The Criterion Collection

[Edward J Grug III]

Originally Posted by Blu-Velvet

Yes, but... The first time I saw THE MAGICIAN in college, I'd seen only a few other Bergman titles, major ones like THE SEVENTH SEAL, WILD STRAWBERRIES, and maybe THE VIRGIN SPRING, and SAWDUST AND TINSEL. At that time I saw THE MAGICIAN as just a moderately interesting and not especially involving film. A few decades later after having seen almost his entire output and having recently revisited THE SEVENTH SEAL, SMILES OF A SUMMER NIGHT, and SUMMER INTERLUDE, watching the MAGICIAN was suddenly a revelation -- I had never before realized that it was actually a comedy! I certainly never remembered it as being particularly funny or even satiric. It helps to have several other Bergmans under your belt before expecting to get full enjoyment out of THE MAGICIAN. A good introduction to the major themes Bergman would explore in most of his later films is SUMMER INTERLUDE, then maybe WILD STRAWBERRIES and THE SEVENTH SEAL. After those, THE MAGICIAN should make more sense and not seem like just another gloomy character study (plenty of which would come later). SMILES OF A SUMMER NIGHT, on the other hand, starts out like a typical dark Bergman semi-satire and soon turns into sort of a Swedish Ernst Lubitsch sex comedy, with implications Lubitsch was rarely able to get away with in Hollywood, even before the Production Code.

Exactly!

I think maybe when I talk about a good entry level Bergman film, I am setting a different criteria than some of the people here.

I'm not talking about a film you can follow and go, oh, ok, I saw that - I want a film that both won't alienate the viewer AND will introduce the brilliance of Bergman. A film that makes you go, OK, where's the next one?

IMO great starter Bergman films:

Fanny & Alexander
Wild Strawberries
Smiles of a Summer Night (This one is somewhat conditional, I can understand this being dismissed as a lesser Bergman, as great as it is. This is for the person that feels a bit intimidated)

Poor starters:
Summer Interlude (Fine film, won't blow your socks off though)
Persona
The Magician (A film literally about his own career that benefits from knowing his career)
The Seventh Seal

Not quite sure where I'd put Autumn Sonata. I've only seen it the once so far. I'm leaning towards not a starter film though.

Now, this isn't a blanket one-size-fits-all - I know there will be people who are specifically excited about experimental films already that might find Persona the perfect entry. At the time it was released, I'll bet lots of people saw The Seventh Seal as their first Bergman.

If you're here, you probably have already experienced a lot of great, interesting cinema - You'll have an idea of what you like.

I also agree with the person earlier in the thread that says Bergman isn't as bleak as his reputation. Almost every film I've seen of his is funny at times, and charming too.

[Will G]

The Virgin Spring would be a perfect entry level Bergman film, too bad it's not on blu-ray.

[Edward J Grug III]

Originally Posted by Will G

The Virgin Spring would be a perfect entry level Bergman film, too bad it's not on blu-ray.

I haven't seen it yet, so I will second that wish!

[Bandit Tajomaru]

Originally Posted by Will G

The Virgin Spring would be a perfect entry level Bergman film, too bad it's not on blu-ray.

It was mine.

As for the movie House I loved it so much that I imported the soundtrack from Japan along with 2 other Godiego albums. From that I imported the Monkey TV series from the UK and got Galaxy Express 999 just because I love Godiego's music.

[Fabs]

Amidst the weirdness and oddities of House, the soundtrack is pretty amazing.

[Bandit Tajomaru]

Originally Posted by Fabs

Amidst the weirdness and oddities of House, the soundtrack is pretty amazing.

Too bad the soundtrack is missing the song that plays during the ending credits. I got it in one of my other Godeigo albums though.

[Will G]

I would highly recommend it, it's one of his most effective & easily accessible films.

[Scottie]

Originally Posted by Will G

The Virgin Spring would be a perfect entry level Bergman film, too bad it's not on blu-ray.

Nothing would make me happier than it being announced on Wednesday.

[CriterionBlues]

IFC films tweeted earlier when someone asked about the U.S. Clouds of Sils Maria release: "worry not .. It's coming soon from Criterion."

[Shout92]

Originally Posted by jmclick

According to the release calendar at The Criterion Forum website, Throne of Blood is being released as a blu-ray only on August 25, 2015:

http://www.criterionforum.org/calendar.php?year=2015

Thank goodness I managed to pick up the Dual Format edition (along with the one for All That Jazz as well).

[Ray Jackson]

Originally Posted by soarinsteven

Nice to see all the Bergman discussion. So far my haul this month has been exclusively Bergman Autumn Sonata, Cries and Whispers, Persona, and Summer Interlude.

Revisited Jules and Jim yesterday. I've always been taken by the charm of the characters, the rapid pacing of the storytelling not to mention the wonderful camera work and score, but this viewing which was my first in many years moved me emotionally like never before. Perhaps inspired by the two dudes in love with the same woman theme I popped in Y Tu Mamá También.

Both films share a sense of such joy, warmth, spontaneity, great character chemistry, but also a deep feeling of melancholy which once it seeps its way into both films it never quite disappears as they make their way to their sadly inevitable conclusions.

First time watching my blu-ray copies of both, and Criterion delivered their A game on both. Superb picture quality, and a wealth of extras.

I despise the Jeanne Moreau character in that film.

Maybe I shouldn't...but I do.

[Ray Jackson]

Originally Posted by Shout92

Thank goodness I managed to pick up the Dual Format edition (along with the one for All That Jazz as well).

Does that mean it'll be cheaper with a different cover design?

...Throne of Blood that is.

[Scottie]

Originally Posted by Ray Jackson

Does that mean it'll be cheaper with a different cover design?

...Throne of Blood that is.

No

[Ray Jackson]

Originally Posted by iScottie

No

So you're getting less for the same price?

[Scottie]

Originally Posted by Ray Jackson

So you're getting less for the same price?

Yup

[Edward J Grug III]

Originally Posted by Ray Jackson

So you're getting less for the same price?

Think of it as getting MORE shelf space.

[Ray Jackson]

Anyone have any strong thoughts on Don't Look Now?

Thinking about a blind buy for my final purchase during this sale.

Not really into early 70s horror, but this one intrigues me.

It has a MASSIVE wikipedia entry and a great rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

...is it really that good?

Comparisons to other films?

[Snicket]

In addition to throne of blood, are any more titles getting a one disc release that were once dual format?

[Bandit Tajomaru]

Lucky for me I picked up the dual edition Throne of Blood last week at Barnes & Nobel. Love it when studios give you less for your money.

[repulsed]

Originally Posted by Snicket

In addition to throne of blood, are any more titles getting a one disc release that were once dual format?

Tess, I believe is one
I don't know of any others