The Criterion Collection

[jayembee]

Originally Posted by ThisKid

I don't know why Warner won't give this film the treatment it deserves. Maybe its because of its religious themes, or maybe it's their policy on NC-17 rated films. Even though it hasn't been give this rating, it could get it if it goes through reclassification. Or maybe because Warner knows this film has a reputation, and they're going to keep it hostage to make us all beg for them to release it. If so, not cool.

If Warner released The Devils on BD/DVD, it would most likely be released "Unrated" rather than as "NC-17". Like they did with the original, unaltered version of Eyes Wide Shut.

[Vinyl]

Originally Posted by Fabs

There is a 4K restoration of Ugetsu at Cannes this year. There has to be an upgrade from Criterion coming this year. Maybe they've waited all this time to see if there was a better version than Eureka's from 2013.

You get my hopes up

Originally Posted by Bates_Motel

Doesn't mean there will be an upgrade this year. There are 25-30 titles on blu in Europe, some with 4K remasters, that Criterion still hasn't upgraded from DVD.

Then dash them away

[ThisKid]

Originally Posted by CriterionBlues

They are afraid of a religious backlash, specially from Catholics and the southeast USA. Allegedly there is a note on the master that says "never to see the light of day" or something to that effect. They probably don't have to worry about that today (there are plenty worse films), but it's a mindset that came down from the older generation.

Hopefully one day they will come to their senses, but that day is probably a long ways from now.

I really, REALLY hate those religious people who always condemn anything involving religion. I bet that most of the time they haven't even SEEN the film/TV show/game they preach against. I don't hate all religious figures, and I don't hate Catholics, I just hate those who complain lots about nothing. If I were WB, I'd go ahead with releasing this film, regardless of ANY backlash. Besides, WB had to go through Natural Born Killers, I'm sure they will be okay with this.

[CriterionBlues]

Originally Posted by ThisKid

I really, REALLY hate those religious people who always condemn anything involving religion. I bet that most of the time they haven't even SEEN the film/TV show/game they preach against. I don't hate all religious figures, and I don't hate Catholics, I just hate those who complain lots about nothing. If I were WB, I'd go ahead with releasing this film, regardless of ANY backlash. Besides, WB had to go through Natural Born Killers, I'm sure they will be okay with this.

100% agree with you. Religion or any other belief system should have no impact on art. I think that nothing would happen if they released it, at least no controversy. The tough part is convincing Warners of that. I had a discussion with somone involved with the estate and there is optimism someday, but Warners also doesn't like to be pushed.

[ThisKid]

Originally Posted by CriterionBlues

100% agree with you. Religion or any other belief system should have no impact on art. I think that nothing would happen if they released it, at least no controversy. The tough part is convincing Warners of that. I had a discussion with somone involved with the estate and there is optimism someday, but Warners also doesn't like to be pushed.

And besides, another thing I forgot to mention. No one cares about this film except for film buffs like us. Do you think that many people in the general public, including officials and figures of power would know about this film? Of course not! The rarity of this film has made it only known to us, and not to them. If Warner does release this film, then I don't think that many people would complain at all.

Unless some knob gets ahold of this and reignites this film's controversy all over again.

[jayembee]

Originally Posted by ThisKid

I really, REALLY hate those religious people who always condemn anything involving religion. I bet that most of the time they haven't even SEEN the film/TV show/game they preach against. I don't hate all religious figures, and I don't hate Catholics, I just hate those who complain lots about nothing. If I were WB, I'd go ahead with releasing this film, regardless of ANY backlash. Besides, WB had to go through Natural Born Killers, I'm sure they will be okay with this.

You're assuming that there's nothing for them to complain about. I haven't seen The Devils, but based on descriptions of the film, I completely understand why devout Christians (especially Catholics) would be upset with the film. And I completely understand why Warner would be reluctant to face the shitstorm that would result from their releasing it.

Doesn't mean I agree with their decision, but I understand it. Same as my understanding why Disney doesn't want to release Song of the South ever again, even while not agreeing with them on why.

But that's the problem when corporations are the ones whose money finances the making and distribution of films. They make purely business decisions, not artistic ones.

[jayembee]

Originally Posted by ThisKid

And besides, another thing I forgot to mention. No one cares about this film except for film buffs like us. Do you think that many people in the general public, including officials and figures of power would know about this film? Of course not! The rarity of this film has made it only known to us, and not to them. If Warner does release this film, then I don't think that many people would complain at all.

Unless some knob gets ahold of this and reignites this film's controversy all over again.

You'd be surprised. People with agendas like that are constantly looking for windmills to tilt.

[chetripley80]

WB has allowed uncut version of "The Devils" to be screened theatrically recently. I saw a 35 millimeter screening of it at the local Alamo Drafthouse a little over a month ago. The Drafthouse obtained the 35 millimeter print directly from Warner's archives. If the demand is there, I think WB will allow a blu release by either licensing it out, or releasing it as a Warner Archives release.

Also, the film is really not that controversial. Other than a bunch of fully nude nuns running around, the critique of the church isn't really elevated any more so than other period films that are critical of Christian leadership (such as films dealing with the Inquisition).

[jayembee]

The real question to ask is:

If Warner really thinks that there's no way they can release this film, why don't they just sell it lock, stock, and barrel to someone else. Assuming that they could find someone willing and able to fork over whatever Warner asked for it.

[chetripley80]

Originally Posted by jayembee

The real question to ask is:

If Warner really thinks that there's no way they can release this film, why don't they just sell it lock, stock, and barrel to someone else. Assuming that they could find someone willing and able to fork over whatever Warner asked for it.

Because typically they don't license their films without a special circumstance. Also, the demand for its release is probably not strong enough to make it worthwhile for a small boutique label to aggressively pursue its pricey license from WB.

[CriterionBlues]

Originally Posted by chetripley80

Also, the film is really not that controversial. Other than a bunch of fully nude nuns running around, the critique of the church isn't really elevated any more so than other period films that are critical of Christian leadership (such as films dealing with the Inquisition).

Putting this in spoilers because it is near the end, but there's also a

[Show spoiler]nun masturbation scene with a charred "bone"

but I agree that compared to a number of films, it isn't too scandalous. But it was extremely controversial when it came out and people have long memories.

[malakaheso]

Re: McCabe and Mrs Miller. I would love to see that film on blu-ray, but considering what Criterion did to both Badlands and Days of Heaven (i.e erased some of visual complexity of the imagery), I'm a little worried.

McCabe had a nice murky brown look to it, and I hope they don't clean it up too much like they did with Heaven's Gate because it will lose its unique atmosphere.

[Wooden Lens]

Originally Posted by chetripley80

Because typically they don't license their films without a special circumstance. Also, the demand for its release is probably not strong enough to make it worthwhile for a small boutique label to aggressively pursue its pricey license from WB.

Well...

It's happening.

[MifuneFan]

Excited for tomorrow, should be a big day for C

[Polaroid]

Wonder if they delayed it until tomorrow as UK get Criterion release so they may be including it in announcement..? Or maybe hear SOMETHING about the new UK deal lol

[filmmusic]

Originally Posted by malakaheso

but considering what Criterion did to both Badlands and Days of Heaven (i.e erased some of visual complexity of the imagery), I'm a little worried.

what do you mean? i don't understand

[MifuneFan]

Originally Posted by Polaroid

Wonder if they delayed it until tomorrow as UK get Criterion release so they may be including it in announcement..? Or maybe hear SOMETHING about the new UK deal lol

Give up

[malakaheso]

Originally Posted by filmmusic

what do you mean? i don't understand

removing detail basically and changing the look of the colours.

Example:

[MifuneFan]

Originally Posted by malakaheso

removing detail basically and changing the look of the colours.

Example:

First, Criterion had nothing to do with any such changes. And what's your source for the colors in the first shot being more accurate? Do you claim to know more than Lubezki and Malick on that topic?

[mrjohnnyb]

Originally Posted by theater dreamer

Just an FYI, as I have not seen it mentioned here: Twilight Time has a sale on their site (through April 22nd), selling many of their Blu-rays $10 off their normal price. I picked up A Man For All Seasons and Oliver! for $19.95 each.

http://www.twilighttimemovies.com/

Some other really good films available, including Inherit the Wind, The Birdman of Alcatraz, 1984, Remains of the Day, Guess Who's Coming to DInner, and Mississippi Burning.

Thank you, I did take advantage of this getting three titles that you did not mention: The Last Detail (Ashby), House of Bamboo (Fuller), and The Bride Wore Black (Truffaut.)