The Criterion Collection

[metamorphic]

Originally Posted by oildude

My wish list for the B&N sale so far:

Great Dictator
Something Wild
Makkioka Sisters
High and Low
Beauty and the Beast
Naked

On the fence about:

Insignificance
Leon Morin, Priest

The only July release I will not consider a blind buy is The Music Room. I may watch it off Hulu Plus if I sign up, but not so sure even then. I have an appreciation of Indian instrumental music to some extent, and even own some Indian music on Asian world music CDs. This is modernized stuff, and not considered traditional, but I like it.

I have not seen the film, so I checked out a bunch of clips online after several people here greeted it's release with such enthusiasm. I watched clip after clip of people sitting in a large ornately decorated room watching music and dance performances. The music was not bad, but......Oh my God, the singing! I have discovered an effective substitute for waterboarding.

Stated with sincere apologies to all those who eagerly await this film and appreciate it's artistic virtues.

You clearly do not get the point of Ray's The Music Room if you actually think the only thing about it is the music (or singing) and/or if that actually is defining your decision to watch it. The Music Room has more to do with a man watching as the last vestiges of his order - in this case the zamindari nobility that had ruled over Bengal and most of India for centuries - shatters before him, and as he begins to lose all that he had cherished, apart from yes, the music room that is all that he's got left. And I really don't see how one could judge the merits of an entire film based on a few Youtube clips without even understanding the context of the actual plot or its deep cultural significance-- dare I say it, you might have to watch the actual film itself!

The music on show on is true classical Indian music, obviously not the kind one would find in Bollywood movies and their ilk, and indeed Ray was greatly influenced by the great classical poet and musician Rabindranath Tagore, who has left a lasting legacy on almost all of Ray's films-- and it must be noted the film had been a strong response to the critics who had decried him as being more Western rather than Bengali. Yes, if the singing really rankles you so, it's not a film for everyone and it might be outside certain people's comfort ranges, of course-- since you'd have to be understanding of the classical cultures of Bengal and India, and yes, the context surrounding the play of the music itself, which were the last remaining remnants of her ancient past which was being rapidly gobbled up by the encroachment of modernization.

The film has been widely noted for its mesmerizing cinematography from long-time Ray collaborator Subrata Mitra and hailed by many, including directors like Scorsese and Mira Nair, as being his greatest work, so it's a must-see for anyone who's a fan of any of Ray's films. It's unique, yes, but a masterpiece nonetheless.

[dwane5]

Originally Posted by metamorphic

You clearly do not get the point of Ray's The Music Room if you actually think the only thing about it is the music (or singing) and/or if that actually is defining your decision to watch it. The Music Room has more to do with a man watching as the last vestiges of his order - in this case the zamindari nobility that had ruled over Bengal and most of India for centuries - shatters before him, and as he begins to lose all that he had cherished, apart from yes, the music room that is all that he's got left. And I really don't see how one could judge the merits of an entire film based on a few Youtube clips without even understanding the context of the actual plot or its deep cultural significance-- dare I say it, you might have to watch the actual film itself!

The music on show on is true classical Indian music, obviously not the kind one would find in Bollywood movies and their ilk, and indeed Ray was greatly influenced by the great classical poet and musician Rabindranath Tagore, who has left a lasting legacy on almost all of Ray's films-- and it must be noted the film had been a strong response to the critics who had decried him as being more Western rather than Bengali. Yes, if the singing really rankles you so, it's not a film for everyone and it might be outside certain people's comfort ranges, of course-- since you'd have to be understanding of the classical cultures of Bengal and India, and yes, the context surrounding the play of the music itself, which were the last remaining remnants of her ancient past which was being rapidly gobbled up by the encroachment of modernization.

The film has been widely noted for its mesmerizing cinematography from long-time Ray collaborator Subrata Mitra and hailed by many, including directors like Scorsese and Mira Nair, as being his greatest work, so it's a must-see for anyone who's a fan of any of Ray's films. It's unique, yes, but a masterpiece nonetheless.

well written meta

[Tybee]

Aw, Hell. The B&N 50% sale is upon us already? I better set a budget. I figure I can spend around $100 - $120 before the Mrs. really gets annoyed. Here's what I'm thinking right now:

Beauty & the Beast (Blind buy, but I know I'll love it. Will it be out in time?)
Mystery Train (An old favorite that I've seen several times but never owned.)
Paris, Texas (Blind buy, but I love Wenders.)
Solaris (Blind buy, unless you count seeing the Clooney remake.)
The Great Dictator (Seen bits, but never the whole thing. Who doesn't love Chaplin?)
And then I'll probably upgrade one of my DVDs to blu, between Kagemusha, Playtime, Robinson Crusoe on Mars, or Wages of Fear.

Alternates in case B&tB isn't out or I can't find one of my choices: Night of the Hunter, Le Cercle Rouge

Originally Posted by Antonmassacre1

Great avatar Tybee! Whatever happened to Jeff Mangum?

Believe or not, Hell has frozen over and the man has resurfaced and is actually touring! http://www.pitchfork.com/news/42913-...ds-more-dates/

Originally Posted by oildude

I was in a Borders tonight and saw two BBS box sets in the B2G1 bin, so if you are on the hunt for the set and have a Borders nearby, might check it out for use with the 50% coupon.

As for other Criterions, I saw quite a few on the shelves and in the B2G1 bins, but none newer than March releases. I saw Yi Yi and Au Revoir les Enfants on the shelves, which makes me think Criterion has shut-off delivery to their stores. Either that, or Borders is not ordering stock from Criterion anymore except for their website.

I saw a copy of The Great Dictator at one Borders in my area this week, and I believe a few other relatively recent releases elsewhere, but those could just be anomalies. I saw a BBS set too, but I believe it was the DVDs, not blu.

Originally Posted by Monty70

I saw Woody Allen's Midnight in Paris this afternoon. It was a delightful film, one of his best in long time.

Yeah, we loved this as well. Easily Woody's best in more than a decade. What are the chances he'll ever have a film in the Collection? Manhattan would be enough for me. Just give me that.

Originally Posted by Todd_Gaines

I am open for some Criterion suggestions. I own Seven Samurai, Paris, Texas, The Night of the Hunter, Pale Flower, Kiss Me Deadly, Fear and Loathing, Bottle Rocket. I have ordered High and Low and Carlos. I already plan on buying Yojimbo/sanjuro and Videodrome at the B&N sale. I like all types of films so I am open to suggestions. And if I don't like a BD i can always trade it.

I would recommend some Powell & Pressburger, who are glaringly absent from your already admirable collection. I'd lean toward Black Narcissus as that is a personal favorite of mine, but The Red Shoes is the better-known classic. Either will knock your Technicolor socks off.

You also appear to be in desperate need of some Jarmusch and Wong Kar-Wai. Hop on the Mystery Train and transfer to the Chungking Express and you should reach your destination.

If that's not enough, add some Malick (Days of Heaven or The Thin Red Line, in that order) and the other Wim Wenders you're missing, Wings of Desire. If you want to laugh your ass off, then be sad that we'll never see another intelligent romantic comedy, get Broadcast News.

[oildude]

Originally Posted by metamorphic

You clearly do not get the point of Ray's The Music Room if you actually think the only thing about it is the music (or singing) and/or if that actually is defining your decision to watch it. The Music Room has more to do with a man watching as the last vestiges of his order - in this case the zamindari nobility that had ruled over Bengal and most of India for centuries - shatters before him, and as he begins to lose all that he had cherished, apart from yes, the music room that is all that he's got left. And I really don't see how one could judge the merits of an entire film based on a few Youtube clips without even understanding the context of the actual plot or its deep cultural significance-- dare I say it, you might have to watch the actual film itself!

The music on show on is true classical Indian music, obviously not the kind one would find in Bollywood movies and their ilk, and indeed Ray was greatly influenced by the great classical poet and musician Rabindranath Tagore, who has left a lasting legacy on almost all of Ray's films-- and it must be noted the film had been a strong response to the critics who had decried him as being more Western rather than Bengali. Yes, if the singing really rankles you so, it's not a film for everyone and it might be outside certain people's comfort ranges, of course-- since you'd have to be understanding of the classical cultures of Bengal and India, and yes, the context surrounding the play of the music itself, which were the last remaining remnants of her ancient past which was being rapidly gobbled up by the encroachment of modernization.

The film has been widely noted for its mesmerizing cinematography from long-time Ray collaborator Subrata Mitra and hailed by many, including directors like Scorsese and Mira Nair, as being his greatest work, so it's a must-see for anyone who's a fan of any of Ray's films. It's unique, yes, but a masterpiece nonetheless.

Fair enough. You have made a well written endorsement of the film. I am aware of the point of the film from what I have read about it. I recognize it is deeply appreciated by many for its portrayal of a man who witnesses all he holds dear and traditional being swept away by a rapidly modernizing state while he hangs on to his music room as his touchstone to his ordered past.

As I said, the fact that many here greet this release with enthusiasm - and the fact that it has gotten critical praise and is being added to the collection - tells me it is a film worthy of merit. But if that story is being told mainly through a room full of people sitting and watching performances in that music room, then, yeah, as you say, the singing really rankles me no matter the virtues of the film. I am not ruling out ever seeing it, just not high on my list. Maybe that will change one day and I will really want to see it, especially if there are good discussions about it here.

That is the beauty of the Criterion Collection, so much diversity to appeal to many film tastes. So much room for discovery. The collection is broad enough to accomodate people like me who don't necessarily jump with enthusiasm at every release, and quite frankly, there are films in the collection that have zero appeal to me. Case in point - Salo. I recognize there is a segment of fans out there who await the blu upgrade of this, but please Criterion, upgrade Le Samourai first!

[iam1bearcat]

i saw someone else post a "B&N sale" wish list, so that gives me clearance to do so as well!

Revanche
Summer Hours
Everlasting Moments
Antichrist
Repulsion
Videodrome
Solaris
The Thin Red Line
Au revoir les enfants
Che
Cronos
The Darjeeling Limited
Days of Heaven
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

OUCH.

knowing me and my inability to stop once i've spent too much, i'll be real tempted to say "screw it!" and place an order for all of these!

[Tom Hiddleston]

Originally Posted by oildude

That is the beauty of the Criterion Collection, so much diversity to appeal to many film tastes. So much room for discovery. The collection is broad enough to accomodate people like me who don't necessarily jump with enthusiasm at every release, and quite frankly, there are films in the collection that have zero appeal to me. Case in point - Salo. I recognize there is a segment of fans out there who await the blu upgrade of this, but please Criterion, upgrade Le Samourai first!

Before you listed your case and point film, my very first thought was Salo. I'm just waiting for the Criterion release of A Serbian Film. And I agree. There are a wide variety of releases that people can appreciate. I watched Black Moon today, and I was not sold on it. But I can always watch it at another time.

[Zen_Amako]

Cocteau's Beauty and the Beast in HD is a must. I have a feeling it will be a very popular title during the sale, like The Night of the Hunter was during the last sale. Might be a good idea to pick that one up ASAP before it goes out of stock.

I'm glad I'll be able to get it for half price, since I already shelled out for the DVD. It is very much worth it, though.

Titles I'm considering:

Yojimbo. I managed to sell my DVD copy, so now I'm just waiting until I can get the BD for a good price.

Bigger Than Life. This one has really piqued my curiosity. Not sure if should blind buy or simply rent it, though.

Black Moon. I'm a big fan of strange and surreal films like some of David Lynch's work, so this might be up my alley.

[SlickDamian]

Are the B&N sales for in-store only, or are they also available for online shoppers?

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by SlickDamian

Are the B&N sales for in-store only, or are they also available for online shoppers?

online as well

wouldn't it be great if this year amazon price matched? mind would explode if they did that!

[Tom Hiddleston]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

online as well

wouldn't it be great if this year amazon price matched? mind would explode if they did that!

That would make my day. No sales tax, and I have free student prime. I'll shop at a B&M B&N first, but I do not mind shopping online for my blus. That's how I got my copy of Night of the Hunter. My stepdad has a B&N membership rewards account, which upgrades your shipping, but I was not pleased with some of the items that I have received from them. I'd rather go with Amazon.

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by Fenris

That would make my day. No sales tax, and I have free student prime. I'll shop at a B&M B&N first, but I do not mind shopping online for my blus. That's how I got my copy of Night of the Hunter. My stepdad has a B&N membership rewards account, which upgrades your shipping, but I was not pleased with some of the items that I have received from them. I'd rather go with Amazon.

yep. prime member here too so if i can get it with no shipping AND no tax, then there's no debate about it. amazon always gets my money - for EVERYTHING. it's a bit worrisome sometimes how much i rely on them

i've only received a few items from B&N and the packaging always sucks and leaves a lot to be desired.

who knows, with the way the economy is and the cut throat world of retail, maybe amazon will price match this year? not counting on it, but maybe stranger things have happened

[Cocophone]

Originally Posted by SlickDamian

Are the B&N sales for in-store only, or are they also available for online shoppers?

I think the sale starts early online

[rkish]

Hey Spidey...or anyone that has seen the film. What is the suggested score for the first viewing of "People on Sunday"? The Mont Alto Orchestra or the "modern score". I know this is a personal thing with most people.

[Kynch]

Are there any plans for Criterion to release Armageddon in its Director's Cut?

[nateynate87]

Originally Posted by Kynch

Are there any plans for Criterion to release Armageddon in its Director's Cut?

No announcement on that one but I wouldn't totally rule it out for the future.

[greekak229]

Originally Posted by Kynch

Are there any plans for Criterion to release Armageddon in its Director's Cut?

Oh god, let's hope not.

[Dixon]

I just browsed one of two B&Ns in my area and they put most of the Criterions with their spines facing out and only had one of most film on display - only a few were displayed cover forward with a few more copies behind it. I saw one of the movies I want but there was only one copy. Is this normal for Criterion displays/do they usually only display one but have more in the back?

[Tom Hiddleston]

Originally Posted by greekak229

Oh god, let's hope not.

+1 I hate that movie.

[s00perd00per]

Originally Posted by Dixon

I just browsed one of two B&Ns in my area and they put most of the Criterions with their spines facing out and only had one of most film on display - only a few were displayed cover forward with a few more copies behind it. I saw one of the movies I want but there was only one copy. Is this normal for Criterion displays/do they usually only display one but have more in the back?

That's how it normally is but during the sale they put out more copies on a separate rack. But yeah, sometimes there are movies that they only have one in stock so the best thing is to go early or to reserve it for in-store pickup a day before.

[ccfixx]

Originally Posted by Dixon

I just browsed one of two B&Ns in my area and they put most of the Criterions with their spines facing out and only had one of most film on display - only a few were displayed cover forward with a few more copies behind it. I saw one of the movies I want but there was only one copy. Is this normal for Criterion displays/do they usually only display one but have more in the back?

From personally knowing a few B&N employees, from what I know it is the store's policy to only have 1 copy of catalog titles out on the floor. The store may, or may not, have additional copies in the back. I recall helping an employee sticker all of the Criterion discs during the very first 50%-off sale and the employee having to remove all duplicates out on the floor. When the sale starts, though, most, if not all, B&N stores stock-up on a lot of discs that normally aren't carried with multiple copies out on the floor.