The Criterion Collection

[SpiderBaby]

Originally Posted by neo78956

Off topic, but did anyone see Inception this weekend? I've seen it 3 times now and I thought it was a masterstroke of cinema. That Christopher Nolan could take a high concept studio tent-pole summer blockbuster and turn it into his most personal film yet is something of a miracle. I'm so glad we have auteurs like Nolan working today who are able to bridge the gap between cinephiles and mainstream average movie-goers so well.

Masterstroke, I wouldn't call it that. But I'm not going to say I didn't enjoy it. It was really good. Nolan, though is being praised by many internet people as "the greatest film director", is a little overhyped by that statement, just for the fact the man made a couple of bat flicks so they "have to like" everything he does. One thing he is though, is prob the best blockbuster making filmmaker in Hollywood by a longshot and that is from his teasing way of storytelling, which is a positive for me. His mix of action and story is clever, and that is what makes him great in what he does.

But #3 film of all-time on IMDB? Come on now. That is the perfect case of hype for a movie 2 years down the road these people will have nothing to do with, because guess what? What they really want (Batman 3) will be out, and that will slide into the "BEST MOVIE EVER" spot.

I for one like this movie more than his Batman films.

[ChadFL]

Originally Posted by CassavetesGodard

Masterstroke, I wouldn't call it that. But I'm not going to say I didn't enjoy it. It was really good. Nolan, though is being praised by many internet people as "the greatest film director", is a little overhyped by that statement, just for the fact the man made a couple of bat flicks so they "have to like" everything he does. One thing he is though, is prob the best blockbuster making filmmaker in Hollywood by a longshot and that is from his teasing way of storytelling, which is a positive for me. His mix of action and story is clever, and that is what makes him great in what he does.

But #3 film of all-time on IMDB? Come on now. That is the perfect case of hype for a movie 2 years down the road these people will have nothing to do with, because guess what? What they really want (Batman 3) will be out, and that will slide into the "BEST MOVIE EVER" spot.

I for one like this movie more than his Batman films.

I'd already call him one of the better Directors around today. The Dark Knight, Batman Begins, The Prestige and Memento all range betwen very good to among my favorite films of all-time. His only film I really consider a complete turd sandwich was Insomnia. Havn't seen Inception so can't speak on that film yet.

[Belloche]

Originally Posted by CassavetesGodard

Masterstroke, I wouldn't call it that. But I'm not going to say I didn't enjoy it. It was really good. Nolan, though is being praised by many internet people as "the greatest film director", is a little overhyped by that statement, just for the fact the man made a couple of bat flicks so they "have to like" everything he does. One thing he is though, is prob the best blockbuster making filmmaker in Hollywood by a longshot and that is from his teasing way of storytelling, which is a positive for me. His mix of action and story is clever, and that is what makes him great in what he does.

But #3 film of all-time on IMDB? Come on now. That is the perfect case of hype for a movie 2 years down the road these people will have nothing to do with, because guess what? What they really want (Batman 3) will be out, and that will slide into the "BEST MOVIE EVER" spot.

I for one like this movie more than his Batman films.

I really enjoyed Inception but the need of some people to declare a brand new movie the greatest ever is beyond me. They did the same thing with The Dark Knight, Avatar, and Titanic. some people seem easily swayed to me.

[ccfixx]

Originally Posted by neo78956

Seven Samurai will more than likely be a clear case since it looks to be a one disc set, but retaining all of the features of the epic 3 disc restored version from a couple years ago. This of course, is because it's possible to put the entire film in a blu-ray transfer plus all the special features on one disc due to the huge capacity of a BD.the gap between cinephiles and mainstream average movie-goers so well.

So, if Criterion put the 3-disc DVD set of "The Leopard" on two blu-ray discs, then you're expecting them to put a 3-disc DVD set of "Seven Samurai" on one blu-ray? How does that make any sense? Obviously, it doesn't make sense to do that and you must not ever look on Criterion's site to know that "Seven Samurai" is already slated to be a 2-disc blu-ray set just like "The Leopard." You do realize that a single blu-ray disc isn't capable of handling a 3-hour film and a multitude of supplements without sacrificing A/V quality, right? And, I'm 99% sure that the packaging for "Seven Samurai" will be the same cardboard slipcover packaging as "The Leopard."

CC

[neo78956]

Originally Posted by CassavetesGodard

Masterstroke, I wouldn't call it that. But I'm not going to say I didn't enjoy it. It was really good. Nolan, though is being praised by many internet people as "the greatest film director", is a little overhyped by that statement, just for the fact the man made a couple of bat flicks so they "have to like" everything he does. One thing he is though, is prob the best blockbuster making filmmaker in Hollywood by a longshot and that is from his teasing way of storytelling, which is a positive for me. His mix of action and story is clever, and that is what makes him great in what he does.

But #3 film of all-time on IMDB? Come on now. That is the perfect case of hype for a movie 2 years down the road these people will have nothing to do with, because guess what? What they really want (Batman 3) will be out, and that will slide into the "BEST MOVIE EVER" spot.

I for one like this movie more than his Batman films.

Well of course it's not the 3rd greatest film of all time. Who honestly pays attention to IMDB rankings? RT Meters? Metacritic Scores? Trying to quantify art is silly. I wouldn't say Nolan is the best filmmaker ever, but he's certainly one of modern cinema's great visionaries. The best way to describe him is a blockbuster auteur. But really, there is a of course a lot of people who were introduced to him from the Batman reboot, but that doesn't lessen the impact of his filmography. If I were to rank his films based solely on personal preference and impact they had on me, it would be like this.

1. Inception
2. The Dark Knight
3. The Prestige
4. Memento
5. Batman Begins
6. Insomnia
7. Following

Honestly, I only consider the first two masterpieces, though Memento is something of a modern classic these days. But I agree there's a lot of silly hype around him, but it's perfectly possible for people like me to be more level headed about it and still think he's one of the best working directors today. I think Batman Begins and Insomnia in particular have some major problems in the writing and Batman Begins suffers from a build up of a brilliant first half that then delves into standard David Goyer screenwriting with a somewhat silly McGuffin. Insomnia suffers from an iffy script that doesn't fully explore the morality themes it brings up half-heartedly in the first hour, but Nolan didn't write that one so I won't dock him for the screenwriting portion of it.

[neo78956]

Originally Posted by ccfixx

So, if Criterion put the 3-disc DVD set of "The Leopard" on two blu-ray discs, then you're expecting them to put a 3-disc DVD set of "Seven Samurai" on one blu-ray? How does that make any sense? Obviously, it doesn't make sense to do that and you must not ever look on Criterion's site to know that "Seven Samurai" is already slated to be a 2-disc blu-ray set just like "The Leopard." You do realize that a single blu-ray disc isn't capable of handling a 3-hour film and a multitude of supplements without sacrificing A/V quality, right? And, I'm 99% sure that the packaging for "Seven Samurai" will be the same cardboard slipcover packaging as "The Leopard."

CC

No need to get hostile. I just now noticed the 2 disc thing for Seven Samurai, so I stand corrected.

[SpiderBaby]

I know I may sound like I'm bashing Nolan, which I'm not. Just the hype.

Let's face it, the reason this movie is popular (and this is the truth):

1. Chris Nolan directed the Dark Knight.

2. There has been this "hard on" for Joseph Gordon-Levitt ever since Ledger passed (which is sad, because I really like both actors). His name was some hit thing for fanboys wanting him to play the Joker in place of Ledger. Don't bash me on this, because it's the truth. All of these people had nothing to do with Levitt until his name started to get attention a couple years ago, now they act "cool" because they are now fans.

3. Ellen Page (who by the way, is really good in this film)

4. Summer Blockbuster

With all that said, it's just the hype that gets on my nerves. The film was great. Give it time to say it's a masterpiece.

P.S., Tom Hardy, Marion Cotillard, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Ellen Page was all great in this film.

[Blu Titan]

Hey guys,

I really respect the opinion of the people that contribute in this thread. I am thinking of getting The Leopard as it appears to be a movie I would enjoy. Just wanted to get some feedback from the experts here. Thanks.

[neo78956]

Originally Posted by CassavetesGodard

I know I may sound like I'm bashing Nolan, which I'm not. Just the hype.

Let's face it, the reason this movie is popular (and this is the truth):

1. Chris Nolan directed the Dark Knight.

2. There has been this "hard on" for Joseph Gordon-Levitt ever since Ledger passed (which is sad, because I really like both actors). His name was some hit thing for fanboys wanting him to play the Joker in place of Ledger. Don't bash me on this, because it's the truth. All of these people had nothing to do with Levitt until his name started to get attention a couple years ago, now they act "cool" because their now fans.

3. Ellen Page (who by the way, is really good in this film)

4. Summer Blockbuster

With all that said, it's just the hype that gets on my nerves. The film was great. Give it time to say it's a masterpiece.

I can definitely see why hype would get to you. I think the reason I use the word masterstroke (not masterpiece, masterstroke) is because after having seen it three times, it holds up so well and rewards repeat viewings like no other. If you take away the hype factors it's still a fantastic film. But it's not as if the film didn't have buzz factors going for it. My take on hype is when something this unique and extraordinary comes out, particularly when it's a mainstream film, people are gonna go nuts. The best you can do is try to tune out the hype and find intelligent people to have genuine and smart discussion about the film itself.

[ChadFL]

Originally Posted by CassavetesGodard

I know I may sound like I'm bashing Nolan, which I'm not. Just the hype.

Let's face it, the reason this movie is popular (and this is the truth):

1. Chris Nolan directed the Dark Knight.

2. There has been this "hard on" for Joseph Gordon-Levitt ever since Ledger passed (which is sad, because I really like both actors). His name was some hit thing for fanboys wanting him to play the Joker in place of Ledger. Don't bash me on this, because it's the truth. All of these people had nothing to do with Levitt until his name started to get attention a couple years ago, now they act "cool" because their now fans.

3. Ellen Page (who by the way, is really good in this film)

4. Summer Blockbuster

With all that said, it's just the hype that gets on my nerves. The film was great. Give it time to say it's a masterpiece.

All this film is missing from CG's pet peeve list is Steven Spielberg and Wes Anderson being involved.

Seriously though, I feel you. I think there's still an excessive amount of love for Nolan due to his directing The Dark Knight. I consider him a top-tier director but not quite at the level is respect he's getting. He's sort of the "it" director of the moment kinda like Spielberg once was.

[SpiderBaby]

Originally Posted by neo78956

My take on hype is when something this unique and extraordinary comes out, particularly when it's a mainstream film, people are gonna go nuts. The best you can do is try to tune out the hype and find intelligent people to have genuine and smart discussion about the film itself.

That's why I'm posting my review for it in a Criterion thread and not the Inception thread in the movie page.

It for sure is going to get a repeated viewing from me (and most likely purchase), but I don't know if I am going back to the cinemas to see it. Not because of the movie, but all of the teens in the place talking and flipping cell phones the whole time. I'm only 21 (22 in 2 weeks) and I feel like the old guy who complains about kids. But I was never the cell phone jerk, so I guess thats why I feel that way.

[SpiderBaby]

Originally Posted by ChadFL

All this film is missing from CG's pet peeve list is Steven Spielberg and Wes Anderson being involved.

Seriously though, I feel you. I think there's still an excessive amount of love for Nolan due to his directing The Dark Knight. I consider him a top-tier director but not quite at the level is respect he's getting. He's sort of the "it" director of the moment kinda like Spielberg once was.

Spielberg doesn't touch Nolan. But I agree, he is the "it" director because he has studios backing him up and it helps he has a comic book fanbase buying everything with his name on it. I wonder what would happen if he does a crappy Batman 3, then what?

But unlike Spielberg, even though Nolan's hype is way out of hand, atleast I agree he is great.

I will give Spielberg credit though for what he does best. Make money baby!

[ChadFL]

Originally Posted by CassavetesGodard

Spielberg doesn't touch Nolan. But I agree, he is the "it" director because he has studios backing him up and it helps he has a comic book fanbase buying everything with his name on it.

But unlike Spielberg, even though Nolan's hype is way out of hand, atleast I agree he is great.

The problem I see is "it" directors seem to have a bad record in getting lazy after achieving mainstream fame. Spielberg was a good example because I think most would agree his early films were very good. Unfortunately I believe he got soft and started "playing it safe" after he turned out a few early gems and his more recent works were underwhelming to say the least. Heck, one of Spielberg's future films is going to be about a unicorn or some such nonsense. I really hope that doesn't happen with Nolan.

[SpiderBaby]

Originally Posted by ChadFL

The problem I see is "it" directors seem to have a bad record in getting lazy after achieving mainstream fame. Spielberg was a good example because I think most would agree his early films were very good. Unfortunately I believe he got soft and started "playing it safe" after he turned out a few early gems and his more recent works were underwhelming to say the least. Heck, one of Spielberg's future films is going to be about a unicorn or some such nonsense. I really hope that doesn't happen with Nolan.

Yeah, isn't that Spielberg movie suppose to take place like around WWI? I can see his next Oscar.

I grew up on Batman, and while I think Nolan is one of the best Hollywood directors working today, I hope he ends Batman on a good note. I am also interested in seeing who he will cast as the villain. There is so much good choices from this Inception movie if he goes that route. JGL? Tom Hardy? Marion Cotillard?

[neo78956]

Originally Posted by CassavetesGodard

Yeah, isn't that Spielberg movie suppose to take place like around WWI? I can see his next Oscar.

I grew up on Batman, and while I think Nolan is one of the best Hollywood directors working today, I hope he ends Batman on a good note. I am also interested in seeing who he will cast as the villain. There is so much good choices from this Inception movie if he goes that route. JGL? Tom Hardy? Marion Cotillard?

Nolan said re: Batman 3 that this will be the definite conclusion to the saga, no more sequels afterwards, which makes me think that he and Jonah are working really hard on the script to make sure it provides the emotionally satisfying conclusion it deserves. As far as villains go, I'd like to see either Tom Hardy or Michael C. Hall (assuming his schedule is free after he finishes shooting this coming season of Dexter and his cancer is definitely in remission) play Riddler or some villain. Have you seen Bronson? Hardy is brilliant in that. Very Clockwork Orange kind of vibe to it IMO. Marion would make a good Catwoman, and I think that Nolan has definitely found his femme fatale in her. I think it would actually be kind of cool to see DiCaprio play a villain in a Nolan film. Has he ever played a villain before? He was pretty despicable in Revolutionary Road, but not a villain or antagonist, since he really did love his wife and kids, but he was a womanizer and a coward.

I would like to see Nolan return to smaller films like Memento and The Prestige after he finishes Batman 3. I love the way he builds atmospher and tension in The Prestige, no doubt thanks in great part to Wally Pfister, Nathan Crowley, and David Julyan.

[italy12]

Originally Posted by Juiceboxjerry

Not sure what kind of taste in movies you have, but I will say that I don't consider myself a fan of ballet, and I loved it.

Regarding the sale, for all of you in-store shoppers, what's your experience been like going to Barnes and Noble on release day? Do they normally have the newest titles on the day they're released? Are there usually several copies of everything, or only one or two? I think I'm gonna have to take my lazy *** out of the house to shop for once. I don't feel like waiting a week to get my hands on some of these films.

It usually depended on the title for me...when Mystery Train was released, they did not have it at all. I had them order it for an in-store pick up and I received an email a day later saying my order could not be fulfilled. Only during this 50% off sale was I able to get an in-store order submitted and fulfilled. Now, of course, they have one in stock.

I went in on Monday of this week, and the employee who I befriended throughout the B2G1 sale was working. She was excited to show me the copies of The Red Shoes and Black Narcissus they had waiting to be put on shelves for Tuesday's release. So naturally, I walk in today, only to find The Red Shoes gone. The employee told me that after I left on Monday, she saw that someone else had ordered one to be held for them, and that was their only copy, so with me in mind, she ordered more for their store. She said they should be in within 3 or 4 days.

As soon as the 50% off sale started, I noticed in my B&N, the Criterion was almost triple in size. Before, they only had 1 copy of certain films, they now had 2 and 3 copies of just about all of the Criterion BDs (except OOP titles). The only one I didn't see was A Christmas Tale. Today was the first time I saw Mystery Train in stock as well.

I would love if the Criterion section stayed that size for a long time as the months go on and more titles are released. I think there only 2 BDs in August (Black Orpheus & Crumb), but between Sept. and Oct...9 titles!!

-Dave

[SpiderBaby]

Originally Posted by neo78956

Nolan said re: Batman 3 that this will be the definite conclusion to the saga, no more sequels afterwards, which makes me think that he and Jonah are working really hard on the script to make sure it provides the emotionally satisfying conclusion it deserves. As far as villains go, I'd like to see either Tom Hardy or Michael C. Hall (assuming his schedule is free after he finishes shooting this coming season of Dexter and his cancer is definitely in remission) play Riddler or some villain. Have you seen Bronson? Hardy is brilliant in that. Very Clockwork Orange kind of vibe to it IMO. Marion would make a good Catwoman, and I think that Nolan has definitely found his femme fatale in her. I think it would actually be kind of cool to see DiCaprio play a villain in a Nolan film. Has he ever played a villain before? He was pretty despicable in Revolutionary Road, but not a villain or antagonist, since he really did love his wife and kids, but he was a womanizer and a coward.

Marion Cotillard for Catwoman would be my #1. Though I believe they will have 2 villains from the comic books again (has 2-3 on the past 2 films).
Tom Hardy would be good for Riddler or some people are saying a character named Black Mask.
JGL could pull off Riddler, but Joker would of been the obvious. Though didn't Nolan said no to recasting of the Joker? If he had intended to have the Joker in the 3rd one, I say go for it. Recast! I love Ledger, but Joker is a character that isn't owned by anyone. Heck Jack Nicholson's Joker has been outshined.

Wow, I sound geeky. Oh well, screw you all that hates Batman. Who doesn't like f'n Batman?

[italy12]

Originally Posted by Volume11

I think that rule has changed for this sale. All of my local B&Ns have been replenished at least once and have around two copies out of everything + display caps or counter caps. According to the employees I somewhat talk with its doing way better than the XMAS sale so corporate is making sure the stores are being restocked and the shelves are plentiful. Again, this is just in my area, though as I can;t comment on the rest of the nation.

Hickory, NC baby!! 2-3 copies of each title!!

Where is everyone else from? Ever curious to know if any one of the posters here are stealing your BDs from under your nose at the local B&N?

The lady who works at the DVD/music area told me that they have some regular Criterion BD shoppers who have been frequenting the store during the last 2 months' sales. I can see why they need to stock up!

-Dave

[ChadFL]

Originally Posted by CassavetesGodard

Marion Cotillard for Catwoman would be my #1. Though I believe they will have 2 villains from the comic books again (has 2-3 on the past 2 films).
Tom Hardy would be good for Riddler or some people are saying a character named Black Mask.
JGL could pull off Riddler, but Joker would of been the obvious. Though didn't Nolan said no to recasting of the Joker? If he had intended to have the Joker in the 3rd one, I say go for it. Recast! I love Ledger, but Joker is a character that isn't owned by anyone. Heck Jack Nicholson's Joker has been outshined.

Wow, I sound geeky. Oh well, screw you all that hates Batman. Who doesn't like f'n Batman?

Two words: George Clooney.

[SpiderBaby]

Originally Posted by ChadFL

Two words: George Clooney.

George Clooney is trying his hardest to be like Cary Grant. Anybody else notice this besides me?