The Criterion Collection

[adamhopelies]

Originally Posted by WonderWeasel

With all of the talk about 2001 the other day, I figured you guys might enjoy this:

http://www.cnn.com/2015/08/12/arts/g...ick/index.html

I've just been sent a review copy of this. Can't wait to dive in.

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by jmclick

I agree that a lot of films noir feature rapid-fire dialogue, but again, the difference is that in a well-made film, the words are enunciated carefully even when they are spoken quickly. Heaven knows Humphrey Bogart could spit out some of his lines at lightning speed, and he often lisped a little when doing so, but I never had to rewind and listen again to catch what his characters were saying. And he was brilliant enough that I could figure out what his slang words were indicating, often because he was so adept at providing context through a vocal inflection or a facial expression. In Brick, I thought for half of the movie that Lukas Haas' character was named "Depends" (and wondered if his incontinence was a plot point) until someone finally said "The Pin" distinctly enough for me to catch it. I still don't know why he was called "The Pin"; if they explained it, I didn't understand what they were saying.

I always figured "The Pin" was a nickname for "Kingpin," because that character essentially fulfilled the role of a kingpin.

As much as I find Brick interesting, it is somewhat incomprehensible because of its weird made-up slang. The only thing that made me appreciate it more on the last viewing was understanding that it's basically a remake of The Maltese Falcon, so I worried less about understanding the plot (because it's a basic and familiar mystery) and could focus more on the characters and style (which is more of what the movie's about in the end). The language barrier is pretty tough to start with though.

[ShellOilJunior]

Originally Posted by adamhopelies

I've just moved house and reassembled the collection, which seems as good a time as any to post a photo of it! Here's my very own Criterion corner.



I've always wanted a Hans Hillmann poster, but they run pretty expensively (tho tbh it's their scarcity which is their biggest problem). I recently managed to acquire this one, promoting Alain Resnais' masterful MURIEL, from a dealer in Germany.



If you've not heard of Hans Hillmann, he's a notable German designer whose work was pretty influential in the 1960s. His work was recently the subject of a major exhibition over here. There's a nice profile of some of his work here.

http://www.theguardian.com/culture/g...n-film-posters

For me Muriel is more baffling than Marienbad. I saw it several years ago and don't remember much. I need to revisit it.

[darkness2918]

Originally Posted by CriterionBlues

Don Jon was atrocious. I did like Brick as previously posted, as well as Looper, but Mysterious Skin was JGL at his best.

I haven't seen the others but I felt Looper was very good.

[octagon]

Originally Posted by filmmusic

Ι hope the Bluray that fits the raincoat + ? clue gets announced, so that it puts an end to my curiosity, whether it is Missing or Young and Innocent.

I just today received the region B Network release of Young and Innocent so I'm liking its chances.

[The Great Owl]

I just finished watching the French StudioCanal Blu-ray of the 4K restoration of The Third Man.



Even on my 32'' screen (I sit a couple of feet closer to it now in my new home than I did in my old apartment.), I can see that this transfer sports a noticeable improvement over the Criterion Blu-ray and, especially, over the 2010 StudioCanal Blu-ray. There's something more "organic" about the appearance of The Third Man on this new disc, and the black levels are better, although I consider the Criterion disc to be breathtakingly good in its own right. I share Pro-B's opinion that this new StudioCanal release is the best available home video version of the movie, but it'll set well next to the Criterion disc on the shelf, since both have different extras.

Once this French Blu-ray is inserted into the player, a screen comes up offering three choices: French, German, or English. The film then defaults to your choice, and, in my instance, everything (movie, subtitles, extras, etc.) were in English after that.

As for the movie itself, I cannot say enough good things. In visual terms, it's one of the most spectacular-looking movies ever made. I do not consider The Third Man to be the best film noir, but it is one of the better representations of the genre in thematic terms and in terms of storytelling. That final scene...ouch!...I wouldn't wish that on anybody.

[diskspinner]

50% off criterion sale

http://www.rakuten.com/sr/searchresu...&sort=4&page=1

[JJJ225]

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

Even on my 32'' screen (I sit a couple of feet closer to it now in my new home than I did in my old apartment.), I can see that this transfer sports a noticeable improvement over the Criterion Blu-ray and, especially, over the 2010 StudioCanal Blu-ray. There's something more "organic" about the appearance of The Third Man on this new disc, and the black levels are better, although I consider the Criterion disc to be breathtakingly good in its own right. I share Pro-B's opinion that this new StudioCanal release is the best available home video version of the movie, but it'll set well next to the Criterion disc on the shelf, since both have different extras.

Well I guess it's time to sell my Criterion Blu Ray!

[The Great Owl]

One of the new supplementary features on the StudioCanal Blu-ray of the 4K restoration of The Third Man, a short 16-minute piece called "The Third Man - A Filmmaker's Influence", is a lot of fun.

I've always enjoyed watching Martin Scorsese's take on classic movies even more than I enjoy watching his own movies.

[jayembee]

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

I've always enjoyed watching Martin Scorsese's take on classic movies even more than I enjoy watching his own movies.

Same here. His A Personal Journey with Martin Scorsese Through American Movies (which Criterion released on laserdisc back in the day) was one terrific documentary.

[pro-bassoonist]

Two Days, One Night Blu-ray REVIEW



Hey guys

Here are the packaging photos for Two Days, One Night (more in the review, linked above):





Pro-B

[pro-bassoonist]

Throne of Blood Blu-ray ORIGINAL RELEASE



Throne of Blood Blu-ray REISSUE



And here are the packaging photos for the Throne of Blood reissue (see below). Obviously, we will not review this release, but you can take a look at the previous release for comments on the technical presentation





Pro-B

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by diskspinner

50% off criterion sale

http://www.rakuten.com/sr/searchresu...&sort=4&page=1

Thanks boss. It's as fine time as any to blind-buy a few; I put my order in for The Night and the City, Fellini Satyricon, and Rififi. Hope they're good.

[darkness2918]

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

I just finished watching the French StudioCanal Blu-ray of the 4K restoration of The Third Man.



Even on my 32'' screen (I sit a couple of feet closer to it now in my new home than I did in my old apartment.), I can see that this transfer sports a noticeable improvement over the Criterion Blu-ray and, especially, over the 2010 StudioCanal Blu-ray. There's something more "organic" about the appearance of The Third Man on this new disc, and the black levels are better, although I consider the Criterion disc to be breathtakingly good in its own right. I share Pro-B's opinion that this new StudioCanal release is the best available home video version of the movie, but it'll set well next to the Criterion disc on the shelf, since both have different extras.

Once this French Blu-ray is inserted into the player, a screen comes up offering three choices: French, German, or English. The film then defaults to your choice, and, in my instance, everything (movie, subtitles, extras, etc.) were in English after that.

As for the movie itself, I cannot say enough good things. In visual terms, it's one of the most spectacular-looking movies ever made. I do not consider The Third Man to be the best film noir, but it is one of the better representations of the genre in thematic terms and in terms of storytelling. That final scene...ouch!...I wouldn't wish that on anybody.

Thanks for the info. Man that sure is tempting to buy that instead of the CC BD but my need for uniformity in my collection may get the best of me lol. Either that or ill just go with the CC DVD if I cant get the BD at a decent price.

[hoytereden]

Originally Posted by WonderWeasel

With all of the talk about 2001 the other day, I figured you guys might enjoy this:

http://www.cnn.com/2015/08/12/arts/g...ick/index.html

Wow! That first picture- I had no idea Mr. Hulot directed 2001! The secret is out!

[oildude]

Originally Posted by jw007

Yes, Riven is the sequel to that and I also played that but not as much as Myst which I unlocked thoroughly. I loved the whole non-violent gameplay which resonated with me. I've read that a tv mini-series may finally come out soon based on this game. In years past, old tv shows were pitched including a feature film but they never materialized. I doubt an actual television series will ever capture the mystery and adventure of that game though, which was a true mystery back then right before the internet caught on (1993 was the year the World Wide Web was launched, but still, the chat message boards and newsgroups were very new still at the time). Today with information overload, we know everything there is to know well before a launch of the actual product, be it a film or video game.

You should definitely seek out the Myst/Riven games. There are emulators out there that you could run on your PC (I have a Mac) where you might be able to load the games.

I am not much of a gamer, but I also got into Myst and Riven. Loved those games. The atmospheric settings were phenomenal for their time, and I loved the deliberate exploration required for solving the puzzles to unlock the various locations.

Surprisingly, however, loving slow games set in beautiful natural settings does not make me a Malick fan, to keep this Criterion related.

[adamhopelies]

Originally Posted by ShellOilJunior

For me Muriel is more baffling than Marienbad. I saw it several years ago and don't remember much. I need to revisit it.

I'd probably agree with you, re- the Marienbad comparison. I think Marienbad is a much easier film to let go of yourself in. Muriel might just be his masterpiece for me tho.

[hoytereden]

I watched La Cienaga the other day on Hulu. That opening sequence...wow, I haven't seen that much wrinkled, flabby skin since my last shower! I liked the film but it was one of those "life has it's ups and downs" films minus the ups. Pretty depressing with an ending

[Show spoiler]that promised more of the same for the next generation gathering at poolside.

[CriterionBlues]

Originally Posted by hoytereden

I watched La Cienaga the other day on Hulu. That opening sequence...wow, I haven't seen that much wrinkled, flabby skin since my last shower! I liked the film but it was one of those "life has it's ups and downs" films minus the ups. Pretty depressing with an ending

[Show spoiler]that promised more of the same for the next generation gathering at poolside.

This was a nice surprise for me, and an instance when I appreciate Criterion taking risks on lesser known, smaller films. There was a lot of unflattering aging and yes, I agree with your assessment in the spoilers.

My most vivid memory is the movement of the pool chairs, which was intentionally grating. Almost like nails on a chalk board. Pretty dour, but well done film.

[SlickDamian]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

Not sure what Owl will tell you, but the first titles that come to my mind would be:

• Memento
• Fight Club
• Se7en
• Drive
• Sin City (why does this one feel so wrong in a Criterion thread? )

Yeah, I seem to like the newer noirs better, that's just me. Just rewatched Nightcrawler, and I think it has a slight film noir vibe to it. You also can't go wrong with Bound, The Driver, and Collateral. Only God Forgives is a favorite of mine too, but I would recommend caution with that one; it's weird.

That is an amazing list. Some of my favorite films. Collateral is a favorite if mine too. I love the style and music of Drive. Probably my favorite modern crime movie.