The Criterion Collection

[jayembee]

Originally Posted by ElliesDad

Friendly word of caution, Snicket, I wouldn't pick up My Winnipeg as a blind-buy. It has it's fans (someone here described it as a 'surreal gem') but I'd have to respectfully disagree. I actually lived in Winnipeg for a few years and have wonderful memories of the city but the film did not reflect either my experience or the ethos of the city in the least. I watched it on cable with high anticipation and expectation and ended up pulling it after a half-hour and dismissing it as a very bad, rather twisted flight of a high-school project participant's imagination. But that's only one opinion.

A Criterion selection. Really?

I'm going to assume that you haven't experienced any Guy Maddin films before. With the caveat that I haven't seen this particular film of his yet, let's just say that you shouldn't take the film at face value. Criterion's own description, which says "What is real and what is fantasy is left up to the viewer to sort out," is most likely spot-on.

Maddin is definitely a one of a kind filmmaker, and he's definitely not for everyone. I agree that any of his films would make for a dubious blind buy. But then, everyone has to have a first Maddin film before they can have more, so...

[jayembee]

Originally Posted by Nielsb90

Not a regular in this thread so bear over with me;

Any word on a future Human Condition blu-ray? Its at the very top of my "to watch" list but I've been waiting for a blu-ray release because of the price of the set, and because Harakiri is now one of my favorite movies.

Haven't heard anything about an upgrade. It's definitely at the top of my wish-list for an upgrade. I'm tempted to suggest that you take one for the team and buy the DVD set so that Criterion will announce an upgrade.

But seriously, it's a phenomenal work, and worth dropping the money to pick up the DVD set. Especially if you grab it during B&N's November 50% Off Criterion Sale. While you're at it, pick up Criterion's DVD of Kwaidan.

[Polaroid]

Originally Posted by jayembee

I'm going to assume that you haven't experienced any Guy Maddin films before. With the caveat that I haven't seen this particular film of his yet, let's just say that you shouldn't take the film at face value. Criterion's own description, which says "What is real and what is fantasy is left up to the viewer to sort out," is most likely spot-on.

Maddin is definitely a one of a kind filmmaker, and he's definitely not for everyone. I agree that any of his films would make for a dubious blind buy. But then, everyone has to have a first Maddin film before they can have more, so...

Brand Upon The Brain

His films, I believe are very personal anyway so trying to connect with them will be difficult for some viewers, even if they live in same place he did or whatever - We are in the mind of Guy Maddin, just sit back and enjoy the ride!

[jayembee]

Originally Posted by Dan8700

One of the best announcements really. Amazed, if not appalled, at some comments I read in this thread. Serious.

Comments of the "not really interested in any of these" variety don't really bother me overmuch. Not everyone is interested in everything. What amazes me is the number of (here, and in the item on these releases in the "News" section) "haven't heard of any of these" responses, as if that is a reason to just dismiss them all.

My inclination is to think that if you're in this thread, or following Criterion announcements, you probably think there's something special about Criterion. My response to announcements by them of films I haven't heard of is generally of the "OK, so I haven't heard of 'X' before; what is it about this film that makes Criterion want to release it?" variety. And it makes me want to try something new.

[Polaroid]

Originally Posted by jayembee

Comments of the "not really interested in any of these" variety don't really bother me overmuch. Not everyone is interested in everything. What amazes me is the number of (here, and in the item on these releases in the "News" section) "haven't heard of any of these" responses, as if that is a reason to just dismiss them all.

My inclination is to think that if you're in this thread, or following Criterion announcements, you probably think there's something special about Criterion. My response to announcements by them of films I haven't heard of is generally of the "OK, so I haven't heard of 'X' before; what is it about this film that makes Criterion want to release it?" variety. And it makes me want to try something new.

If I don't know a film that is announcement I look it up, watch trailers and find out about it - then I usually get excited about a new discovery

But tbh, the Facebook page had some rude comments about these releases as well, which I don't get cause its going to be a good month imo!

[Tin Drum]

Wow. I have been so swamped with work that I forgot they announced yesterday. I am very, very excited to have another Fassbinder title on blu so soon!

[blu-bry]

Originally Posted by ShellOilJunior

Sword of Doom is a welcome upgrade and safe blind buy for those wondering. Mifune has a role in the film but it's clearly Nakadai's film.

I'm going to have to check to see if "Sword of Doom" is available on Hulu. I'm a fan of the genre and I really enjoy the two principle actors, but surprisingly I've never seen this one. If I were to blind buy anything it might be one like this though.

[silverlakephil]

Originally Posted by blu-bry

I'm going to have to check to see if "Sword of Doom" is available on Hulu. I'm a fan of the genre and I really enjoy the two principle actors, but surprisingly I've never seen this one. If I were to blind buy anything it might be one like this though.

Yes, it's on Hulu. I need to check it out myself.

[pedromvu]

Originally Posted by Nielsb90

Any word on a future Human Condition blu-ray? Its at the very top of my "to watch" list but I've been waiting for a blu-ray release because of the price of the set, and because Harakiri is now one of my favorite movies.

Isn't that one on Hulu too? i think in HD, but i haven't checked the quality yet.

[monorail91]

For all of you who can't get the House main theme out of your head, the soundtrack is available in its entirety on YouTube. Can't find available on CD or MP3 anywhere so that's there as a backup.

[Lino11]

Originally Posted by Feiereisel

On mine, the "second printing" text only appears on the disc. The package reads, "First printing 2014."

Yep. Flash sale purchase, too. First printing appears on the back of the package. Second printing appears on the disc. Gonna make it tough to tell what you're getting if you buy this in stores.

[LPMA]

Originally Posted by Lino11

Yep. Flash sale purchase, too. First printing appears on the back of the package. Second printing appears on the disc. Gonna make it tough to tell what you're getting if you buy this in stores.

I'd say anything that has "First printing" on the cover in stores will be just that, a first printing. The dual second/first printing packaging is probably just for all the stock they had on hand at Criterion HQ.

[shadedpain4]

Originally Posted by LPMA

I'd say anything that has "First printing" on the cover in stores will be just that, a first printing. The dual second/first printing packaging is probably just for all the stock they had on hand at Criterion HQ.

I'm not sure I understand this logic. I'm pretty sure consumer orders and retail orders are fulfilled from the same place.

[bwdowiak]

Originally Posted by ElliesDad

Friendly word of caution, Snicket, I wouldn't pick up My Winnipeg as a blind-buy. It has it's fans (someone here described it as a 'surreal gem') but I'd have to respectfully disagree. I actually lived in Winnipeg for a few years and have wonderful memories of the city but the film did not reflect either my experience or the ethos of the city in the least. I watched it on cable with high anticipation and expectation and ended up pulling it after a half-hour and dismissing it as a very bad, rather twisted flight of a high-school project participant's imagination. But that's only one opinion.

A Criterion selection. Really?

ahh.. you see, bwdowiak? you don't have to feel so bad about what you haven't seen or heard of or what you thought was crap because there's someone out there that had the exact same experience.

ElliesDad - this is EXACTLY the experience I had w/ this film (outside of the fact that I wasn't born in Canada) - high hopes, dismissed it as very bad, and yanked it about a half hour in.

so make that two opinions. blind buy caution, folks!

[bwdowiak]

Originally Posted by jayembee

But then, everyone has to have a first Maddin film before they can have more, so...

or you can say, "everyone has to have a first Maddin film before they decide that they never wish to put themselves through it again."

[bwdowiak]

Originally Posted by jayembee

Comments of the "not really interested in any of these" variety don't really bother me overmuch. Not everyone is interested in everything. What amazes me is the number of (here, and in the item on these releases in the "News" section) "haven't heard of any of these" responses, as if that is a reason to just dismiss them all.

My inclination is to think that if you're in this thread, or following Criterion announcements, you probably think there's something special about Criterion. My response to announcements by them of films I haven't heard of is generally of the "OK, so I haven't heard of 'X' before; what is it about this film that makes Criterion want to release it?" variety. And it makes me want to try something new.

THIS, however, I most certainly agree with.

I've only heard of and seen the Maddin film. I might have heard the Fassbinder title before, but I'm not sure. No reason to dismiss everything. I like to read how others are excited for a certain film. That usually is what piques my interest. Worked well w/ Rififi and All That Heaven Allows. I'm fairly confident, too that I'll like The Innocents and Sundays and Cybele, too. I had never heard of any of them prior to hanging around here.

[Roninblues]

Originally Posted by momaw

It's a bit disengenius to be advertising Sword of Doom as a Mifune film. His involvement is little more than what I would consider a cameo. That said, Nakadai is worth the price of admission alone.

I really hope we are getting closer to a Kwaidan blu-ray release.

Uncut version.

[jayembee]

Originally Posted by bwdowiak

or you can say, "everyone has to have a first Maddin film before they decide that they never wish to put themselves through it again."

True enough. I did say that Maddin isn't for everyone, and that his films are dubious blind buys.

[Brad1963]

Criterion is processing my La Dolce Vita order.

[thecalm_7]

Originally Posted by Roninblues

Uncut version.

Is it available anywhere? My understanding was 182.47 version is not presentable. Elements were too degraded or lost.