The Criterion Collection

[Fellini912]

Originally Posted by jayembee

I've seen it both during the day and at night, though that was almost 45 years ago. I've got slides of it somewhere that I need to scan some day, in my copious free time.

They say if you throw a coin in the fountain, you will return ( I am such naive tourist). My hopes is to return some day; Rome is my favorite city in Europe. Paris is a close second.

[jayembee]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

I started to watch Lovers this afternoon, but I had to stop the stream as I thought the 1.33:1 aspect ratio was rather strange. I subsequently did some research and I found out it should have been in the traditional 1.66:1. Ugh, Netflix disappoints me so much.

I also tried to watch the 1983 Bette Gordon film, Variety, this week, but it was compressed (squished) to fit in a 1.33:1 frame. I may need to purchase it on Amazon Instant one of these days.

I don't often find things on Netflix at the wrong ratio. When I do, it's usually a 2.35:1 film cropped to 1.78:1. I suspect it's less Netflix's fault than the distributor they're getting it from. Back in the early 00s, I remember Turner Classic Movies having the same issue with films from the Sony library. All of the Warner, MGM, UA, RKO, and Universal titles would be at the proper ratio, but the Columbia widescreen titles were more often open-matte or pan-&-scan than in their proper ratio.

Oddly enough, the one time I've seen a widescreen film shown at 1.33:1 on Netflix was the Italian film Bread & Tulips, which is a Sony-distributed title. But their DVD release of it was in the proper 1.85:1 ratio. Perhaps they just supplied the old, incorrect-ratio "TV version" to Netflix. I don't know.

[baheidstu]

Originally Posted by Fellini912

They say if you throw a coin in the fountain, you will return ( I am such naive tourist). My hopes is to return some day; Rome is my favorite city in Europe. Paris is a close second.

So if you throw a coin in the fountain on your second visit, does that mean there will be a third or does it only work for the first time? I mean, if you keep doing it every time you visit eventually it will be wrong!

[jayembee]

Originally Posted by hustlermane

@GreatOwl: There's an Australian release of La Dolce Vita out this week incidentally from Umbrella Entertainment. While Aus releases rarely get official reviews on this site, Umbrella has had a handful, but lacking that, the early word is that it has great PQ/AQ. It retails at only $AU19.99, not sure what postage is for you guys though. It's one of my favourite films of all time, and moved me/changed my view of the world probably more than any other film, so I'll be picking it up very soon.

From EyzDVD, the shipping is fairly high: A$12 for 1-2 titles, and A$6 for each additional title. I was thinking about getting the Aussie release of Journey to the Center of the Earth, and spend quite some time the other day going through their lists of Blu-rays looking to see what else I might be interested in to saving on shipping. At least one title claims to be Region A, B, & C (Once Were Warriors), but there are several other titles I want that I need to check to see if they're region-free: top of the list are Richard Lester's The Three and Four Musketeers, and Hitchcock's Lifeboat.

[Fellini912]

Originally Posted by baheidstu

So if you throw a coin in the fountain on your second visit, does that mean there will be a third or does it only work for the first time? I mean, if you keep doing it every time you visit eventually it will be wrong!

I am still waiting for my second visit; there is no refund unfortunately.

[baheidstu]

Originally Posted by Fellini912

I am still waiting for my second visit; there is no refund unfortunately.

Well make sure you don't die unexpectedly in the meantime or you'll mess them up.

[jayembee]

Originally Posted by Fellini912

As probably GreatOwl can attest, the Melville CC blu-rays are worth more than gold (especially Army of Shadows). I am sorry you missed out on a reasonable price on these classic films.

I managed to snap up a copy of Army of Shadows for just under MSRP from an Amazon Marketplace seller, but need to pull the trigger on Le cercle rouge. I'm not sure I can justify the price to my wife, though.

[jayembee]

Originally Posted by hoytereden

How is the PQ on the Australian edition of Journey to the center of the Earth? It's a favorite film of mine. I remember talking my parents and then my sister into taking me to see it in the theater when it came out. I didn't know about the Twilight Time release until it was too late.

I didn't get to see it in the theater, but no matter how hokey it gets, it's always been a favorite of mine. Back in my laserdisc days, it was my "default" film to watch. Meaning that when I was in the mood to watch something, and couldn't make up my mind what, I'd put on JttCotE.

[Fellini912]

Originally Posted by jayembee

I managed to snap up a copy of Army of Shadows for just under MSRP from an Amazon Marketplace seller, but need to pull the trigger on Le cercle rouge. I'm not sure I can justify the price to my wife, though.

I feel that Le Cercle Rouge does not reach the greatness of Army of Shadows, but still it is a great film. I would recommend watching the film first, you might like some in print films better.

I know the feeling, my financial boss (my wife) also keeps me in check. Although I argue that art feeds my soul, she says that bread is more important.

[Fellini912]

Originally Posted by baheidstu

Well make sure you don't die unexpectedly in the meantime or you'll mess them up.

Many say that immortality are for geniuses

If this is true then I can wait forever but, unfortunately I fall slightly under the "bar".

[The Great Owl]

Originally Posted by hoytereden

How is the PQ on the Australian edition of Journey to the center of the Earth? It's a favorite film of mine. I remember talking my parents and then my sister into taking me to see it in the theater when it came out. I didn't know about the Twilight Time release until it was too late.

I have not watched the entire movie on Blu-ray yet, but I did jump to several scenes when the Blu-ray arrived to check the picture quality (since I've seen the movie a dozen times in various formats). The picture quality, which is reportedly identical to the Twilight Time release, looks impressive to me, and I've never seen the movie look this good. There are source material limitations that are reflected on the Blu-ray, but the transfer reflects the film as it's supposed to be.

Originally Posted by smoss469

I've seen Le Samourai, it wasn't a bad movie but the gangster themed movies he has all look interesting, also the Cohen release of Two Men in Manhatten is something I have in my queue as well.

Army of Shadows is my favorite Criterion Blu-ray. Le Cercle Rouge is right behind it. Every time I revisit Army of Shadows, I notice something new. The movie uses visual styles influenced by film noir to tell vignette stories of the French Resistance in World War II. Lino Ventura is incredible in the film, and Simone Signoret has one of the toughest female roles in cinema. Le Cercle Rouge is a brilliant heist film, and it would make a perfect double feature with the upcoming Criterion release, Rififi.

Now, Le Samourai is my all-time favorite film, so that might help you weigh my above recommendation.

(Le Samourai might be kicked out of my all-time favorite spot by The Maltese Falcon soon, though, since I've rediscovered The Maltese Falcon in a big way since I upgraded it to Blu-ray last year. I've plowed through the Blu-ray six times since I bought it. Hence my current avatar.)

Two Men in Manhattan is a great looking Blu-ray! If you liked the cinematography in the Criterion title, Sweet Smell of Success, then Two Men in Manhattan will appeal to you. It's not Melville's best film, but it is a beautiful love letter to American film noir and to New York City.

[smoss469]

I might look into Army of Shadows. It's about the only one that can be bought for a reasonable price. The rest are way up there.


EDIT

Willpower is for suckers... I bought it while it was still reasonable.

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by jayembee

I don't often find things on Netflix at the wrong ratio. When I do, it's usually a 2.35:1 film cropped to 1.78:1. I suspect it's less Netflix's fault than the distributor they're getting it from. Back in the early 00s, I remember Turner Classic Movies having the same issue with films from the Sony library. All of the Warner, MGM, UA, RKO, and Universal titles would be at the proper ratio, but the Columbia widescreen titles were more often open-matte or pan-&-scan than in their proper ratio.

Oddly enough, the one time I've seen a widescreen film shown at 1.33:1 on Netflix was the Italian film Bread & Tulips, which is a Sony-distributed title. But their DVD release of it was in the proper 1.85:1 ratio. Perhaps they just supplied the old, incorrect-ratio "TV version" to Netflix. I don't know.

In terms of determining culpability, I'm just as lost, Jay. All I can for certain is how irritating these ordeals are.

[Rich Pure Doom]

Originally Posted by Rich Pure Doom

Hey guys, I picked up the Samurai Trilogy today at a used store for a great price. I haven't seen any of these yet. What are your thoughts? Good purchase?

Anyone?

[MifuneFan]

Originally Posted by Rich Pure Doom

Anyone?

They're great movies in my opinion. Unlike withs some trilogies where some films work completely fine as standalones, I think the Samurai Trilogy works better when thought of as one continuing film or saga.

The movies are more drama than action however, so as long as you don't go in expecting a typical Samurai film you'll be okay. It can be pretty melodramatic at times.. It has beautiful scenery, and really shows Mifune's range too. It also does a good job showing what life was like back then too, so if you're into Japanese culture and such you'll enjoy it.

[Blu-Velvet]

Originally Posted by MifuneFan

They're great movies in my opinion. Unlike withs some trilogies where some films work completely fine as standalones, I think the Samurai Trilogy works better when thought of as one continuing film or saga.

The movies are more drama than action however, so as long as you don't go in expecting a typical Samurai film you'll be okay. It can be pretty melodramatic at times.. It has beautiful scenery, and really shows Mifune's range too. It also does a good job showing what life was like back then too, so if you're into Japanese culture and such you'll enjoy it.

I agree. These are very deliberately paced and philosophical films with a few memorable fight sequences, in case you're expecting nonstop or even frequent action scenes. The color cinematography and art design are also quite impressive. They are very much three parts of a whole and play best when viewed close together. When I watched them, I ran two on one night and the third the following night, along with THREE OUTLAW SAMURAI the second night for contrast. (A three films/one samurai plus one film/three samurai festival!) The people who watched the first two with me the first night all came back for the third one the second night and stayed for THREE OUTLAW SAMURAI. Most also stayed to watch the Samurai trilogy bonus features. We all enjoyed all the films but liked the Samurai trilogy the best.

[blkhrt]

Originally Posted by Rich Pure Doom

Hey guys, I picked up the Samurai Trilogy today at a used store for a great price. I haven't seen any of these yet. What are your thoughts? Good purchase?

No, not a good purchase...a great purchase. I love the films, and was pleased to learn that I like them even more on repeat viewing. The transfers on the blu are so much better than they were on the old DVDs that you picked a great time to check them out.

[jetthead]

Originally Posted by blkhrt

No, not a good purchase...a great purchase. I love the films, and was pleased to learn that I like them even more on repeat viewing. The transfers on the blu are so much better than they were on the old DVDs that you picked a great time to check them out.

Completely agree!

[shadedpain4]

Samurai Trilogy is one of my favorite Criterion releases. A great purchase at any price in my eyes.

While on the topic of Samurai films, of those of you who blind bought the Zatoichi set, how many films in are you so far?

[SammyJankis]

The Samurai Trilogy is pretty good. It has moments of greatness (that final battle), and the scenery works wonders, but it's often bogged down with some melodrama. Calling it Japan's Gone With the Wind isn't far off base.