The Criterion Collection

[rkish]

Originally Posted by Zen_Amako

I read that the lead actress passed away recently. I've been meaning to get around to watching this.

Oh that is really sad. On the Richie commentary, he spoke very highly of her. She was a Naruse regular for a few of his films. She was popular in Toho comedies as well. She had been active and in good health as of that 2007 commentary.

[fdm]

Originally Posted by rkish

I watched a NetFlix rental of "When a Woman Ascends the Stairs" and really enjoyed it...especially the commentary by Donald Richie. I'm toying with picking up the Silent Naruse Eclipse Set during the next B & N sale, but am now considering picking up either the MoC and/or BFI Naruse sets, but don't know which one is a good first choice.

The BFI set has "Floating Clouds", which is supposedly his finest film...but The MoC set has (2) films starring one of my favorite Ozu actresses, Setsuko Hara. Decisions, decisions.

If you own/have seen these sets, which one do you favor? Do you think either of these sets or films have a chance to see a blu-ray release on either MoC and/or BFI?

YES CC...I did post and ask about this on each of their respective forums...I just want to know what my cultured friends here think.

Not seen them, but recall reading that Naruse box on MoC was supposed to be first box set, but numbers sold were underwhelming, so probably why a second box set didn't happen. So, doubtful it would see a blu release if the dvds didn't sell too well. BFI is a different story, no idea whether they might try a blu; suspect Ozu sells better, thus those blus. (And I could be wrong about my reading recollections, so suggest checking these threads at criterionforum.org.

Mikio Naruse 3 Disc Box Set (bfi)

35-37 Naruse: Volume One (moc).)

They've been out quite a while, so no telling if/when they could go out of print. And/or if Criterion will ever get around to issuing any of them. I think they're waiting until after you buy these two box sets...

[rkish]

Originally Posted by fdm

Not seen them, but recall reading that Naruse box on MoC was supposed to be first box set, but numbers sold were underwhelming, so probably why a second box set didn't happen. So, doubtful it would see a blu release if the dvds didn't sell too well. BFI is a different story, no idea whether they might try a blu; suspect Ozu sells better, thus those blus. (And I could be wrong about my reading recollections, so suggest checking these threads at criterionforum.org.

Mikio Naruse 3 Disc Box Set (bfi)

35-37 Naruse: Volume One (moc).)

They've been out quite a while, so no telling if/when they could go out of print. And/or if Criterion will ever get around to issuing any of them. I think they're waiting until after you buy these two box sets...

LOL...thanks for all the great info fdm! With my luck, that is exactly what will happen.

I posted to BFI insider MichaelB on the BFI thread and asked him the very same question.

[TJS_Blu]

Originally Posted by rkish

If you own/have seen these sets, which one do you favor? Do you think either of these sets or films have a chance to see a blu-ray release on either MoC and/or BFI?

Isn't the MOC about to go out of print? I thought I had seen it in the discontinued sale items a few months back.

[rkish]

Originally Posted by TJS_Blu

Isn't the MOC about to go out of print? I thought I had seen it in the discontinued sale items a few months back.

I believe so...Amazon UK seems to be stocked for now. I'd rather deal directly with MoC if I can, but at 17.49 BSP, I'd deal with Amazon UK as well.

[Der Spieler]

Originally Posted by Der Spieler

I dont have it with me now but I'll try to take a picture when I come back on Sunday night.

These may not be the best pictures and I can assure you it looks even worse in person, but there you go:

http://img714.imageshack.us/i/photod...461031720.jpg/

http://img4.imageshack.us/i/photodu62484935031721.jpg/

http://img713.imageshack.us/i/photod...068031719.jpg/

[greekak229]

Originally Posted by Der Spieler

These may not be the best pictures and I can assure you it looks even worse in person, but there you go:

http://img714.imageshack.us/i/photod...461031720.jpg/

http://img4.imageshack.us/i/photodu62484935031721.jpg/

http://img713.imageshack.us/i/photod...068031719.jpg/

Eesh, that's pretty rough. A shame too because The Night of the Hunter packaging is really cool.

[kazama]

Originally Posted by BasicGreatGuy

I haven't read anything from Criterion, about "The 400 Blows" (digipack or otherwise) being out of print.

Hmm, I thought all the old cardboard ones (El Norte, Bottle Rocket etc) had been replaced with plastic ones...

[retablo]

Originally Posted by Der Spieler

These may not be the best pictures and I can assure you it looks even worse in person, but there you go:

http://img714.imageshack.us/i/photod...461031720.jpg/

http://img4.imageshack.us/i/photodu62484935031721.jpg/

http://img713.imageshack.us/i/photod...068031719.jpg/

Yeah, good ole cardboard cases... that would never happen with a plastic case, but people STILL love paper for some reason.

[Der Spieler]

Originally Posted by greekak229

Eesh, that's pretty rough. A shame too because The Night of the Hunter packaging is really cool.

Yeah I know.

I should've gotten a refund at the time. I was too lazy.

Oh and I recently ordered SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS and PATHS OF GLORY.

[AreaUnderTheCurve]

Having never seen a Bernardo Bertolucci film, would The Last Emperor be a great introduction?

[keldons]

Originally Posted by JLTucker

Having never seen a Bernardo Bertolucci film, would The Last Emperor be a great introduction?

I think seeing Last Tango in Paris when I was 13 left quite an impression on me, so I would go with that first.

[The Theory]

Originally Posted by kazama

Hmm, I thought all the old cardboard ones (El Norte, Bottle Rocket etc) had been replaced with plastic ones...

As I understand it Criterion only offers plastic cases as a replacement... the original cardboard style cases which were standard for their early releases are still being sold that way. At least, when my local Barnes and Noble gets new ones in they're still in the cardboard.

Originally Posted by JLTucker

Having never seen a Bernardo Bertolucci film, would The Last Emperor be a great introduction?

I really don't like The Last Emperor... I found it overlong and awkwardly Americanized. However, if you like historical biographical drama and don't mind some liberties with authenticity, you'd probably get more mileage out of it than I have.

[kazama]

Originally Posted by The Theory

As I understand it Criterion only offers plastic cases as a replacement... the original cardboard style cases which were standard for their early releases are still being sold that way. At least, when my local Barnes and Noble gets new ones in they're still in the cardboard.

Ah, thanks. Good to know.

[Variable_Star]

Originally Posted by The Theory

I really don't like The Last Emperor... I found it overlong and awkwardly Americanized. However, if you like historical biographical drama and don't mind some liberties with authenticity, you'd probably get more mileage out of it than I have.

If you want historical accuracy seek out a documentary. Movies are made for entertainment and by definition take liberties with authenticity when events can be structured more theatrically. If by "Americanized" you mean that the film was crafted so it's easier for Westerners to digest, then I can agree with that, though it's hardly a strike against the work.

I think The Last Emperor is Bertolucci's greatest film and a fine achievement in general. JLTucker, if you care what reviewers think, the film has a 91% positive review aggregate on Rotten Tomatoes out of 44 reviews. The theatrical version presented on the Blu is an excellent cut and the best way to watch the film. However, if you enjoy it, I highly recommend checking out the much more developed television version, though it's unfortunately only available on DVD.

[dude905]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

odd thread to ask the question in... but it's kind of a "protective coating" from some @ss jack making an account and then spamming us all to hell with random threads.

so for "actual" new members, you gotta post and show that you are a real, normal human being and then after a certain number of posts, then you can make a thread.

it's actually good logic. and welcome to the site.

Oh I see ... So in the mean time I should just add or reply to others post by saying small talk until I am able to post ?

And Thanks for the welcome

[Beta Man]

Originally Posted by The Theory

I really don't like The Last Emperor... I found it overlong and awkwardly Americanized. However, if you like historical biographical drama and don't mind some liberties with authenticity, you'd probably get more mileage out of it than I have.

Originally Posted by Variable_Star

If you want historical accuracy seek out a documentary.

I agree with you 100% on this..... but I will agree with the "Overly long" it is just too dry and doesn't seem to be "purpose-built" in the sense that the long drawn out lapses of dialogue and action (basically people doing ANYTHING) don't seem to help create a mood... so I'm not sure what the purpose is... it's certainly not artistic in my eyes.

I hate to have to preface this with "I don't need stuff blowing up to be entertained" but it seems that whenever I state my opinion regarding a film being too slow (that is, without story telling elements being involved) then I find myself being accused of such.

[greekak229]

Originally Posted by Der Spieler

Yeah I know.

I should've gotten a refund at the time. I was too lazy.

Oh and I recently ordered SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS and PATHS OF GLORY.

Good man! Those two titles are so amazing, especially Paths. Oh, and I got some new titles today that I know you would appreciate. Check 'em out.

[OrlandoEastwood]

Does Criterion still have rights to Armageddon?

[GunRanger]

I'm selling The Battle of Algiers for 26 shipped if anyone is interested. Only watched it once, which was today.

Originally Posted by OrlandoEastwood

Does Criterion still have rights to Armageddon?

The movie, no. The studio released their own blu ray, but I'm sure they didn't want to pay Criterion for the extras on that disc as there was none on it.