The Criterion Collection

[rkish]

Originally Posted by *DrStrangelove*

I just watched World on a Wire. The pq was good, not great. I'm just glad I now own this great film. One of my biggest pet peeves with older films is when there's like a hair or something on the lens. I noticed the first part of the film had a a lot of those. When they appear I just can't help but just stare at them and feel like its taking me away from the film. It might just be me, but it bugs me. Still love the film thou. Anyone else feel that way?

When you are a big fan of the silents...you get used to it...and a lot worse than the hair on this release?

[KubrickFan]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

I love seeing them from time to time it reminds me I'm seeing something shot on film, not something digitally altered to hell. Enjoy the small blemishes because the future is digital.

Digital cameras still use lenses, so those hairs can still pop up if they don't check properly and/or regularly .

[Fellini912]

Originally Posted by zeroman987

I don't consider "ignorant" an insult, especially when you admitted that you were ignorant on this film. You said that you haven't seen the movie in many years and you only saw it once. The only memory you have of it is "vague". What other word can I use to describe your level of knowledge of the film? How is it an insult to state a fact?

Like I said, I couldn't care less whether you like the film or not. However, you have not given an interpretation at all. You just made a statement about a movie you saw many years ago and don't really remember very well. Maybe you saw the Italian release which was different, shorter and had a different soundtrack.

That has to be the explanation because I can't fathom how anyone who has seen both films could ever reduce Contempt to Breathless without jump cuts. It doesn't even make sense considering how different the two films are. It is like saying that Metropolis is just a silent version of M because they are close temporally and directed by the same person even though the plot, themes and method of filming are totally different.

For example, a major theme in Contempt is the propriety of "selling out". This does not appear in Breathless. Another example is the fact that Contempt features the disintegration of a marriage. Breathless does not. Finally, Contempt attempts a structure similar to the Red Shoes. There is a fictional work in Contempt (the Odyssey) which shares an event/theme with the film (the hero's wife in both works allegedly detests him because he refuses to challenge her suitor(s)). Once again, this is not attempted in Breathless. In addition, Contempt is an adaptation of a book, while Breathless is not.

However, the biggest difference between the films is the fact that Contempt was a commercial endeavor produced by Carlo Ponti and Joseph Levine while Breathless was an experimental film produced by someone who wasn't Carlo Ponti or Joseph Levine.

Contempt might not be the greatest film and it might not be Godard's best film. However, to reduce it to "Breathless without jump cuts" is not at all accurate and not at all indicative of the content or feel of the film.

My main point was about the subpar cinematic technical execution of Godard. Not his best edited; it is very monotonous. I agree that Godard's subject matter is multilayered like all his films. I will revisit the film, to see if I feel any different. I recommend you to scrutinize someone's statement better; and find better choice of words.

[rkish]

Decided to give Despair a shot from B & N with a 20% coup. Watched the first part of World on a Wire and really like it. Got Despair for $23.34 complete...not bad...

[jayputter]

I'm really curious about the Lean/Coward set, but it would be a quadruple blind buy for me. I've only seen David Lean's big epics. Does anyone have any opinion? Is it worth it?

[g.schweet]

Originally Posted by Fellini912

My main point was about the subpar cinematic technical execution of Godard. Not his best edited; it is very monotonous. I will revisit the film, to see if I feel any different. I recommend you to scrutinize someone's statement better; and find better choice of words.

I'm pretty sure that the monotony is one of the things Godard was trying to convey in the long apartment sequence in Contempt.
(spoiled for specifics, but don't think it'd ruin the movie if read before seeing)

[Show spoiler]Near the end of it, a statue is framed in the foreground with its head down looking away (bored if you will) from the two main characters bickering in the background. He knew some of his audience would be disinterested at this point at alludes to it discreetly. The real-time editing used during the scene is justified because this quarrel is the gist of the whole film, the climax, and why Bardot's character formed her feeling of contempt for her husband.

The mise en scène that Godard used in the sequence as whole is truly remarkable and far from subpar, so I would definitely suggest a rewatch if it interests you.

[blg]

Don't know if this has been previously mentioned, but I recently picked up Bad Education and Talk to Her on DVD (Sony Pictures Classics) and would love to see Criterion put out some sort of Almodóvar box set seeing as how none of his movies previous to Volver have been put on Blu-Ray in NA.

[White Dang]

Originally Posted by jayputter

I'm really curious about the Lean/Coward set, but it would be a quadruple blind buy for me. I've only seen David Lean's big epics. Does anyone have any opinion? Is it worth it?

I'm not sure why, but I can't stand Lean...

I watched all those films on netflix lately. I liked Brief Encounter best for its emotional pull.

His films are not groundbreaking imo, but there are some interesting uses of opacity and layered shots in Blithe Spirit.

His war propaganda film might be important historically, but I'd pass if British cinema isn't your niche.

I wouldn't chance it, personally. At least check em' out on netflix instant if they still have them.

Love your avatar btw, i saw him 2 years ago, one of the best nights of my life!

[Hawkguy]

Originally Posted by blg

Don't know if this has been previously mentioned, but I recently picked up Bad Education and Talk to Her on DVD (Sony Pictures Classics) and would love to see Criterion put out some sort of Almodóvar box set seeing as how none of his movies previous to Volver have been put on Blu-Ray in NA.

I would love an Eclipse set of his 80s or 90s films....that would be fantastic. There's still several that never got DVD releases here, and I'd like them to come out whether on blu-ray or not.

[DarkRyder]

I know it won't be a Criterion release, but I would just love a proper blu-ray of the original Scarface. It's such a good movie, and it's current treatment is just shameful.

[P@t_Mtl]

If this keep's up with all these "wishes" releases for Criterion, there won't be anything left to release for the other companies

[octagon]

Originally Posted by P@t_Mtl

If this keep's up with all these "wishes" releases for Criterion, there won't be anything left to release for the other companies

They can have The Game and Life Aquatic

[ccfixx]

Originally Posted by jayputter

I'm really curious about the Lean/Coward set, but it would be a quadruple blind buy for me. I've only seen David Lean's big epics. Does anyone have any opinion? Is it worth it?

If it's worth anything, which it isn't, I'd take Lean's British films over those Hollywood epics any day of the week. I'm not just talking about the upcoming Lean/Coward set, either. Everything from In Which We Serve in 1942 to Hobson's Choice in 1954. Definitely check out the two Dickens adaptations, as well.

[Fellini912]

Originally Posted by g.schweet

I'm pretty sure that the monotony is one of the things Godard was trying to convey in the long apartment sequence in Contempt.
(spoiled for specifics, but don't think it'd ruin the movie if read before seeing)

[Show spoiler]Near the end of it, a statue is framed in the foreground with its head down looking away (bored if you will) from the two main characters bickering in the background. He knew some of his audience would be disinterested at this point at alludes to it discreetly. The real-time editing used during the scene is justified because this quarrel is the gist of the whole film, the climax, and why Bardot's character formed her feeling of contempt for her husband.

The mise en scène that Godard used in the sequence as whole is truly remarkable and far from subpar, so I would definitely suggest a rewatch if it interests you.

Better said than zeroman. I will watch the film again. Thanks for the comment.

[SpiderBaby]

Originally Posted by rkish

Decided to give Despair a shot from B & N with a 20% coup. Watched the first part of World on a Wire and really like it. Got Despair for $23.34 complete...not bad...

one of my favs. Hope ya like it. Are you familiar with Fassbinder's over the top characters? If so, you'll enjoy it.

[IronWaffle]

Originally Posted by White Dang

Love your avatar btw, i saw him 2 years ago, one of the best nights of my life!

I've been really curious about that image of Nick Cave, so I just Googled it and found it attached to a story about his rejected pitch for a Gladiator sequel

[jayputter]

Originally Posted by IronWaffle

I've been really curious about that image of Nick Cave, so I just Googled it and found it attached to a story about his rejected pitch for a Gladiator sequel

The script is floating around online. It's well worth checking out. Crazy! I'd definitely pay to see that movie.

[drbikeshorts]

Originally Posted by DarkRyder

I know it won't be a Criterion release, but I would just love a proper blu-ray of the original Scarface. It's such a good movie, and it's current treatment is just shameful.

God yes!
I'd love more Hawks on blu-ray: Scarface, His Girl Friday, Bringing Up Baby and The Big Sleep.

[SpiderBaby]

Originally Posted by drbikeshorts

God yes!
I'd love more Hawks on blu-ray: Scarface, His Girl Friday, Bringing Up Baby and The Big Sleep.

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes is my #1 Hawks film I want on blu-ray. Those colors. Don't care for the film that much though.

[oildude]

Originally Posted by DarkRyder

I know it won't be a Criterion release, but I would just love a proper blu-ray of the original Scarface. It's such a good movie, and it's current treatment is just shameful.

There is an extra on the blu-ray of All Quiet on the Western Front where they discuss restoring Universal classics. At the end of the piece, there is a list of films they are currently working or have completed for release on blu-ray. Scarface is one of them (edit: see my note below).

And for Universal monsters fans, also on the list were Dracula, Frankenstein, Bride of Frankenstein, The Mummy, Creature from the Black Lagoon, The Invisible Man, and The Wolfman.

Judging by the quality of All Quiet on the Western Front, and the scenes shown in the restoration documentary of these films, they are going to look spectacular.

EDIT: After reviewing the list on the disc again, it looks like I am an idiot and am guilty of wishful "reading". It is the Brian DePalma remake of Scarface, not the original. Sorry for getting any hopes up needlessly, including mine.