The Criterion Collection

[SammyJankis]

We all know that Barry Lyndon was such a boring movie that Kubrick felt the need to make something as intricate as The Shining.

[bwdowiak]

I consider myself a "big Kubrick fan" and not only is it my favorite Kubrick film, but one of my 5 favorite films of all-time, directed by anyone.

I think that after 2001: A Space Odyssey, Barry Lyndon is the next highest ranking film on the Sight and Sound 10 year poll from 2012, so while it may not have been a common opinion, say, 20 years ago, it is now.

[Reddington]

Watched both the Branagh and Gibson versions of Hamlet over the past week, which put me in the mood to watch the Olivier version. I thought I had a copy of the Criterion DVD release, then realised that I didn't (so many films...).

Begs the question whether we will see a Criterion BD upgrade. I can't remember it being mentioned here, or teased in any of the cartoons.

[Member-167298]

Any rumors of Criterion releasing stand-alone versions of HEAD or The Last Picture Show? I would like to get rid of the BBS set.

[theater dreamer]

I'm sorry you've had such a rotten experience, Alfalfa. I've had extensive interaction with Criterion via e-mail, both via the Mulvaney address, and with Kelly from the orders department. I've always found their service to be outstanding. They've gone above and beyond to keep me happy, and I'm a relatively little fish, comparatively. I only own about 140 Criterion films in total, thus far. It's my impression that they treat all their customers with respect, regardless of how much they've spent on Criterion products. They've treated me right from the get go. They are courteous, and their response time has been exceptional.

Hang in there. I know you're frustrated. I'd send one additional e-mail to Jon Mulvaney; let them know about the trouble you've had with their communication in a courteous manner, and I know they'll make it right for you.

Please let us all know when this has been fixed to your satisfaction.

Originally Posted by Alfalfa

First I used orders@criterion.com since it was an order I had a question about, then I tried mulvaney@criterion.com and then both one more time. I have checked the spam folder, nothing.

There was no problem with correspondence over mail before the order was made on both the addresses, Kelly from orders even asked me to send a mail when the package arrived.

[the sordid sentinel]

Originally Posted by PrestonXI

Any rumors of Criterion releasing stand-alone versions of HEAD or The Last Picture Show? I would like to get rid of the BBS set.

Last Picture Show standalone is probably my most wanted Criterion now that Le Samourai is real (preordered today!).

Anyone know if Criterion still has the rights to The Long Good Friday and Mona Lisa? I know those were remastered, but no Region A release has yet been made available, at least that I know of.

[CMNPlanet]

Originally Posted by the sordid sentinel

Anyone know if Criterion still has the rights to The Long Good Friday and Mona Lisa? I know those were remastered, but no Region A release has yet been made available, at least that I know of.

They've been back with Criterion since the launch of Filmstruck last year. As to a physical re-release, it's anyone's guess.

[bwdowiak]

Originally Posted by Alfalfa

First I used orders@criterion.com since it was an order I had a question about, then I tried mulvaney@criterion.com and then both one more time. I have checked the spam folder, nothing.

There was no problem with correspondence over mail before the order was made on both the addresses, Kelly from orders even asked me to send a mail when the package arrived.

Sorry that this didn't work out for you, Alfalfa. Don't spend too much time being upset about the situation. At least you still have Darla.

[bwdowiak]

I am surprised that Pro-B has not posted a review for The Tree of Wooden Clogs. I had a chance to borrow the Blu-ray release of the film from my library. I was intrigued by what I had heard about it, so I gave it a chance.

The film documents the lives of several families who live in the same farmhouse and work as peasant farmers in late 19th century Italy. Dialogue is occasionally sparse, with the visual rhythms of work, family life, and their faith telling most of the story.

It is the type of film in which many might say, "nothing happens," but those who appreciate Italian neo-realism, with which this film bears similarities will enjoy the film. It also reminded me of Pather Panchali in its depiction of people living in less fortunate circumstances, yet still finding happiness in simple things.

I'm not a PQ expert, but I feel I know and can identify picture anomalies reasonably well enough. I didn't notice any macro-blocking. The grain structure looked natural and film-like. Overall, I thought the PQ was great.

I was glad that I saw the film. My rating is 3.5/4. I feel that some, however, will be lulled to sleep by the rhythms of the film that do begin to feel a little bit repetitive by the third hour of the film. Definitely recommended, but not for everybody.

[jw007]

Originally Posted by bwdowiak

I consider myself a "big Kubrick fan" and not only is it my favorite Kubrick film, but one of my 5 favorite films of all-time, directed by anyone.

I think that after 2001: A Space Odyssey, Barry Lyndon is the next highest ranking film on the Sight and Sound 10 year poll from 2012, so while it may not have been a common opinion, say, 20 years ago, it is now.

Barry Lyndon is an incredibly re-watchable film. Though its long (but all Kubrick films are long), I never lose interest in the story. It's so engaging, with such strong characters, that a lot of viewers might not realize that its the opposite of a Greek tragedy too. Barry Lyndon himself is the perfect antihero, a selfish, spineless, toothless, morally questionable character, and yet with his rise and fall, its an amazing morality tale as well as a cautionary tale, that could happen to anyone even today in a modern setting.

Also, Kubrick perfected his camera lenses with this film and there's some astonishing photography to be had here. Any aspiring cinematographer had best watch Barry Lyndon and study it immensely, for the rewards are plentiful.

Did I also mention how stellar the acting is here? Stellar beyond words.

[dwk]

Originally Posted by PrestonXI

Any rumors of Criterion releasing stand-alone versions of HEAD or The Last Picture Show? I would like to get rid of the BBS set.

A stand-alone release of Head most likely will not happen as it is the one title in that box that isn't owned by Sony, but The Last Picture Show probably will happen eventually.

[GaragePoet]

Originally Posted by PrestonXI

I would like to get rid of the BBS set.

may i ask why? i was considering ordering during the next Criterion sale. are you not happy w/ it?

[CrossRhodes94]

Ordered two criterions last night. Which are the first films I'll own! Both are blind buys. I ordered The Ice Storm and Blue is the Warmest Color.

[ArnoldLayne56]

Originally Posted by CrossRhodes94

Ordered two criterions last night. Which are the first films I'll own! Both are blind buys. I ordered The Ice Storm and Blue is the Warmest Color.

I thought The Ice Storm was fantastic. Now I'll have to watch it again, it's been a couple years.

[ShellOilJunior]

Originally Posted by PrestonXI

Any rumors of Criterion releasing stand-alone versions of HEAD or The Last Picture Show? I would like to get rid of the BBS set.

No rumors that I can recall. I think there's a strong demand for Head. There would be a line around the block at BN if Head was being offered at 50% off.

[shadedpain4]

Originally Posted by ShellOilJunior

No rumors that I can recall. I think there's a strong demand for Head. There would be a line around the block at BN if Head was being offered at 50% off.

I can see why people would want Head by itself, instead of it being part of a larger commitment. Just not sure how likely that is.

[bokes]

Grand Budapest Hotel?
Have I missed any news on this title?
Curious as to why it is taking so long for a Criterion release.

[ravenus]

Originally Posted by bokes

Grand Budapest Hotel?
Have I missed any news on this title?
Curious as to why it is taking so long for a Criterion release.

The only advantage a Criterion release would have over the excellent existing Fox release would be in terms of bonus features and it would take time to arrange for commentaries, interviews etc especially if Wes Anderson and the other people involved in the making of the film are too busy to be available. The Criterion release of Fantastic Mr. Fox came almost 4 years after the previous release (3 years for Moonrise Kingdom) so you may have to wait till next year (or more) for a release.

[No Name]

Originally Posted by bokes

Grand Budapest Hotel?
Have I missed any news on this title?
Curious as to why it is taking so long for a Criterion release.

My guess is they'll announce it as soon as the director's next film ("Isle of Dogs") drops in theatres.

[theater dreamer]

I watched it for the first time about a month ago. I'm a huge Kubrick fan, but Barry Lyndon, while certainly a strong film, didn't blow me away like many of his other films. I just watched the remastered Spartacus for the first time. That blew me away. 2001: A Space Odyssey kicks me in the rear each time I see it. I had nightmares about HAL 9000 as a kid, and he still gives me the creeps! . Paths of Glory is in my top-five as far as greatest war films go, and Full Metal Jacket isn't real far behind. A Clockwork Orange, The Shining and and Dr. Strangelove hold special places in my heart.

There was so much to absorb, visually, in Barry Lyndon, perhaps I just need to watch it again to better appreciate the nuances. Some films really grab me on a second viewing.

Originally Posted by jw007

Barry Lyndon is an incredibly re-watchable film. Though its long (but all Kubrick films are long), I never lose interest in the story. It's so engaging, with such strong characters, that a lot of viewers might not realize that its the opposite of a Greek tragedy too. Barry Lyndon himself is the perfect antihero, a selfish, spineless, toothless, morally questionable character, and yet with his rise and fall, its an amazing morality tale as well as a cautionary tale, that could happen to anyone even today in a modern setting.

Also, Kubrick perfected his camera lenses with this film and there's some astonishing photography to be had here. Any aspiring cinematographer had best watch Barry Lyndon and study it immensely, for the rewards are plentiful.

Did I also mention how stellar the acting is here? Stellar beyond words.