The Criterion Collection

[ShellOilJunior]

Criterion has been on a run of standard plastic cases. The next 5 releases are devoid of digipacks.

[Show spoiler]Brief Encounter
Only Angels Have Wings
Barcelona
The Kennedy Films of Robert Drew & Associates
Phoenix

[Arch Stanton]

Originally Posted by Rad See

Entirely unlikely

More than just unlikely, it would never happen.

[bwdowiak]

I've watched one commentary track in my life and that was for Pierrot Le Fou on the region free Studio Canal disc. After seeing it for the first time, I had hoped that the commentary would enhance my understanding of the film. While it wasn't a waste of time, it really didn't enhance it as much as simply watching the film again.

[The Great Owl]

My standard procedure is to watch the feature film on a Blu-ray with undivided attention, and then watch the film again with the commentary track while I'm checking emails and posting on my laptop. Ever so often, a commentary track commands my attention enough for me to put the laptop down and watch with undivided attention yet again.

In addition to the Red Desert commentary that I mentioned earlier, the L'Avventura commentary track does this as well.

[Nuck Horris]

Guillermo del Toro does great commentary tracks... Even if you don't like his movies they're worth owning for those alone.

[RickDee]

Originally Posted by ShellOilJunior

Criterion has been on a run of standard plastic cases. The next 5 releases are devoid of digipacks.

[Show spoiler]Brief Encounter
Only Angels Have Wings
Barcelona
The Kennedy Films of Robert Drew & Associates
Phoenix

Good...Digi Packs and boxes basically suck! All they need to put out is Scanavo cases. Its too hard to find cover artist that will convert those to fit a Scanavo case if we want to keep them uniform. Still looking for someone that can convert the Jules and Jim case and a few others.

[ShellOilJunior]

Originally Posted by RickDee

Good...Digi Packs and boxes basically suck! All they need to put out is Scanavo cases. Its too hard to find cover artist that will convert those to fit a Scanavo case if we want to keep them uniform. Still looking for someone that can convert the Jules and Jim case and a few others.

These aren't too shabby:

[Show spoiler]

[Show spoiler]

[Show spoiler]

[RickDee]

Originally Posted by ShellOilJunior

These aren't too shabby:

[Show spoiler]

[Show spoiler]

[Show spoiler]

Anything that is cardboard will not last and will look like crap with shelf wear. Good thing those three you are showing have already been converted to Scanavo covers. Even that beautiful box for the Zatoichi set is uneeded (along with all those DVD's) it comes with. Criterion should just throw it in a 9 disc Scanavo case with a booklet and be done with it. The cost of production would be so much cheaper and they wouldn't be constantly running out.

[The Great Owl]

Originally Posted by ShellOilJunior

These aren't too shabby:

[Show spoiler]

[Show spoiler]

[Show spoiler]

Yeah, those were back in the tough days when digipaks were tougher.

The above three examples are all tougher than the Dual Format Editions, which are pretty fragile by comparison.

Repo Man and My Own Private Idaho are similar, in that they have some semblance of bulk to them.

It's funny, though, that even the brand new copies of My Own Private Idaho look as though they're incredibly damaged, simply because of the art design.

[Show spoiler]

[Scottie]

I never listened to a commentary track and I don't have any desire to do so.

I've always liked to interpret messages within films on my own. Plus, the idea of having someone talking over the entire film isn't my cup of tea.

[diskspinner]

Originally Posted by iScottie

I never listened to a commentary track and I don't have any desire to do so.

I've always liked to interpret messages within films on my own. Plus, the idea of having someone talking over the entire film isn't my cup of tea.

That's what I feel too...I have not listened to commentary track for a single film till now. May be some day I will just to try...

[MifuneFan]

Originally Posted by iScottie

I never listened to a commentary track and I don't have any desire to do so.

I've always liked to interpret messages within films on my own. Plus, the idea of having someone talking over the entire film isn't my cup of tea.

Originally Posted by diskspinner

That's what I feel too...I have not listened to commentary track for a single film till now. May be some day I will just to try...

I really do suggest both of you do one day. I don't feel they impact my interpretations of a film, but rather gives interesting insight. A lot of times I learn a great deal about the film making technique more than any messages about the film, etc..I certainly wouldn't listen to one with my first watch, or perhaps even my second, but if I really like a film, and want to know more I'll listen to one. Sadly I barely have time to even watch just the film itself let alone one with a commentary.

[Scottie]

Barcelona review is up.

https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Barce.../44309/#Review

[shadedpain4]

Originally Posted by RickDee

Anything that is cardboard will not last and will look like crap with shelf wear. Good thing those three you are showing have already been converted to Scanavo covers. Even that beautiful box for the Zatoichi set is uneeded (along with all those DVD's) it comes with. Criterion should just throw it in a 9 disc Scanavo case with a booklet and be done with it. The cost of production would be so much cheaper and they wouldn't be constantly running out.

What are you doing on your shelves? I've owned stuff like Seven Samurai since it came out and it still looks brand new.

[buffetfroid]

Originally Posted by jayembee

Nowadays, I almost never do. I find I have less interest in re-watching a film with the commentary track on than spending that time watching another film.

This is mostly where I am with commentaries. I find the time to watch so few movies at all these days that it's hard to justify watching one with a commentary. Before I was married I used to listen to them sometimes when I went to sleep, particurlary good for that were ones with a history or context type slant. Now we don't even have a TV in the bedroom.

An entertaining one, though not Criterion, is The Limey. From what I remember it's a bit contentious. Soderbergh and script writer Lem Dobbs.

I wish I could listen to these in my car to and from work. I guess you'd have to be pretty familar with the movie.

[diskspinner]

Originally Posted by shadedpain4

What are you doing on your shelves? I've owned stuff like Seven Samurai since it came out and it still looks brand new.

I guess it is the tornadoes & storms he worries about. We are having a lot of those these days...

[mja345]

Originally Posted by shadedpain4

What are you doing on your shelves? I've owned stuff like Seven Samurai since it came out and it still looks brand new.

Yeah, I've owned the "Slacker" and "Videodrome" DVD digipaks since '04 and both are still in mint condition. Although, "Videodrome" is the cardoard slip over the plastic case made to look like a VHS cassette. But the cardboard slip is still mint. I've since upgraded both to BD and would have been pissed had they changed the presentation of those two sets to Scanavo cases. There's no reason a digipak should be showing much wear.

[ShellOilJunior]

I'll usually pick a scene or two and switch the commentary on. The last commentary I listened to from start to finish was for Sideways.

[the sordid sentinel]

Originally Posted by jw007

Can I take a poll here, boys?

How many of you watch the commentaries that accompany a Criterion film?

I used to do this more often but I rarely do now.

So my answer is, I don't usually activate the commentary track.

It's even harder if there are multiple commentaries (which one to choose?!).

I always give the commentary tracks a watch/listen, unless there has been feedback that the commentary is crap. Don't really feel like I am getting my money's worth (especially with Criterion blus) if I don't explore everything the disc and package have to offer.

[Polaroid]

Originally Posted by Rad See

Entirely unlikely

You think :P?