The Criterion Collection

[BillieCassin]

Don't listen to the snobs who say if you don't have Criterion, you aren't "worthy".

I have owned Criterion titles since before many of the people on this board ever heard of them - I had them on Laser, and then on DVD.

However, on Blu they seemingly are just interested in releasing international and/or obscure titles, so I haven't bought any. I've seen some of the films available and have zero interest in owning them, maybe some day they will return to doing domestic releases as well.

[#Darren]

I have several Criterions, and they do produce good disks for the most part, but nonetheless IMO they are seriously overrated, and there are many Criterion titles which are most definitely NOT "must owns" or "must sees."

Originally Posted by Maggot

I am rather new to Criterion titles. I have read critics stating that Criterion titles should be in any "serious" collection. I am finding the whole phrase "serious collector" to be somewhat of a misleading one. The sort of notion that one is not serious unless they have this or that appears to be another "sell" tactic or the sort of "you're not in the "in-crowd" or the "avant garde". While both Days of Heaven of Black Narcissus are beautifully shot movies, I find them some of the most boring titles I have ever seen in my life. So much so, I would never watch them again. Waste of money, but I had to give them a try as I keep hearing Criterions are a must. Granted I also have Criterion's "Bigger than Life", and I find that an excellent movie. I have bought "The Red Shoes" and will watch that next. Hopefully I will enjoy that. Even though I don't think you can get the Criterion version anymore, "The Third Man" looks to be good and there is another version coming. I guess like anything, it's hit and miss depending on your criteria of a movie should be. I also have Stagecoach to watch, which I know I'll love.

[QuasidodoJr]

Just wondering - is there a reason this thread has been left up?

Of course, you're not going to like every movie in the Criterion Collection. And no, those of us who do like a lot of the films from Criterion are not "snobs" that pat ourselves on the backs discussing "overrated" movies, either.

Good Lord!

[#Darren]

I hope you like WoD, it's one of my favourite films, but it is not everbody's cup of tea.

Originally Posted by steve_dave

I have Wings of Desire, Kagemusha, and The Virgin Spring in my Netflix Instant Queue.

[crey014]

Holy. I haven't been on the forum for months and it's as if it's expanded 100 fold.

Anyhow, been trying to get some clarification but can't seem to find one: does the latest ones coming in from amazon for "The Man Who Fell To Earth" come on the plastic or cardboard case? Getting the plastic case for it is a bit pricey getting criterion to send it to me overseas. Poo.

[ShellOilJunior]

Originally Posted by crey014

Holy. I haven't been on the forum for months and it's as if it's expanded 100 fold.

Anyhow, been trying to get some clarification but can't seem to find one: does the latest ones coming in from amazon for "The Man Who Fell To Earth" come on the plastic or cardboard case? Getting the plastic case for it is a bit pricey getting criterion to send it to me overseas. Poo.

The film was only issued in cardboard cases. A plastic case would have to be purchased from Criterion and they're not shipping internationally any more.

[ascendedcobra]

I just got done watching Days of Heaven,my other Criterion blu is the Seventh Seal. Both movies were interesting and unique, but maybe a little overrated.

[Codyblaze]

Originally Posted by steve_dave

The only Criterion titles I own:

Chungking Express (Blu-ray)
Charade (Blu-ray and DVD)
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (Blu-ray)
Chasing Amy (DVD)
The Royal Tenenbaums (DVD)
Armageddon (DVD)

I have Wings of Desire, Kagemusha, and The Virgin Spring in my Netflix Instant Queue.

I buy the titles I like because critics are not always right. Just because the Dragon Dynasty is considered the best (at least in the US) for Asian cinema does not mean I own everyone of their titles.

How did you manage to get Charade on Blu already?

[crey014]

Originally Posted by ShellOilJunior

The film was only issued in cardboard cases. A plastic case would have to be purchased from Criterion and they're not shipping internationally any more.

cheers! but, shame.

[#Darren]

I have a few cardboard jobs. Would have liked replacement plastic cases but they are a bit to expensive. I doubt Criterion is providing them "at cost."

[retask]

Originally Posted by DimebagCFH

Head to your local barnes and noble and ask the manager. I asked mine and they had to do something to make it show up, because for some reason it is not located with the rest of the criterion blu rays online. I ordered it in store and have an estimated delivery of August 17th. Hope this answered your question.

I live in Norway.

[rkish]

Originally Posted by lDlisturb3d

Paris, Texas??? is it a good buy or not?

YES...a GREAT film...just get ready to get sucked in emotionally. It really blew me out on my first viewing. GREAT commentary track by Wim Wenders.

[Falcon Eddie]

Originally Posted by 42041

Anyone who's touting every Criterion release as a "must" is a dope or maybe some obnoxious snob. They're just movies, as subject to personal taste as any other movie. Criterion is known for releasing films that are not quite mainstream and that's usually for a reason.

Nice!!

[Ponder Stibbons]

Hi there!

I was wondering -- has anybody heard anything about Criterion releasing La Belle et La Bete, Kind Hearts and Coronets or Thief of Bagdad on Blu-Ray anytime soon?

I was thinking of getting these during the Barnes & Noble 50% Off sale, but might hold off depending on the responses I get.

Also, I've noticed that Kind Hearts and Coronets is available in an Alec Guinness DVD boxed set (non-Criterion, obviously) with four of his other movies for approx. US $22.50 at the moment.

I'm not as fussed about having a pristine copy of Kind Hearts -- mostly just want to watch it and The Ladykillers for their novelty value -- so I thought I'd ask if anyone had seen the non-Criterion release and could comment on its quality.

Cheers,
Ponder

[Beta Man]

None of those have been even hinted from what I recall..... You should just pick them up during the sale, and sell them to get your money back if they release the Blu-rays in the future.

[Ponder Stibbons]

Originally Posted by Beta Man

None of those have been even hinted from what I recall..... You should just pick them up during the sale, and sell them to get your money back if they release the Blu-rays in the future.

Fair enough. . .

But another question on La Belle et La Bete -- should I spend the extra $10 to get the two-disc version, or save and just get the one-disc "Essential Art House" version if I'm not that fussed about all the extras and just want to see the movie??

Cheers,
Ponder

[Banned User]

Originally Posted by oyboe

I'm supposed to be done buying blu rays during this sale, but I find The Leopard very intriguing. The review on this site makes it sound amazing. Anyone here have any opinion? Is it slow moving?

Yes it is slow moving. There really is no action so to speak besides a short battle scene. The plot is kind of subtle and hidden mostly relying on character studies. Although the movie's background touches on many political and historical elements. Its a beautiful period piece with some awesome acting and production values.

Originally Posted by BasicGreatGuy

"The Third Man" with plastic case is selling for $65.00+ on Ebay. There is one auction ending tomorrow (new) with digipack, that is at $42.99 thus far. I wish you well on your find.

You might be better off waiting for the StudioCanal release. It will be a lot cheaper and could possibly be a good transfer and would save you $40.00

Originally Posted by Ponder Stibbons

Hi there!

I was wondering -- has anybody heard anything about Criterion releasing La Belle et La Bete, Kind Hearts and Coronets or Thief of Bagdad on Blu-Ray anytime soon?
I'm not as fussed about having a pristine copy of Kind Hearts -- mostly just want to watch it and The Ladykillers for their novelty value

Optimum is releasing Kind Hearts and Coronets in the UK Sept 6th. Hopefully it will be region free.

Novelty value? Those are two of the best dark comedies ever made. Ladykillers is a decent transfer, but IMO it could of been a lot better. The image is very soft. Still better then the previous releases though.

[Beta Man]

Originally Posted by Ponder Stibbons

Fair enough. . .

But another question on La Belle et La Bete -- should I spend the extra $10 to get the two-disc version, or save and just get the one-disc "Essential Art House" version if I'm not that fussed about all the extras and just want to see the movie??

Cheers,
Ponder

The transfer is the same, so if you aren't worried about extras, then you should just get the cheaper one..... ...

[kndy]

Originally Posted by Ponder Stibbons

Fair enough. . .

But another question on La Belle et La Bete -- should I spend the extra $10 to get the two-disc version, or save and just get the one-disc "Essential Art House" version if I'm not that fussed about all the extras and just want to see the movie??

Cheers,
Ponder

I highly recommend the 2-disc version of "La Belle et La Bete" but if you are not into special features, the EAH should suffice.

“Beauty and the Beast – THE CRITERION COLLECTION #6″ comes with the following special features:

* Philip Glass Opera – Featuring a text introduction by Philip Glass, the viewer can also watch the entire film via an operatic version. Philip Glass is known for taking cinema and then building music and the actual words from the film which are sung via opera.
* Arthur Knight Commentary - Featuring the original 1991 audio commentary (from the Beauty and the Beast Criterion Collection LD) by film historian Arthur Knight. Knight talks about Cocteau, the difference between the screenplay and the fable, Cocteau’s production diary and the use of slow motion in the film, the first screening and more.
* Sir Christopher Frayling Commentary – A second audio commentary featuring writer/cultural historian Sir Christopher Frayling recorded for the British Film Institute in 2001. Frayling goes into furth depth about the era, Cocteau vs. Disney, the pacing of the film and more.
* Screening at the Majestic – (26:48) A featurette about the making of “Beauty and the Beast” including interviews with director Henri Alekan, actress Mila Parely and actor Jean Marais. Also, revisiting the location of where the film was shot.
* Interview with Henri Alekan – (9:14) An interview with Director Henri Alekan to coincide with the restoration of “Beauty and the Beast” in 1995.
* Secrets Professionnels: Tete a Tete – (8:48) Excerpts from the French television show “Secret Professionnels: Tete a Tete” featuring the trade of Hagop Arakelian, makeup artist on “Beauty and the Beast”. Aired back on March 12, 1964.
* Original Trailer – (4:01) Featuring the original theatrical trailer of “Beauty and the Beast”.
* Restoration Trailer – (1:57) A movie trailer for the restored version of “Beauty and the Beast”.
* Film Restoration – (4:05) A short featurette on the restoration of “Beauty and the Beast”.
* Stills Gallery – Featuring stills by photographer G.R. Aldo, cinematographer for Orson Welle’s “Othello”, Luchino Visconti’s “Senso” and Vittorio De Sica’s “Umberto D.” and “Indiscretion of an American Wife”.
* 32-Page Booklet – Featuring “Once Upon a Time – French Poet Explains His Filming of a Fairy Tale” by Jean Cocteau”, “Notes by Francis Steegmuller from Cocteau: A Biography” and the original story “Beauty and the Beast” by Mme. Leprince de Beaumont.

Originally Posted by Maggot

I am rather new to Criterion titles. I have read critics stating that Criterion titles should be in any "serious" collection. I am finding the whole phrase "serious collector" to be somewhat of a misleading one. The sort of notion that one is not serious unless they have this or that appears to be another "sell" tactic or the sort of "you're not in the "in-crowd" or the "avant garde".

It depends on your passion of cinema and your appreciation of a filmmaker's work. And of course, the "serious collector" term was used for a long time because face it, The Criterion Collection was not easily accessible for people because of the price of each release.

But starting last year, when people were able to take advantage of these titles for 50% off, it gave people the chance to purchase them at a lower price.

There are hardcore collectors who purchase every Criterion, there are casual collectors, there are selective collectors. But "serious collectors", I tend to reserve that term for those who really go after various genres and also really go after obscure films in various formats. For example, on Nitrateville.com, there are hardcore silent film fans who go after the actual film reels.

Want to see a serious collector on Blu-ray.com?, check out pickfair's collection... He has collected nearly every Mary Pickford merchandise available and companies, festivals or Distrib. companies had approach him for his collection for display or to use on a DVD. To me, that is a "serious collector".

With that being said, one should not limit themselves to only Criterion titles otherwise you'll be missing out on excellent titles out there from other companies like Eureka!/MoC, KINO, BFI, Artificial Eye, Milestone, Flicker Alley, Film Movement, Sony Picture Classics, etc.

I would like to see people break away from the paradigm of their comfort zone and try something new. May it be for them to try classic film noir, silent films, screwball comedies, musicals, etc.

[steve_dave]

Originally Posted by Codyblaze

How did you manage to get Charade on Blu already?

Pre-ordered the Blu but I have the DVD in my possession. Don't know if I want The Darjeeling Limited yet, going to Netflix it to make it sure.