The Criterion Collection

[rkish]

Originally Posted by Miadaskate

I understand where you're coming from. I have a basic degree, but took an introduction to american cinema class. This class basically sparked my interests into older films.



I wasn't going to say anything, but after seeing your rude response which doesn't even reflect my own admiration of film in general, (I was just trying to point out that not everyone HAS to admire classic film) it just further proves what I was going to say earlier. Here goes :

The video the girl posted on Youtube is retarded, especially the way she acted. I will give you that, but she must read this thread because she is 100% right about the whole pretentious thing. That's how I feel. I'm sorry if I offend, but I just get this vibe that Criterion addicts think they are better than everyone. It's one thing to enjoy the history of cinema, but don't be a snob about it. What I'm trying to say is, just because these films are "classic" (and there is a lot of room for argument on what is considered classic here) or made by Criterion, doesn't make it a good film, and it doesn't make it better than any non-Criterion film. And it certainly doesn't make you a better person for owning all of them either. At the end of the day, they're mostly just expensive movies that people have never heard of until Criterion came along. Sorry but I needed to vent.

Thank you and have a good day.

You'll get no argument from most of us on this forum about that statement.

Most of us know what we like and THAT is what we purchase...not what others tells us "is good".

I'd like to think that this forum is about education and suggesting films that we all might like. The final decision is all yours.

PS...you're allowed to vent. Now take a deep breath!

[rkish]

Originally Posted by P@t_Mtl

I have notice that a good portion of the young generation (don't jump on me I am not saying they are all like that) seem to have a very hard time watching older type of movies. Some of it may be that they have grown up at a time of very quick fast cut where everything move's fast in a none stop movement. Movies, music, video game, even television. I can see very well how they would have a hard time with older releases. I was watching Oyū-sama last night from director Kenji Mizoguchi and I just kept wondering how this young MTC generation would handle a movie like that. Long scenes where the camera is not moving, no music to bring up the drama...everything is left to the story, the actors and the cinematography. Most of them would probably not manage to make it into the first 30 minutes.

To be fair however, I also know quite older people who could not either. It might be just the times we are in and one's personality?

Count me in as an oldster that got into the game later than most of you. I don't post much, tend to keep my mouth shut and only to try share what I think will be beneficial on this forum.

I don't always succeed...but I try!

[rkish]

Originally Posted by ShellOilJunior

On a Criterion food-related note, thanks to Secret of the Grain I've been enjoying couscous every so often. Mmm delicious

Now to try some of the foods from Still Walking. . .

"Thanks to the Anti-Christ diet, I've given up eating weiners and have looked into the benefits of venison..."

[rkish]

Originally Posted by stobbart

I usually try and drink Asahi or some sake when watching Asian films

AGREED!

Ozu and sake are a fine combination!

[Miadaskate]

Originally Posted by rkish

You'll get no argument from most of us on this forum about that statement.

Most of us know what we like and THAT is what we purchase...not what others tells us "is good".

I'd like to think that this forum is about education and suggesting films that we all might like. The final decision is all yours.

PS...you're allowed to vent. Now take a deep breath!

Thank you, lol. I must say though, some of what I said was entirely unnecessary. I apologize for that. I do enjoy classic film, although my collection doesn't really show it...at least not yet. I haven't really gone in-depth with foreign cinema as much as all of you here, but I'm trying to change that. I have been quite addicted to TCM for a few years now, and have seen so many different types of classical films, actors, and actresses. From James Dean, to Gable, to Bogart. I fell in love with Natalie Wood as well. She's one of my favorites. Audrey Hepburn has been a favorite of mine for a very long time as well, but I must admit that I've never seen any of her films (). Call me hypocritical (and you have every right to do so after my previous post), but I think Charade will be my first Criterion Blu-Ray. 8 1/2 (I've seen most of this on TCM and it was pretty interesting), 400 Blows, and Seven Samurai possibly to follow (especially after watching Red Cliff this weekend). I would get the America Lost and Found set but it's kinda pricey. The Last Picture Show was one of the films shown in my Introduction To American Cinema class. Easy Rider was always a neat film, but I never knew Dennis Hopper also directed it until they showed it on TCM as a tribute after he had passed away. Thank you.

[rkish]

Originally Posted by octagon

I've got twenty minutes while my rice steams and my haddock fillets thaw...what does 'essential' even mean?

I'm assuming you don't mean it in that generic 'movies absolutely everyone should own' sense but oddly enough that's one of the only ways it makes sense.

It's hard to think of any artist whose contributions were so unique that a study of that meduim would be fatally flawed without him/her and it's really hard with film.

I think "essential" is a relative thing and is different things for different people.

I think that there are a number of films that fall into this category...but the list is different for each of us. For sake of numbers...five or so films might sum up a film genre the best way. If you either own or have seen one of these five films, then you would have a better idea of how this genre plays into the world of cinema.

Make sense to anyone else?

[rkish]

Originally Posted by SpiderBaby

You really think that? It can also be the "inventor", the "first to do something" as well, not just be unique. Essential to film history to me is not "Must see" like you said, that sounds like a critic's list. To me, "essential" is something that is a "building block", or an importance to the next. This person was essential to filmmaking. Sure, someone later could of came and did what one left his mark doing, but it doesn't change that someone like Georges Méliès will always be "essential" to film storytelling and experimenting with imaginary. Then the Soviet directors I named like Dovzhenko was "essential" to camera technique and not just propaganda (which also is important to history).

So yes, I do think 1 artist's contributions to film were unique "at the time" that it should be considered important for the next person as a stepping stone. Hence, Essential.

I should have read further into the thread.

Bravo...this is what I meant!

[rkish]

Originally Posted by Miadaskate

Thank you, lol. I must say though, some of what I said was entirely unnecessary. I apologize for that. I do enjoy classic film, although my collection doesn't really show it...at least not yet. I haven't really gone in-depth with foreign cinema as much as all of you here, but I'm trying to change that. I have been quite addicted to TCM for a few years now, and have seen so many different types of classical films, actors, and actresses. From James Dean, to Gable, to Bogart. I fell in love with Natalie Wood as well. She's one of my favorites. Audrey Hepburn has been a favorite of mine for a very long time as well, but I must admit that I've never seen any of her films (). Call me hypocritical (and you have every right to do so after my previous post), but I think Charade will be my first Criterion Blu-Ray. 8 1/2 (I've seen most of this on TCM and it was pretty interesting), 400 Blows, and Seven Samurai possibly to follow (especially after watching Red Cliff this weekend). I would get the America Lost and Found set but it's kinda pricey. The Last Picture Show was one of the films shown in my Introduction To American Cinema class. Easy Rider was always a neat film, but I never knew Dennis Hopper also directed it until they showed it on TCM as a tribute after he had passed away. Thank you.

You're welcome! I was in your shoes not that many years ago.

I just got tired of what Hollywood was pushing out, so I decided to change my focus...sounds like you're trying to do the same as well.

[stobbart]

Originally Posted by ShellOilJunior

My June 2011 Predictions:


A Brighter Summer Day (Yang)

That would make my year, but seeing as how Yi Yi is coming out in a day, I doubt they would announce another so quickly


Though I'm holding out for some Tsai Ming Liang

[Beta Man]

I'll play along.... with my "off the wall" guesses that I don't believe have been hinted at (and I don't know who owns the rights to.... that's something I don't follow really)

Europa '51
Le Million
Rocco and His Brothers (not likely due to recent release)
Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors
Passion of Joan of Arc (perhaps hinted... but I'm listing it anyways)

[rkish]

Well...as it's "gotta" come out some time this year...and I'm dying for supplemental material:

Tokyo Story

But why don't I think it's going to be announced tomorrow?

[rkish]

Hey Beta! Did you ever get your Sammy?

[rkish]

Originally Posted by stobbart

That would make my year, but seeing as how Yi Yi is coming out in a day, I doubt they would announce another so quickly


Though I'm holding out for some Tsai Ming Liang

Though I bought this on DVD 10 years ago (not Criterion DVD), I decided to buy Yi Yi now, based on the commentary track by Tony Rayns .

I will "rediscover it" this weekend.

[PowellPressburger]

My hopes for releases are always long shots like Bride Wore Black, or Don't Look Now.

A better edition of Images would be awesome also.

[majorkonig41]

Finally received my America Lost and Found. I can't wait spending the next week or so devouring this thing.

[Beta Man]

Originally Posted by rkish

Well...as it's "gotta" come out some time this year...and I'm dying for supplemental material:

Tokyo Story

But why don't I think it's going to be announced tomorrow?

Originally Posted by rkish

Hey Beta! Did you ever get your Sammy?

Yeah.... Basically the "same" as my Sony BX57, except it lets me browse Netflix (rather than rely on what I load into my instant queue via my laptop) I didn't know about that until after the decision to move the Sammy to the HT room, and that decision was based on one VERY small detail.....

The Sammy's remote has light-up-buttons, which come in handy for the HT room, but not needed for the living room. I ordered a remote-control-extender thing, so I don't have to reach behind and around anymore to pause/play/volume etc... so that should be here by the end of this week I'd think.

No.... I don't have a universal remote, and don't see the need for one

[blkhrt]

Originally Posted by PowellPressburger

My hopes for releases are always long shots like Bride Wore Black, or Don't Look Now.

A better edition of Images would be awesome also.

I would love to see an edition of Don't Look Now.

[rkish]

Originally Posted by Beta Man

Yeah.... Basically the "same" as my Sony BX57, except it lets me browse Netflix (rather than rely on what I load into my instant queue via my laptop) I didn't know about that until after the decision to move the Sammy to the HT room, and that decision was based on one VERY small detail.....

The Sammy's remote has light-up-buttons, which come in handy for the HT room, but not needed for the living room. I ordered a remote-control-extender thing, so I don't have to reach behind and around anymore to pause/play/volume etc... so that should be here by the end of this week I'd think.

No.... I don't have a universal remote, and don't see the need for one

Well...I guess we'll see if Criterion smiles on Ozu...

Glad you're happy with the Sammy. I love my "new" Panny. It doesn't allow me to browse NetFlix, but I can still access my instant queue and that is all I'm concerned about.

If I didn't need the analog outs, I would have probably gone the same route as you...AND it would have been a LOT cheaper. But this "used" player came in good shape...and loading times are a LOT faster than my BD55 was.

A backlit remote would have been nice...but I'll trudge along without one.

[ShellOilJunior]

Of course Criterion announcing Johnny Guitar would knock everyone's socks off and be the biggest surprise in years.......but not likely...

Even so, I think Criterion likes to keep certain titles secret and not hint at them at all.

[biglou114]

My only guess(es)/hope for this month's announcement is:
The Tati Trinity:
Les Vacances de Monsieur Hulot
Mon Oncle
Jour de fête (but I still haven heard back from Mulvany about the rights)

maybe City Lights

and last but least:
Braziiiiil where hearts were entertaining June...