The Criterion Collection

[theater dreamer]

Thank you for the heads up. I hadn't checked my e-mail yet. What a pleasant surprise!

Now...I have to figure out what to buy.

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

I used my Barnes & Noble 40% Off coupon to buy the Criterion Blu-ray of Eating Raoul.

Since I've been on a Roger Corman kick lately, I've been watching a lot of films that star Paul Bartel and Mary Woronov. Mainly for that reason, I've had a hankering to see their acting in this particular film.

[octagon]

Originally Posted by jayembee

Quite frankly, I'd rather have my kidneys harvested.

Paging Dr. Dalton...

[Show spoiler]

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

I used my Barnes & Noble 40% Off coupon to buy the Criterion Blu-ray of Eating Raoul.

This might be a wee bit OT but many WAC titles come down to a little over thirteen bucks (before tax and shipping, of course) after applying that coupon.

[pedromvu]

Last week I watched My Man Godfrey for the second time after 7 years, I remember loving this one from the first time, and somehow it was even better this time, this is really a fantastic film that doesn't seem to have as big of an audience as it deserves, hopefully it gets restored at some point so that Criterion can upgrade it in the near future.

[octagon]

Originally Posted by pedromvu

Last week I watched My Man Godfrey for the second time after 7 years, I remember loving this one from the first time, and somehow it was even better this time, this is really a fantastic film that doesn't seem to have as big of an audience as it deserves, hopefully it gets restored at some point so that Criterion can upgrade it in the near future.

With some notable exceptions I've never been a huge fan of this...I don't want to say genre, that's not really the right word...type of film. For instance, I liked (and was glad I bought) Sullivan's Travels and It Happened One Night but I wouldn't say I loved them.

But I really have been warming up this era and style. When they work there really is something special about that particular blend of romance, comedy and social commentary. When everything comes together the whole can definitely be a lot more than just the sum of its parts.

For instance, there are a lot of The Lady Eve fans in these parts and I'm definitely one of them. My Man Godfrey is another one. It might never come to mind when I'm trying to rattle off favorite films or making a wish list but I would love to see it get a really nice BD release.

So yeah, sign me up.

[belcherman]

Originally Posted by pedromvu

Last week I watched My Man Godfrey for the second time after 7 years, I remember loving this one from the first time, and somehow it was even better this time, this is really a fantastic film that doesn't seem to have as big of an audience as it deserves, hopefully it gets restored at some point so that Criterion can upgrade it in the near future.

I think My Man Godfrey gets a lot of love, and respect, at least when talking about classic screwball comedies. It's often mentioned and discussed at length in books and articles on the subject. I first saw the film 40 years ago in a film class on a double bill with, I think, Bringing Up Baby. We were discussing screwball comedies that week so, even then, it was held up as an exemplar of its genre. I think the reason it isn't more well known outside of film circles has more to do with Universal not promoting its back catalog*.

I love My Man Godfrey. I think the combination of its non-threatening social commentary (it encouraged depression-era audiences to laugh at the rich rather than hate them for their wealth) and the talents of Lombard, Powell, and a great supporting cast make it a classic of any genre.

* I'm cutting Universal some slack this month as I eagerly await their Marx Brothers set.

[Donnie D]

Originally Posted by pedromvu

Last week I watched My Man Godfrey for the second time after 7 years, I remember loving this one from the first time, and somehow it was even better this time, this is really a fantastic film that doesn't seem to have as big of an audience as it deserves, hopefully it gets restored at some point so that Criterion can upgrade it in the near future.

Haven't seen this in years but want to check it out again now, after reading your reaction. All this talk of classic comedy reminds me of another that I really want to see again, 'Dinner at 8'.

[shadedpain4]

Originally Posted by llj

Given the large number of "good not great" posts it's gotten in here (and elsewhere I've seen), it's starting to go the other way and now is getting underrated.

I personally like it better than Yi Yi. I know I'm in the minority now though. Not one person I know has ever dared criticize Yi Yi. Not even a smidge. (Waiting for "Because it's just that good!" posts...)

I love Yi Yi, but it's still my third favorite Yang after ABSD and Terrorizers.

[SkyAntoine]

Originally Posted by pedromvu

Last week I watched My Man Godfrey for the second time after 7 years, I remember loving this one from the first time, and somehow it was even better this time, this is really a fantastic film that doesn't seem to have as big of an audience as it deserves, hopefully it gets restored at some point so that Criterion can upgrade it in the near future.

I watched this for the first time last month. I thought it was a real masterpiece in comedy. Fun, light-hearted satire that was so much better, IMO, than Rules of the Game. Powell made Godfrey an unforgettable (man) character. Just shy of an absolute masterpiece (10/10) for me due to the over-the-top acting of some characters. 9/10

[Banned User]

Originally Posted by MeMynonsense

I thought it was several notches above many of those schmaltzy Capra outings of the late 30's and 40's. My Man Godfrey makes a fun double-bill with Leo McCarey's Ruggles of Red Gap another hilarious comedy of manners.

One of my favorite MoC releases. Ruggles of Red Gap is a great comedy especially if you like Charles Laughton. Hobson's Choice is another greatly under appreciated Laughton film. Both should have had Region A releases by now.

[belcherman]

Originally Posted by Donnie D

Haven't seen this in years but want to check it out again now, after reading your reaction. All this talk of classic comedy reminds me of another that I really want to see again, 'Dinner at 8'.

Dinner at Eight would be a great one for Criterion, if only to get some George Cukor in the collection. Criterion has said they had some pre-code stuff in the pipeline, but nothing so far. Maybe this could be it.

Although it's sometimes listed as a comedy/drama, there's more drama than laughs as I recall.

[pedromvu]

Talking of My Man Godfrey, it reminded me in parts of one of the earlier Bunuel films called El Gran Calavera (The Great Madcap), it is similar in the way the spoiled kids of a rich family are getting out of control with their expenses, and I thought it was hilarious even if it doesn't have much bunuelan touches, it is usually considered one of his lesser films since it was a commercial film.

Actually a few years ago they made a remake of it here in Mexico and it was one of the most successful Mexican movies ever in terms of box office, it was called Nosotros los Nobles (The Noble Family), although I haven't seen that.

Now I feel sad, there are tons of Bunuel movies and very few out on blu-ray, a lot of his Mexican films are the perfect fit for an Eclipse set at the least.

[MeMynonsense]

Originally Posted by Banned User

One of my favorite MoC releases. Ruggles of Red Gap is a great comedy especially if you like Charles Laughton. Hobson's Choice is another greatly under appreciated Laughton film. Both should have had Region A releases by now.

Ha! MoC you say?! I discovered Ruggles by virtue of that very same release, courtesy a friend who happens to be a Eureka spine collector.

BIG! Laughton fan and I unreservedly agree that Hobson’s Choice commands a special place in both Lean & Laughton cannons.
Apart from the aforementioned movies, upgrades of the Korda Eclipse set (though highly unlikely) i.e The Private Life of Henry VIII and Rembrandt would be great.
Others worth mentioning are The Suspect, Advise & Consent (which proved to be Laughton’s swan song, superb nonetheless) and The Big Clock (which has been associated tiresomely with criterion)


1 movie that I’d love Eureka to get their hands on would be Witness for the Prosecution, considering the British label’s proclivity for Wilders and Kino’s immensely lacklustre release.

[Roninblues]

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

By the way, who else here has a pre-order of the newly restored Road House (1989)? I cannot wait. It's a fun movie that is just going to keep getting better and better as it ages.

DVD -> Blu-ray -> Blu-ray w/ 2K scan + more extras

[KubrickKurasawa]

Originally Posted by Banned User

My most anticipated release is Ugetsu. It recently saw a 4k restoration overlooked by Martin Scorcsese and I've been patiently waiting for some news from Criterion.

http://www.film-foundation.org/conte.../2015/2015.pdf

While I appreciate The Story of the Last Chrysanthemum I already had the Artificial Eye Bluray. Even though this release will be a better print which is why I have it preordered, I've been dying to get Ugetsu on Bluray. I assume they still have Region A rights for the title.

It is my favorite film of all time. My personal number 1.

Proof that Criterion could do better with releases, but when I look through peoples collections here I see very few people have any Mizoguchi and Kurosawa films in their collection. I consider these two and their cinematogmasters
complete masters.

I might buy 2 copies of Ugetsu blue ray if ever 4eleased. The first time I watched it on Youtube 240p I was in transported to that magical film place only a handful of movies have ever put me in. I realized a blue ray version would be awhile and have been waiting patiently since. The story of type last chrysanthemum has me believing Ugetsu will arrive in 6 months or so. I really want Street of Shame and Portrait of Madam Yuri. On criterion blue ray. Such amazing films. Mizoguchi, Kurosawa, Kubrick, Zemekis.....I love them guys.....

[shadedpain4]

Originally Posted by KubrickKurasawa

Proof that Criterion could do better with releases, but when I look through peoples collections here I see very few people have any Mizoguchi and Kurosawa films in their collection. I consider these two and their cinematogmasters
complete masters...

You're looking at the wrong collections!

[mrjohnnyb]

Originally Posted by KubrickKurasawa

It is my favorite film of all time. My personal number 1.

Proof that Criterion could do better with releases, but when I look through peoples collections here I see very few people have any Mizoguchi and Kurosawa films in their collection.

I beg to differ. Not to sound snobby, but I think that there is a distinct difference regarding members of this thread (and I am assuming that you mean this thread,) and the others on this website. I think that the majority of posters here have a respectable amount of Asian cinema in their collections. I know that I do!

Regardless, I believe that a great many of the members of this thread have a deep appreciation of the films directed by Mizoguchi, as evidenced by the content of this thread. You must also remember, very little Mizoguchi can be found on region-free blu-ray, let alone region-A. In addition, those who own region-free players have to contend with currently high European prices for his blu-ray discs, even though the value of the British Pound has dropped considerably (and I am hoping that the rest of you Yanks are taking advantage of some amazon.com.uk offerings.)

However, if you mean the entire blu-ray.com website's members, then you are most probably correct!

[octagon]

Originally Posted by belcherman

I * I'm cutting Universal some slack this month as I eagerly await their Marx Brothers set.

You should also thank them for releasing The Ghost and Mr. Chicken because I can stop flogging it in here now

Originally Posted by MeMynonsense

...and The Big Clock (which has been associated tiresomely with criterion).

Tiresomely, you say?

We prefer to think of ourselves as steadfast.

[tatterdemalion]

Originally Posted by mrjohnnyb

I beg to differ. Not to sound snobby, but I think that there is a distinct difference regarding members of this thread (and I am assuming that you mean this thread,) and the others on this website. I think that the majority of posters here have a respectable amount of Asian cinema in their collections. I know that I do!

Regardless, I believe that a great many of the members of this thread have a deep appreciation of the films directed by Mizoguchi, as evidenced by the content of this thread. You must also remember, very little Mizoguchi can be found on region-free blu-ray, let alone region-A. In addition, those who own region-free players have to contend with currently high European prices for his blu-ray discs, even though the value of the British Pound has dropped considerably (and I am hoping that the rest of you Yanks are taking advantage of some amazon.com.uk offerings.)

However, if you mean the entire blu-ray.com website's members, then you are most probably correct!

Part of the problem, whether it's blu-ray or DVD, is the films aren't listed on this site to list in our collections because of their not being available in America. I have eleven Mizoguchi films on DVD and boy they weren't easy to find. I also have a bunch of DVDs from Naruse Mikio, Ichikawa Kon, Shimizu Hiroshi and Kobayashi Masaki. Heck, I even have a film by Ito Daisuke called Five Men of Edo but according to my list here I don't own them.

I also own Tokusatsu TV programs like Kamen Rider V3, Kikaida and Kikaida 01 and Inazuman, but again, they're not listed probably because the release of these comes from a Hawai'i company and they are not sold through Amazon.

So, my ownership of all of these must be in my imagination...

PS: I did check with the all region search tag and found a few of the titles, most not the releases I own but having them listed is the point with these films, but most were still not there.

[biglou114]

Originally Posted by Banned User

One of my favorite MoC releases. Ruggles of Red Gap is a great comedy especially if you like Charles Laughton. Hobson's Choice is another greatly under appreciated Laughton film. Both should have had Region A releases by now.

In 2007, I went to a Q&A at the NYFF with Wes Anderson (Darjeeling Limited opened the festival). Because of all of the pompous and self-serving audience questions, I ended up asking: 'Have you seen anything good lately?' He replied that Martin Scorsese had recently shown him Ruggles.

After that I struggled to track down a copy, it took me six months to find one. To say I loved it would be an understatement.

[jayembee]

Originally Posted by KubrickKurasawa

Proof that Criterion could do better with releases, but when I look through peoples collections here I see very few people have any Mizoguchi and Kurosawa films in their collection. I consider these two and their cinematogmasters
complete masters.

That's not necessarily proof of much. I might not have every Criterion release on blu-ray by these two, for example, but that would at least in part because I have Criterion releases by them on LD and/or DVD, and upgrading them might have lower priority than blu-rays that I don't already have on LD or DVD. And I only keep track of blu-rays on this site, so if you don't see a given title in my collection, that only means that I don't have it on BD.