The Criterion Collection

[hoytereden]

Originally Posted by jw007

Finally watched Black Narcissus and it was everything I was hoping for and more.

The ending is just simply amazing.

[Show spoiler]That shot of Kathleen Byron's face (Sister Ruth) when she opens the door at the end with her eyes as horrifying as possible with wet hair made me nearly jump off the couch. That shot alone was worth the purchase. Wow, talk about a sister going mad.

[Show spoiler]Furthermore, I didn't even realize that the whole film was shot at Pinewood studios. I wanted to limit the information I knew going into watching this film but I thought I read somewhere that this film was actually shot in India. Then, later in the supplements I learn it was all shot in a studio and yet looks more real than CGI today or even, as French director Bertrand Tavernier said, "A Passage to India" by David Lean.

Phenomenal philm!

That first scene you mentioned

[Show spoiler]is one of the most frightening scenes ever on film IMO. That whole sequence makes me almost consider it a horror film in addition to the other genres it covers.

[tenia]

Originally Posted by adamhopelies

One of the best things I've read online concerning TV settings is Masters Of Cinema-founder Nick Wrigley's brief notes on the subject. It's worth five minutes of your time.

http://enthusiasm.org/post/66745208574

He wrote an article for Sight & Sound on how grain should be left intact. I still have to read it because unfortunately, I wasn't buying S&S at the time (April 2013 I think), but it is said to be a wonder of didactism.

Originally Posted by I KEEL YOU

Yeah, the subtitles on Carlos flat out don't make sense. They have English subtitles for all the other movies where English is spoken, but in Carlos they only have them in non-English speaking parts. Yet if it was 100% spoken in English, then they would.

They did the same for Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence.
They also never include subs of any kind on extra movies (The Killer's Kiss on The Killing, Murder à la mod on Blow Out, Stereo on Scanners, etc etc). They also left me astounded by not including subs on the Roadshow reconstitution of IAMMMMW.

I have sent an email to Jon Mulvaney some months ago about this, explaining how the lower treatment of their extra movies is saddening (I've read in Svet's review of Eraserhead that all the short movies will have no subs again and will have lossy sound), but have not received any answer.

Oh well.

[adamhopelies]

Originally Posted by tenia

He wrote an article for Sight & Sound on how grain should be left intact. I still have to read it because unfortunately, I wasn't buying S&S at the time (April 2013 I think), but it is said to be a wonder of didactism.

It's in the December 2012 issue, which is one of my favourite issues due in part to that article and the The Master cover feature but also because it was the first time I got a letter printed in there! The article is online via the digital edition of the magazine. Back issues are included with subscription.

[adamhopelies]

I watched All That Jazz last night, and found myself completely hypnotised by it. There are a good 7 moments of breathless wonder in there, it really knocked me for six (and provoked in me some very interesting dreams!).

The disc looks and sounds great. It was getting on quite late when I reached the end of the film, but I found myself regardless knocking the volume up for that finale. It's whirlwind, tour de force stuff, and one of the best films I've ever seen about the creative mind.

[I KEEL YOU]

Originally Posted by tenia

He wrote an article for Sight & Sound on how grain should be left intact. I still have to read it because unfortunately, I wasn't buying S&S at the time (April 2013 I think), but it is said to be a wonder of didactism.



They did the same for Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence.
They also never include subs of any kind on extra movies (The Killer's Kiss on The Killing, Murder à la mod on Blow Out, Stereo on Scanners, etc etc). They also left me astounded by not including subs on the Roadshow reconstitution of IAMMMMW.

I have sent an email to Jon Mulvaney some months ago about this, explaining how the lower treatment of their extra movies is saddening (I've read in Svet's review of Eraserhead that all the short movies will have no subs again and will have lossy sound), but have not received any answer.

Oh well.

Well, them not having lossless sound (even if it's available for those small titles) is somewhat understandable because it takes space on the disc. But subtitles don't take up any space.

[Polaroid]

I get how annoying it is, but tbh the extra film is just a bonus - if they wanted it to be as good as the main release, they'd release by itself - I don't know ho many people even watch the bonus film on the discs? Tbh theres a few releases I didn't know had a bonus film, so maybe they save resources as people may not watch them or may not even want to, they are buying th main film after all.

But would be nice if they did treat both films fairly - but then that would be a boxset or double release rather than an added bonus - if that makes sense?

[Mansinthe]

Originally Posted by ultlife2013

You actually bought Carlos on blu-ray? How is the film? I've been interested in getting it.

no i did avoid it so far because of the "missing" eng subs. (and im still waiting for it to be rereleased as non-digipack)

[Polaroid]

Originally Posted by Mansinthe

no i did avoid it so far because of the "missing" eng subs. (and im still waiting for it to be rereleased as non-digipack)

Its a really nice digipak - feels really good and well put together

[octagon]

Speaking of Carlos, let me veer off a bit and plug another really great film in a very similar vein...



I'm not going to try to describe or sell it - the review here does a much better job of both than I could (particularly post-ambien as I am now) but it's really freaking good (hmmm, perhaps I underestimate my current level of eloquence).

[SlickDamian]

Originally Posted by Mansinthe

got mine shipped for 25$ a few months ago ^^

I got mine for $19 at a B&N sale a few years ago, along with Le Cercle Rouge, Pierrot me fou, and Leon Morin, Priest. All brand new of course

[tenia]

Originally Posted by Polaroid

I get how annoying it is, but tbh the extra film is just a bonus - if they wanted it to be as good as the main release, they'd release by itself - I don't know ho many people even watch the bonus film on the discs? Tbh there are a few releases I didn't know had a bonus film, so maybe they save resources as people may not watch them or may not even want to, they are buying the main film after all.

But would be nice if they did treat both films fairly - but then that would be a boxset or double release rather than an added bonus - if that makes sense?

I appreciate your point, but to me, extra movies are not your usual extra features. Even if documentaries and interviews are done with care, the extra movies are "pieces of art" and I do believe that even if they don't have their specific releases, they should be treated as a main feature.

I mean, hel, the short movies on Eraserhead have received brand new 2K restorations, the same restorations a main feature would get, but they are still not treated on disc as the main feature.

Again, Killer's Kiss in not your usual extra feature, for instance, and it should be treated as such (but you're right about the space issue).

[The Great Owl]

Originally Posted by octagon

Speaking of Carlos, let me veer off a bit and plug another really great film in a very similar vein...

[Show spoiler]

I'm not going to try to describe or sell it - the review here does a much better job of both than I could (particularly post-ambien as I am now) but it's really freaking good (hmmm, perhaps I underestimate my current level of eloquence).

I've been wanting to see The Baader Meinhof Complex for a while. My reason, without trying to bring this down to the lowest denominator, is that I have had an infatuation with Alexandra Maria Lara since I saw her in Control and Downfall.

[The Great Owl]

Incidentally, I've fallen farther behind with my stack of still-unwatched Blu-rays over the past few days, because I've watched my Warner Archive Blu-ray of Out of the Past five times since it arrived in the mail on August 12. I'm going to step slowly away from that disc now, since absence makes the heart grow fonder, and get back to the unwatched stack.

I'm feeling the need to watch my Criterion Blu-rays of Robinson Crusoe on Mars, Something Wild, and Pickpocket, so I hope to get around to those this week.

Needless to say, the Out of the Past Blu-ray has my highest recommendation.

[Polaroid]

Originally Posted by tenia

I appreciate your point, but to me, extra movies are not your usual extra features. Even if documentaries and interviews are done with care, the extra movies are "pieces of art" and I do believe that even if they don't have their specific releases, they should be treated as a main feature.

I mean, hel, the short movies on Eraserhead have received brand new 2K restorations, the same restorations a main feature would get, but they are still not treated on disc as the main feature.

Again, Killer's Kiss in not your usual extra feature, for instance, and it should be treated as such (but you're right about the space issue).

Yeah I get what you ares aching, but maybe they have problems with getting resources for these films, hence they are a bonus feature rather than a full release? Who know, but there must be a legit reason for neglecting these films :/

[Tin Drum]

Il Sorpasso is such a fun film but with an extremely jarring ending. I understood the need for it but I didn't want it to happen all the same! I'm still reeling from that last minute. Reminds me of another film in the collection (I won't say which one as it would give away the ending to this film) but more incomprehensible (not a negative against the film) given the carefree tone beforehand.

I really did enjoy the film though and am glad I have it in my collection. I will revisit it sooner rather than later that is how good it was. Excellent performances (Vittorio Gassman is amazing). Way ahead of its time, too.

I also rewatched Fantastic Mr. Fox and The Great Beauty this weekend. The former is such a joy and the latter transcendent. I love the way the camera moves in this film. Sleek and smooth as silk. Toni Servillo is absolutely amazing. And I love kicking up the home theater with those party scenes.

[adamhopelies]

Originally Posted by Mansinthe

no i did avoid it so far because of the "missing" eng subs. (and im still waiting for it to be rereleased as non-digipack)

I've got the UK disc, which features both versions of the film, the trilogy and the theatrically released "movie", the latter of which I think is missing from the Criterion.

[The Great Owl]

Originally Posted by Tin Drum

Il Sorpasso is such a fun film but with an extremely jarring ending. I understood the need for it but I didn't want it to happen all the same! I'm still reeling from that last minute. Reminds me of another film in the collection (I won't say which one as it would give away the ending to this film) but more incomprehensible (not a negative against the film) given the carefree tone beforehand.

I really did enjoy the film though and am glad I have it in my collection. I will revisit it sooner rather than later that is how good it was. Excellent performances (Vittorio Gassman is amazing). Way ahead of its time, too.

I also rewatched Fantastic Mr. Fox and The Great Beauty this weekend. The former is such a joy and the latter transcendent. I love the way the camera moves in this film. Sleek and smooth as silk. Toni Servillo is absolutely amazing. And I love kicking up the home theater with those party scenes.

Il Sorpasso is one of my favorite Criterion titles of the year so far. I'm thinking that it will go into my top five of this year, but, on the other hand, 2014 has been pretty spectacular across the board with respect to Criterion titles.

The Great Beauty is fantastic. I could spend hours watching the closing credits sequence.

[bwdowiak]

Originally Posted by ultlife2013

I remember that discussion, are you talking about me? Because it wasn't an argument, just an opinion.

no, it was a convo w/ someone else. I remember his name. if it was you, btw... I'd approach it w/ a little more respect. this guy ended up sticking his foot in his mouth a bit too much during the discussion and got himself suspended.

[bwdowiak]

Originally Posted by kuro_sawa

But.....he does not account for how many children I have, and how I have to watch them! How rude

really, dude? that's the best you can contribute to the discussion is an indirect jab at me?

you're not yet 20 years old yet, are you? your remark is disrespectful and rather sad. you have a lot to learn about life.

[bwdowiak]

thank you Fellini912, Octagon, atlantajoseph!

I figured that my post from the other night would bring out the Lynch defenders in droves. Fellini is right - it is an argument for practicality. ..and octagon is right, too - keep your nose out of my living room, David Lynch.

I agree that it is nice that he expresses some interest in matters that will enhance our viewing experience. but, people are going to pause movies or stop and resume them later regardless of whether or not DL permits the inclusion of chapter stops. 2 posters who sided with Lynch over these last few pages admitted as much. why not approach it like Martin Scorsese did with widescreen? he educated people. he didn't record angry sounding rants and post them online. how can you argue that he is not condescending to those who do not consume media in the way he wishes when he ends his iPhone video with, "you think you've seen a film on your f**king telephone. get real." ?

I like, also, how people look past the two instances of hypocrisy that I cited.
JoeBuck - the Twin Peaks TV series aired on ABC in all it's commercial filled glory. arguing that "that's just the way it is because advertising pays for the program to air" doesn't provide much justification.

sure, advertisers pay for the program to air, but to expand upon what Fellini912 said, we pay our hard earned money to own the films on home video. by your logic, that should be enough justification to consume the media in any way we see fit - even if it is "on a f**king iPhone."