The Criterion Collection

[bwdowiak]

I'm in the process of righting a cinematic wrong... I've probably seen a couple thousand films in my lifetime and never has that film been Seven Samurai. Disc 1 was afternoon viewing. I'll watch the 2nd half tonight.

Can't say that I'm loving it, but it goes down quite well - like a rice ball for a hungry samurai.

[TheLaughingMann]

Originally Posted by bwdowiak

I'm in the process of righting a cinematic wrong... I've probably seen a couple thousand films in my lifetime and never has that film been Seven Samurai. Disc 1 was afternoon viewing. I'll watch the 2nd half tonight.

Can't say that I'm loving it, but it goes down quite well - like a rice ball for a hungry samurai.

I have Seven Samurai...movies to watch the next two days, with another two on order for delivery this month and a couple more to be ordered when I get more cash.

Seven Samurai, the Samurai Trilogy (3), Harakiri, Throne of Blood, Yojimbo, Sanjuro, and Rashomon...actually, that's 9. Hell. Least I can forgive Better Call Saul for a day or so to watch these.

[Snicket]

Originally Posted by shadedpain4

Is this a bad time to mention that Criterion frequently puts things on social media that are unrelated to upcoming releases?

People said the same thing when they posted the theater instructions for Mulholland Drive. Sure it's not a science, but its pretty accurate in the long run.

Lately their social media has been a better source of clues than the newsletter hints.

[pro-bassoonist]

Originally Posted by shadedpain4

Is this a bad time to mention that Criterion frequently puts things on social media that are unrelated to upcoming releases?

It is a very bad time.

[The Great Owl]

I'd like to kick my French Pathe Blu-ray of Le Samouraï to the curb if a superior high definition transfer comes to the table. These days, when I want to revisit the movie, I simply watch the Criterion DVD. (...and I want to revisit this movie pretty frequently)

[silverlakephil]

Originally Posted by bwdowiak

I'm in the process of righting a cinematic wrong... I've probably seen a couple thousand films in my lifetime and never has that film been Seven Samurai. Disc 1 was afternoon viewing. I'll watch the 2nd half tonight.

Can't say that I'm loving it, but it goes down quite well - like a rice ball for a hungry samurai.

It's still one of my favorite films. I first saw it back in the 90s via the Criterion Laserdisc (rental). I was so blown away that I promptly bought the LD afterwards. Kurosawa's best film IMO.

[llj]

Originally Posted by John Klein

Wow, the film must be really good if it gets reactions like that.

Well, yes, the film is good. But the excitement is more a possibility (foolish hope?) that an upgrade over the terrible previous release which had THE WORST RESTORATION JOB EVER might come.

(Okay, CHildren of Paradise is also a contender for WORST...friggin Pathe)

[Ray Jackson]

Originally Posted by bwdowiak

I'm in the process of righting a cinematic wrong... I've probably seen a couple thousand films in my lifetime and never has that film been Seven Samurai. Disc 1 was afternoon viewing. I'll watch the 2nd half tonight.

Can't say that I'm loving it, but it goes down quite well - like a rice ball for a hungry samurai.

No doubt Seven Samurai is one of the most important, influential films ever made.

...but it's not one my favorite Kurosawa films.

[RickDee]

Originally Posted by Ray Jackson

No doubt Seven Samurai is one of the most important, influential films ever made.

...but it's not one my favorite Kurosawa films.

It's the greatest film of all time in my book.

[llj]

Originally Posted by Ray Jackson

No doubt Seven Samurai is one of the most important, influential films ever made.

...but it's not one my favorite Kurosawa films.

It's the same way I view Kurosawa.

I have Kurosawa as the best director of all time, in terms of combination of longevity, output, versatility and mastery of so many genres and formats (black and white, colour, widescreen scope, etc.). But I wouldn't say he's my personal favourite director.

[Namuhana]

Originally Posted by John Klein

Wow, the film must be really good if it gets reactions like that.

It's the only Melville film I've seen that I've liked (if that means anything).

[Ray Jackson]

Originally Posted by RickDee

It's the greatest film of all time in my book.

It's a reasonable opinion to have imo.

[shadedpain4]

Originally Posted by pro-bassoonist

It is a very bad time.

I'm trying to temper expectations!

[bwdowiak]

Originally Posted by Ray Jackson

No doubt Seven Samurai is one of the most important, influential films ever made.

...but it's not one my favorite Kurosawa films.

it won't be my favorite Kurosawa either as Ikiru, along w/ Army of Shadows and The Third Man make up my 3 favorite films in the Criterion Collection.

I like Kurosawa a good deal, but for Japanese directors, I prefer what I've seen from Ozu and Kobayashi

what is your fav Kurosawa, Ray? I thought that you were a Seven Samurai guy

[Ray Jackson]

Originally Posted by bwdowiak

it won't be my favorite Kurosawa either as Ikiru, along w/ Army of Shadows and The Third Man make up my 3 favorite films in the Criterion Collection.

I like Kurosawa a good deal, but for Japanese directors, I prefer what I've seen from Ozu and Kobayashi

what is your fav Kurosawa, Ray? I thought that you were a Seven Samurai guy

Probably a tie between High and Low and Ikiru.

...Red Beard is a close second.

[bwdowiak]

Originally Posted by Namuhana

It's the only Melville film I've seen that I've liked (if that means anything).

I've seen nearly all of his films and its the one that I don't quite understand the fandom it has acquired. I'll definitely pick it up when and if it is released. The next watch for me will only be my second, so maybe I'll appreciate it more.

I'm interested, though... what did you see in this film that isn't in other Melville films? Because Le Samourai is very, very sparse. My personal opinion (a minority one, it seems) is that he applied the same style to much greater effect in films like Le Deuxieme Souffle, Le Doulos, and even Un Flic.

[bwdowiak]

Originally Posted by Ray Jackson

Probably a tie between High and Low and Ikiru.

...Red Beard is a close second.

I have yet to see Red Beard. I have a feeling I'll really like it. High and Low needs a second watch from me.. Although I liked it, I was too critical of it.

[llj]

Originally Posted by bwdowiak

I like Kurosawa a good deal, but for Japanese directors, I prefer what I've seen from Ozu and Kobayashi

My favourites are Naruse and the New Wave directors, Oshima and Imamura. Ozu right after them. All of them are less versatile than Kurosawa or their best films are more grouped into one decade (Kurosawa has masterpieces in almost every decade of his career by comparison) but their stuff I tend to rematch more often than Kurosawa's.

But Kurosawa's broad and versatile appeal casts a long shadow over 20th century cinema.

[shadedpain4]

Originally Posted by llj

My favourites are Naruse and the New Wave directors, Oshima and Imamura. Ozu right after them. All of them are less versatile than Kurosawa or their best films are more grouped into one decade (Kurosawa has masterpieces in almost every decade of his career by comparison) but their stuff I tend to rematch more often than Kurosawa's.

But Kurosawa's broad and versatile appeal casts a long shadow over 20th century cinema.

Always good to see a Naruse fan.

[Ray Jackson]

Originally Posted by shadedpain4

I'm trying to temper expectations!

Temper this you evil CHARLATAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!