The Criterion Collection

[The Bronx Bull]

Originally Posted by JJJ225

I don't really like horror movies, but I love Rosemary's Baby. Gold standard for the genre.

Or The Shining.

[bstv69]

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

One of the things that I really enjoy about Rosemary's Baby is that it puts a supernatural horror spin on the real-life apprehension that pregnant women must feel when they are unsure about who to trust in terms of advice about nutrition and health. Right now, in 2014, when we are besieged by medical websites like Web MD or Mayo Clinic that inadvertently cater to paranoid hypochondria, and when anti-vaccination mentalities and new age junk science outlets run amok, this aspect of Rosemary's Baby is probably even more unsettling than it was the movie was released.

Rosemary is not stupid. She is just a normal woman who is dealing with conflicting advice from everyone around her. That's what makes this a great movie that everyone on Earth can relate to.

I suppose, I am in the medical field so i guess stuff like that is just common sense to me so the whole time I was like gosh this lady is a moron, obviously something is not alright. But like I said I understand the merit of this film and think its great if one can watch it multiple times and enjoy it. I liked it, but also found parts to grind my gears, that is all.

[bstv69]

Originally Posted by The Bronx Bull

Or The Shining.

See there is a 'horror' I did enjoy, I could not think of one of the top of my head but I found that movie to be great.

[Meek12345]

Originally Posted by bwdowiak

Wow! Surprised to see that...

1) many of you don't watch the supplements or don't watch many of them.

I don't watch many of them either. I usually have the intent to watch some of them, but don't often get around to it. In most cases, after spending 2 hours or so with a film, even if it was a good one, the last thing I want to do is watch featurettes, making of's, discussions w/ cinematographers, etc.

also surprised that 2) some of you allude to having to scrap and claw to find some time to actually enjoy a movie.. again - same here!! if I see 2 - 3 movies in a week, than I am pleased.

my wife and I have watched a few "epic" length films over the past few weeks and have split them up into 2 days - like Tin Drum mentioned.

1) Usually I'll just watch the shorter special features(trailer, "making of") the first time around. After 2 hours with one film I need to move on to the next, if I ever want to catch up with titles on the DVR and unwatched blu-rays. I enjoyed Investigation of a Citizen Above Suspicion so much that I watched all 3 documentaries on the director, lead actor, and music composer right after watching the movie. Normally, I would wait until my second viewing of the film to really dive into the special features, which includes watching the film with audio commentary. I love special features that give me a better understanding of the film-making process, so I try to make time for them. I now realize I'm some sort of oddball for feeling that way.

2) If a movie is longer than 90 minutes, I may have to watch it over 2 nights. Every now and then I get lucky, and have an entire night to watch a film and special features. I plan on viewing The Human Condition for a second time later this year. I should probably break it up into 6 sittings instead of 3 like last time. The 9 hour run time is divided into 3 films, but it is difficult to find a 3 hour time slot to really devote to this film.

[Polaroid]

I have so much praise for Criterion right now - had a few damaged products from 3rd party sellers and couldn't get replacements/issue resolved.

However thanks to Criterion for their superb replacement service, even for me in UK $5 and they send me the require packaging, brilliantly packed, fast delivery and very friendly service over email.

Such a shame they don't open market to more countries via website as I have had nothing but incredible service despite being a UK customer who can't actually shop directly from them - they could easily not replace the damaged goods cause I didn't buy from them... I know I am paying but $5 is nothing tbh, $5 just got me replacement Shoah (incredible packaging and can't wait to delve into this doc) digipak casing (full).

[AnamorphicWidescreen]

Originally Posted by brandon_260

It's crazy to me that there are people who will pay the price for a Criterion release without much interest in the supplements. I don't watch them all and have never listened to one commentary, but there are so many great features and interviews spread across the collection that give so much insight. There are some film makers/critics that if I see they have contributed something, I'm more prone to buy it (Scorsese, Soderbergh, Kent Jones).

This is just me, but I have very little interest in supplements - when I buy a Blu/DVD I'm primarily interested in the film itself & the film's PQ - IMHO everything else is just gravy. A lot of this is because I honestly don't have time to watch all of the films I want to see, so I definitely don't have time to watch most extras. I will say that it does bug me sometimes when a Blu/DVD doesn't include at least the trailer. However, these days you can find many trailers online, so that's not a big deal anymore either....

Re: Rosemary's Baby, I felt the film was sub-par; IMHO Mia Farrow was mis-cast, and the film suffered because of this.

Conversely, the novel by Ira Levin is an underrated masterpiece. I read the novel first & was expecting a lot from the movie. When I finally saw this, I was extremely dissapointed. I've only seen it once & may give it another chance, but I don't have high hopes that I'll like it any more the second time.

I did like Repulsion, however...I see the connection between Repulsion & RB in that both films take place primarily in an apartment, but the actresses in both movies were far different (Catherine D. in Replusion, and M. farrow in RB...)

[Polaroid]

Originally Posted by AnamorphicWidescreen

This is just me, but I have very little interest in supplements - when I buy a Blu/DVD I'm primarily interested in the film itself & the film's PQ - IMHO everything else is just gravy. A lot of this is because I honestly don't have time to watch all of the films I want to see, so I definitely don't have time to watch most extras. I will say that it does bug me sometimes when a Blu/DVD doesn't include at least the trailer. However, these days you can find many trailers online, so that's not a big deal anymore either....

Re: Rosemary's Baby, I felt the film was sub-par; IMHO Mia Farrow was mis-cast, and the film suffered because of this.

Conversly, the novel by Ira Levin is an underrated masterpiece. I read the novel long before seeing the film & was expecting a lot from the movie. When I finally saw this, I was extremely dissapointed. I've only seen it once & may give it another chance, but I don't have high hopes that I'll like it any more the second time.

I did like Repulsion, however...I see the connection between Repulsion & RB in that both films take place primarily in an apartment, but the actresses in both movies were far different (Catherine D. in Replusion, and M. farrow in RB...)

Not read book, but for me Mia was perfect for that role and I think she was fantastic. Also LOOOOVE Repulsion, need to upgrade from Criterion DVD tbh lol

Juts blind bought Tess, Love Polanski's films, but this genre is sorta new to me so bit worried, how dark is it?

[Scottie]

On the subject of Polanski, I rewatched Repulsion a couple of weeks ago and I honestly didn't like it as much as I had when I first saw it.

[Reeniop5]

Originally Posted by Riley KZ

So with the 40% off sale at Barnes and Noble, I'm mighty tempted to buy a few Criterions; Riffifi and Persona especially.

However -- are they FOR SURE still having their 50% off Criterion sale this July? I've heard rumours and such, but nothing confirmed. If they are, I'll wait -- but if they're not doing that until October or November, then I'll just buy a couple Criterions now.

Anyone have any info on this? I'd hate to spend 25 bucks this week when I can wait 2 more weeks and only spend 20...

It has been confirmed to start July 1st and end on July 28th..

[AnamorphicWidescreen]

Originally Posted by Polaroid

Also LOOOOVE Repulsion, need to upgrade from Criterion DVD tbh lol

Juts blind bought Tess, Love Polanski's films, but this genre is sorta new to me so bit worried, how dark is it?

IMHO, Repulsion may be Polanski's masterpiece - amazing in every way, and I like the b&w cinematography. Also liked The Tenant, which is apparently the third film in Polanski's unofficial "apartment trilogy" (along with Replusion & RB). IMHO The Tenant deserves a Criterion Blu release, since every version I've seen is non-anamorphic.

Tess is also incredible. I saw the Criterion Blu a while back & was truly impressed. Won't talk about the film much since you haven't seen it yet, but I don't think you'll be dissapointed. Yes, it is quite dark, but the acting, set pieces, costumes, story, and cinematography are all stellar.

[Polaroid]

Originally Posted by AnamorphicWidescreen

IMHO, Repulsion may be Polanski's masterpiece - amazing in every way, and I like the b&w cinematography. Also liked The Tenant, which is apparently the third film in Polanski's unofficial "apartment trilogy" (along with Replusion & RB). IMHO The Tenant deserves a Criterion Blu release, since every version I've seen is non-anamorphic.

Tess is also incredible. I saw the Criterion Blu a while back & was truly impressed. Won't talk about the film much since you haven't seen it yet, but I don't think you'll be dissapointed. Yes, it is quite dark, but the acting, set pieces, costumes, story, and cinematography are all stellar.

Thanks can't wait now haha - Not seen Tenant but hear nothing but great things - come on Criterion !

[blu-bry]

Originally Posted by The Bronx Bull

You could also grab both right now for $15.99 using the free trial membership and the coupon codes mentioned earlier in this thread!

I was only able to use the "mobile" code. When I tried the other one it failed because it said it was supposed to be used on a single disc which was a minimum of $40.00. Has that been anyone else's experience?

By the way, thank you very much to the OP of those codes.

[bstv69]

Originally Posted by blu-bry

I was only able to use the "mobile" code. When I tried the other one it failed because it said it was supposed to be used on a single disc which was a minimum of $40.00. Has that been anyone else's experience?

By the way, thank you very much to the OP of those codes.

Not sure what you're saying, but you can use each code (2 separate codes) once for your account. You have to be on the mobile site and you have to have a membership. There is no minimum for the order, and you can make as many different accounts as you want, all you really need in a new email and change up the first name on the shipping address if it gives you trouble. I and many others have outlined how to use it over at the B&N 40% off thread

[blu-bry]

Originally Posted by bstv69

Not sure what you're saying, but you can use each code (2 separate codes) once for your account. You have to be on the mobile site and you have to have a membership. There is no minimum for the order, and you can make as many different accounts as you want, all you really need in a new email and change up the first name on the shipping address if it gives you trouble. I and many others have outlined how to use it over at the B&N 40% off thread

Thanks! I will try again with a name change. I do have a membership, and I was on the mobile site, but the second code was indicating that my disc had to have a MSRP of at least $40.00.
I appreciate the help.

[bstv69]

Originally Posted by blu-bry

Thanks! I will try again with a name change. I do have a membership, and I was on the mobile site, but the second code was indicating that my disc had to have a MSRP of at least $40.00.
I appreciate the help.

Okay yea, I would try it again. And if all else fails just make another account, there is a guy on the forum who claims to have made 41 lol. Just remember to cancel them before they charge you

[JackTwist]

Originally Posted by Polaroid

I have so much praise for Criterion right now - had a few damaged products from 3rd party sellers and couldn't get replacements/issue resolved.

However thanks to Criterion for their superb replacement service, even for me in UK $5 and they send me the require packaging, brilliantly packed, fast delivery and very friendly service over email.

Such a shame they don't open market to more countries via website as I have had nothing but incredible service despite being a UK customer who can't actually shop directly from them - they could easily not replace the damaged goods cause I didn't buy from them... I know I am paying but $5 is nothing tbh, $5 just got me replacement Shoah (incredible packaging and can't wait to delve into this doc) digipak casing (full).

Wow, that is awesome! Not only phenomenal quality in their releases but also in support. I actually just sent a request based on your testimony as one of my favorite releases was damaged in a move. Only the outer digipack sleeve (inner casing and booklet are all fine) was severely damaged and it has been driving me crazy for months. I'd gladly pay for a replacement, just don't want to have to rebuy the whole release if possible. I display my Criterions in my living room along with artwork because of their consistently interesting design. Hope I hear good things!

Look forward to Monday's announcement. I'm really really really hoping for the recent remaster of Hiroshima mon amour since I missed its play at MOMA by a day!!

[pro-bassoonist]

Picnic at Hanging Rock Blu-ray REVIEW



Hello everyone,

Here are the packaging photos for Peter Weir's Picnic at Hanging Rock. (More photos in the review above).





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[pro-bassoonist]

PACKAGING PHOTOS FOR JUDEX



Our review will be up tomorrow





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[pro-bassoonist]

PACKAGING PHOTOS FOR HEARTS AND MINDS



Our review will be up immediately after Judex





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[smoss469]

Yes, finally less Digipacks!