The Criterion Collection

[StarDestroyer52]

Originally Posted by theater dreamer

First of all, regarding the von Sternberg & Marlene Dietrich box set...

[Show spoiler]

I think the above gif adequately captures the sheer glee I am feeling right now.

Scaramouch, scaramouch, will you buy the Marlene box set?

In my experience, Marlene Dietrich is criminally underappreciated by classic film enthusiasts, so it's wonderful to see a blu-ray box set befitting of her unique talent. The only film I've seen from Josef von Sternberg and Dietrich working together is The Blue Angel. I thought it was a brilliant piece of film making. It looks like I'm watching Shanghai Express and The Scarlet Empress tonight after I finish this post.

Well said, IMO there is no one who was quite like Marlene on or off the screen. She had a special sort of aura that no other actress IMO ever lived up to. Shanghai Express, Scarlet Empress, Morocco, and Blonde Venus are pre-Code masterpieces. Its a pity her name isn't as well remembered among today's average film watcher.

[senseabove]

Originally Posted by thebratpackwrangler

I am probably alone on this one but I personally would love to see the film Hedwig And The Angry Inch join the Collection.

Certainly not. Your being alone, that is. I've been dreaming of it since since Mitchell got a phantom page. I've had the chance to see it on 35mm twice, so I can't wait to upgrade my DVD.

[bluesparrow]

Strange all the heat over Bull Durham. Of all the questionable calls for inclusion into the Criterion Collection I wouldn't even put that in the top ten. It was highly regarded when it came out, with Roger Ebert giving it 4 1/2 stars. The screenplay got nominated for an Oscar, and the movie won a bunch of critic's awards that year. It's not exactly one of the Major League sequels.


The von Sternberg/Dietrich box set sounds like a gem and an easy buy coming out in time for the B&N sale.

[DaBargainHunta]

Originally Posted by jshaide

I can’t wait for the world to explode when Criterion continues the Shelton vibe and releases HOLLYWOOD HOMICIDE.

“Oh but Harrison Ford sucks”
“John Harnett, who?”
“2003! Think of all the great 1903 films Criterion could release!”
“What the **** is HOLLYWOOD HOMICIDE?”

Speaking of Josh Hartnett, why didn't this guy go further?

I watched him in Resurrecting the Champ tonight. (No, I'm not suggesting that for The Criterion Collection - I did think it was good though.)

While I'm not sure I'd classify Hartnett as a great actor, I think he's at least decent-to-good - certainly no worse than the overrated Robert Redford.

[whedon]

Originally Posted by DaBargainHunta

Speaking of Josh Hartnett, why didn't this guy go further?

I watched him in Resurrecting the Champ tonight. (No, I'm not suggesting that for The Criterion Collection - I did think it was good though.)

While I'm not sure I'd classify Hartnett as a great actor, I think he's at least decent-to-good - certainly no worse than the overrated Robert Redford.

He turned down some big roles, Spiderman, Nolan's Batman films and then Superman in Returns. He didn't want to be pigeonholed and he has said before that he wishes that he hadn't been afraid to say yes to films like those as I know there was talk of him being in the Prestige that supposedly Nolan refused to consider him seriously because he turned down Batman Begins. Still think that he is a fine actor, one of those dependable everyman actors who can steal any scene, I Come With the Rain was great and showed just what he can do.

[ravenus]

Originally Posted by taymo016

Bull Durham is probably a case of "You want this movie? You need to take Bull Durham too otherwise you can't have the one you really want."

Why would a Hollywood studio be interested in pushing a film into Criterion or any other boutique label's hands? I can understand "You can't have this" but not "You have to take this if you want that". Maybe someone at Criterion is a fan of Bull Durham and wants to take advantage of a 4K restoration. I sometimes wonder about the choices that Arrow makes but methinks people on this thread try to read too much into Criterion's catalog just because it features spine numbers and they feel obliged to collect them. Just get the ones you want and ignore what you don't, hey this way maybe you can introduce your hot-dog chomping sports fan neighbor Joe to the wonders of <awed tone> "The Collection"

[ravenus]

I hope some of the Sternberg films get individual releases, am interested in Shanghai Express, but don't want to get a large bunch of melodramas.

[malakaheso]

Criterion should release the Shelton Sports Special: Bull Durham, White Men Can't Jump, Cobb, Tin Cup and Play It To The Bone.

You heard it here first!

[sawdustandtinsel]

Originally Posted by Thomas Irwin

I'm surprised they left The Last Seduction off of that list. One of my favorites of the '90s.

Speaking of films that desperately need a Blu-ray release...

[koberulz]

Originally Posted by DaBargainHunta

Speaking of Josh Hartnett, why didn't this guy go further?

I watched him in Resurrecting the Champ tonight. (No, I'm not suggesting that for The Criterion Collection - I did think it was good though.)

While I'm not sure I'd classify Hartnett as a great actor, I think he's at least decent-to-good - certainly no worse than the overrated Robert Redford.

This might be a bad thread in which to say this but Lucky Number Slevin is one of my favourite films.

[ShellOilJunior]

Originally Posted by jshaide

Too many cool people getting thrown under the bus for no reason.

Vincent van "Gah" is next...

[lordmorpheus72]

Reading the Bull Durham announcement just turned this day around! Say what you will, but as a baseball fan, and film fan, this make me very happy! Thanks Criterion, you rock.

[dressedtokill]

Originally Posted by sawdustandtinsel

Speaking of films that desperately need a Blu-ray release...

Scorpion Releasing is working on a new restoration and plan on releasing it. No date has been given though...

[AaronJ]

Originally Posted by dressedtokill

Scorpion Releasing is working on a new restoration and plan on releasing it. No date has been given though...

Well, that's good news!

[SammyJankis]

That box set is everything. Cannot wait to finally get my hands on The Scarlett Empress.

Oh, and that P&P has been a long time coming.

[ShellOilJunior]

Anyone know which of the Dietrich/von Sternberg films are from 4K masters? I need to update my records.

[klauswhereareyou]

For some reason I read that as Shanghai Surprise coming soon from Criterion.

[CQD84]

A solid month. I'm really looking forward to seeing A Matter of Life and Death and Bull Durham. I haven't seen any from the box set either. Good thing I'm okay with blind buys during the B&N sale.

[RCRochester]

Originally Posted by ravenus

Why would a Hollywood studio be interested in pushing a film into Criterion or any other boutique label's hands? I can understand "You can't have this" but not "You have to take this if you want that". Maybe someone at Criterion is a fan of Bull Durham and wants to take advantage of a 4K restoration. I sometimes wonder about the choices that Arrow makes but methinks people on this thread try to read too much into Criterion's catalog just because it features spine numbers and they feel obliged to collect them. Just get the ones you want and ignore what you don't, hey this way maybe you can introduce your hot-dog chomping sports fan neighbor Joe to the wonders of <awed tone> "The Collection"

Studios have been known to do that. The Kino Lorber insider has mentioned that when they cut a deal with Disney the package of titles they received included some "less desirable" titles that they were forced to take in order to get some of the classics they wanted. That being said, I don't think that's how Criterion works and I especially don't think that's the case with Bull Durham which is a worthy addition as it's a pretty good film.

[JoeBuck]

Originally Posted by ShellOilJunior

Anyone know which of the Dietrich/von Sternberg films are from 4K masters? I need to update my records.

Shanghai Express is, would assume Scarlett Empress as well.