The Criterion Collection

[MifuneFan]

Originally Posted by hoytereden

My favorite noir title. I would think it would end up as a WAC title ala On Dangerous Ground but who knows. Truthfully, I don't care who releases it as long as it gets done. A terrific film.

Criterion have gotten some bigger noir titles from Warner like The Asphalt Jungle, and Mildred Pierce, so it's possible. But I'm with you, it doesn't matter who releases it, as long as it's released.

[malakaheso]

Originally Posted by oubukibun

Anyway, Neon Demon seems to be yet another byproduct of people pouncing harshly on a film made by a director they may have misunderstood to begin with and now want to punish him and all of his future endeavors as an excuse to pretend they never liked him at first.

There is probably some truth to this, but I'd argue he was overestimated because of it too.

I'm not a huge fan of Drive either, but it has its moments.

For those of you who are sticking to your guns about Neon Demon, good on you. I did the same for The Brown Bunny back in 2005 when it was one of the most hated films around. If you genuinely like something, it's best to openly support/defend it because that's often the only way you can get people to rethink their position. Unfortunately I can't see that happening for me and The Neon Demon. Such is life.

[malakaheso]

Getting back on topic again, perhaps this has already been discussed, but what was your favourite Criterion release of 2016? For me it is a no brainer: Chimes At Midnight. I can't believe how good it looks, especially compared to the old dvds, and it's about time that such a great film (Welles' best imo) became more widely available. The features are quite good too, including the commentary.

There were plenty of quality films released by C.C in 2016, but Chimes wins out for so many reasons in my mind, especially historical ones.

[InTheMood]

A 10-film Louis Malle blu-ray box set is coming from Artificial Eye this spring/summer. It includes Elevator to the Gallows and Murmur of the Heart, wonder if we'll get Criterion blu-rays this year.

https://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=20659

[jordan-r]

Originally Posted by InTheMood

A 10-film Louis Malle blu-ray box set is coming from Artificial Eye this spring/summer. It includes Elevator to the Gallows, wonder if we'll get a Criterion blu-ray this year.

https://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=20659

And The Fire Within! (Next to Jeanne Dielman, this is the Criterion upgrade I've been anticipating most.)

[octagon]

Originally Posted by malakaheso

Getting back on topic again, perhaps this has already been discussed, but what was your favourite Criterion release of 2016? For me it is a no brainer: Chimes At Midnight. I can't believe how good it looks, especially compared to the old dvds, and it's about time that such a great film (Welles' best imo) became more widely available. The features are quite good too, including the commentary.

There were plenty of quality films released by C.C in 2016, but Chimes wins out for so many reasons in my mind, especially historical ones.

Right now I'd narrow it down to The In-Laws, Here Comes Mr. Jordan and In a Lonely Place but I would expect that to change after I get The Asphalt Jungle or The Dekalog.

Though I think The In-Laws will remain a strong contender.

I'd forgotten just how much I love that stupid little movie

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by belcherman

Speaking of Pryor comedy, Richard Pryor: Live in Concert would be a great release. It was the first full-length comedy concert video and influenced a generation of comedians, much like Lenny Bruce before him. The DVD was released by HBO, though, so it doesn't seem likely for Criterion.

It would be unlikely, but I would definitely appreciate it as I've only heard his comedy albums (and seen his narrative movies which the less said, the better ) I suppose looking out for used copies of his stand up is the way to go. They're not on any of my streaming subs.

Originally Posted by bwdowiak

So w/ Elia Kazan's A Face In The Crowd being a Warner title, are we considering that to be an inevitable release? Really like Kazan and would welcome that release.

Have you seen Baby Doll? I recently checked it out on Jon Rosenbaum's recommendation and, boy, it did not disappoint. If I had to compile a list of greatest closeups, several from this film would make the cut.

It's streaming in HD on Warner Archive Instant btw.

[malakaheso]

Originally Posted by octagon

Right now I'd narrow it down to The In-Laws, Here Comes Mr. Jordan and In a Lonely Place but I would expect that to change after I get The Asphalt Jungle or The Dekalog.

Though I think The In-Laws will remain a strong contender.

I'd forgotten just how much I love that stupid little movie

I've never actually seen The In-Laws. I borrowed my cousin's Criterion blu-ray last week. I might watch it tonight. Thanks!

[nitin]

Originally Posted by malakaheso

Getting back on topic again, perhaps this has already been discussed, but what was your favourite Criterion release of 2016? For me it is a no brainer: Chimes At Midnight. I can't believe how good it looks, especially compared to the old dvds, and it's about time that such a great film (Welles' best imo) became more widely available. The features are quite good too, including the commentary.

There were plenty of quality films released by C.C in 2016, but Chimes wins out for so many reasons in my mind, especially historical ones.

McCabe and Mrs Miller, it just looks glorious now.

[nitin]

Originally Posted by Polaroid

I loved how he snuck in archive footage in the film as well, very well made film!

Dare I say a masterpiece? I found it hard to fault or find flaws!

I wasn't 100% sold on the score even though it worked in many scenes and I could see overall what was trying to be achieved. But so far, this, Arrival and Nocturnal Animals were difficult for me to split this year. Have not seen a few things yet though like Silence, Moonlight, Elle and Toni Erdmann.

[schlock]

Originally Posted by MifuneFan

I woild say so, mainly because it's on that list of Warner OOP titles that have all gone to Criterion so far. Klute, The Breaking Point, and The Magnificent Ambersons being the other three remaining.

I'm sure it's been mentioned somewhere in this thread before, but are DEATH IN VENICE and THE DAMNED also considered possible future Criterion releases? The Warner DVD's have been oop for quite a while as well.

[malakaheso]

Originally Posted by nitin

McCabe and Mrs Miller, it just looks glorious now.

That would be my second pick, but it's a close call.

[senseabove]

I went into Neon Demon with high expectations, given the buzz, and was sorely disappointed. I expect that if I'd been told I'd be watching a B movie with a music video budget, I'd have been more impressed, and the first half would have been surprising, rather than the lead-up to a letdown. I don't need movies to do something "new" as long as they do what they're doing well and interestingly, and I thought the first half was interesting as a look into the distorted self-perception engendered by celebrity and to a certain extent fashion, insofar as it can lead to shallowness and navel-gazing. I was digging it that far, and even thought Fanning did a great job at portraying a particular balance of ambitiousness, naivete, and self-deception/self-awareness. But the second half just drops all that

[Show spoiler] for the lesbian necrophiliac vampire model B-movie plot, some flashy effects, and a few gag moments/jump scares

.

I expect I'll watch it again some day, as I'm curious to see if I feel the same way knowing the second half from the start, but I'm watching it again to judge my own first instincts as much as reconsider the movie.

[belcherman]

Originally Posted by malakaheso

Getting back on topic again, perhaps this has already been discussed, but what was your favourite Criterion release of 2016? For me it is a no brainer: Chimes At Midnight. I can't believe how good it looks, especially compared to the old dvds, and it's about time that such a great film (Welles' best imo) became more widely available. The features are quite good too, including the commentary.

There were plenty of quality films released by C.C in 2016, but Chimes wins out for so many reasons in my mind, especially historical ones.

For me it's The Asphalt Jungle, In a Lonely Place and McCabe & Mrs. Miller, in that order. This is based on the film and the extras. I still have a couple of 2016 releases on my unwatched pile, including Chimes at Midnight, so my top three could change.

[AaronJ]

I could go on and on about The Neon Demon, but seeing as this isn't a thread about that movie, I won't.

Anyways, as to favorite Criterion release from 2016 it's an easy choice:

Dekalog A brilliant series of films, with excellent quality all around, and amazing extras. It really doesn't get any better than this.

Gilda I've always loved this film, and I am so happy to have it with a beautiful quality and again good extras.

I Knew Her Well This was a blind buy for me, and I wasn't familiar with the director either. I'll quote the review here, since it says it better than I could:

I have to say that I Knew Her Well is one of the most important additions to Criterion's catalog in a very long time because Pietrangeli's work, which has been undeservedly ignored in North America, is every bit as good as that of the grand masters of Italian cinema.

Those are three that I am absolutely thrilled to own. Now, that doesn't rule out the other excellent releases. But those three very much stand out for me.

[WonderWeasel]

Originally Posted by SammyJankis

Beautiful write-up, Theater. I'm probably going to give this a second viewing soon, seeing how my Tarkovsky fix more than likely won't be fulfilled with a Stalker upgrade any time soon. I've been taken by every Tarkovsky I've seen, to some degree, even if I can't always quite articulate the reasoning for the reaction. I do have an understanding that his films will reveal themselves to me more with subsequent viewings and age.

I don't know what it means in regards to an upgrade (if anything at all), but Janus just tweeted this yesterday evening:

[MifuneFan]

Stalker was one of the clear hints in the New Year's drawing so I dont know why anyone would think it wouldn't be fulfilled anytime soon. It's very likely to come out this year, and I'd say chances are good, it'll be the first half (I'd say June-ish)

[Narcissus]

If you are waiting on the Strangelove booklets, they should be arriving soon, I received mine yesterday.

[bwdowiak]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

Have you seen Baby Doll? I recently checked it out on Jon Rosenbaum's recommendation and, boy, it did not disappoint. If I had to compile a list of greatest closeups, several from this film would make the cut.

It's streaming in HD on Warner Archive Instant btw.

I have not. Thanks for mentioning it, though. Looks like it has received really good reviews. I'll check it out. Is Warner Archive Instant free?

[SammyJankis]

Also..