They have made a liar out of me. Let's see if this works:
Criterion will never release another Hideo Gosha title.
Could you say that Criterion will never release Hunter in the Dark? That's the one I really want.
Quote:
Originally Posted by dwk
Since you mentioned a Coen Brothers film, no other labels have produced better special editions of their films than Criterion's because Criterion has been the only one to get them to sit for new interviews. So in that case I'd prefer they continue to license their films over Kino or [insert boutique label].
I wouldn't mind if Criterion released these films, but if they increased their output as well. As for the Coen films, I would really like The Ballad Of Buster Scruggs, Macbeth, and Ladykillers since those have no releases whatsoever.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MifuneFan
Duke won't want to hear this, and I don't mean to offend, but I honestly believe waiting for Criterion to release some of their deeper catalog of Japanese titles is tantamount to Linus waiting for the Great Pumpkin. If Criterion didn't see the point of even releasing most of them through the Eclipse series in DVD days, then it seems extremely less likely that they would see any viability in releasing them now. That's even independent of the fact that a great deal of them are in need of newer/better restorations. And now with the shift to 4K, it's even less likely than it was during the height of Blu-ray.
Yeah, realistically I'm only expecting releases of the films that are getting 4K remasters like The Sword Trilogy, Burmese Harp, Profound Desires of the Gods, etc. Still, there is a decent amount of their titles that they have that are slowly getting 4K remasters, so I'll take those over nothing. I really do wish there were other options available here, like sub licensing as I'm sure Raidance and others would love to get a hold of some of these titles.
Quote:
Originally Posted by dwk
Yeah, if their Three Outlaw Samurai release had sold like crazy, they would have done more of the Hideo Gosha titles by now.
I do wish that they'd stop dripping titles out one at a time when they have massive chunks of a director's filmography. (The Itami films, the Eustache films, the Tanaka films, etc should have been boxed up.)
Yeah, I would love some sets especially when they have a huge chunk of the films. They have all of the Itami films and all have been restored, so I'd love a boxset as it's not looking likely that they will release all of their films.
Still, despite all of this, I'll never give up on those Gosha films. It seems like all of his filmography will be released excluding the ones Criterion has before Criterion releases another one of his films.
Yeah, I would love some sets especially when they have a huge chunk of the films. They have all of the Itami films and all have been restored, so I'd love a boxset as it's not looking likely that they will release all of their films.
Of course these restorations were relatively recent (just after Criterion released The Funeral), so it is probably better that they waited. But now that they are done, they should box them up.
Duke won't want to hear this, and I don't mean to offend, but I honestly believe waiting for Criterion to release some of their deeper catalog of Japanese titles is tantamount to Linus waiting for the Great Pumpkin. If Criterion didn't see the point of even releasing most of them through the Eclipse series in DVD days, then it seems extremely less likely that they would see any viability in releasing them now. That's even independent of the fact that a great deal of them are in need of newer/better restorations. And now with the shift to 4K, it's even less likely than it was during the height of Blu-ray.
This is why I’m glad BFI exists as I have a strong feeling they’re going to put out The Bad Sleep Well, Red Beard, Drunken Angel and others next year. Of course if BFI puts it out first then I'll buy it from BFI first before Criterion.
Last edited by Watershipdownisgood; 11-17-2024 at 04:05 AM.
I never do this, but I feel like I might as well post what I'd like to see for Monday's announcement. Would be cool if any of these were released on Criterion.
Good evening everyone. It's a slow news day and I've had some thoughts rattling around in my mind in the last 48 hours, so I figured it was time for a yearly rant against Criterion. Key word being rant. I'm not here to argue with anyone, or trying to ruffle feathers, there are just some things I feel like getting off my chest. Some might have 1000 reasons to defend Criterion, but for me there are a 1000 reasons why those arguments won't change my mind, and it's the 1000 films Criterion has the rights to that have no HD disc period.
Some will argue that streaming and physical rights are different, and they ARE. However, Criterion is the one company that covers its basis and it's might rare where a film that's streaming on their channel that opens up with Janus logo is released by someone else. Criterion has been in this business for a very long time and will cover their behinds. Some will argue that a lot of the films have subpar transfers. Sure, some do, but MOST don't. Almost everything on their channel streaming in HD looks pretty good. Better than what some other labels continue to release. Some even have pristine 4K transfers, but because Criterion has a "method" to their releasing, they are in a queue waiting their turn that might never come.
Let me preface by saying that I USED to love Criterion. When I first got into film collecting Criterion was king. When I heard Criterion the rights to a film I enjoyed I was like "Nice! That's going to get a DVD in no time!". Now when I hear Criterion has the rights to a film I like the thoughts are something like "Damn you Criterion. Damn you to Hell!!!" (an exaggeration, but only slightly)
The fact of the matter is Criterion is no longer king of the labels. You have other labels like Arrow, Radiance, Eureka, Indicator, 88 Films, and hell, even Kino at times with better encodes/compression/authoring on their discs than Criterion. Criterion getting lapped around by other labels releasing the films they have had the rights to forever, often with better encodes and even better features.
Criterion also has the model of releasing about five releases a month with boxsets seemingly a thing of the past for the most part. November, their biggest month of the year was a month full of 4K upgrades with the exception of one title. Lets take a look at January, we are getting The Grifters. Nice film that deserves a 4K. Problem is, there goes 20% of your monthly output to a title that already has a Blu-ray. Title seems like a better fit for Kino where it would only be about about 6% of their monthly output. Criterion also picked up the titles Kino released on 4K it seems. So guess what? Expect those on 4K in the near future and more slots to things that don't have titles!
This isn't a case where Criterion isn't releasing the titles I want. (Although, I would love that) This is a case of Criterion not releasing films that don't have ANY release. I mentioned No Country for Old Men a few days ago and it was mentioned that only Criterion has been able to get them to sit down and talk about their movies. Sure, it's nice to get that, but at the end of the day, priority should always be the films. Getting the films out there for audiences to watch on disc, versus getting lost on a streaming channel that many don't have. As mentioned before Criterion has the rights to A LOT of films without any sort of release.
The fact remains, Criterion is going to release No Country For Old Men, before Le Deuxieme Souffle because of money. You're going to get a TON more sales on the former title than the latter. Does Pan's Laybrinth need ANOTHER release? Shit no, but it's going to sell better than Gohatto. I'm not saying Criterion should abandon the better selling titles completely, wish there was more focus on the catalogue of films that are being neglected.
Not saying Criterion is without merits. They still take some chances, and they have my appreciation for titles like Demon Pond, Eastern Condors, and a few others. Even titles I loved like The Roaring 20's could have been released by someone like WB themselves, as their encodes are almost comparable. It's not like it once was once upon a time, as some of the studios like Sony do a better job with their encodes than Criterion.
Also, if smaller companies like Radiance, Arrow, Eureka can stick to their monthly reveals on schedule, why can't Criterion? Criterion has been in the business a long time, so you would expect a higher level of quality presentation from them. This time, not even a tweet letting people know what's up. The company used to also be a lot more funny, from their online interactions with fans, to the guessing game for the following year titles. Now, interaction is more along the lines oh, "hey, tell us a title, and we'll suggest a title for you to spend your money on the sale!"
At the end of the day this rant will change nothing, but it's out of my system. Usually I wouldn't care what a company releases, but Criterion has some of the very BEST in French, Italian, and numerous other countries in terms of their films. For me, especially the fact that they have OVER 300 Japanese titles. I've been waiting forever for them to start releasing their Nagisa Oshima titles, but nothing. Now Radiance is coming in to swoop up where Criterion has failed and releasing those films. Don't get me started on the Hideo Gosha titles.
The fact is, we are not getting any younger. This is all a hobby, but it's a hobby some of us really enjoy and we all have favorites. Criterion has some of our favorites, but we will probably die before these titles ever see a release. For the sake of some of those films, I honestly wouldn't mind if Criterion just simply ceased to be. Harsh, but at least some of those films would have a better home elsewhere. Two UK labels have told me that they were interested in some of the Japanese titles Criterion has, but were told those releases were BLOCKED in the UK because of Criterion. The crazy part? The films aren't even streaming in the UK, and can't because of Criterion.
So until Criterion either brings back the Eclipse line, sub licensing, releasing more films, or changing a bit of their method of madness, I don't see them reclaiming their title of king of the labels. They are more like the jester at this point. Again, this is simply a rant, sorry for writing so much, and rant over.
P.S.
Until Criterion releases Hunter in the Dark, all I just have to say is, damn you Criterion. Damn you to hell!!! (Slightly exaggerated)
Good evening everyone. It's a slow news day and I've had some thoughts rattling around in my mind in the last 48 hours, so I figured it was time for a yearly rant against Criterion. Key word being rant. I'm not here to argue with anyone, or trying to ruffle feathers, there are just some things I feel like getting off my chest. Some might have 1000 reasons to defend Criterion, but for me there are a 1000 reasons why those arguments won't change my mind, and it's the 1000 films Criterion has the rights to that have no HD disc period.
Some will argue that streaming and physical rights are different, and they ARE. However, Criterion is the one company that covers its basis and it's might rare where a film that's streaming on their channel that opens up with Janus logo is released by someone else. Criterion has been in this business for a very long time and will cover their behinds. Some will argue that a lot of the films have subpar transfers. Sure, some do, but MOST don't. Almost everything on their channel streaming in HD looks pretty good. Better than what some other labels continue to release. Some even have pristine 4K transfers, but because Criterion has a "method" to their releasing, they are in a queue waiting their turn that might never come.
Let me preface by saying that I USED to love Criterion. When I first got into film collecting Criterion was king. When I heard Criterion the rights to a film I enjoyed I was like "Nice! That's going to get a DVD in no time!". Now when I hear Criterion has the rights to a film I like the thoughts are something like "Damn you Criterion. Damn you to Hell!!!" (an exaggeration, but only slightly)
The fact of the matter is Criterion is no longer king of the labels. You have other labels like Arrow, Radiance, Eureka, Indicator, 88 Films, and hell, even Kino at times with better encodes/compression/authoring on their discs than Criterion. Criterion getting lapped around by other labels releasing the films they have had the rights to forever, often with better encodes and even better features.
Criterion also has the model of releasing about five releases a month with boxsets seemingly a thing of the past for the most part. November, their biggest month of the year was a month full of 4K upgrades with the exception of one title. Lets take a look at January, we are getting The Grifters. Nice film that deserves a 4K. Problem is, there goes 20% of your monthly output to a title that already has a Blu-ray. Title seems like a better fit for Kino where it would only be about about 6% of their monthly output. Criterion also picked up the titles Kino released on 4K it seems. So guess what? Expect those on 4K in the near future and more slots to things that don't have titles!
This isn't a case where Criterion isn't releasing the titles I want. (Although, I would love that) This is a case of Criterion not releasing films that don't have ANY release. I mentioned No Country for Old Men a few days ago and it was mentioned that only Criterion has been able to get them to sit down and talk about their movies. Sure, it's nice to get that, but at the end of the day, priority should always be the films. Getting the films out there for audiences to watch on disc, versus getting lost on a streaming channel that many don't have. As mentioned before Criterion has the rights to A LOT of films without any sort of release.
The fact remains, Criterion is going to release No Country For Old Men, before Le Deuxieme Souffle because of money. You're going to get a TON more sales on the former title than the latter. Does Pan's Laybrinth need ANOTHER release? Shit no, but it's going to sell better than Gohatto. I'm not saying Criterion should abandon the better selling titles completely, wish there was more focus on the catalogue of films that are being neglected.
Not saying Criterion is without merits. They still take some chances, and they have my appreciation for titles like Demon Pond, Eastern Condors, and a few others. Even titles I loved like The Roaring 20's could have been released by someone like WB themselves, as their encodes are almost comparable. It's not like it once was once upon a time, as some of the studios like Sony do a better job with their encodes than Criterion.
Also, if smaller companies like Radiance, Arrow, Eureka can stick to their monthly reveals on schedule, why can't Criterion? Criterion has been in the business a long time, so you would expect a higher level of quality presentation from them. This time, not even a tweet letting people know what's up. The company used to also be a lot more funny, from their online interactions with fans, to the guessing game for the following year titles. Now, interaction is more along the lines oh, "hey, tell us a title, and we'll suggest a title for you to spend your money on the sale!"
At the end of the day this rant will change nothing, but it's out of my system. Usually I wouldn't care what a company releases, but Criterion has some of the very BEST in French, Italian, and numerous other countries in terms of their films. For me, especially the fact that they have OVER 300 Japanese titles. I've been waiting forever for them to start releasing their Nagisa Oshima titles, but nothing. Now Radiance is coming in to swoop up where Criterion has failed and releasing those films. Don't get me started on the Hideo Gosha titles.
The fact is, we are not getting any younger. This is all a hobby, but it's a hobby some of us really enjoy and we all have favorites. Criterion has some of our favorites, but we will probably die before these titles ever see a release. For the sake of some of those films, I honestly wouldn't mind if Criterion just simply ceased to be. Harsh, but at least some of those films would have a better home elsewhere. Two UK labels have told me that they were interested in some of the Japanese titles Criterion has, but were told those releases were BLOCKED in the UK because of Criterion. The crazy part? The films aren't even streaming in the UK, and can't because of Criterion.
So until Criterion either brings back the Eclipse line, sub licensing, releasing more films, or changing a bit of their method of madness, I don't see them reclaiming their title of king of the labels. They are more like the jester at this point. Again, this is simply a rant, sorry for writing so much, and rant over.
P.S.
Until Criterion releases Hunter in the Dark, all I just have to say is, damn you Criterion. Damn you to hell!!! (Slightly exaggerated)
I think Criterion should cease to be honestly that, or start sub-licensing out their titles to other labels in fact I think I might start emailing them to sub-license their titles out as sitting on a huge number of titles is just ridiculous.
Let's say you are right and Criterion is for some reason deliberately blocking the release of Hunter in the Dark in the US and the UK. Then why is it that Shochiku has never released this film on Blu-ray in Japan? They released a DVD 12 years ago and the transfer playing on the Criterion Channel is that same old terrible DVD era master.
Let's say you are right and Criterion is for some reason deliberately blocking the release of Hunter in the Dark in the US and the UK. Then why is it that Shochiku has never released this film on Blu-ray in Japan? They released a DVD 12 years ago and the transfer playing on the Criterion Channel is that same old terrible DVD era master.
Shochiku has abandoned ship a long time ago on physical media in terms of catalogue films. If it's not Anime or one of their big directors like Ozu or Yamada, it's not getting a release. Almost all of the older Shochiku films that have been released outside of Japan, don't have Blu-rays in Japan.
As for the Hunter in the Dark master, it's fine! It's not 4K, but looks great. I even have that same master on a bootleg DVD and looks better than most Japanese DVD releases for films from the late 70's to early 80's.
I'd rather that an older master than no release ever, and again, this is not a bad HD master at all.
Let's say you are right and Criterion is for some reason deliberately blocking the release of Hunter in the Dark in the US and the UK. Then why is it that Shochiku has never released this film on Blu-ray in Japan? They released a DVD 12 years ago and the transfer playing on the Criterion Channel is that same old terrible DVD era master.
I don't have access to the HD version of the film as I don't have the Criterion Channel anymore, but was able to watch a free clip of the opening of the film, and wow, it actually looks even better than I remembered. Grain is very refined, detail is good, etc. Much better than some more recent Shochiku films like The Sting of Death.
I want to see this film find an audience badly enough that on this release, I would pay for the entire first run manufacturing costs for the release.
That's not too bad for an ancient HD master. Notably dated, but probably much better than any other format (DVD, LD, VHS). And I 100% agree, any release (even if it was a crappy master, encode, whatever) is better than none at all.
I’m also really excited for announcements tomorrow! I don’t have any predictions or hopes beyond at least something tickling my fancy.
I still need to ponder my BN sale pickups since I’ve got $15 in rewards burning a hole in my pocket. Definitely aiming for Paper Moon 4K. I might get Funny Girl 4K as well but I may need to read up on Blood Simple 4K thread over in the 4K forum because maybe I might be inclined to upgrade that one (because I’m really hype for NCfOM).
I don't have access to the HD version of the film as I don't have the Criterion Channel anymore ...
May I ask why you don't have the Criterion Channel any longer? I think I pay less than $8 a month as a Charter subscriber. It's a great way to see movies I'm interested in. I could borrow most of them for free from my public library, but it's so much more convenient to have the Channel. Plus, with the cost of gas and my time to go to the library, it's probably cheaper to pay for the Channel than to go to the library. Not to mention that a few times a year they give subscribers $10 coupons for use on purchases directly from Criterion.
May I ask why you don't have the Criterion Channel any longer? I think I pay less than $8 a month as a Charter subscriber. It's a great way to see movies I'm interested in. I could borrow most of them for free from my public library, but it's so much more convenient to have the Channel. Plus, with the cost of gas and my time to go to the library, it's probably cheaper to pay for the Channel than to go to the library. Not to mention that a few times a year they give subscribers $10 coupons for use on purchases directly from Criterion.
I mainly had it to watch all of the Japanese films on there at the time. Once I watched them all I cancelled. They still add Japanese films, but now I can find them all online for free with subtitles (Just not always in HD) as a lot more sites exist now that have have these films versus years ago when options were less available.
I don't have access to the HD version of the film as I don't have the Criterion Channel anymore, but was able to watch a free clip of the opening of the film, and wow, it actually looks even better than I remembered. Grain is very refined, detail is good, etc. Much better than some more recent Shochiku films like The Sting of Death.
I want to see this film find an audience badly enough that on this release, I would pay for the entire first run manufacturing costs for the release.
I know there is nothing that I can say that will change your mind. But I think you basically answered your own question in your last post.
The problem is not Criterion.
The problem is Shochiku.
They own the movie.
They are the ones who don't care about their catalogue.
They are the ones who need to create a new master that Criterion and others could use to create a new disc.
I have the Criterion Channel and that transfer is terrible. It's not even good enough for a DVD release in 2024, much less a Blu-ray release. I appreciate how badly you want this film released. But if you are happy with that quality then the existing DVD release should be good enough. If Criterion, or even Mill Creek, released that transfer today, they would be ridiculed, and rightfully so.
(For the record, that is not film grain in those caps. That's digital noise based on film grain. Two very different things.)
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