The Criterion Collection

[Gacivory]

Originally Posted by Scottie

I wonder if 2024 will see any of the following:

Márta Mészáros box set
Kinuyo Tanaka box set
Antoine Doinel series
Jean Eustache box set
Ousmane Sembène box set

Retrospectives were presented over the past couple of years by Janus but they're the only ones we haven't received yet (or at least in full).

I feel like an Edward Yang set is a possibility. The Edward Yang retrospective is showing this week at the Aero and The Egyptian in LA.

I would buy all of these sets!

[Scottie]

Originally Posted by Gacivory

I feel like an Edward Yang set is a possibility. The Edward Yang retrospective is showing this week at the Aero and The Egyptian in LA.

I would buy all of these sets!

That would indeed be something.

Janus has the rights to the following:

A Brighter Summer Day
A Confucian Confusion
In Our Time
Mahjong
Taipei Story
Yi Yi

The Terrorizers is being distributed by Fortune Star Media Limited and That Day, On the Beach is being distributed by Golden Princess Amusement.

Apparently The Winter of 1905, which Yang wrote, is part of the retrospective. As is a portion of his unfinished work The Wind.

[Gacivory]

Originally Posted by Scottie

That would indeed be something.

Janus has the rights to the following:

A Brighter Summer Day
A Confucian Confusion
In Our Time
Mahjong
Taipei Story
Yi Yi

The Terrorizers is being distributed by Fortune Star Media Limited and That Day, On the Beach is being distributed by Golden Princess Amusement.

Apparently The Winter of 1905, which Yang wrote, is part of the retrospective. As is a portion of his unfinished work The Wind.

Along with In Our Time which Edward Yang directed one of the stories.

Here’s the link for anyone interested.


https://www.americancinematheque.com...eid=e9bbd35501

[Professor Echo]

A bit of a mini review of the rare 1963 Czech film, THE CASSANDRA CAT, as seen on the Criterion Channel, with a kinda sorta spoiler:

I found CASSANDRA CAT to be very imaginative and creative and quite a bold, even scary undertaking given the Communist control of Czechoslovakia at that time. It is a very incisive and powerfully perceptive view of life under repression where no variety of imagination or creativity is allowed.

I do have to say though that I think it took too long to really get going and that they should have introduced the cat earlier, which would have helped the pacing more. As it is, it does drag at times with shots and scenes going on too long and sledge hammering its messages. I also hated that they only explained the meaning and significance of the various colors once as when the people started changing the only color representation I remembered was RED. This was a serious drawback for me and my brothers stated the same after it was over, that instead of some of the repeating scenes involving other aspects, they never revisited the definition of the color schemes. With something so important they should have taken into account that not everyone in the audience has fully functional short term memory skills!

Other than that though the whole enterprise was charming and not lacking in perspectives. Having the Commie overseer of the town prove to be a

[Show spoiler]chameleon was a really nice touch, that he was capable of assimilating any directive by any predominant creed

. Unfortunately, very often that's exactly what life's enablers are, pushing for whatever cause attracts their desire to be allied with control. I kind of wish the teacher character, ostensibly the hero, would have had more screen presence or been a little more lively, but his quiet rebellion was also very meaningful and effective. The kids were fantastic, all really natural and meant to be envied in their wise innocence. The town storyteller/magician became a little cloying at times, but his resemblance to a favorite British character actor of mine, James Robertson Justice, made his inclusion very welcome for me. It should also be noted that casting against type, I guess, he was the first actor chosen to play the first fully revealed Blofeld in YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE, but after a little while filming with him in the part, they producers decided to replace him with Donald Pleasance and his cracked eye.

All in all, a superb fantasy film that should be better known for its pointed satire and poignant humanity. The Criterion Channel is showing a beautiful print of the movie in 2:55 aspect ratio and original multi-track magnetic stereo! Check it out!

[umop apisdn]

Originally Posted by Scottie

I'm reopening the thread since I want to discuss how Criterion is distributing Farewell My Concubine on digital retailers. It may be too early to get your hopes up, but this seems like a good sign that Criterion themselves will be distributing the film (presumably on both 4K and BD) rather than Film Movement.

Had an awful day at work. Thank you for making my day a lot brighter!

[DukeTogo84]

Saw on FB maybe a week or two ago that Film Movement responded with something along the lines of there being a reason why it's taking so long for Farewell My Concubine coming out on BD, but that it will be worth the wait. I just assumed it was because they were doing a 4K, but maybe it's because they sub licensed it out to Criterion? We'll see what's up.

[amputd]

Originally Posted by Professor Echo

Someone contact The New York Times and tell them you think that Japanese people are underrepresented by Criterion lately and it should really be pointed out and the label publicly shamed for it.

Take a breath and reread my post. I was simply making an observation. I did not shame Criterion. I simply said they release fewer Japanese films than they did ten years ago. I also said there might be a good reason for it.

Explain to me how you interpreted my post as shaming.

[tatterdemalion]

Originally Posted by amputd

Take a breath and reread my post. I was simply making an observation. I did not shame Criterion. I simply said they release fewer Japanese films than they did ten years ago. I also said there might be a good reason for it.

Explain to me how you interpreted my post as shaming.

I'm with you. The bringing up of non-movie topics and misinterpretations of posts has kept me not only from posting much, but I actually don't even enjoy reading some threads anymore. This Criterion thread has become one of the more painful to follow.

I, like you, love Japanese films. That's what lead me in the late 80's, when I was buying VHS, to the Janus front flip cover videos of Kurosawa films. Then in the early 90's I started buying their Criterion laserdiscs line, then the DVDs. Now on blu-ray there must be some sort of trouble getting release rights for BD, or maybe just availability to better negatives, that's putting a stall to Japanese films releases, especially from Toho.

I am happy, unlike some commenters when releases are announced, that they still deal with a lot of art-house films, even if they're not ones that I would buy. From the last announcement my only want is I Am Cuba. I already have Picnic at Hanging Rock and I stopped my collecting at BD, so an upgrade to 4kBD is nice for those who buy that format.

[Professor Echo]

Originally Posted by tatterdemalion

I'm with you. The bringing up of non-movie topics and misinterpretations of posts has kept me not only from posting much, but I actually don't even enjoy reading some threads anymore. This Criterion thread has become one of the more painful to follow.

I admit that I have contributed a lot to that incendiary atmosphere of this thread, though I played no part in last night's shut down. My biggest issue with some of the folks who post here in particular, as opposed to other threads on the site, is that they often SEEM to invest such blind, deaf and dumb faith in the label being discussed that I can't wrap any understanding around it and without understanding it's hard to find acceptance of it. I'm a child of the 60's and a natural born ball buster when it comes to people who appear to be sucking up to the establishment, no matter what form it may take or what definition of that word turns out to be. So it does rankle me and I allow it to, often thinking of some contributors here as, at best, teacher's pets and, at worst, just suck ups. I have never ever believed in any company or corporation with 100% devotion and loyalty, it's just not in my nature to express such a trust.

I often think Criterion makes mistakes and then rarely owns up to them unless it's being publicly shamed by another company for somehow not fulfilling their, what?, duty? A physical media company has a duty and responsibility to contribute to the greater good of humankind? Why? Be that as it may, it only made me even more cynical and skeptical about the company, kowtowing in submission for something that have may have been worth discussion, but not public castigation.

Anyway, I do like most of the people who post in this thread and try to focus on them instead of the cheerleaders, but my impatience gets the better of me and far too often. I'm actually glad I wasn't here when the shit hit the fan last night because, unlike some folks, I think, for me incessantly posting negative things makes me exhausted and renders me feeling counter-productive. Still though, I don't want to avoid this thread because there are great folks here and solid info most of the time and it's a pleasure to read all that. I just wish I wasn't so easily baited. Well, I'll work on it.

Ok, well, that was a bunch of off topic nonsense, but I still felt compelled to share it. If you are bored by this wall of words, I don't blame you, and I recommend you check out my earlier review of a rare movie currently playing on the Criterion Channel. And hopefully soon a raving positive review of THE ROARING TWENTIES!

I'm done. Carry on and play nice so the thread doesn't get shut down again and so Scottie can get a good night's rest. I love you all! Maybe.

[Professor Echo]

Originally Posted by amputd

Take a breath and reread my post. I was simply making an observation. I did not shame Criterion. I simply said they release fewer Japanese films than they did ten years ago. I also said there might be a good reason for it.

Explain to me how you interpreted my post as shaming.

No, it had nothing to do with you personally. It was an attempt at being satirical and my intimating that Criterion would probably release more Japanese films if an entity like the NY Times publicly shamed them for not doing it. I only used your quote as a springboard for the satire, otherwise I was not involving you and your post in the equation at all.

[tatterdemalion]

Originally Posted by Professor Echo

I admit that I have contributed a lot to that incendiary atmosphere of this thread, though I played no part in last night's shut down. My biggest issue with some of the folks who post here in particular, as opposed to other threads on the site, is that they often SEEM to invest such blind, deaf and dumb faith in the label being discussed that I can't wrap any understanding around it and without understanding it's hard to find acceptance of it. I'm a child of the 60's and a natural born ball buster when it comes to people who appear to be sucking up to the establishment, no matter what form it may take or what definition of that word turns out to be. So it does rankle me and I allow it to, often thinking of some contributors here as, at best, teacher's pets and, at worst, just suck ups. I have never ever believed in any company or corporation with 100% devotion and loyalty, it's just not in my nature to express such a trust.

I often think Criterion makes mistakes and then rarely owns up to them unless it's being publicly shamed by another company for somehow not fulfilling their, what?, duty? A physical media company has a duty and responsibility to contribute to the greater good of humankind? Why? Be that as it may, it only made me even more cynical and skeptical about the company, kowtowing in submission for something that have may have been worth discussion, but not public castigation.

Anyway, I do like most of the people who post in this thread and try to focus on them instead of the cheerleaders, but my impatience gets the better of me and far too often. I'm actually glad I wasn't here when the shit hit the fan last night because, unlike some folks, I think, for me incessantly posting negative things makes me exhausted and renders me feeling counter-productive. Still though, I don't want to avoid this thread because there are great folks here and solid info most of the time and it's a pleasure to read all that. I just wish I wasn't so easily baited. Well, I'll work on it.

Ok, well, that was a bunch of off topic nonsense, but I still felt compelled to share it. If you are bored by this wall of words, I don't blame you, and I recommend you check out my earlier review of a rare movie currently playing on the Criterion Channel. And hopefully soon a raving positive review of THE ROARING TWENTIES!

I'm done. Carry on and play nice so the thread doesn't get shut down again and so Scottie can get a good night's rest. I love you all! Maybe.

I'm in my mid-50's, so late 60's kid here. It's good. I agree with you. Criterion has fallen from my favorite company to buy movies from to the third. I buy much more Warner Archives and Kino Lorber stuff now. I grabbed exactly three CC titles last year, only one was a recent release.

I'm also not the fanboy type. I can't even imagine buying everything any company releases. I would own so many films that's not to my taste it's ridiculous.

Anyways, bring on Kon Ichikawa's Fires on the Plain or I'm suing!

[DukeTogo84]

Originally Posted by tatterdemalion

Anyways, bring on Kon Ichikawa's Fires on the Plain or I'm suing!

Fires on the Plain is probably my second most wanted DVD upgrade from Criterion behind Samurai Rebellion. It's such a bleak, yet powerful and engrossing experience. It's truly one of the best anti war films ever made and pairs well with The Human Condition. Maybe one day we'll get an upgrade!

[Professor Echo]

Originally Posted by DukeTogo84

Fires on the Plain is probably my second most wanted DVD upgrade from Criterion behind Samurai Rebellion. It's such a bleak, yet powerful and engrossing experience. It's truly one of the best anti war films ever made and pairs well with The Human Condition. Maybe one day we'll get an upgrade!

I saw it as a teenager in a terrific film course I was enrolled in at the local college (while still going to high school during the day). I've never forgotten it, a powerful, powerful movie on every level.

[bergman864]

It'd be interesting to know how long Criterion has had the license for a lot of the films they've released in the last few years. We may never know why Criterion sits on films for so long but there's no way they've just now acquired every title they've been releasing for the last few years.

[Rayjg]

I watched the UHD of After Hours last night. What wonderful little film. I really got a strong EWS vibe this time.

[dig311dug]

Is there a sale from somewhere else that amazon is matching?

[Professor Echo]

Originally Posted by Rayjg

I watched the UHD of After Hours last night. What wonderful little film. I really got a strong EWS vibe this time.

Electrically Wired Scrotum?

[Gacivory]

Originally Posted by dig311dug

Is there a sale from somewhere else that amazon is matching?

Nope they just haven’t unmatched the Barnes and Noble sale.

[Shane Rollins]

Originally Posted by Rayjg

I watched the UHD of After Hours last night. What wonderful little film. I really got a strong EWS vibe this time.

Now you have me wanting to watch EWS again, which I honestly have never said or thought. Both are time capsules of a NYC that’s no longer there. By 1990, a lot of the locations in After Hours were gone or remodeled, and nowadays most if not all locations in the film are gone. And EWS is probably the last NYC film I’ve seen that was made before 9/11. Even though the whole city wasn’t destroyed that day, the city did change. I have the scene of Tom Cruise walking down the street in my head right now, and you feel like NYC is this amazing, magical place. (Perhaps it’s that I’ve never been there, despite living so close.) A mere few years later, the entire mood and environment changed.

And yes, After Hours is a great film. I’ve always felt there was two slates of Scorsese films. One was the ones we all know and love: Mean Streets, Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, Goodfellas, and The Departed. Then there’s the other ones that are still amazing films, but have slipped under the radar over the years: Who’s That Knocking At My Door, Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, The King Of Comedy, After Hours, The Last Temptation Of Christ, and Silence. They’re all great, it’s just that one set of films is way more known than the other. For every 100 people you can find who’ve seen Goodfellas, you’re lucky to find one who’s seen After Hours, or Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, or Silence.

[Professor Echo]

Originally Posted by Shane Rollins

And yes, After Hours is a great film. I’ve always felt there was two slates of Scorsese films. One was the ones we all know and love: Mean Streets, Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, Goodfellas, and The Departed. Then there’s the other ones that are still amazing films, but have slipped under the radar over the years: Who’s That Knocking At My Door, Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, The King Of Comedy, After Hours, The Last Temptation Of Christ, and Silence. They’re all great, it’s just that one set of films is way more known than the other. For every 100 people you can find who’ve seen Goodfellas, you’re lucky to find one who’s seen After Hours, or Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, or Silence.

KUNDUN remains my all time favorite Scorsese picture, followed by THE AGE OF INNOCENCE. With all the major studios so petrified of alienating the market in China these days, I doubt that KUNDUN could be made anymore. Don't miss out on the fantastic KINO Blu set as I really think this is another masterpiece that will rot away in Scrooge McDuck's vault at Disney.