The Criterion Collection

[ChadFL]

Originally Posted by Idioteque...

Didn't they make a replacement case for it? Or was Bottle Rocket the one left alone.

I think it actually IS the replacement case.

[Belloche]

I own the Paramount release of Days of Heaven and the original Criterion Yojimbo so these are both easy upgrades for me. I do have the newer DVD version of Sanjuro so I'll probably stick with that unless I find it really cheap. They look great, I can't wait.

[avstraq]

I watch foreign films all the time. If the title or synopsis sounds any bit interesting, I go for it. (I'm on Netflix.)

I used to go to all the Euro film festivals when I was younger.

Originally Posted by stobbart

I know we all love, enjoy, and watch Criterion movies all the time. But I was just wondering how many people on here watch other foreign/artsy movies that are not part of Criterion?

[kndy]

Originally Posted by stobbart

I know we all love, enjoy, and watch Criterion movies all the time. But I was just wondering how many people on here watch other foreign/artsy movies that are not part of Criterion?

I watch a lot of "arthouse" films. Just a word of warning, you may not want to use the word "artsy" in arthouse or cinema-based forums or else some will ban or flame you. They rather sensitive to the word... (especially on auteurs)

Originally Posted by Kevtronn

If you do not mind, let us know the condition in which you receive these films.

Got 15 titles in today, all with inserts and some were new and sealed. No gashes or problems whatsoever.

Originally Posted by avstraq

Thanks for the heads up. I love foreign films. I may actually subscribe to this.

The good things about Film Movement is that they pick up a good number of titles from the major film festivals. The company was created by "Sling Blade" producer Larry Meistrich and he started it because the NY Times films would always review these indie and arthouse films that his theater would never get in New Jersey. They have about 10,000 or so subscribers and it's rather tempting. I've been wanting to join but I've missed seven years already and knowing me, I'd go crazy of researching their back catalog to find out which films I want to purchase.

Fortunately, you can find some titles for cheap (used) on Amazon and eBay.

As for whether or not they will release their films on Blu-ray, I hope but that would probably jack the membership up just to produce them.

[ChadFL]

The good things about Film Movement is that they pick up a good number of titles from the major film festivals. The company was created by "Sling Blade" producer Larry Meistrich and he started it because the NY Times films would always review these indie and arthouse films that his theater would never get in New Jersey. They have about 10,000 or so subscribers and it's rather tempting. I've been wanting to join but I've missed seven years already and knowing me, I'd go crazy of researching their back catalog to find out which films I want to purchase.

Fortunately, you can find some titles for cheap (used) on Amazon and eBay.

As for whether or not they will release their films on Blu-ray, I hope but that would probably jack the membership up just to produce them.

In looking at their website the back catalog is fairly reasonably priced. With a current subscription you can buy the entire first year of 12 films for $99.00 and the second, third and fourth year of films for $124.00/each. So the first 4 seasons (48 films) can be purchased for $471.00. Not too bad really.

Figured I'd throw this out there since so many on here love good foreign films. Amazon deal of the day today is an 8-film pack of Best Foreign Film Academy Award winners on regular DVD for $74.99. Films are: Indochine / Burnt By the Sun / Character / All About My Mother / Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon / Nowhere in Africa / The Lives of Others / The Counterfeiters.
The Lives of Others is one of my all-time favorite films.
http://www.amazon.com/Language-Indoc...8SB4PKS50FGSJW

[buffetfroid]

Originally Posted by stobbart

I know we all love, enjoy, and watch Criterion movies all the time. But I was just wondering how many people on here watch other foreign/artsy movies that are not part of Criterion?

Everyone should. To only watch foreign/arthouse films because they are released by Criterion is stupid.

[kndy]

Originally Posted by cstep11189

Does anyone know if Downhill Racer is planned for blu-ray. Criterion Collection just released it on DVD and I thought they were going to do a blu-ray release. It's a 1969 film starring Robert Redford and Gene Hackman.

Nope. They would have done a release for BD at the same time if they were going to. Aside from "Hoop Dreams" and "Tokyo Olympiad", were there other Criterion sports themed releases

[Blu Titan]

I watched The Seventh Seal today . The release is great, awesome PQ and AQ. The movie truly looks magnificent. However, I still can't get into the movie, and don't think I ever will.

[Clamps]

I have a question concerning Criterion movies that wouldn't benefit from having a Blu-Ray release. I know Hoop Dreams was shot on VHS. Are there any others that wouldn't look any better on Blu?

[ShellOilJunior]

Looking at the recent releases from CC--- I feel very, very fortunate to have the Cleveland Cinematheque about a mile from my place.

For the past couple years it seems whenever I see a great foreign film it usually makes it to Criterion Blu within 12 months.

IE. Marienbad, Bigger than Life, Lola Montes, Revanche (missed it ), etc.

Heck, Third Man is showing in a few weeks. Also, would not be surprised if J.P. Melville's "Leon Morin" makes it to way to CC next fall--- it's a gem.

As for Bigger than Life---- purchase with confidence, it's a good one!

[ChadFL]

Originally Posted by Clamps

I have a question concerning Criterion movies that wouldn't benefit from having a Blu-Ray release. I know Hoop Dreams was shot on VHS. Are there any others that wouldn't look any better on Blu?

This may be a stupid question but why can't material shot on VHS be upgraded in quality to Blu-Ray if MUCH older movies, tv shows, etc. can be? I must be missing some dynamic here but it just seems odd that black and white films made more than 60 years ago can be released on Blu but movies made less than 20 years ago cannot.

[42041]

I don't know of any feature films shot on VHS
Most older films were shot on 35mm, just as they are now. There is no "upgrade" involved, just scanning the original film at high resolution.

VHS has about half the resolution of DVD. It was meant for TVs, not theatrical exhibition.

[eatbear]

I think he's saying the documentary "Hoop Dreams" was originally shot on VHS. I saw it in theaters and seem to remember it being a bit fuzzy. Although, that could just be my memory.

[42041]

Originally Posted by eatbear

I think he's saying the documentary "Hoop Dreams" was originally shot on VHS. I saw it in theaters and seem to remember it being a bit fuzzy. Although, that could just be my memory.

Maybe some professional tape format? I doubt it was consumer VHS

either way, SD is SD no matter how you slice it, you're not getting back quality that wasn't there to begin with. It was meant for TVs. Professional film formats were intended for theatrical exhibition on large screens since the earliest days of cinema, they are inherently "HD", hence a film from 1928 looks better than a cheap taped show from 1987.

[Clamps]

Hoop Dreams was shot on Betacam SP according to IMDb. What about Fishing with John? Was that shot on video?

[rezpekt]

Originally Posted by Clamps

Hoop Dreams was shot on Betacam SP according to IMDb. What about Fishing with John? Was that shot on video?

Mostly 16mm film I think.

[Idioteque...]

I just watched Days of Heaven last night and I have to say I'm impressed. You would think with such a simple story this film could be a total bore but I think it's one of the first to get it right. I mean I can't think of any good movies about love triangles on the spot.

And I was saying to myself the last 20 minutes, if he ends it now I'll hate this movie so much but Malick did not. He ends the story arc with some poetic justice. Now I'm just trying to interpret it but it's pretty beautiful.

[Pyoko]

You know what I just realised would make a great complement to Revanche? El Aura. And the rights just happen to belong to IFC.

Criterion, make it happen!

[jacobsever]

So with the OOP sale, has there been an official last day to order?
Is it the beginning or end of March?
Or is it all just speculation right now.

I want a few titles, but don't have the money to order by tomorrow.

[rich_adamson]

Originally Posted by jacobsever

So with the OOP sale, has there been an official last day to order?
Is it the beginning or end of March?
Or is it all just speculation right now.

I want a few titles, but don't have the money to order by tomorrow.

I'm pretty sure its the end of March...

Also, glad to see I could be of assistance with lightening your wallet with some BFI nudging, lol! Just kidding, I think you will really enjoy them.