The Criterion Collection

[P@t_Mtl]

Received a nice little package from Amazon just now. I got Three Outlaw Samurai and Rossellini's History Films Eclipse set. I really like how Amazon just pack everything, tight and safe. In fact the only complaint one can make is it's hard to actually unpack

I know Three Outlaw Samurai is Blu-ray and we are on a Blu-ray forum but I haven't seen The Age Of The Medici in 25+ years, I am starting that right now.

[italy12]

Originally Posted by retablo

Curious, but do you like films of the 40s and 50s? Because even then, the acting was still a very stylized style where kisses were oh so dramatic and much of the dialogue was wink wink to the audience. It wasn't until the mid 50s, I guess with the Strasberg and Stanislavsky methods, that films got more "realistic."

I take silent films for what they are — simply, the truest form of cinema, told visually with little to no "dialogue." The acting was just trying to convey wordless drama, albiet over done.

I like how kisses on the old films are two people pressing their lips together in a tight embrace while the female usually lifts one leg up while arching her back slightly. Truly classy.

[P@t_Mtl]

Originally Posted by italy12

I like how kisses on the old films are two people pressing their lips together in a tight embrace while the female usually lifts one leg up while arching her back slightly. Truly classy.

You mean that's not how they kiss for real in the 30's, 40's and 50's?

[italy12]

Originally Posted by blkhrt

While it seems pretty clear at this point that the clue isn't Hoop Dreams, there have been strong indications that there is a blu version of Hoop Dreams coming this year. I can't remember just now where I read about it, but it showed up in a future release inventory or something like that. It isn't clear if it was even for Criterion or not. I will try to track down the link in all my bookmarks...

Speaking of this, it made me think of a search I was doing on Best Buy's website last night for Criterion films.

There was supposed to be a Red Balloon Criterion BD released in January of 2010, which clearly didn't happen. I was just puzzled by the page's existence.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/The+Red+...8468737&st=red balloon&lp=1&cp=1

I'd love to know what I would receive if I ordered it.

[SlickDamian]

Never had any interest before, but after reading the review of Letter Never Sent, now I think I will add it to my A Night to Remember preo-order. It looks fantastic! Also, World On A Wire or Solaris?

[italy12]

Originally Posted by TJS_Blu

You may be thinking of a different title, the source elements for Hoop Dreams wouldn't benefit from hidef.

While true, we did see BD editions of other films that probably didn't benefit much from the transition to hi-def. I can think of some off the top of my head:

Donnie Darko
Clerks

Ok, that's all.

[italy12]

Originally Posted by joie

There is a blu-ray with Red Balloon and White Mane: https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/The-R...-Blu-ray/6245/
It's region free, relatively inexpensive, looks great (much better than Criterion's DVD) ... and in one of the supplements, the now-grownup boy is showing his daughter some things about Red Baloon and says something like, "There were conjurers there ... we're not supposed to tell how this was done," at a point where there is a still or a clip that shows how it was done.

Maybe that is what Best Buy is offering, and the Criterion tag means nothing.

Speaking of Criterion, my Best Buy has 2 copies of Anatomy of a Murder in stock as of Tuesday, its release date.

I also checked some of the upcoming releases and our store will eventually stock The Last Temptation of Christ. The skus for A Night to Remember and one or two other titles are in-store skus, but our store shows nothing so far.

[blkhrt]

Originally Posted by TJS_Blu

You may be thinking of a different title, the source elements for Hoop Dreams wouldn't benefit from hidef.

I know it was definitely Hoop Dreams, just because it is a personal favorite. You are right that picture quality wouldn't necessitate a blu. But, while picture upgrade is one reason to put something on blu, it isn't necessarily the only reason. Who knows what they might have as far as features and such. If they want to upgrade Hoop Dreams, that is fine with me...I would only buy it if there was a good reason for upgrading. Otherwise, I am content with my dvd copy.

[italy12]

Originally Posted by blkhrt

I know it was definitely Hoop Dreams, just because it is a personal favorite. You are right that picture quality wouldn't necessitate a blu. But, while picture upgrade is one reason to put something on blu, it isn't necessarily the only reason. Who knows what they might have as far as features and such. If they want to upgrade Hoop Dreams, that is fine with me...I would only buy it if there was a good reason for upgrading. Otherwise, I am content with my dvd copy.

Did you mean Hoop Dreams was being released on Blu ray, or Hoop Dreams was being released on Blu ray by Criterion?

Curious...

[blkhrt]

Originally Posted by italy12

Did you mean Hoop Dreams was being released on Blu ray, or Hoop Dreams was being released on Blu ray by Criterion?

Curious...

If I remember the source correctly, it was just known that it might be coming on blu. The speculation was that it would be Criterion, but that might have been based solely on the fact that they had the dvd. This is, of course, going on memory, so I apologize for not having more detail.

[italy12]

Originally Posted by blkhrt

If I remember the source correctly, it was just known that it might be coming on blu. The speculation was that it would be Criterion, but that might have been based solely on the fact that they had the dvd. This is, of course, going on memory, so I apologize for not having more detail.

You're fine. Thanks for the info, though.

[rkish]

Originally Posted by Joe Dalek

Don't be surprised if Criterion announces their own edition of this before the year is out:

https://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=8245

That is sort of why I'm waiting on Pigs and Battleships...with my luck I'll buy the MoC version and Criterion will decide to release it.

[Yami]

I'd say just get the MoC release. The chances of Criterion bettering the PQ are slim and the MoC includes Stolen Desire!

It really upsets me that the Czech titles are being relegated to an Eclipse. The Cremator is one of my favourite films and one of the best horror films of all time. It's really stunning filmmaking.

[pro-bassoonist]

Originally Posted by joie

After changing one player's output from 1024p to "direct," the display indicates 1080i. I should have written something like, "the site's review may be incorrect," if I did not.

Added: The other player (the one with the ghosting/judder) at 1:00:16 (for example) can be forced to output 1080i. If that is done, the display indicates 1080/60i. The ghosting/judder is still present. It is only present with that player ... the other one looks alright whether the output is "direct" or "1024p." The "ghosting/judder" has some short, horizontal black lines about the face of the actor at some of the frames in 1:00:16.

I put both players back to 1024p output.

Hi,

I just saw your PM so I will respond here . Yes, this is what I thought the case was.

As far as the mottion-judder is concerned, depending on what receiver you have, you could even further minimize it, to the point of where it is practically unnoticeable. (Eagle Rock Entertainment's discs for example are very well done, and my receiver essentially eliminates all of the judder).
On the other hand, I've also found that with a good projector 1080/60i and 1080/50i content looks even better.

Pro-B

[DeyoreW]

I recently received "By Brakhage" from Amazon and it had a large slice/rip through the outer slipcase. Was not happy to see that, but what a hassle to return and exchange. So I havent bothered yet. Anyone else have issues like this? and tried returning it? Unfortunately I already took the cellophane off.

[Truewitt]

Originally Posted by DeyoreW

I recently received "By Brakhage" from Amazon and it had a large slice/rip through the outer slipcase. Was not happy to see that, but what a hassle to return and exchange. So I havent bothered yet. Anyone else have issues like this? and tried returning it? Unfortunately I already took the cellophane off.

From Amazon? Yeah; it is the easiest process you can imagine. Set up the return through the website, print out the return label, drop off at UPS. They will ship you a new one as soon as you apply for the return.

[retablo]

Originally Posted by italy12

While true, we did see BD editions of other films that probably didn't benefit much from the transition to hi-def. I can think of some off the top of my head:

Donnie Darko
Clerks

Ok, that's all.

Except both of those were shot on film, not 340 res Betacam video. So yes, there is substantial benefit for hi-def as long as the transfers are done properly.

Originally Posted by ShellOilJunior

I'm not sure why anyone thought the hint was Hoop Dreams. If they were hinting Hoop Dreams they wouldn't arbitrarily put "Spalding" on a basketball.

Not quite sure what you mean by this... Spalding basketballs have "Spalding" on them, nothing arbitrary about that.

[capnnarcolepsy]

I'd like to live in a world where it was a double clue. Some Spalding Gray and Hoop Dreams Blu, please.

I realize Hoop Dreams wouldn't benefit from a visual standpoint, but there's got to be a wealth of extra material they could add. I know the director gathered a bunch of footage for a sequel that never came to be. Plus, every documentary needs moments to make the viewer even more sad and depressed, and the outcomes of the two kids and their families lives are truly heartbreaking.

I know a lot of you don't cotton to DVD anymore, but seriously, at least rent Hoop Dreams. It's one of the finest documentaries there is and is about so much more than simply basketball. Bring some Kleenex.

[SpiderBaby]

Originally Posted by SlickDamian

Also, World On A Wire or Solaris?

Fassbinder

[SpiderBaby]

Originally Posted by Joe Dalek

Really excited to see Return of the Prodigal Son now.

It's the film from the set I haven't seen and really can't wait.

I doubt Marketa Lazarova would get a Blu-ray if Criterion does ever release it,

This will get a mainline release without a doubt.