The Criterion Collection

[MifuneFan]

I had the pleasure of seeing Ozu's Floating Weeds (Ukigusa) (1959) today at The Metrograph here in NYC, part of a series the theater is doing on the late great actress Machiko Kyō. It's my 2nd favorite movie of all time, so it was a really special experience for me to finally see it on the big screen, and in a really cool theater as well (my first time visiting it). Thankfully, it was sourced from the recent 4K restoration, and was it ever beautiful. The transfer is truly a revelation compared to the DVD, and even the BD released in the UK. Colors aren't as heavily saturated as Criterion's DVD, but more balanced, and natural. The level of detail was just incredible. This is definitely one of the best restorations I've seen.

The subtitle translation was noticeably improved too. There's a part early on where one of the actor's goes to a local bar, and when a lady asks his name he jokingly says he's the famous Kabuki actor "Kinnosuke". But on the Criterion DVD, the translation was changed to say he's Toshiro Mifune, something clearly done for the sake of Western audiences. There's a lot of little changes like that throughout, which really made the dialogue work better in this new presentation than on the DVD.

I consider Floating Weeds to be one of the most exquisitely framed, and shot films all time. There's no shortage of beautiful compositions that feel like artwork in motion to me. The film is an ideal Summertime watch, which made it all the more disappointing when Criterion didn't announce it before the season's end. Regardless of when it comes out, it'll still be a pure joy to watch, so hopefully that's sooner than later. I'd also like to put my vote in for this being Criterion's first UHD candidate.

[theater dreamer]

Originally Posted by MifuneFan

I had the pleasure of seeing Ozu's Floating Weeds (Ukigusa) (1959) today at The Metrograph here in NYC, part of a series the theater is doing on the late great actress Machiko Kyō. It's my 2nd favorite movie of all time, so it was a really special experience for me to finally see it on the big screen, and in a really cool theater as well (my first time visiting it). Thankfully, it was sourced from the recent 4K restoration, and was it ever beautiful. The transfer is truly a revelation compared to the DVD, and even the BD released in the UK. Colors aren't as heavily saturated as Criterion's DVD, but more balanced, and natural. The level of detail was just incredible. This is definitely one of the best restorations I've seen.

The subtitle translation was noticeably improved too. There's a part early on where one of the actor's goes to a local bar, and when a lady asks his name he jokingly says he's the famous Kabuki actor "Kinnosuke". But on the Criterion DVD, the translation was changed to say he's Toshiro Mifune, something clearly done for the sake of Western audiences. There's a lot of little changes like that throughout, which really made the dialogue work better in this new presentation than on the DVD.

I consider Floating Weeds to be one of the most exquisitely framed, and shot films all time. There's no shortage of beautiful compositions that feel like artwork in motion to me. The film is an ideal Summertime watch, which made it all the more disappointing when Criterion didn't announce it before the season's end. Regardless of when it comes out, it'll still be a pure joy to watch, so hopefully that's sooner than later. I'd also like to put my vote in for this being Criterion's first UHD candidate.

MifuneFan, though my experience with both Ozu (Tokyo Story, and An Autumn Afternoon (which I need to watch again, as I was sick during my first viewing) and Machiko Kyô (Rashomon) are both pitifully limited, to this point, you've convinced me to jump on Floating Weeds. It's been on my wish list for a good while, but hearing you wax poetically about it precipitated my placing an order for the Masters of Cinema blu-ray from 2012. I know with the new restoration, it's only a matter of time before it gets released domestically (I might have actually hastened its release!), but the paltry $14.21 it cost me on Amazon UK will allow me to enjoy it in the mean time.

It's the kind of passion you exhibited that makes this Criterion board such a treasure, to me.

[MifuneFan]

Originally Posted by theater dreamer

MifuneFan, though my experience with both Ozu (Tokyo Story, and An Autumn Afternoon (which I need to watch again, as I was sick during my first viewing) and Machiko Kyô (Rashomon) are both pitifully limited, to this point, you've convinced me to jump on Floating Weeds. It's been on my wish list for a good while, but hearing you wax poetically about it precipitated my placing an order for the Masters of Cinema blu-ray from 2012. I know with the new restoration, it's only a matter of time before it gets released domestically (I might have actually hastened its release!), but the paltry $14.21 it cost me on Amazon UK will allow me to enjoy it in the mean time.

It's the kind of passion you exhibited that makes this Criterion board such a treasure, to me.

Wow, thanks so much for the kind words. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the movie. Looking back on my Amazon order history, I blind-bought the Criterion DVD in May 2004. I think I've watched the film nearly every year since. It was my first taste of Ozu too, and it was like a different world had opened up to me, as far as Japanese cinema went, as I had only just dabbled with some Kurosawa before that.

One of the best things for me about the DVD is the audio commentary from Roger Ebert, and there are many years where I only watched the film with it, as it felt like I was watching the film with a fellow fan, and friend. I find his commentaries are a lot more laid-back than most others, but still very informative. Definitely something else to look forward to from the eventual Criterion release on BD!

[Yami]

I already posted this outside of this thread, but members here might be interested in the ongoing Kickstarter campaign to restore and re-release Dennis Hopper's Out of the Blue. It stars Linda Manz, of Days of Heaven fame, in a truly sensational performance.

Out Of The Blue (1980) trailer - YouTube

[postmodel]

Originally Posted by Yami

I already posted this outside of this thread, but members here might be interested in the ongoing Kickstarter campaign to restore and re-release Dennis Hopper's Out of the Blue. It stars Linda Manz, of Days of Heaven fame, in a truly sensational performance.

[Show spoiler]Out Of The Blue (1980) trailer - YouTube

I’m already a backer but I’m so glad to see it reached its goal! I’ll be honest I’ve never seen it but it looks like a great film so I had no issue helping out.

[MifuneFan]

The final film from Agnès Varda, "Varda by Agnès" has been added to Janus' website:

http://www.janusfilms.com/films/1944

New trailer for Varda by Agnès - In cinemas 19 July | BFI - YouTube

The final film from the late, beloved Agnès Varda is a characteristically playful, profound, and personal summation of the director’s own brilliant career. At once impish and wise, she acts as our spirit guide on a free-associative tour through her six-decade artistic journey, shedding new light on her films, photography, and recent installation works while offering her one-of-a-kind reflections on everything from filmmaking to feminism to aging. Suffused with the people, places, and things she loved—Jacques Demy, cats, colors, beaches, heart-shaped potatoes—this wonderfully idiosyncratic work of imaginative autobiography is a warmly human, touchingly bittersweet parting gift from one of cinema’s most luminous talents.

[notman]

Hey, if any Mike Leigh fans are around Columbus, Ohio, this may be of interest to you on October 16:
https://wexarts.org/film-video/conversation-mike-leigh

Hear from one of our greatest writers and directors of stage and screen! English filmmaker and theater director Mike Leigh visits the Wex to discuss his illustrious career in an onstage conversation with Sean O’Sullivan, associate professor in Ohio State’s Department of English and author of the monograph Mike Leigh (2011). (program approx. 90 mins.)

[Hazel Motes]

Originally Posted by Yami

I already posted this outside of this thread, but members here might be interested in the ongoing Kickstarter campaign to restore and re-release Dennis Hopper's Out of the Blue. It stars Linda Manz, of Days of Heaven fame, in a truly sensational performance.

Out Of The Blue (1980) trailer - YouTube

Love that it reached its goal and then some, but at the same time it kind of breaks my heart that such an amazing film wasn't picked up by any of the boutique labels.

[Gacivory]

Originally Posted by notman

Hey, if any Mike Leigh fans are around Columbus, Ohio, this may be of interest to you on October 16:
https://wexarts.org/film-video/conversation-mike-leigh

There were screenings of a few of his films at the Aero or Egyptian theater in LA a few months ago, and at least Secrets & Lies was attributed to Janus! I can’t remember if there were more attributed.

[Yami]

Originally Posted by Hazel Motes

Love that it reached its goal and then some, but at the same time it kind of breaks my heart that such an amazing film wasn't picked up by any of the boutique labels.

Agreed, but hopefully this campaign and the fact that they won't have to do the restoration themselves means that some labels will look into licensing it. It certainly sounds like while the plan is to self-distribute in the US, the owners are looking to license it out to third-party labels in other territories.

[blujazz]

This is highly recommended - he's great at Q&As - generous with his answers and can be very snarky which can be a fun watch

Originally Posted by notman

Hey, if any Mike Leigh fans are around Columbus, Ohio, this may be of interest to you on October 16:
https://wexarts.org/film-video/conversation-mike-leigh

[blujazz]

Originally Posted by Luke Dodge748

This is the home of Ducati, I would love to visit for this festival. Upload some pics and enjoy!

I just remembered to reply to this.

Anyway, definitely add it to your bucket list - it's a week of celluloid screenings, new restorations, outdoor screenings, and a tour of the cineteca bologna laboratories. I'm already thinking of going back next year (but will be extra prepared for the heatwave - it was 41 degrees at some point, and the air conditioning in the cinema couldn't cope).

Really loved the Youssef Chahine strand and the westerns. New restorations of The Circus and Apocalypse Now were premiered outdoors (Coppolla was there for a masterclass). Pretty good value as it was EUR100 for all of the films, so it is essentially a buffet.

Cinema Lumiere Grounds

[Show spoiler]
Courtyard


Blu-ray/DVD/poster sales

Introductions: Refn; Soo-yong; Coppolla

[Show spoiler]
Nicolas Winding Refn for Spring Night, Summer Night

Coppolla at outdoor screening of Apocalypse Now Final Cut

Kim Soo-yong

Film Restoration Laboratories

[Show spoiler]Colour correction

Film clean up

[knuckles96]

watched Come and See for the first time last night and it really is a masterpiece - WHY isn't this in the collection???

[Yami]

Originally Posted by knuckles96

watched Come and See for the first time last night and it really is a masterpiece - WHY isn't this in the collection???

Criterion have the rights and it has been recently restored, so it should be soon.

[FragnitoM]

Originally Posted by notman

Hey, if any Mike Leigh fans are around Columbus, Ohio, this may be of interest to you on October 16:
https://wexarts.org/film-video/conversation-mike-leigh

Oh man... I’d be willing to take a trip to Ohio. I’ve never gotten to meet or see Mike Leigh speak but he’s one of my top filmmakers. Do you know if he’s speaking anywhere else or just about this particular engagement?

I hope Criterion helps me get to Mike Leigh complete soon! I doubted that it would be released here so I got the Mike Leigh at BBC UK release and it was worth the import

[monorail91]

I have an inkling there could be a Cuarón box set - if/when ROMA comes, packaging it together with his other films (both Criterion) set in Mexico: SOLO CON TU PAREJA and Y TU MAMA TAMBIEN.

[goodnitesteve]

Originally Posted by postmodel

I’m already a backer but I’m so glad to see it reached its goal! I’ll be honest I’ve never seen it but it looks like a great film so I had no issue helping out.

I was on a Dennis Hopper kick a few years back, caught The Last Movie on 35mm at the Metrograph on St Patricks Day 2017 before the latest restoration (which I still haven't seen yet). Out of the Blue was elusive, but I found a copy of the dvd through my library system and while it was a rough copy, what a powerful film. I'm glad it's getting restored and I can't wait to see it again in full Technicolor glory. Hopefully, Catchfire (Backtrack) gets a restoration soon as well, though it will probably get done as a Shout Factory release if anything at all. The Hotspot is already out there.

For fans of Out of the Blue, check out this Alex Cameron music video starring & directed by Jemima Kirke. Angel Olsen duets. It's fantastic.

Alex Cameron - Stranger's Kiss (Duet with Angel Olsen) (Official Video) - YouTube

[thatguamguy]

Originally Posted by goodnitesteve

Hopefully, Catchfire (Backtrack) gets a restoration soon as well, though it will probably get done as a Shout Factory release if anything at all.

Does anybody have a copy of the director's cut that, as far as I understand, only aired on cable?

[dwk]

That would be odd, as Twilight Time released it last year. So they should have the US rights until 2021.

[Bates_Motel]

Originally Posted by FragnitoM

Illeana Douglas just tweeted that she was doing a commentary for Demy’s Model shop... and liked someone’s response asking if it would be criterion. might be announced Thursday?

https://twitter.com/illeanarama/stat...081062912?s=21

Yeah, with TT's recent release, that's not needed in the slightest.