The Criterion Collection

[Blu Titan]

I watched An Autumn Afternoon over the weekend. A beatiful film that transforms a possibly depressing subject into an experience to be enjoyed. The concept is simple, but wonderfully executed. The interactions between the characters and their development in the movie are so very well crafted. Ozu engages somber topics and magically transmits something uplifting to the viewer. A pleasant, soothing experince is how I would describe An Autumn Afternoon, never melodramatic or depressing.

The movie's score is simply magnigicent...lighthearted and cheerful. For some scenes we are presented a static shot of the city while the music plays in the background...as if we are viewing, through a window, at the Japan of the sixties. I am not to dwell at technical details, but Ozu's static camera placement, just a few inches off the floor gives his films a very unique perspective. The camera never moves, not once. I could not recommend this film enough...a masterpiece .

[adamhopelies]

Originally Posted by bwdowiak

so why not cheer them on to continue to release new and different stuff?

I'm a little confused by this comment. As the person you quoted said, surely it's natural that folk latch on and declare hope for "obvious" titles such as Hard Eight, given that it's pretty much impossible to cry out for a film you've never heard of? Declaring an interest in something like Hard Eight doesn't mean that that's ALL you want to see from Criterion either.

Originally Posted by bwdowiak

being that this is not reality, the point I'm trying to make is that, with all respect to PTA, Malick, and Lynch, who have all made films that I love, there are infinitely more films more deserving of a blu-ray release (by anyone) than Hard Eight or Lost Highway.

Hard Eight is a perfectly valid request, given that it's unlikely to be on the receiving end of a Blu-ray release from its own studio. Hard Eight is actually the ideal Criterion film, given the controversy around the original cut (surely we're taking it for granted by now that should Criterion release Hard Eight it almost certainly will be a new cut of the film?).

What's the problem with the idea of Lost Highway being released by Criterion? Has it already been released in the US on Blu-ray? Over here in Europe it's a bona-fide canonical classic, I certainly wouldn't question the film of being "worthy" for Criterion release on quality grounds.

Originally Posted by bwdowiak

another poster, Fellini912, put it well once, he stated that he felt like Lynch is a "gateway director." While Lynch has done some good work, there is so much else out there to explore - a lot of stuff in the same vein and a lot of it better, too. you acknowledged that it is Criterion's "job" to introduce us to new films.

As per their manifesto "The Criterion Collection is dedicated to gathering the greatest films from around the world and publishing them in editions of the highest technical quality, with supplemental features that enhance the appreciation of the art of film.". Their remit has always covered a cross section of the cine-spectrum, and it's this combination that many of us find appealing. For every Playtime there's a Ride The Pink Horse, it doesn't need to be either/or.

Personally I have no problem with them releasing films from gateway directors such as Fellini, Lynch, Wes Anderson or Truffaut.

[Arch Stanton]

Originally Posted by bwdowiak

being that this is not reality, the point I'm trying to make is that, with all respect to PTA, Malick, and Lynch, who have all made films that I love, there are infinitely more films more deserving of a blu-ray release (by anyone) than Hard Eight or Lost Highway.

another poster, Fellini912, put it well once, he stated that he felt like Lynch is a "gateway director." While Lynch has done some good work, there is so much else out there to explore - a lot of stuff in the same vein and a lot of it better, too. you acknowledged that it is Criterion's "job" to introduce us to new films. its a job that they are pretty darn good at, too. they earned their reputation, in fact, by championing some of these relatively lesser known great films (not by, mind you, releasing films like The Brood or bottom of the barrel titles by mainstream directors.)

so why not cheer them on to continue to release new and different stuff?

Hard Eight would be completely deserving of the Criterion treatment.

[prior]

Everything Paul Thomas Anderson ever did would be deserving of the CC treatment for that matter.

[Bates_Motel]

Originally Posted by bwdowiak

being that this is not reality, the point I'm trying to make is that, with all respect to PTA, Malick, and Lynch, who have all made films that I love, there are infinitely more films more deserving of a blu-ray release (by anyone) than Hard Eight or Lost Highway.

another poster, Fellini912, put it well once, he stated that he felt like Lynch is a "gateway director." While Lynch has done some good work, there is so much else out there to explore - a lot of stuff in the same vein and a lot of it better, too. you acknowledged that it is Criterion's "job" to introduce us to new films. its a job that they are pretty darn good at, too. they earned their reputation, in fact, by championing some of these relatively lesser known great films (not by, mind you, releasing films like The Brood or bottom of the barrel titles by mainstream directors.)

so why not cheer them on to continue to release new and different stuff?

The only "gateway" director I know of who's been nominated for 3 Best Director Oscars out of only 10 films, won the Palme d'Or at Cannes, and was nominated for 5 Emmys. So I call BS on Fellini912.

[jmclick]

Has anyone seen Crimes of the Future, the David Cronenberg feature film that is being presented by Criterion as a bonus on their upcoming release of The Brood? And if so, what did you think of it?

[bwdowiak]

Originally Posted by Bates_Motel

The only "gateway" director I know of who's been nominated for 3 Best Director Oscars out of only 10 films, won the Palme d'Or at Cannes, and was nominated for 5 Emmys. So I call BS on Fellini912.

his point and my point is that there is more out there than David Lynch. he is not cinema Jesus. he is a fine director - one of the best of his generation. Paul Thomas Anderson is great as well. I adore both Mulholland Drive and There Will Be Blood.

@adamhope: Lost Highway a bona fide classic? Maybe in Europe, but here it was met with mixed reviews and is regarded as a cult film at best.

..and I don’t give a crap about making points about which films “deserve the Criterion treatment.” I never said that, so please don’t put words in my mouth, folks. I said “deserving of a blu-ray release (by anyone)”

EDIT: Lynch can be respected on a very high level. In fact, many of his movies have grown in critical stature. There is a VERY LARGE population of people, however, who are pining for releases of second and third tier titles by the relatively more popular directors. These people have never seen a single film by Bunuel, Ozu, Bergman, Fellini, Antonioni, etc. Those are the people to whom I am speaking.

[Polaroid]

Magnolia has to be his best.....

[MifuneFan]

Originally Posted by jmclick

Has anyone seen Crimes of the Future, the David Cronenberg feature film that is being presented by Criterion as a bonus on their upcoming release of The Brood? And if so, what did you think of it?

It's weird as hell, even by Cronenberg standards. By the end I was saying "WTF did I just watch?!"

Here's a scene:

Crimes of the Future (1970) - YouTube

(The full movie is also on youtube, but recut with different audio apparently)

[Norbie]

Originally Posted by Sinthetic

You send $5 to Criterion and they send you replacement covers/booklets/cases etc...

Regarding B&(not)N, they often send out used returns when you buy online. Disgraceful service.

I'm very excited about Kwaidan, perfect film for Halloween night. The cover is stunning too.

Originally Posted by MifuneFan

http://www.casetopia.com/category_s/1820.htm

(Sijgle disc is OOS, but the 2 disc one is available)

Thanks, but I don't believe The Criterion Cllection site deals with international customers. Or am I wrong?

And finally it's fantastic to see The Brood in a great package as I've been meaning to get it since first time reading about it in Danny Peary's Cult Movies book series.

[nondiatonic]

Originally Posted by jmclick

Has anyone seen Crimes of the Future, the David Cronenberg feature film that is being presented by Criterion as a bonus on their upcoming release of The Brood? And if so, what did you think of it?

I saw it once some time ago. It's quirky and entirely dialogue driven. I remember it being on the slow side. I'd like to see it again with the 2k restoration (the version I saw wasn't the best).

I'm also very interested in seeing his first feature Stereo (one of three Cronenbergs I have yet to see). My brother has Scanners and I only recently realized it was an extra on that release.

[nondiatonic]

Originally Posted by MifuneFan

It's weird as hell, even by Cronenberg standards. By the end I was saying "WTF did I just watch?!" [...]

I also remember having a difficult time making heads or tales of the story. I need to see it again.

[shadedpain4]

Originally Posted by Polaroid

Magnolia has to be his best.....

I like Magnolia all right, but I think it's his third best, at best.

[Sinthetic]

Originally Posted by Norbie

Thanks, but I don't believe The Criterion Cllection site deals with international customers. Or am I wrong?

And finally it's fantastic to see The Brood in a great package as I've been meaning to get it since first time reading about it in Danny Peary's Cult Movies book series.

They do. They send replacement packaging anywhere in the World. Explain to them that you've had a damaged item and they will probably replace it free. They've done it for me on a few occasions. orders@criterion.com

[Banned User]

Originally Posted by MifuneFan

Since my Kwaidan prayer from earlier today worked...

Le Samourai for November

Throw in another for CC getting the rights to Ran back. SC butchered their release. Sad considering from what I read Criterion already had it ready to go.

So happy about Kwaiden announcent. Just watched the CC DVD a couple of weeks ago. One of my favorite movies. Never seen the uncut version. It's going to be a long wait till Oct.

[PowellPressburger]

Originally Posted by shadedpain4

I like Magnolia all right, but I think it's his third best, at best.

Boogie Nights
Magnolia
Punch Drunk Love
Inherent Vice
There Will Be Blood
Hard Eight
The Master

[Norbie]

...... sorry for the bad editing with two posts in a row.....

Originally Posted by Fabs

That's something you have to bring to their attention. It's one thing for it to be damaged in shipment, but to send you a copy that one would barely consider in "acceptable condition" is bad.

I've sent them a message via their "questions" area a few days ago. This is the third time something like this has happened with the previous two having only cracked cases, but one had the original shrink wrap and the other was "re-shrink wrapped" (if there's such a word) but the discs worked fine so I didn't make a fuss about as dealing with them as an international customer is a *****. But this time they have gone to far, basically not only giving me an obvious used copy but also with a disc that won't play. I have over 100 BD/DVDs from The Criterion Collection and this is the first one I've ever gotten that won't play.

Originally Posted by ccfixx

Casetopia in the USA sells Criterion cases and ships internationally, but it appears that you need to create an account to find out which countries they ship to. If the disc is scratched, though, would you not want a replacement for that, as well... or, does the disc still play as it should?

Thanks for the info too. Yes, like I mentioned above the disc doesn't play as it's been rattling in the case with a chipped disc holder that probably acted as if you'd put a sharp nail to the disc.

I've got another 2-3 cases which TCC use that I'd like to replace.

I've been reading this forum for a few years but only posted once or twice, and this situation has really pissed me of, even though it's only a $25 issue and not as if someone has stolen most of my Criterion blu-ray collection, so I gotta get it of my chest somewhere... Sorry.

[shadedpain4]

In case anyone wants to get the party started early

[MifuneFan]

Originally Posted by shadedpain4

In case anyone wants to get the party started early

I'm buying one of everything for Polaroid.

[octagon]

If those cell phone charms were like three or four bucks I'd get a few to use as lanyards for led flashlights.

That eye design is pretty cool.