The Criterion Collection

[RCRochester]

Originally Posted by Professor Echo

Even when Criterion signs off on it and puts their name (initial?) on the final product? They bear some responsibility in that regard at least.

Fox, at least when they were their own studio, did not let anyone else do the remasters or restorations of their films. It took a while for that film to be released so I imagine Criterion held out as long as they could and realized that when Disney took over, it was either go with what they had or not at all.

So, no, considering the circumstances I don't consider it a screw-up on their part.

[Professor Echo]

Originally Posted by RCRochester

Fox, at least when they were their own studio, did not let anyone else do the remasters or restorations of their films. It took a while for that film to be released so I imagine Criterion held out as long as they could and realized that when Disney took over, it was either go with what they had or not at all.

So, no, considering the circumstances I don't consider it a screw-up on their part.

I don't know....

[Scottie]

Mahjong (1996)
https://www.janusfilms.com/films/2154

A Confucian Confusion (1994)
https://www.janusfilms.com/films/2155

So this makes five Edward Yang films that Janus has rights to, preceded by Yi Yi, A Brighter Summer Day, and Taipei Story.

I wonder if they'll get The Terrorizers and the rest of his films.

[Gacivory]

Originally Posted by Scottie

Mahjong (1996)
https://www.janusfilms.com/films/2154

A Confucian Confusion (1994)
https://www.janusfilms.com/films/2155

Bring on the Edward Yang!!!!!!! Give me the Yang Boxset & the Jean Eustache Boxset for 2024! Criterion that’s all I want!

[JoelGoodsen]

I recently spoke to one of the actors from Risky Business and asked them if they had heard anything about a 4K disc release. They said they haven’t been contacted for special features, but they heard it was with Criterion.

Pure speculation, but this would make sense, even more so since Warner didn’t release the film on 4K last year for the 40th anniversary.

[kmhofmann]

Originally Posted by Professor Echo

I certainly don't disagree with all your contentions, but this is one I can't support. We've seen very often mix ups and muddled releases because the people working on them or authorizing the work on them don't know anything about the original intentions of the filmmakers. Sometimes a whole label, such as Paramount, has made obvious mistakes in releases and refuse to own up to it, regardless of what evidence there is contradicting their efforts.

Sure, there have been some mistakes made in the past. But I'm not as pessimistic as you and think that the vast majority of new restorations are good to excellent and are getting much closer to the period-accurate theatrical experience - including some of the more controversial restorations.
Outside of filmmakers deliberately messing up their own works (WKW, Friedkin, Lucas and others) and Paramount regularly employing far too much grain reduction, I think the number of real screw-ups is actually quite small.

[Professor Echo]

Originally Posted by kmhofmann

Sure, there have been some mistakes made in the past. But I'm not as pessimistic as you and think that the vast majority of new restorations are good to excellent and are getting much closer to the period-accurate theatrical experience - including some of the more controversial restorations.
Outside of filmmakers deliberately messing up their own works (WKW, Friedkin, Lucas and others) and Paramount regularly employing far too much grain reduction, I think the number of real screw-ups is actually quite small.

You're probably right, but I tend to be a very cynical person at times and see the glass half empty, which I'm sure you've noticed. Have any tips on how to change such perceptions of the world as it can be so exhausting with all the negativity after awhile.

[Professor Echo]

Originally Posted by JoelGoodsen

I recently spoke to one of the actors from Risky Business and asked them if they had heard anything about a 4K disc release. They said they haven’t been contacted for special features, but they heard it was with Criterion.

Pure speculation, but this would make sense, even more so since Warner didn’t release the film on 4K last year for the 40th anniversary.

Where the hell you been, Joel? Good to see you back, my friend!

[kemalettin]

Originally Posted by kmhofmann

I will criticize Criterion loudly where criticism is due, but there is no screw-up with The Girl Can't Help It. No, not even with the color timing.

Why are you surprised? They did the same thing with Stalker. The original movie never had sepia tones.

[kemalettin]

Does anyone know when they are gonna release About Dry Grasses? Nuri Bilge Ceylan was in the criterion closet 2 months ago.

[MifuneFan]

Originally Posted by kemalettin

Does anyone know when they are gonna release About Dry Grasses? Nuri Bilge Ceylan was in the criterion closet 2 months ago.

[Show spoiler]

Not for several months. It's not being released in US theaters until Feb 23rd, and then a few months later it'll likely be added to the Criterion Channel, and then maybe a month or two after we'll see a BD though Janus Contemporaries. So my guess would be August/September at the earliest.

[kemalettin]

Originally Posted by MifuneFan

Not for several months. It's not being released in US theaters until Feb 23rd, and then a few months later it'll likely be added to the Criterion Channel, and then maybe a month or two after we'll see a BD though Janus Contemporaries. So my guess would be August/September at the earliest.

Where did you see it being released in US theaters? I would love to see this movie again if it's possible.

[MifuneFan]

Originally Posted by kemalettin

Where did you see it being released in US theaters? I would love to see this movie again if it's possible.

I don't know if it'll just play arthouse theaters, or any actual theater chains, but it will be opening at Lincoln Center on Feb 23rd. I imagine it'll screen at various theaters across the country as well.

https://www.filmlinc.org/films/about-dry-grasses/

[jcs913]

Originally Posted by JoelGoodsen

I recently spoke to one of the actors from Risky Business and asked them if they had heard anything about a 4K disc release. They said they haven’t been contacted for special features, but they heard it was with Criterion.

Pure speculation, but this would make sense, even more so since Warner didn’t release the film on 4K last year for the 40th anniversary.

Joel!!! You are back. Great to see you posting again!

[Gacivory]

Originally Posted by MifuneFan

I don't know if it'll just play arthouse theaters, or any actual theater chains, but it will be opening at Lincoln Center on Feb 23rd. I imagine it'll screen at various theaters across the country as well.

https://www.filmlinc.org/films/about-dry-grasses/

This article also says February 23.

https://www.indiewire.com/news/trail...an-1234929651/

[ravenus]

Originally Posted by kemalettin

Why are you surprised? They did the same thing with Stalker. The original movie never had sepia tones.

Stalker had sepia tones even in the 80's TV broadcast I saw it in, it definitely wasn't pure B&W. The difference lies in the degree of color, Criterion's transfer edging more to a Fincher-loving urine yellow.

But for people complaining about Criterion or any other boutique label accepting "wrong" color masters, it's often hard for a label to authoritatively know what the right colors are for a vintage film if they don't have direct access to reliable film material. They certainly can't use the argument of "Oh, this is what it looked like on all previous home video releases, so it must be right". It may be, sure, but it's not authoritative enough to alter the rights-holder provided master (even assuming they allow for modification of the grading).

[malakaheso]

Stalker is an open and shut case. Criterion f#%^d it. Mosfilm's restoration is fine.

[ravenus]

Originally Posted by Professor Echo

Even when Criterion signs off on it and puts their name (initial?) on the final product? They bear some responsibility in that regard at least.

Licensees don't own the property they pay a license for. Some rights-holders will not allow any modification of the master they provide. I am reminded of a part of Lee Kline's episode on the Roger Deakins podcast where he talks about the contrast grading of a master being supervised in Japan (I think he didn't mention the film name for diplomatic reasons). When the Japanese rights-holder counterparts had finished with their adjustments, Kline felt the master was still quite milky, and he asked if they didn't want to increase the contrast a little bit, and they declined.

[JoelGoodsen]

Originally Posted by Professor Echo

Where the hell you been, Joel? Good to see you back, my friend!

Originally Posted by jcs913

Joel!!! You are back. Great to see you posting again!

Cheers gents! I’ve been a busy bloke and working on a few things, along with something very exciting that I will be posting about later.

I hope you had a good Christmas and New Year. I’ve only just recovered from all the Miller Genuine Drafts

[MifuneFan]

Lynch/Oz coming to Blu-ray via Janus Contemporaries on March 19th.

https://www.criterion.com/films/3349...ntent=mar-2024

INCLUDES

• Meet the Filmmakers, a new interview with director Alexandre O. Philippe
• Trailer
• English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing

The themes, images, and cultural vernacular of Victor Fleming’s The Wizard of Oz continue to haunt David Lynch’s filmography—from his early short The Alphabet to his recent television series Twin Peaks: The Return. Arguably, no filmmaker has so consistently drawn inspiration—consciously or unconsciously—from a single work. Is Lynch trapped in the Land of Oz? If so, what can we learn about his body of work by taking a closer look at how it intersects and communicates with that legendary fantasy? In turn, what do Lynch’s films have to say about the enduring resonance of one of America’s most beloved classics? Through six distinct perspectives, Alexandre O. Philippe’s Lynch/Oz helps us reexperience and reinterpret The Wizard of Oz by way of David Lynch, delivering new appreciations of both.

LYNCH/OZ (Janus Films | Official Trailer) - YouTube