The Criterion Collection

[jw007]

A few nights ago I watched Eclipse Series 12: Aki Kaurismäki’s Proletariat Trilogy and thought it was FANTASTIC. Now I realize this is an Eclipse set and on DVD and not Blu-ray but its still considered part of the Criterion Collection and though its very obscure stuff, I thought it was amazing. I particularly thought the first two films of the trilogy (that wasn't planned as such) were the best, and those films were Shadows in Paradise and Ariel. When I say this was an "unplanned" trilogy, its from articles I read from Mr. Kaurismäki and how he never intended for this to be a series of similar themed stories, although both Shadows in Paradise and Ariel fit together nicely and the final film The Match Factory Girl was a bit too dark for my tastes.

I kept thinking of fellow comrade Jim Jarmusch whilst watching these films about the working class in Finland. Jarmusch and Kaurismäki both competed with one another in the 1980s and its ironic how Kaurismäki’s Shadows in Paradise (1986) sounds a lot like Jarmusch's Stranger than Paradise (1984). In Kaurismäki’s 1988 film Ariel, there were scenes and themes that came straight out of Jarmusch's 1986 film Down by Law, especially a particular prison sequence and the depiction of seemingly "innocent" people who get mixed up with bad people and are thus wrongfully accused.

At times I felt like I was watching a documentary with these first 2 films, especially in the opening 5 minute sequences. Dialogue was kept at a minimum and the editing of the characters' workplaces and situations were documented on screen. My favorite of the three films, Ariel, I could see myself revisiting again in the future and for screenings with friends. The main character Taisto (Turo Pajala) looked uncannily like Rock n' Roll legend Nick Cave, especially with the haircut. At times I felt I was watching a Finnish version of Nick Cave getting into strange, bizarre and comedic situations in the story. The deadpan and dry humor are fantastic! If you're a fan of this type of comedy, I highly recommend taking a look at the Proletariat Trilogy from Aki Kaurismäki.

[Mansinthe]

Originally Posted by Polaroid

I was going to suggest that but didn't think it was multi region! Im still deciding whether to go for that copy or get the Criterion one... I have 4 copies of the DVD to sell though lol.

Money wise it would be smarter to get SC version as I have the booklet and supplements already on DVD.

I got the bd digipack 2 months ago for 40$.
Criterion has slightly better video quality.
both releases have different bonus features

[Polaroid]

Originally Posted by Mansinthe

I got the bd digipack 2 months ago for 40$.
Criterion has slightly better video quality.
both releases have different bonus features

Ah ok thanks Im in no rush to upgrade it, even though it is a phenomenal film, if i sell the DVD's I can just buy the C bluray, might get both eventually

I adore the Criterion packaging, but you have to be SOOOO careful when storing in, so easy to get it damaged/marked, would be cool to get the keepsake case with it, I love having both digipak and plastic case for TMHFTE. I can store the digipak and show it off while having the disc and booked tin plastic case of easy access

[CHEЯNOБLY!]

Criterion is now selling a Burroughs poster...hmmm, March release announcements maybe?

[SuperFlyHighGuy]

Are all their Blurays supposed to have the blue sticker on the front? Just got my Qatsi Trilogy from B&N and its looks like it's been re-shrinkwrapped. Corners beat to hell too cause it came in their paper sleeve thing. Seriously looks like a used copy.

edit: Nevermind I answered my own question by calling the nearest store and asking them about the copy they had. Now have to drive there and exchange it for an actual new copy, adding ~$5 to the price. Won't be ordering online from them again, only buying in store if I do.

Probably extra pissed cause I got a new hard drive from Amazon this week that was junk, lost a bunch of files I transferred to it and the drive failed within 2 days.

[hoytereden]

I'm sure its been mentioned-but a bunch of Bergman films on TCM tonight including the Faith trilogy which I really wish would get the upgrade nod. I especially enjoy Through A Glass Darkly

[Ausjdm]

Originally Posted by EPlay

Someone in the other thread said 12/16.

Cool thanks man. Perfect one week after it's out

[hustlermane]

Originally Posted by Polaroid

I might have a Pasolini marathon over christmas... they sort of link with Christmas XD

Good idea, he's becoming one of my favourite filmmakers. Only 1/3 through the trilogy of life though...

[filmmusic]

So, I got 3 Criterions from B&N in this sale on 27 of November and also got an email at that same day that my order is scheduled to ship.
But..it hasn't shipped yet!!
Is this normal to take that long?
it's been a week already.

edit: oops, I logged in B&N and says it shipped December 3.
I just didn't got an email yet.
Still, it took too long!

[Clare2904]

Originally Posted by filmmusic

So, I got 3 Criterions from B&N in this sale on 27 of November and also got an email at that same day that my order is scheduled to ship.
But..it hasn't shipped yet!!
Is this normal to take that long?
it's been a week already.

edit: oops, I logged in B&N and says it shipped December 3.
I just didn't got an email yet.
Still, it took too long!

Have you logged into your account and checked your order there?

I ordered a film for my friend and I have had no "shipped" email yet when I check my account it was posted to the UK today.

[filmmusic]

Originally Posted by Clare2904

Have you logged into your account and checked your order there?

I ordered a film for my friend and I have had no "shipped" email yet when I check my account it was posted to the UK today.

yes, i did. I said it in the edit.
Though I checked my prepaid card account right now, and I am not charged yet..
Hmmm.. I think this had happened before.
(I mean, my items showed as "shipped" and I was charged 1 day afterwards)

[simonjamesconstable]

Originally Posted by GenPion

The UK Blu-ray is Region A compatible and will play on US players... and is only around $22 shipped to the US. It should be almost as good (if not better) than the Criterion edition.

https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Last-...Blu-ray/39027/

I'd purchase that edition, IMO.

The Criterion is better because the director supervised the transfer and didn't want it to have high contrast like the SC does. You also have the option of an unrestored audio track at the director's request as well.

[Clare2904]

I've not been charged too, it will show in a few days. At least it is on its way to you

[BohemianGraham]

Eh, I'm still waiting for my last title to ship that I ordered on Monday. I'm also wondering what the hell Canada Post has done with 2 parcels that shipped several hours and a day before the parcels that came on Monday. Apparently, this is a trend with the Canadian orders, as several others are stating that their earlier shipments are MIA, while the later ones are just showing up now.

[Edward J Grug III]

Originally Posted by jw007

A few nights ago I watched Eclipse Series 12: Aki Kaurismäki’s Proletariat Trilogy and thought it was FANTASTIC. Now I realize this is an Eclipse set and on DVD and not Blu-ray but its still considered part of the Criterion Collection and though its very obscure stuff, I thought it was amazing. I particularly thought the first two films of the trilogy (that wasn't planned as such) were the best, and those films were Shadows in Paradise and Ariel. When I say this was an "unplanned" trilogy, its from articles I read from Mr. Kaurismäki and how he never intended for this to be a series of similar themed stories, although both Shadows in Paradise and Ariel fit together nicely and the final film The Match Factory Girl was a bit too dark for my tastes.

I kept thinking of fellow comrade Jim Jarmusch whilst watching these films about the working class in Finland. Jarmusch and Kaurismäki both competed with one another in the 1980s and its ironic how Kaurismäki’s Shadows in Paradise (1986) sounds a lot like Jarmusch's Stranger than Paradise (1984). In Kaurismäki’s 1988 film Ariel, there were scenes and themes that came straight out of Jarmusch's 1986 film Down by Law, especially a particular prison sequence and the depiction of seemingly "innocent" people who get mixed up with bad people and are thus wrongfully accused.

At times I felt like I was watching a documentary with these first 2 films, especially in the opening 5 minute sequences. Dialogue was kept at a minimum and the editing of the characters' workplaces and situations were documented on screen. My favorite of the three films, Ariel, I could see myself revisiting again in the future and for screenings with friends. The main character Taisto (Turo Pajala) looked uncannily like Rock n' Roll legend Nick Cave, especially with the haircut. At times I felt I was watching a Finnish version of Nick Cave getting into strange, bizarre and comedic situations in the story. The deadpan and dry humor are fantastic! If you're a fan of this type of comedy, I highly recommend taking a look at the Proletariat Trilogy from Aki Kaurismäki.

I've only watched the first one so far, and I liked it well enough, but not as much as the other films of his I've seen. I also thought it felt a lot like a Jim Jarmusch film.

[excellence]

Originally Posted by filmmusic

So, I got 3 Criterions from B&N in this sale on 27 of November and also got an email at that same day that my order is scheduled to ship.
But..it hasn't shipped yet!!
Is this normal to take that long?
it's been a week already.

edit: oops, I logged in B&N and says it shipped December 3.
I just didn't got an email yet.
Still, it took too long!

Yeah I ordered last week and expected delivery was today. Now one is scheduled for tomorrow and the other is scheduled for friday. So much for "expedited" shipping lol. What's the point of paying for the B&N Membership if they can't offer the service during the most important sales?

[ravenus]

Originally Posted by Wizard-of-Wars

CHECK THIS OUT...

So I bought Antichrist from the sale. Last night I finally open it up to watch it and.......NO DISC!!!(

Maybe that was a Limited Edition Director Approved thing

[pedromvu]

Originally Posted by excellence

Yeah I ordered last week and expected delivery was today. Now one is scheduled for tomorrow and the other is scheduled for friday. So much for "expedited" shipping lol. What's the point of paying for the B&N Membership if they can't offer the service during the most important sales?

Same happened to me, although i noticed even amazon is having those problems, some days their supposed 2 day prime shipping gives guaranteed delivery dates of 4 days

[jw007]

I watched David Cronenberg's Cosmopolis last night from a DVD that I borrowed from the library. What a weird film. I never read Delillo's novel so I still am trying to figure out this story but compared to Cronenberg's other movies, I unfortunately found this one to be one of his weakest films (for those out there who think its a classic, I challenge you to prove this to me).

[movieben1138]

I ordered the David Lean directs Noel Coward box with the coupon and even that came in that ridiculous crushed cardboard junk they ship single discs in. For those, I usually don't have a problem, but this box set definitely came with some corners dinged up. I'm going to take it to a local store tomorrow or the next day and see if I can't exchange it for a nicer copy. This was disappointingly careless on their part.

-Ben