers, esp. directors, i luv watching their complete filmography (like i'm doing so w/Orson Welles right now).

so for Godard, it's extremely hard to see a 'complete filmography' so to speak because there are way too many films in his canon =) plus he's still alive.

So does that mean you don't "collect" his films?

I don't call myself a collector. I have 1,000s of movies, but I get them for what they mean to the History of film, from each time frame, to each country. Also I have to have some type of likeness to it, or else I don't think it gives me much for myself into the history of film. I don't "complete" films because of it's distributor. I "complete" films from directors I love, or it's subject.

[stlcards]

I watched my 8th Criterion on blu...Lola Montes. It was the first Criterion movie I was a little disappointed after watching. I thought I'd like Lola Montes more than I did. I thought it was ok.

[McCrutchy]

Originally Posted by McCrutchy

FYI--Mosfilm has released Andrei Rublev on Blu-ray in Russia as of March 2010.

BD-50, AVC, Region ABC, with English subtitles only and Russian DTS-HD MA 5.1 (16-bit, 48KHz) and DD 2.0. 186-minute domestic (Russian) cut, no extras.

Bad news is, can't figure out how to get it over here. When I put it in my cart at Ozon.ru, the site tells me the item can't be shipped out of Russia.

AVS forum thread

Criterionforum.org

I want it, yesterday.

To be fair, I've only had one experience with Andrei Rublev and I think it was on VHS (it was years ago; I'm almost certain it was the 205 minute original cut, as there was a lot of violence and nudity in it), and I remember loathing it. But I really, really want to see if my opinion has changed in the years since.

Plus it looks way better than it ever has before.

With the aid of pro-bassoonist, I found a Russian vendor that should ship Andrei Rublev to the USA:

http://www.kniga.ru/dvd/595811

I used Google Translate and created an account. Kniga.ru has three shipping options for international orders: Ground (2-3 weeks), Airmail (14 days) and EMS (Express Mail Service) (7 days). EMS, however costs 2088 RUR/71 USD so I chose Airmail, which is only 163 RUR/6 USD.

The total with Airmail to the USA was about 21.00 USD.

I had a tough time getting the payment processor (secure-assist.ru) web page to show up in Firefox, and I had to re-do the order about four times, creating four different orders in the process. but once I got in, the payment was verified (I was brave and used a Visa card), and it has even showed up unflagged on my online banking statement. I only paid for the one order, and I got an e-mail confirmation confirming that, so hopefully the other three will be removed from my Order History on Kniga.ru.

I have never ordered from anywhere in Russia before, and I have no idea what to expect from this transaction, so please realize that you order at your own risk.

This being said, hopefully I will receive my copy in two weeks or so and be able to post an update in triumph.