The Criterion Collection

[The Great Owl]

Originally Posted by P@t_Mtl

From the image that was in your post back a few pages, I first figured it was the 1954 version that was going to be release which I would go for. I have no interest in the 1994 version. No offense to anyone but it's one of the most over hyped, boring, piece of crapoid ever put on film

The 1994 version of Queen Margot stars Isabelle Adjani, and, as such, is beyond reproach.


I am going back to the gutter now where I belong. Resume your regular scheduled programming...

[Cinemach]

Originally Posted by SammyJankis

I wasn't crazy about it on my initial viewing, but I've been having the itch to watch Red Desert lately. Maybe it's just because I can't resist Vitti's beauty in gorgeous color. Think I'll pop it in today.

Was going to answer this...

Originally Posted by SammyJankis

Red Desert improves with each viewing. I'm not sure if it's my favorite Antonioni, but it's certainly up there (need to give L'Eclisse another viewing). Certainly one of the greatest color films ever (and most of the colors are muted!). It probably best defines Antonioni and Vitti's thematic concern.

...but you've responded pretty much after your re-watch, it looks like. Red Desert is definitely a get-betterer type of film.

Except I'd argue that it is L'Eclisse - your next re-watch assignment, haha - that serves not only as the apex of the Antonioni/Vitti collaboration, but of Antonioni's cinematic form as well. It provides the most devastating central relationship in the so-called quadrilogy, with an ending that proves the microcosm of the series' themes of alienation and existentialism in 7 gripping minutes.

Originally Posted by Tin Drum

I actually think she is very popular with the indie crowd but, unfortunately, she has not and probably will never top what she did with Lost In Translation. Unlike Wes Anderson (who I really like btw), though, she is at least trying to mix it up. However, I think her subsequent films after LIT have been subpar.

She might not ever top Lost in Translation, which is not a slight at all because there are many filmmakers working who won't, that being a measure of just how great that film is...but I disagree here about her subsequent work. Somewhere, while not reaching the highs of Lost..., is a very worthwhile venture that easily plays as a companion piece to that film: turning the lens more points inward than focusing on the external relationships between people and setting. Though both pictures feature a blend of these focii.

I look forward to The Bling Ring exploring similar themes of isolation and celebrity. There's actually probably not a film I'm looking forward to more through the summer, except perhaps Refn's Only God Forgives. It's appropriate that Coppola, Sofia has come up in conversation recently with Antonioni because she's certainly a cinematic progeny of his, much moreso than of her father's.

And who's the better filmmaker of that pair right now, haha.

[Edward J Grug III]

I don't really have enough Criterions, or enough variety between them to list a top ten yet.

My favourite three so far are:

Night of the Hunter
Wages of Fear
Life and Death of Col Blimp (which was a big surprise - I thought it would be fun, but it's quite a moving picture too!)

Our baby let us sleep pretty well last night, so I will try to knock up some thoughts on 12 Angry Men today.

[shortmartin]

Here's my Criterion top ten. Like many of you, hard to narrow it down, and not limited to blu.

1. On the Waterfront
2. Knife in the Water
3. Murmur of the Heart
4. Armarcord
5. Harlan County USA
6. Paths of Glory
7. Beauty and the Beast
8. The Shop on Main Street
9. Naked
10. Ascent

Others would be World on a Wire, My Own Private Idaho, Robocop, Last Temptation, I Am Curious, and Kes.

[drbikeshorts]

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

I've never seen Soderbergh's Solaris. I should give it a try someday.

I heartily recommend Soderbergh's Solaris. I think I prefer it to the Tarkovsky version (which is on my list for a re-watch).
Definitely hoping for an upgrade of the Soderbergh version. Would look and sound amazing in HD.
My DVD copy has a really interesting commentary with Soderbergh and James Cameron (who produced it).

[drbikeshorts]

Originally Posted by hoytereden

It's nitpicking but, The New World has one of the worst cover art designs. Makes it look like an action film! I have the Advance 1 sheet poster (don't know how to post photos here but it's the one with the Native Americans looking out to sea) and it's much more in keeping with the tone of the film.

Yep, the cover for The New World is ridiculous. But so was the trailer.
Which can be linked the conversation about Soderbergh's Solaris being a flop as well, partly because it had a trailer that portrayed it as an action film.
I guess it's hard to even get a studio to put up big money for films like these and they have to do anything to recoup their costs.

[rkish]

Originally Posted by Roninblues

At least I don't tell everyone what they must buy or ask questions that the search function would answer or ask strangers what I should buy.

Agreed!

[Edward J Grug III]

Originally Posted by Roninblues

At least I don't tell everyone what they must buy or ask questions that the search function would answer or ask strangers what I should buy.

The first two, fair enough, but I can't see anything wrong with asking people their thoughts on movies or directors you are curious about.

[hoytereden]

My daughter's care package with the recent oop titles arrived yesterday.Five out of the six I've never seen before. Mafioso is the only film I've watched before but that was on TCM. Kinda strange getting a couple of DVDs for the first time in ages. Good times ahead!

[Quad]

Does Criterion ever say how long they will keep a title in print? Some films seem to come and go in a heartbeat. Wish they would let us know in advance how long they'll be selling a title. If they go by what they have in stock I wish they would give more of a heads up.

[brandon_260]

Carlos is truly fantastic. I don't have time right now, but I'll be digging into these supplements throughout the day tomorrow. I've already ordered a DVD copy of Boarding Gate, can't wait to watch that one. Apres Mai is also opening here this month. I may have to bite my tongue on the Dardennes being my favorite French language directors after I get through his filmography if the rest of it is up to par with Carlos and Summer Hours.

[Edward J Grug III]

Originally Posted by Quad

Does Criterion ever say how long they will keep a title in print? Some films seem to come and go in a heartbeat. Wish they would let us know in advance how long they'll be selling a title. If they go by what they have in stock I wish they would give more of a heads up.

My understanding is they try to keep everything in print unless they lose the rights.

[Hawkguy]

Originally Posted by Edward J Grug III

My understanding is they try to keep everything in print unless they lose the rights.

Yup, they won't voluntarily take something OOP unless if they're planning on re-releasing it soon.

[Quad]

Originally Posted by Edward J Grug III

My understanding is they try to keep everything in print unless they lose the rights.

Thanks for the info. I wish I knew more about their deals with the studios and how they're structured. I don't see any rhyme or reason to how its done. From the outside looking in its hard to know what title to buy first. I really wanted to get some Jean-Pierre Melville films but some are already out of print. Guess I have to be quick on the draw.

[Edward J Grug III]

Originally Posted by Quad

Thanks for the info. I wish I knew more about their deals with the studios and how they're structured. I don't see any rhyme or reason to how its done. From the outside looking in its hard to know what title to buy first. I really wanted to get some Jean-Pierre Melville films but some are already out of print. Guess I have to be quick on the draw.

If you have an all regions player, I believe they are mostly still in print in the UK.

Otherwise, hopefully they'll come back into print soon.

[Edward J Grug III]

Originally Posted by Roninblues

Asking questions is how we gather data to make judgements. "What should I buy?", allows others to do your thinking for you. This isn't a right or wrong issue but to me it indicates an inability to come to a conclusion. There are enough people in the world directing the many details of our lives over which we have no control and to let someone who doesn't know me, nor I them, spend my money on what they think I should watch makes no sense. I truly hope those that choose that approach really enjoy what they end up with. Sorry if you took offense.

I didn't take any offense, I've never done it myself (and wouldn't have taken it personally even if I did), I just thought it was a weird thing to get down on someone for.

Maybe they want to experience cinema blind (which is a very exciting way to approach a film, btw) and feel it might be a safer bet to see what a common consensus is in the group or whatever.

[Quad]

Originally Posted by Edward J Grug III

If you have an all regions player, I believe they are mostly still in print in the UK.

Otherwise, hopefully they'll come back into print soon.

Excellent. I don't have a multi region player but I'm planning on getting one.
Might get an OPPO if I can find a good deal.

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by brandon_260

Carlos is truly fantastic. I don't have time right now, but I'll be digging into these supplements throughout the day tomorrow. I've already ordered a DVD copy of Boarding Gate, can't wait to watch that one. Apres Mai is also opening here this month. I may have to bite my tongue on the Dardennes being my favorite French language directors after I get through his filmography if the rest of it is up to par with Carlos and Summer Hours.

Boarding Gate very much looks like an Assayas film, but in many ways it reminded me of Soderbergh, specifically his playfulness with genre. If that turns you off, I promise you this though, even if the narrative doesn't entirely grab you, Asia Argento's performance will. She's outstanding in the film.

[*DrStrangelove*]

[http://www.criterion.com/lists/89831...terion-blurays

I made this list before Badlands came out. I need to add that somewhere.

=iScottie;7496022]What are your Top 10 lists? I'm doing mine strictly from Blu-ray, but feel free to include whatever.

1. The Double Life of Veronique - I can't even describe how wonderful it is.
2. Revanche - One of the best modern films that I've seen. Raw and full of suspense strictly through the characters' body language.
3. 12 Angry Men - The best courtroom drama to date.
4. Lonesome - A short, yet wonderful romantic short film. It can convey a lot of emotions in the viewer without any words.
5. Three Colors Trilogy - Three films dealing with individuals down on their luck and how they are all connected.
6. Antichrist - One of the deepest films I've seen to date.
7. Fish Tank - Not the traditional film about broken homes.
8. Le Cercle Rouge - Excellent film about three individuals who cross paths and the end results.
9. The 400 Blows - A wonderful portrait of a young man without attention and his path toward self destruction.
10. Belle de Jour / Traffic - A tie between a lonely, masochistic woman and a tale about drugs and their influence on the world.

[tomahawk]

my top ten (DVD & Blu)

1) The Docks of New York
2) Berlin Alexanderplatz
3) Stagecoach
4) Gertrud
5) The Killing of a Chinese Bookie
6) Contempt
7) The Flowers of St. Francis
8) Kiss Me Deadly
9) Antichrist
10) The Friends of Eddie Coyle